All Online Account Access Lost

Westley
Westley Member ✭✭✭
in Download, Add/Update Accounts (Windows)

I typically only use my main desktop PC for Quicken use, but this morning I used a different PC and access to download all of my online accounts was lost. Even when I went back to my desktop.

I've now had to spend over 30 minutes reconnecting all of my accounts.

I've never had this happen before.

What gives?

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Comments

  • CaliQkn
    CaliQkn Quicken Windows Subscription Member ✭✭✭✭

    @Westley if you are using two different computers to access your Quicken data file,

    • Where is the data file held?
    • Is the data file being moved from one computer to another?
    • Is the data file being shared?
    • Or, are they two different data files?
    • Are you using Mobile & Web and is syncing turned on? For both data files?
  • Westley
    Westley Member ✭✭✭

    The data file is stored and synced between both PCs using Dropbox. I am always careful to never open Quicken on both PCs at the same time.

    I have been successfully using Dropbox to sync between these two PCs for nearly two years now.

    It is the same data file.

    I have no idea if I'm using Mobile & Web since I never access that. I think it is active on a data file that I haven't used in years.

  • CaliQkn
    CaliQkn Quicken Windows Subscription Member ✭✭✭✭

    @Westley Quicken does allow you to back up your files to Dropbox, but storing your active data file there is not recommended. If you try to share your Quicken file between multiple computers using Dropbox, you risk data corruption or file damage. Instead, it's best to store backups in Dropbox and keep your active data file on your local hard drive.

  • CaliQkn
    CaliQkn Quicken Windows Subscription Member ✭✭✭✭

    @Westley data file corruption shows itself in different ways and can pop up at any time. And once it happens it's difficult to diagnose and resolve.

    I would copy your Quicken data file to your local drive (C:\) and just keep backups on any online drive. There seems to have been many discussions on the best way to share a Quicken data file between multiple computers.

    The best way to share a Quicken data file depends on your needs, but here are some recommended approaches:

    1. Using Backups – The safest method is to create a backup of your Quicken file on one computer and restore it on another. This ensures data integrity and avoids corruption issues.
    2. Copying the File Manually – You can manually copy the Quicken data file using a USB drive or a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Dropbox. However, never open the file directly from cloud storage—always move it to your local drive first.
    3. Remote Access – If you want to access Quicken from multiple devices without transferring files, you can use remote desktop software like Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer.
    4. Quicken on the Web – If you're using a Quicken Subscription, you can access your financial data online without needing to move files between computers.
    5. Permissioned Data Sharing – Quicken now offers a feature that allows you to share access to your synced Quicken data on web or mobile with a family member or trusted party using their own login.
  • Westley
    Westley Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 3

    [Removed - Rant]

    Just to check, I did a Super Validate on my data file and it came back clean, so I really don't think Dropbox was the cause of the problem.

    I'm not interested in using Remote Access or a web version. I use Quicken because I want the Desktop experience. If I wanted the web experience, there are a ton of other competing products out there.

    I guess I'm just doomed to the occasional hiccup, even if it costs me an hour or so of time.

    I really miss Microsoft Money. It was such a better product.

  • Dennis Mc
    Dennis Mc Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 3

    [Removed - Duplicate Post]

  • CaliQkn
    CaliQkn Quicken Windows Subscription Member ✭✭✭✭

    @Westley the Validate or Super Validate doesn't catch a lot of errors, especially due to data file corruption. Once data file corruption happens, it's difficult to diagnose and fix. One of the things that helps clean up data file corruption is doing a "Copy File" process. This is a way to make a copy of your data file within Quicken.

    https://info.quicken.com/win/how-do-i-copy-a-quicken-data-file?_gl=111luetj_gaMTU3NzUxNDgyNi4xNzM0MTM4MTA3_ga_800C54VH4B*MTc0NjMxMjIzMy43Ni4xLjE3NDYzMTIyMzkuNTQuMC4w

    One caveat is that the other feature of this process is to provide a "clean data file" without online connections. That means that you will need to reactivate online services for all accounts.

    I understand your frustration, but the Quicken data file simply doesn't function correctly when access from a shared drive or a network. It may look like everything is working properly at first, but then over time, things start breaking down, and sometimes issues don't appear until irreparable damage has been done.

    I think doing the "Copy File" process would be a good idea for your data file. Then keeping the active data file on a local drive would hopefully resolve your issues.

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