Damaged data block

Susan62

I woke up this morning to an issue saving transactions to my Quicken file. After reading online I followed the suggested steps to use a backup copy and attempt to fix it using the validate/super validate. Long story short it looks like the corruption has been in the file for a while and now it has become a major issue.

I have run the validate/Super Validate at least 3 times on this file and the results do not change.

Is there a different procedure I can use to repair this file without losing all my entries?

Here are the results:

QDF:
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data record.
Damaged data record.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Damaged data block.
Validating your data.

QEL:
No read errors.

QEL:
All internal consistency checks passed.

[Sat Jul 26 13:48:28 2025]
Maximum security reference: 4, number of securities: 4.
All security references are within the normal range.

Validation has completed.

[Deleted User]

@Susan62 another thing to try is making a copy of your data file using Quicken's "copy file" process. This process cleans up some data file corruption and allows a "fresh start" for online connections. You will need to reactivate online connections for all accounts in the new data file (copy).

1. Make a backup of your data file. Also, make backups during this process, just in case you need to go back a step.
2. Do a Quicken "Copy File" to create a copy of your data file. This process forces a rewrite of code and fixes some file corruption issues. It will also clear out online connection "remnants" for all accounts. Click on File → Copy or Backup File, and select "Create a copy or template", and then click Next.
3. On the next screen, leave the defaults as is. You can change the new file name and location, if you wish. Click on "Save Copy".
4. During the copy process, you will be asked to provide a password for the new file. If you don't want a password, hit ESC.
5. When the process completes, switch over to the new data file (copy).
6. Reactivate online services for all accounts in the new data file, by using “Add Account” (do not use “Set up now” on the Online Services tab of Account Details) and carefully link to existing accounts in Quicken.

[Deleted User]

@Susan62 the other thing to consider is that there may be an issue with your computer's disk drive. You might consider running a CHKDSK on your hard drive -

Run this as Administrator in Command Prompt (see below for instructions):

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

• /r tells Windows to find bad blocks and recover readable info.
• /f tries to fix errors it detects.
• /x dismounts the volume first if necessary.

You may need to reboot—CHKDSK will run before Windows boots.

To run the Command Prompt as an administrator,

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type: cmd
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch as Administrator.

(in step #2, do not hit OK after typing in "cmd")

Rocket J Squirrel

@Susan62 you can try the standard remedies proposed above. You have nothing to lose but time. And if anything works, please do let us know!

However, my understanding is that Damaged data block and Damaged data record indicate permanently, irreparably damaged data. I have never heard of an instance where a user could recover such damaged data. With so much damaged data, I'm sorry to suggest your file is beyond recovery, or as we say, "toast".

All I could suggest at this point is to contact Quicken Support and see whether they have super special data recovery tools they could apply if you provide them your data file. Otherwise, it's time to create a fresh data file and do the best you can.

The prospects are not bright, but good luck.

RalphC

I would create a new data file by using the Quicken Create a copy or template… file process. Run a validate/super validate on the new file. If the errors are resolved, then you can decide if you want to use it or not. As @CaliQkn notes, you'll have to reactivate all your online accounts. If, however, the data block errors remain, then I'd start troubleshooting Windows and possible storage drive issues.

Boatnmaniac

Have you tried restoring a backup file from before when you started encountering issues?