Q for Mac on two computers

Leslie Jones

Lots of good info already BUT do I have to install Q for Mac on the remote computer I want to use? I know that is a silly question.

Quicken Kristina

Hello @Leslie Jones,

Thank you for coming to the Community with this question. Whether you need to install Quicken for Mac on the remote computer depends on your use-case. For example, if you're planning on using Quicken on the Web, as discussed in an earlier discussion, then you do not need the Quicken program installed on that remote computer to use Quicken on the Web.

If you intend to open Quicken files on that computer, rather than using the Quicken Cloud, then you will need to install Quicken for Mac on that remote computer. You can use this article for instructions on downloading and installing Quicken for Mac:

https://www.quicken.com/support/mac/how-do-i-download-quicken-quickencom-after-i-buy-it/#section-osx-1

If you plan to share the same Quicken file between the two devices using a shared network drive or cloud service, please keep in mind that it is not recommended, and not officially supported. For more information, click here. [Edited to clarify that the issue is with using a shared network drive or cloud service]

I hope this helps!

jacobs

It should work fine to move a Quicken data file between two computers as long as you first Compress the data file in the Finder (making a .zip file), then move that .zip file to the other computer, and double-click the .zip file to de-compress it and launch Quicken — and do the same in the opposite direction.

(@Quicken Kristina please chime in if there is any reason to not do it this way; this advice has been disseminated widely on this forum for many years, and I've never seen a Quicken post saying it is not recommended or supported.)

Quicken Kristina

Thank you for your reply @jacobs,

The main issue with opening the same file on separate devices is if the file itself is located on a shared drive or cloud service, since that creates a risk of having the file open on both devices at the same time.

If the file is being moved between the devices the way that you describe, I would not expect any major issues. However, much like restoring a backup, when you copy a Quicken file from one device to another, there is a risk that the financial institution will need you to reconnect/reauthorize your accounts that are connected using Quicken Connect.

I hope this helps!

jacobs

Thanks, @Quicken Kristina. I haven't heard of any users reporting that a properly moved data file (as described above) requires reconnecting accounts. I don't do this myself, so I can't vouch for it, but I know that I and other have recommending this approach for many years, and I don't recall anyone posting back of any complications. (I suppose that as with all non-standard usage, the adage of religiously frequent backups for safety should be heeded here! 😉)

RickO

"on the remote computer I want to use"… The replies above talk about having QMac installed on both computers, and moving the file between computer. Aside from the potential issues mentioned above, there's also the possibility of inadvertently updating the older copy of the file and then losing those changes. Moving the (zipped) file between computers requires taking great care that you're always working on the most recent copy.

Since you mentioned "remote computer", there's another alternative. That is, use remote access software to log into the base computer where Quicken and the date file live. That way, you are always working with the most recent copy. You don't have to install QMac on the remote computer. It's just like you are at the base computer in person.

Apple provides built in remote access that works quite well. The only downside is that the base computer needs to be up and running and online connected. Here's a video explaining how to set this up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rAD3DyBnKo

There are also some (free and paid) third party remote access options that work quite well such as TeamViewer and others.