Access common data file from two pc's

Markhfx

Is there a simple way to access a common data file from two different pc's ie: when I am travelling and using a work PC other than using Remote Desktop or similar as I would be using the same datafile it should always be up to date….. I have seen some comments that using a cloud drive does not work well however if it was mapped as a local drive what would be the difference?

Thanks
Mark

Quicken Kristina

Hello @Markhfx,

Thank you for reaching out with this question. It can be done, but Quicken does not recommend sharing a common data file among multiple devices, and it is not officially supported. For more information, please see this article: https://www.quicken.com/support/can-i-share-my-quicken-file-between-multiple-computers-using-dropbox/#:~:text=Never%20have%20your%20Quicken%20file,it%2C%20to%20prevent%20file%20damage.

The primary issue with sharing your data file among multiple devices is that Quicken files are not designed to be accessed by multiple devices/users simultaneously. Having the same Quicken file open on two computers at the same time will lead to file damage.

I hope this helps!

Markhfx

@Quicken Kristina Thank you, as I am the only user it would not be used at the same time from two spots, I would close it out when I am done on one PC before using it some other time on a different PC. If I am only using it on one PC at a time would it then work ok?

Quicken Kristina

Thank you for your reply,

Since it's not officially supported, I can't make guarantees. Quicken files are not intended to be used that way. If you decide to use your file that way, I strongly suggest following these suggestions (based off of the rules in the article I linked earlier):

• Never have your Quicken file open on two computers at the same time. This will lead to file damage. 
• Never open your data file or backup file directly from a shared drive or service.  Always move the file to your desktop computer, then open it, to prevent file damage.
• Make frequent, automatic backups, in case a file is accidentally accessed at the same time on different computers. 
• Services such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive can be used as a location to store backups of your Quicken data files.  We don't recommend storing your active data files, or installing Quicken, on these drives.  If you restore a backup that is located in your cloud drive, make certain the restored file is saved locally on your hard drive before using the file.

Depending on your use case, you may want to consider using the Quicken Cloud to share your file data with the companion apps (Quicken on the Web and Quicken Mobile). For more information, please see this article:

https://www.quicken.com/support/what-quicken-cloud/

I hope this helps!