Data Cleanup/Restart [Edited]

donnaperch

hi

I asked a question back in July and didn’t realize it was answered with more questions.

therefore I never saw or answered until just now.
and the discussion has been closed for a long time.

Basically, I don’t want to loose the old files. You never know when you might need something.

but I’d like to be set up to start new for 2026 before it arrives. With correct balances and bank accounts but new categories that are more appropriate to what I’m currently doing

Thanks

Donna

Quicken Anja

Hello @donnaperch,

Thanks for coming back and providing more context!

Your original discussion was automatically closed due to 30 days of inactivity, which is why you weren’t able to respond there. No worries — we can continue here.

To make sure we point you in the right direction, I still need a bit of clarification because your goal can be achieved a couple of different ways, and the best approach depends on what you want your 2026 setup to look like.

You mentioned wanting:

• To keep your old data (for reference and historical records),
• But also to start fresh for 2026 with updated categories and only the accounts you're currently using.

Before I can give you step-by-step instructions, can you confirm which of these you want:

Option A — Start a completely new, blank data file for 2026
You would create a new data file, then add your current accounts to that new file and download transactions into them (so the new file reflects current accounts and balances), and create categories from scratch. Your old file stays intact, untouched, for reference—but it will be a separate data file from the new file you create.

(Is this what you mean by “start new for 2026”?)

Option B — Keep your existing file and clean it up
You would hide old accounts, rename/merge categories, and remove what you no longer need — but remain in the same data file so history is preserved and reporting continuity is maintained.

Both options avoid losing data, but they work very differently, and the steps depend on which direction you want to go.

Looking forward to your confirmation!

donnaperch

thanks so much for getting back to me.

I think I’d like to try the second B option.
I’ve tried to rename and get rid of categories in the past and haven’t been successful. Maybe I just don’t have the correct steps.

One of the many reasons I want to start fresh is that, we’ve acquired 3 rental properties and I want to be able to keep them somewhat the same and currently they are a mess of categories.
and there are categories I no longer need related to college costs etc

But if I can’t reorganize the categories better in an easier fashion, I would do A as a second choice

Thanks

markus1957

For B, you can also open the Category List and "Hide" the ones you no longer need. Hiding them reduces the clutter when entering transactions and using Quicken in general.

Then create new ones or use the stock categories available under Options at the bottom of the Category List. There is a stock group of categories for rental properties and a module for tracking rental properties if you subscribe to Business & Personal version of Quicken.

Over time, you could merge some of the old categories into your new ones if it makes sense for your situation. As mentioned, hiding or closing old accounts will also reduce clutter. Closing unused accounts is the preferred option.

donnaperch

Thanks.
I’ll try this.

it sounds easy, but I know I’ve opened and tried before and it just gets cumbersome.

Are there people that are experts in this that can walk me through while I’m doing or that I can hire to set it up in a way that makes sense? I’m willing to pay a fee

Thank you