Quicken splitting multiple transactions every time I run one-step update

Question

Having this problem for the last month l or so. Transactions that I have already entered without a split have been automatically changed to split transactions after I run One-Step Update. The split always includes categories I have not entered as well as an uncategorized amount.

Having to manually fix these transactions is very time-consuming. Can anyone help with a fix?

nmestanas · Answer

Once in the memorized Payee list, if you have multiple entries for a specific payee. you can edit the entry to never auto categorize.  This should always leave the category blank.  See the screen shot below.  I buy lot's of different stuff from Amazon (and Walmart and other places) so I end up with a different memorized payee entry every time I change the register.

Rt-click on the entry and select "Never Auto-categorize this payee".  This should "grey out" the category listing for all the entries.  Only the amount and any account based rules will get applied.  Of course, you could also delete the extras.

Rt-Click on any item under the payee name.  Select Never Auto-categorize.

Category column should be greyed out

If you delete the extras, you can also "Lock" the entry so you can accidently change it when completing a register entry.

I just "discovered" these settings and made change to mine a few days ago.  I haven't had any transactions downloaded for them yet so I can't confirm it works as advertised.  Try it and see.

Sceptic · Answer

@adiras One thing I would check is whether Memorized Payees are involved. If a memorized payee contains split categories, Quicken can automatically apply those splits when processing downloaded transactions.

To review your Memorized Payees:

* Select Tools → Memorized Payee List.
* Locate one of the payees associated with a transaction that was unexpectedly changed to a split.
* Double-click the payee (or click Edit).
* Check whether it contains split categories or amounts that you did not intend.
* If it does, either correct the entry or delete it and allow Quicken to recreate it.

I would also recommend running a Validate File in case there is some data-file corruption contributing to the issue:

* Select File → Validate and Repair File.
* Choose Validate File.
* Click OK.
* When the process completes, review the DATA_LOG for any errors or repairs that were reported.

I don't recall seeing many reports of existing transactions being converted into split transactions during One Step Update, so I'd be interested to know whether the affected transactions have anything in common, such as the same payees, accounts, or financial institution. That information may help narrow down the cause if the Memorized Payees and Validate steps do not resolve it.