Charles Schwab 401k data appears corrupt

Member ✭✭✭

I've seen this issue with Fidelity before. In that case it was Fidelity's problem.

The balance is way short. Most securities show unidentified. I tried creating a new Quicken data file for a test and setting up manual downloads for Schwab. Then downloaded the data from them in QIF format. Then went import it into the new account. Tells me how many records were imported. Balance for this appears to be fine. I then export this account to a QIF file. Go back to my master Quicken Data file to import this. Also shows the number of transactions import but then nothing shows up in the register. How do I fix this?

Also, seems these types of things are fairly common. Why?

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Comments

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Hello @Scott,

    Thank you for letting us know you're encountering this issue. To assist with this issue, please provide more information. When did you first notice this issue? Which connection with Schwab are you using?

    Screenshot 2025-03-28 at 3.47.22 PM.png

    Based on your description, it sounds like the information displays correctly in new files, but not in your main file, and when you try to import the information to your main file, it doesn't work. Is that correct?

    If that is the case, then this is most likely a file specific issue. To start troubleshooting for a file specific issue, I suggest that you try validating your data file.  Please save a backup file prior to performing these steps. 

    Validate: 

    1. File
    2. Validate and Repair File...
    3. Validate File
    4. Click OK
    5. Close the Data Log
    6. Close Quicken (leave it closed for at least 5 secs)
    7. Reopen Quicken and see if the issue persists.

    Please let me know how it goes!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited March 28

    I am using the retirement plan services via direct connect, which was recommended. Validation is fine. As I noted I created a brand new data file and then did an offline account and downloaded the data in QIF format. It's odd that it became corrupt during the export import (import into my regular data file). I did the validation on my master data base file and followed your path but there no Validation errors, no read errors and all the internal consistency checks passed.

    If I go back to the new data file I created just for this Schwab account and do a quotes update it looks fine. But nothing was corrected in the master file where the previously mentioned data file was imported into. Still lots of unidentified securities, etc. Still a mess. Not looking like a local problem. If I download a QIF data file from Schwab directly into my master date file that turns out incorrect incorrect as well. This is confusing. It only works if I create a new Quicken data base file with only the Schwab account, do offline and then download a QIF file from Schwab and import it. If I do anything that needs to connect to Schwab and bring in the data, then it's a problem.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    Please backup your Quicken file, deactivate the problem account, then go to Tools>Add Account, and try adding the account as a new account instead of linking to the existing account.

    Add account option.png

    Once you have added it as a new account in your main file, check to see if your information displays correctly in that newly added account.

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    In any of this creating a new Schwab account I never associated to an existing account. This Schwab account is a new account. So every time I tried to work with it it was created as new. I've deleted, I've tried various options with no effect the only time it worked is when I created a brand new database from scratch and then created a Schwab account that was offline and then downloaded the QIF file from Schwab. Otherwise it never works and is always corrupt. Please read previous details. Even if I try to import the good gift from the scratch database file that I created and then import it to the existing file something happens to it.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    Since adding as a new account doesn't correct the issue and validation found nothing wrong, please try restoring a backup from before the issue started, if possible.

    Please let me know how it goes!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    I have actually done that various times already. That makes it worse because then I have to go back and verify security logins for all the other accounts. But does not solve the problem.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    Since restoring a backup doesn't correct the issue, please follow these steps from this article on data file troubleshooting to create a copy of your file, Validate the copy, and test to see if the issue is corrected in that copy:

    Always make a backup before performing complex procedures. This ensures that you have a "fallback" file you can use to get back to where you were when you started.

    1. Go to File > Copy or Backup File and select Create a copy or template (do not choose Year End Copy for this procedure).
      • Please note, a file copy is disconnected from online services, such as transaction download. Online services would need to be reconnected if you wish to use them in the file copy.
    2. Leave all the settings, including file name and checkboxes, at their default (change nothing on this screen). Simply click Save Copy
    3. After the Copy is complete, choose to Open New Copy.
    4. In the New Copy, go to File > Validate and Repair File and select the Validate file option. This is to ensure there are no lingering issues with the data in this file.
      • If your issue was with Investment account(s) slowness or other data issues with an investment account, be sure to also select Rebuild Lots during this procedure.
    5. After the Validation process is finished, you will see the Data_Log appear in a Notepad window. This file is a summary of the Validation results.
    6. Review the Data_Log.txt for messages pertaining to the quality of your data and resolve any that are advised with instructions you should follow. This may require that you delete, edit, or reenter transactions manually. The screenshot below shows a sample of data integrity issues in the data log. image.png
    7. Test to see if the issue you were encountering is now resolved. If the issue is resolved, continue using the new, repaired data file. 

    Note - If you receive the message "Damaged data block" in the Data_Log after the Validation completes, the file is not repairable.  We recommend restoring a backup from prior to the date listed on this message.

    I hope this helps!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    I think something that will be helpful at this point. If I download the data after via a connection with the institution the data is corrupt. If I do a quicken file download directly from Schwab and import the data appears to be fine. So there seems to be an issue between quicken and Schwab when doing downloads direct. After doing some research I've seen that other people's are having issues similarly and doing updates with Schwab via quicken.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    Based on the clarification you provided, it sounds like the issue is that the data is being sent in a format that Quicken isn't able to interpret properly. Have you spoken with Schwab about this issue?

    Are you able to provide screenshots to illustrate how the information is being corrupted (please make sure to redact any personal information)? If needed, please refer to this Community FAQ for instructions on how to attach a screenshot. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop screenshots to your response if you are not given the option to add attachments.

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    Yes I have. They told me to contact quicken. This is the same thing that always happens when this type of issue occurs.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod
    edited April 1

    Thank you for your reply,

    To further investigate this issue on our end, please navigate to Help>Report a Problem and send a problem report with log files attached.

    Report a Problem QWin.png

    As I requested earlier, please also provide a screenshot showing how the information is displaying incorrectly in Quicken. If you're not comfortable posting that in this discussion, please include it with the problem report. While you will not receive a response through this submission, these reports will help our teams in further investigating the issue.

    Thank you!

    (CBT-628)

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    Hi Kristina, it's my point yet to follow up so don't close out this thread. Just been busy at my end and getting ready to leave on a week vacation in about a day.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for the follow-up,

    Discussions get closed after around a month of inactivity, so as long as there's at least one post every 3 weeks or so, this discussion shouldn't get closed.

    If it does get closed, you can always start a new discussion to follow-up, or request that this one be reopened.

    I hope this helps!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    Hi Kristina,

    Now there isn't even an option to create/add a Schwab Retirement Account. It comes up on the list to choose but there is no option to continue after that.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    Could you please clarify where you're running into this issue? Are you not seeing any option to proceed after choosing the connection option, or are you hitting a roadblock further along the process?

    Screenshot 2025-04-20 at 11.35.38 AM.png

    If possible, please include a screenshot of where you're getting stuck, and please make certain to redact any personal information. If needed, please refer to this Community FAQ for instructions on how to attach a screenshot. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop screenshots to your response if you are not given the option to add attachments.

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    In your screenshot above I can choose Schwab retirement. On the next screen I should be able to continue. But it won't allow me to do so. So I can only go back and start over but then I'm going to loop.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    To clarify, are you getting roadblocked on the "Quicken Classic uses Intuit to connect" screen? Are you seeing a back button, but no Continue button on that screen?

    Screenshot 2025-04-22 at 12.26.11 PM.png

    If that is where you're getting stuck, have you tried restarting the program and/or restarting your computer since this issue started? Do you use Large Fonts or any accessibility options on your computer that may be altering the display and pushing the Continue button off screen?

    If that is not where you're getting stuck, would you provide more information, and if possible, a screenshot of exactly where you are getting roadblocked (please make sure to redact any personal information)? If needed, please refer to this Community FAQ for instructions on how to attach a screenshot. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop screenshots to your response if you are not given the option to add attachments.

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    That is correct. I'm trying it now but I can get to this point this morning and can continue past this point. However, data is still corrupt when downloaded. But, this other issue did occur the other day.

  • Member ✭✭✭

    When trying to add the Schwab 401k this morning in a new fresh data file I see this:

    image.png

    And when I look at the transactions almost all show as Unidentified Security. If I download the QFX file from Schwab, that data imports fine.

    So the original issue persists.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for the follow-up,

    I did create a ticket to have the original issue looked into, however, the team working on the issue needs you to send logs so that they can investigate. To do that, please navigate to Help>Report a Problem, and send a problem report with log files attached.

    image.png

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    I completed it. Not sure how this conversation between you and I will be tied to what I just submitted since they are independent.

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for the follow-up and for sending the requested Problem Report,

    They will be tied together by the ticket, since it has the link to this discussion and lets the team know that the log files are available to review through internal tools.

    Thank you!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    Sounds good

  • Member ✭✭✭

    I've noticed another issue with Schwab recently. Since this 401k cannot update via online I opted to download the QFX from Schwab instead and keep this account offline for the time being. This past week when I've downloaded and ran this file to update the balance, etc, does not change. Which I know is wrong as it fluctuates with the market. The QFX had been updating transaction and the current prices/value but for some reason now it does nothing. If I create a brand new Quicken file it does work but not in the existing account with my other accounts. Sigh…

  • Quicken Windows Subscription Moderator mod

    Thank you for your reply,

    If the QFX file isn't wanting to import into the account, but imports fine in a new file, that in your main file, Quicken thinks that information was already imported/downloaded (since that would prevent it from being pulled in a second time). It is also possible that it's an issue specifically with that one account in the file or with the file.

    Have you tried importing the QFX as a new account, then cut and paste the data into the appropriate account in your main file? That can help if it's something specific to the account causing the problem or if Quicken thinks the information was already downloaded/imported.

    I hope this helps!

    Quicken Kristina

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  • Member ✭✭✭

    The only thing that seems to work as if I delete the current account and create a new one from scratch. Though then go get the file from Schwab again. Then it seems okay. But even the next day if I go back I have the same issue. Even if I just tried to update the quotes. It doesn't even do that.

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