How do I move Quicken to a new computer?

[Martin Skaggs]

I'm trying to move Quicken 2007 to a new desktop. I installed the program
without any problems then imported my saved data file from my old computer.
I can see all of my previous reconciled transactions but my Online Accounts
are missing transactions I've hadn't accepted yet as well as the history of
my paid online transactions with my checking account. When I try to update
my
Online Accounts, Quicken acts like I'm doing this for the very first time,
asking for PIN's etc.

How do I transfer the old settings to my new computer? I thought these
would get transfered when I restored the backup file.

Thanks

[Martin Skaggs]

I used the "Restore Backup File" then chose the most recent data file (QDF)
file that I created using the Backup command on my old desktop version of
Quicken. When I searched for the folder during Restore Backup the QDF file
was the only file that could be chosen. Should I try a different way of
backing up/restoring?

Thanks

"bjn" <el...@example.com> wrote in message
news:dbari3t0dvipinqpr...@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 3 Nov 2007 22:39:05 -0400, "Martin Skaggs"
> <wmsk...@insightbb.com>

> Did you import a saved data file, or restore from a backup file?
>
> It's an important distinction.

[Han]

"Martin Skaggs" <wmsk...@insightbb.com> wrote in
news:gZKdnenb0a95MrDa...@insightbb.com:

When you moved the files from one to the other compter, did you move all
the quicken files that are named whatever.qdf, such as whatever.qel,
whatever.idx, whatever.qph (with whatever being the name you assigned)?

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

[Andrew DeFaria]

Are you missing settings or transactions? You are not clear. You state you see your reconciled transactions but not your "to be accepted" transactions. You say you don't see  "the history of my paid online transactions with my checking account". Hmmm... Excuse me but wouldn't some of those "history of online paid transactions" actually be "reconciled transactions"? You say you are prompted for your PIN numbers again, etc...

Well true to Intuit form, files, data, config files and registry settings are all over the place. There are Quicken.ini files from way back that apparently Intuit still uses. There is a QUser.ini and a QWRemind.ini. So there are settings there. There are also settings in the registry under HKLM and well as HKCU. You might think about trying to move all of these over to the new computer.

This is one of the reasons why I always put my Quicken data in it's own directory and never in C:\Program Files\Quicken. Mixing code and data is a bad idea! Alas thought Intuit still uses some .ini files and registry stuff too.

Re-establishing your pin vault and other true settings is not that big of a hassle. Missing transactions and/or historical data is much more worrisome. That stuff should have been carried along with the backup. Still, if you put all your Quicken data in it's own folder you could have just zipped up and moved that...

--
Andrew DeFaria
Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?

[Laura]

"Martin Skaggs" <wmsk...@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:eNSdnVJYMbZ5rbDa...@insightbb.com...

I recently moved my Q to a new computer. I did one last update on the old
computer. Accepted/categorized all transactions, etc. Then I copied the
entire Quicken data folder (mine was located in My Documents) to the new
computer. I even copied the BACKUP folder too. Once Quicken was installed on
the new computer I used the File>>Open function and navigated to the Qdf
file that I wished to open. My passwords were saved, etc but I don't recall
if program settings transfered to the new computer or not.

[Han]

"Laura" <inv...@sample.invalid> wrote in
news:HupXi.51492$kj1....@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:

> I recently moved my Q to a new computer. I did one last update on the
> old computer. Accepted/categorized all transactions, etc. Then I
> copied the entire Quicken data folder (mine was located in My
> Documents) to the new computer. I even copied the BACKUP folder too.
> Once Quicken was installed on the new computer I used the File>>Open
> function and navigated to the Qdf file that I wished to open. My
> passwords were saved, etc but I don't recall if program settings
> transfered to the new computer or not.
>

Doing a "transfer" to a new computer so work like that. Actually, I
installed Q2008 on my new computer, then copied the data folder from the
old one running 2006, and Q2008 converted from Q2006 to Q2008. Once I was
satisfied that all worked on the new machine I also installed Q2008 on the
old machine, and now can go back and forth between machines by copying the
whole data set of files. I make sure there are backups in case of hickups.

[Laura]

"Han" <nob...@nospam.not> wrote in message
news:Xns99DE9D4FC...@199.45.49.11...

Thanks for the reminder. I still need to install 2008 on my old computer.

[Martin Skaggs]

Its seems to be working fine now after I copied the other backup files you
mentioned to my new computer.

Thanks for your help

Martin

"Han" <nob...@nospam.not> wrote in message

news:Xns99DE49B60...@199.45.49.11...

[Smart Bean]

This issue is still as relevant 15 years later ... So here is another take on it for people seeing it now, in the shiny and bright future ...
Moving Quicken to a new computer can be done by exporting your data from the old computer and importing it into the new one. Here are the steps you can follow to move Quicken to a new computer:

1. On the old computer, open Quicken and go to the File menu. Select "Export."
2. Choose a location to save the exported data file, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive.
3. Insert the USB drive or external hard drive into the new computer.
4. Open Quicken on the new computer and go to the File menu. Select "Import."
5. Locate the exported data file on the USB drive or external hard drive and select it.
6. Follow the prompts to complete the import process.
If you want to transfer all of your online accounts in a way that it won't ask for account PINs again, you should deactivate online services on your old computer before exporting the data file.

1. Go to the Tools menu and select "Account List."
2. Select the account you want to deactivate and choose "Edit."
3. Select "Online Services" and then "Deactivate."
4. Repeat these steps for all accounts that you want to deactivate.


Deactivating your accounts in this way will prevent them from being automatically activated on the new computer. After transferring the data, you can re-activate the accounts in Quicken on the new computer.

--
For full context, visit https://www.beansmart.com/quicken/how-do-i-move-quicken-to-a-new-computer-9315-.htm

[John Pollard]

On Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 9:39:05 PM UTC-5, Martin Skaggs wrote:

> I'm trying to move Quicken 2007 to a new desktop.

The phrase "move Quicklen" tends to be misleading for this process.
For instance, you can't "move" software; you must "install" it.

> I installed the program without any problems

Recognizing that the Quicken software must be "installed" is the first step.

> then imported my saved data file from my old computer.

This represents the second part of the process;
but again I think the terminology "imported" makes the process
harder to understand,and easier to get wrong.

What's more, the term "imported" implies that what is being "imported" was
originally "exported". Exporting Quicken data (which typically implies
exporting to a QIF file - especially in older versions of Quicken)
is a feature with significant limitations (regardless of the type of export),
which means that the resulting "import" will also have undesirable limitations.

The basics for this process are simple:
install Quicken on the new computer,
then "move" the Quicken data file (currently, simply the .QDF file *)
to the new computer.

The method for "moving" the Quicken data file depends on
whether there is a direct electronic connection between the old and new computers
(in which case the Quicken data file can copied over a local network from the old computer
to the new computer); whether both computers have access to the internet
(in which case the Quicken data file can be stored offline - on One Drive or Google Drive,
or some such - then copied from the offline storage to the new computer);
or whether there is no direct or indirect connection between the old
and new computers (in which case the Quicken data file can be copied to some easily
transportable offline storage - such as a CD - then copied from the CD to the new
computer.

[You can copy the old computer .QDF file to the new computer or you can copy a backup file to the new computer.
If a backup file is copied, it can be "restored" on the new computer. And In versions of Quicken
since at least Q2010, a copied backup file can be renamed to remove the "-backup" text from the
file name, making the file a true Quicken data file.]

> I can see all of my previous reconciled transactions but my Online Accounts
> are missing transactions I've hadn't accepted yet

It's always a good idea to Accept ALL downloaded transactions before installing
Quicken on a new computer and trying to use the same data that was on the old computer.

> as well as the history of
> my paid online transactions with my checking account.

Insufficient information to even make a guess about what happened there.
I don't recall ever having had that problem.
Also that comment seems to be at odds with the previous comment that,
"I can see all of my previous reconciled transactions ....".

> When I try to update my Online Accounts,
> Quicken acts like I'm doing this for the very first time,
> asking for PIN's etc.

When the original Quicken data file is properly copied from
the old computer to the new computer,
most of those problems will not occur.
Passwords - when needed - are stored in the Quicken data file;
but they are NOT "exported" to QIF files (for example).

> How do I transfer the old settings to my new computer?

> I thought these would get transfered [sic] when I restored the backup file.

Many settings are stored in the Quicken data file (the file with the .QDF extension)
and will not need to be re-created if the .QDF file is loaded (copied/restored) to the new PC,
but some settings are stored in other Windows files - generally, there is no simple way
(and possibly NO way) to carry those settings over to the new computer.
It's a good idea to make note of those settings on the old computer so
they can be manually re-created on the new computer.


[NOTE: (*) In Quicken versions older than Q2010,
data was stored in multiple Windows files.

Quicken versions pertinent to this discussion:
Quicken 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009;
use files with the following extensions:

.QDF (primary file)
.QEL
.QPH
.IDX

When moving Quicken data for those versions,
ALL those files must be included. A Quicken
backup/restore will automatically include ALL
those files. Otherwise the user will be responsible
for moving them all.

For Quicken versions after Q2009;
all Quicken data is stored in the Quicken .QDF file.
Quicken backups after Q2009 have the extension .QDF-backup]

[As of this writing, the most current version of Quicken is
the R46.12 release of the Subscription version of Quicken]

[Andrew]

On 01/16/23 6:15 PM, Smart Bean wrote:
> If you want to transfer all of your online accounts in a way that it
> won't ask for account PINs again, you should deactivate online services
> on your old computer before exporting the data file.

I'm not sure about this.

I just upgraded my PC. After re-installing my latest Q program (after
doing one last OSU and accepting al the transactions on the old machine
before the transfer) and simply using the existing QDF file (DROPBOX
upload and download), I didn't have any issues in simply doing a usual
OSU on the new computer. The only 'password' or 'PIN' I needed to
re-enter was my usual Quicken Vault password that I do every time
anyway. I have a variety of FIs on the computer using the myriad of
different connection types.

Am I missing something deeper here?
--
-----------------------------------------------------------
Regards -

- Andrew

[Ken Blake]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:31:12 -0800 (PST), John Pollard
<8plu...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 9:39:05 PM UTC-5, Martin Skaggs wrote:
>
>> I'm trying to move Quicken 2007 to a new desktop.
>
>The phrase "move Quicklen" tends to be misleading for this process.

Yes.

>For instance, you can't "move" software; you must "install" it.

True for Quicken, and true for most software, but there is an
occasional exception. A few programs *can* be moved.

[John Pollard]

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:09:41 AM UTC-6, Ken Blake wrote:

> On Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:31:12 -0800 (PST), John Pollard wrote:

> >On Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 9:39:05 PM UTC-5, Martin Skaggs wrote:
> >> I'm trying to move Quicken 2007 to a new desktop.

> >The phrase "move Quicklen" [sic] tends to be misleading for this process.

> Yes.

> >For instance, you can't "move" software; you must "install" it.

> True for Quicken, and true for most software, but there is an
> occasional exception. A few programs *can* be moved.

Thanks.

I kinda thought that was so, but I also thought if I posted that, it might cause more confusion.

My thinking was: only some software can be moved, but all software is capable of being (re)installed.
If users just assumed they would have to install on the new computer,
they wouldn't have to spend time trying to figure which approach to use.

I'm guessing some users will find themselves in the position of not having access to the installation files for their software,
and those users will be in in the position of hoping there is some way to literally "move" their software to a new machine.
In those cases, I would likely not be of much help.

[Ken Blake]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:59:40 -0800 (PST), John Pollard
<8plu...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:09:41 AM UTC-6, Ken Blake wrote:
>> On Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:31:12 -0800 (PST), John Pollard wrote:
>
>> >On Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 9:39:05 PM UTC-5, Martin Skaggs wrote:
>> >> I'm trying to move Quicken 2007 to a new desktop.
>
>> >The phrase "move Quicklen" [sic] tends to be misleading for this process.
>
>> Yes.
>
>> >For instance, you can't "move" software; you must "install" it.
>
>> True for Quicken, and true for most software, but there is an
>> occasional exception. A few programs *can* be moved.
>
>Thanks.

You're welcome. I don't often get to correct the Quicken expert here.
You're usually the one helping me, not the other way around.

>
>I kinda thought that was so, but I also thought if I posted that, it might cause more confusion.
>
>My thinking was: only some software can be moved, but all software is capable of being (re)installed.

Yes, of course.

>If users just assumed they would have to install on the new computer,
> they wouldn't have to spend time trying to figure which approach to use.

Yes.

[John Pollard]

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 9:07:15 AM UTC-6, Ken Blake wrote:

> You're welcome. I don't often get to correct the Quicken expert here.
> You're usually the one helping me, not the other way around.

Is there a simple way to determine whether a specific application can be "moved" from one computer to another?

[Ken Blake]

Not that I know of.

[scott s.]

Ken Blake <K...@invalid.news.com> wrote in
news:32ggshhr0cqh8sgb2...@4ax.com:

If a program advertises itself as "portable" it can usually be moved,
though in some cases user has to select "portable" at initial install to
get that feature.

Otherwise there are windows utilities that claim to be able to move
settings/userdata but I would consider this "hit or miss". That's for
windows desktop apps. No idea about UWP apps or windows on ARM
hardware.

scott s.
.

[Steve Weston]

Which format do you select on "Export"? QIF or QXF?

[John Pollard]

On Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 6:00:27 PM UTC-6, Steve Weston wrote:

> Which format do you select on "Export"? QIF or QXF?

There is no simple right answer - other than, use the method that produces the best results.
There are multiple possible limitations/difficulties - it's not possible to predict exactly what you will experience.

You should be able to try both methods by testing with a Quicken file Copy (creating a new Copy for each test) of the file to which you want to import the transactions.

You'll probably want to create reports in the FROM file that you can use to compare to the same reports in the TO file after the export/import, to guage the degree of success.

[John Pollard]

On Monday, January 16, 2023 at 5:15:05 PM UTC-6, Smart Bean wrote:

> If you want to transfer all of your online accounts in a way that it won't ask for account PINs again, you should deactivate online services on your old computer before exporting the data file.
>
> 1. Go to the Tools menu and select "Account List."
> 2. Select the account you want to deactivate and choose "Edit."
> 3. Select "Online Services" and then "Deactivate."
> 4. Repeat these steps for all accounts that you want to deactivate.

In the more recent Quicken versions, an alternative approach would be to make a Quicken Copy of the FROM data file:
File > Copy or Backup file > Create a Copy or Template. Include all dates and all transactions and attachments.

The resulting Copy of the original .QDF file will have NO accounts activated for downloading.

[John Pollard]

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 4:03:06 PM UTC-6, scott s. wrote:

> Otherwise there are windows utilities that claim to be able to move
> settings/userdata but I would consider this "hit or miss".

FWIW:

See https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7930105/moving-q-2017-deluxe-to-a-new-computer-using-zinstall

[Responder Chris_QPW, in the above discussion, is a very savvy Windows/Quicken user.]

Zinstall ($129)
https://tinyurl.com/2daeud2b

PCmover ($59.95)
https://tinyurl.com/4474se5e

I have never used any product of this type (and Chris_QPW admits to guessing), so caveat emptor.