Spent a couple of hours online with tech support yesterday trying to troubleshoot a problem with my Quicken data file. The program had been routinely locking up when I added attachments to transactions or imported banking or credit card activity or updating prices to my portfolio.
After the lock up, I had to shut down Quicken in the Task Manager, but then I could not re-open the file. I would have to open another Quicken file then run File Maintenance, Super Validate and point the operation to the damaged file. After SV I could re-open the Quicken data file, but the entire process would repeat after adding a few transactions.
My Quicken data file is 2GB in size, with data dating back to the early 1990's. I've used Quicken since the early DOS versions. I was told by support that I needed to split my file into two smaller files. While this is not what I had hoped to hear, because I had been previously told that file size was only limited by disk space and it should not matter, the truth is that Quicken may not limit your file size, but it will surely fail when the file gets too large.
Personally, as someone who has made a living selling various accounting software packages, this seems to me to be a problem with the back-side file handling system used by Quicken. I would not expect to see these limitations in, for example, a SQL based database. But it seems that Quicken tries to load the entire database when it opens and that means there will be performance issues when the size of the file gets too large.
I also must say that I use Attachments profusely. It is a great feature and had a lot of benefit to me. But it certainly causes the file size to mushroom. I'd like to see Quicken address the file size/performance issue and go to a filing system that can handle larger file sizes without sacrificing performance. I realize not everyone has 30+ years of data in their file, but even smaller files with lots of attachments will push the limits of the program in time.
FAQs
While this is not what I had hoped to hear, because I had been previously told that file size was only limited by disk space and it should not matter, the truth is that Quicken may not limit your file size, but it will surely fail when the file gets too large.
What is the limit of Quicken? ›
In a Quicken file you can have: Accounts - Up to 512 accounts of each Account Type (spending, credit, investment, etc.);
How many data files can you have in Quicken? ›
Quicken can display up to 50 data files in one folder. If you use more than 50 data files, store your files in more than one folder.
How do I compress a file in Quicken? ›
Quit Quicken, navigate to your live data file, select it, and do File > Compress in the Finder. This will create a . zip file -- a compressed copy of your data file.
What to do when file size is too large? ›
To transfer files that are too large to a new device, you have 3 ways to try:
- ① Change file system of target device to NTFS or exFAT for storing large files.
- ② Use a file transfer software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans to transfer all files at once.
- ③ Compress all large files and transfer them.
There are a few simple things you can do to help keep file sizes down:
- Use low resolution versions of your images where possible.
- Compress images within Word or PowerPoint documents.
- Use Save As…
- Save as PDF (as a last resort)
It's worth noting that more than 20 million customers have used Quicken over the last 40 years, and many satisfied users continue to log on every day to track their spending, set savings goals, generate interest rate of return (IRR) and return on investment (ROI) reports, and more.
Is Quicken no longer available? ›
Quicken will remain a desktop program and your data will continue to be stored on your computer. Quicken has cloud services if you'd like to sync to and use the Quicken Mobile App or Quicken on the Web, but this is optional. If you'd like more information on the Quicken Cloud, click here.
What is the error you have exceeded the maximum number of datasets in Quicken? ›
This error will occur when a subscription has expired. To create a new dataset, you will need to renew your subscription. If you are trying to access an existing dataset, please contact Quicken Support."
How often should I start a new Quicken file? ›
Most of us here recommend NOT starting a new year or file. Just keep going in your current data file. You can run reports for the just the year you want. It's better to leave all your data and history together in one file and it should not affect performance.
Yes, you can install Quicken on a 2nd computer and share the data file between them. But you will need to somehow also transfer the data file back and forth between their hard drives.
Can I move Quicken from one computer to another? ›
To move your data file to another computer (Text)
- Step 1: Install Quicken on your new computer. Install Quicken on the new computer. ...
- Step 2: Put a copy of your Quicken file on an external disk. On your old computer, open Quicken and select File > Copy or Backup File. ...
- Step 3: Restore your Quicken file on the new computer.
You can use the following steps to compress files using the maximum compression rate.
- Right-click the folder or file you want to compress.
- Click Add to archive.
- Ensure "RAR" is selected below "Archive Format."
- Select "Best" below "Compression Method."
- Select "128 MB" below "Directory Size."
To compress a large file or folder, simply right click the file or folder. Then, click Compress in the dropdown menu that appears. This will compress the file into a ZIP file with a . zip extension.
What file format does Quicken use? ›
A: The Quicken interchange format (QIF) is a specially formatted text (ASCII) file that lets you to move Quicken transactions: From one Quicken account register into another Quicken account register, or. To/From another application that supports the QIF format.
Is it OK to delete old Quicken backup files? ›
The ones it creates automatically will be cleared up (deleted) automatically to keep you at that limit. The ones create prior to installing each update are not delete automatically; you can throw them in the trash periodically. Although… I like having a few backups going back months or even years.
Where should I store my Quicken data file? ›
Quicken will show you the location where your backup will be saved along with the name of the backup file (this is typically your Quicken file name followed by . QDF-backup). The default save location for backup files is C:\Users\[your name]\Documents\Quicken\BACKUP and we recommend to leave this unchanged.
Should you archive Quicken data? ›
Quicken doesn't require that you archive or close out your data file at the end of the year. In fact, not archiving your data at the end of the year lets you run comparison reports on income and expenses from previous years. However, if you want to start the new year with a new data file, use Create a new year file.
How can I improve my Quicken performance? ›
Are there any Windows settings that can improve Quicken's performance?
- Improve Graphics Settings. Let's start with graphics settings. ...
- Disable Malware Scanning. If you are willing to take a little risk, you can disable malware scanning of Quicken's files. ...
- Raise Process Priority. ...
- Good Luck!
![Quicken file size limitations [with respect to max number of attachments in a file] (2024)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)
