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Backing Up
Your Quicken File

Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do. It takes a little more thought than just clicking YES and accepting the default location.

Choosing a Backup Location
Taking the time to choose a proper location for backing up your data is an important task. If you are saving your backup on the same disk that you keep your main Quicken file on you risk complete loss. The reason being if you suffer a hard drive crash you will lose everything. Keeping it on the same computer, different hard drive is also risky in the event of a fire or theft of the computer. Burning to a CD or other removable media is a better choice but is still susceptible to fire, theft or damage.
 
The best method I have found is to use an online provider of free data storage. Presently SkyDrive is available through Windows Live Services. A large amount of online storage is available at no cost if you have a Windows Live logon. You can create a file folder in this space and lock it so only you have access to the contents. Simply save your file to the desktop then open your Windows Live SkyDrive. Drag and drop your file into the appropriate section. With this method you can access your SkyDrive to get your backup, regardless of the circumstances that caused you to require it.   

Backup Schedule
How often does one need to make a backup? I always recommend a period of time that you wouldn’t mind re-entering information from. This means if you had one or two transactions you may not need to perform a backup. After entering several you may not want to redo so this would be a good time to backup. Quicken automatically recommends a backup after opening the software a few times.

Backing Up Your Data
To create a backup open the FILE menu at the top of the screen. Now click on BACKUP. A dialog box will open asking you to specify a location. Choose a good location that you can remember. Enter a file name and tick the box asking ADD THE DATE TO THE FILE NAME. You can also browse to a different folder. Simply click OK and you have created your backup. Quicken will remember the location for the next time you perform a Backup

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Related Articles

Categories & Groups
Scheduled Bills & Deposits
Creating a Budget
Setting Up Online Services
Reports
Quicken Home Inventory
Backing Up Your Data

 

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Additional Article Information

This Article was written by Christopher Skjonsby

This article was posted
October 25th 2008.

 

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Disclaimer
Please note the articles contained herein are examples for one method for managing your financial situation. If you are in serious financial trouble theCitySage.com recommends speaking with a debt counsellor before proceeding.

The purpose of the articles under this category are to help you the reader become more aware of how and where you are spending your finances focus on the mandatory expenses and get control of your discretionary spending. Follow at your own risk.