Quicken is a well-known financial management program developed by Intuit. Inc. This feature-rich software lets you create a budget, generate reports and write checks. The installation process of this software is very simple. However, many novices want to know how to Change Quicken file name. Changing or renaming data files allows you to change the default name that Quicken assigns to your data files. This avoids confusion and you can identify the file better if you name it however you like. If you are using Quicken for the first time, this article will help you learn how to launch the software, set up your data file, and rename it.
Read: Quicken Certified Experts
How to launch Quicken?
There are three ways to launch Quicken. You can open it in one of the following ways.
- Open Quicken via Desktop Shortcut – Double-tap the desktop shortcut that Quicken adds to your system during installation.
- Quicken Launch via Quick Launch Toolbar – The Quicken icon is also present at the bottom left of your screen. Tapping it and opening Quicken is one of the fastest ways to launch the program.
- Open Quicken via the Start menu – go to the Windows taskbar and press “Start” followed by “All Programs.” Then select “Quicken 2009” again followed by “Quicken 2009”.
How Do You Set Up Your Data File in Quicken?
Quicken’s data file stores your checking account and credit card statements. Although Intuit calls it a data file, your data is actually kept in different files. The data file is an important element as it allows you to make a backup of your data and move it to another system. New Quicken users will have no problem setting up their data files. The program guides and informs you about the entire process. But if you’re not a new user, Quicken will convert your current data file to work with the newer version of the program.
- To set up a data file in Quicken, select “I’m New to Quicken” in the Start window. The application will ask you to name your data file. You can let Quicken specify a name and select its location on your system.
- You will find the options “I will use the default file name and location” and “I want to choose a different file name and location”.
- If you choose the first option, Quicken will name and store your data file. This will create a folder in your Documents where you will find your new data file.
- If you choose the second option, you can name your data file yourself. You can also store it in a folder of your choice.
- If you choose this option, press “Next” and navigate to the folder where you want to place the data file. Enter a name for it in the “File name” box. After that, tap “OK”. Your preferred data file will be created. You can customize the file through the “Configuration” tab, which opens immediately after.
- When you customize the file, you can create various features to manage your finances.
How to Change Quicken File Name?
Many people like to rename their existing Quicken Data files. Although the “Save a copy” option duplicates the entire file and allows you to rename it, people still prefer to change Quicken Data file name. To rename your data file, access the “File Operations” option. Here you can make the appropriate changes.
- Launch Quicken and go to the “File” menu.
- Select “File Operations” followed by “Rename”.
- Select the file you want to rename. Optionally, you can also enter the name of the file in the “File name” field.
- In the “New name for Quick File” section, enter the new file name.
- After that, tap “OK”. That’s all. You have now renamed the file in the Quicken application.
- After you rename the Quicken file, you can still find the old name. It’s in the list of recent files, which is in the “File” menu.
- When you tap on it, Quicken will say it can’t find it. Then it will give you the option to remove it from the list.
Why does the data change when you rename a Quicken file?
One of the most confusing things about Quicken’s renaming is the data changes that happen afterward. Many users report that they get a change in their accounting data after renaming their Quicken file in Windows. It’s very important for you to remember that Intuit insists on calling a data file a file, but it’s actually a bunch of related files. All these files have the same name. The default is QDATA. Although these files have the same name, they have different extensions. Thus, you have to rename each file to prevent you from seeing changes in your data. If you rename only one file, it will lead to complete chaos.
All registry entries for the files that you renamed must be updated. You should keep all these things in mind while renaming the data file so that you do not experience any unwanted data changes.
Steps to Quickly Find Data Files on Your Hard Drive
Data files are usually in the default area, depending on how your Quicken renders. You’ll find these files in the Documents folder under the Quicken subfolder. But you have the possibility to change this space. If it is difficult for Quicken to locate the data files, you can find the files on your system by following these steps.
- Open Quicken and tap the “File” menu.
- Then click “File Operations”.
- Now click on “Find Quicken Files”.
- Here you can find Quick Files or select a particular data file name.
Conclusion
This handy guide will help new Quicken users get to know their data files. Use the steps outlined here to configure and change Quicken file name. You should make sure to rename each file as a data file is essentially a collection of files. For more information, contact an expert Quicken support service.