How to sanitize your Quicken data file

If you're working with the Quicken Care team on a technical issue, they may request a sanitized copy of your data file. This allows support to examine the structure and behavior of your file without exposing any personal information.

The Sanitize Data File tool creates a duplicate of your file and removes or replaces all sensitive content, including:

• Account names, financial institutions, and account numbers

• Transaction payees, memos, and tags

• Custom categories and renamed default categories

• Passwords, credentials, and login data

• Your name and any user-defined labels

The sanitized file maintains your data structure—including accounts, balances, and transaction layouts—so Quicken support can accurately investigate the problem while preserving your privacy.

When to use a sanitized file

Use this feature when the Quicken Care team requests a copy of your data file for diagnostic purposes. You can also use it when you want to share a version of your file that reproduces a technical issue without revealing identifying information.

The sanitized file is safe to share because it contains no personally identifiable data, no account credentials, and no live financial connections.

Step 1: Open the file you want to sanitize

Quicken sanitizes the currently open file. If the correct file is already open, you can skip to the next section.

To switch to a different file:

1. Go to File > Open Quicken File

2. Navigate to the file you want to sanitize

3. Select the file and click Open

If you’re not sure where your files are stored, Quicken typically saves data files in the Documents > Quicken folder. You can also search your system for files ending in .QDF.

Step 2: Create the sanitized copy

1. Go to Help > Sanitize Data File Copy

2. In the Sanitize Your Data File window, click Create a sanitized copy of your data file

3. Wait for the confirmation that the process is complete

The sanitized file is saved as a ZIP archive. It contains a duplicate of your data file with identifying content removed and replaced with generic placeholders.

Step 3: Locate and share the sanitized file

The sanitized ZIP file is saved in the same folder as your original file, usually:

Documents > Quicken

To locate the file after creation:

• Click Copy Path to copy the file path to your clipboard

• Click Go To Folder to open the containing folder in Windows File Explorer

You can now attach the ZIP file to your support case or share it using the instructions provided by the Quicken Care team. Do not open or attempt to restore the sanitized file unless explicitly instructed by support—it is not intended for regular use.

Additional information

Sanitizing your file does not modify your original data file. The tool creates a new copy and leaves your working file unchanged.

Attachments (such as images or PDF receipts) are not included in the sanitized copy.

Avoid moving the sanitized ZIP file into cloud-synced folders unless specifically requested. Sharing directly from the local system is more secure and minimizes file modification risks.