This message appears when Quicken tries to back up a data file that is stored on a network drive or external storage (such as a USB flash drive). While it's okay to back up or restore files to and from external locations, running your live data file directly from a network or external drive can cause file conflicts—and may eventually corrupt the file.
Step 1: Check where your file is stored
To confirm where your file is running:
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Open Quicken.
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Select File > Show this file on my computer.
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Check whether the file path points to a network location or external drive.
If your file is stored anywhere other than your local hard disk, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Move the file to your local drive
To avoid file access conflicts and protect your data:
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Select File > Copy or Backup File.
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In the Copy dialog, change only the destination location (choose a folder on your local hard drive).
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Click OK to create the local copy.
Once you're working from the local copy, try backing it up again.
Tip: Always run Quicken files from your local drive. Only use external drives or networks for backup and restore.
Step 3: If the issue continues, try backing up from a new file
If the problem persists:
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Select File > New Quicken File.
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Choose New Quicken File, then click OK.
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Name the file (for example, Test) and click Save.
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Quicken opens the new file automatically.
Then:
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Select File > Copy or Backup File.
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Choose Create a complete backup, then click Next.
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For the source, locate your original file.
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For the backup destination, choose a location on your local hard drive.
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Click OK to complete the backup.
Step 4: If you're still unable to back up
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, try validating the original data file:
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Select File > File Operations > Validate and Repair.
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Follow the prompts to complete the validation.
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Try backing up the file again from the local copy.