Quicken 2002, XG, 2004

How Do I get into a password protected Quicken file without the password?

Background:

Try all passwords you may have used for Quicken files or for other password-protected functions.

If the password contains numbers make sure the Num Lock key is turned on.

Quicken passwords are case sensitive. Make sure that the Caps Lock key is not activated and that the correct characters in the password are capitalized.

If there was only a small amount of data in the file, or if you do not want to use your existing file, consider creating a new file:

Solution:

Click Cancel in the Quicken Password window.

From the Quicken File menu, choose New.

Type in a file name, and then click OK.

The Quicken program will walk you through the New User Setup.

If you made a backup copy of the file before adding the password, restore that backup. Data that was added to the password-protected file will have to be manually added to this backup copy. To safely restore the backup without overwriting your existing (password-protected) file:

Move your current (password-protected) file to a different or new directory (folder) on your hard disk. This leaves this file untouched in case you recall the password later or need to send it to Intuit for password removal.

Restore the backup.

Manually reenter data to bring this file up to date.

If the password-protected file contains a lot of information or is critically important, you may want to consider having Intuit remove the password from your file. This is a fee-for-service that can be authorized by a Quicken technical support representative. Follow this procedure to pursue password removal:

Try all of the possibilities listed above. If none of them are satisfactory, call Quicken technical support, and be at your computer.

Note: If you are using a version of Quicken prior to Quicken 2001, please inform the Quicken support representative that your call is concerning password removal.

The Quicken technical support representative will first take you through the above steps to confirm that your file is password-protected and cannot be accessed.

Once the technical support team confirms your file is inaccessible, they will instruct you on sending the data file to Intuit for password removal. This will require you to sign legal documents permitting Intuit to access your data file. While these documents can be mailed, please have a fax number available to expedite this process. You will also need to provide payment with a credit card.

Data files can be sent electronically. Also, standard mailing or overnight service is acceptable.

Password removal usually takes about one week. Your Quicken technical support representative can give you a more exact time frame given current business conditions at the time you call.

If you need to enter transactions during the time you do not have access to your file, create a new file and then use the Quicken export and import features to move them into your old file when it is returned.