Getting data out of Quicken in a text format

Question

How can I get my financial data out of Quicken in a text format. I want to have a way to keep and access my data even if Quicken stops working.

Answer 1

One way to do this is to print your account register to a text file. Quicken won't help you here, but you can trick it to print to a .prn file.

Install the Microsoft generic text printer driver (instructions for Windows 10):

Click the start button
Open the "Settings" app
Open the "Devices" app
Click on "Add a printer or scanner". Wait a bit
Click on "The printer that I want isn't listed"
Select "Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings"
Click "Next"
Select "Use an existing port" (default)
Select "FILE: (print to File)", like this:

Port selection dialog box

Click "Next"
Under "Manufacturer" select "Generic" Under "Printers" select "Generic / Text Only"

This will install your generic printer driver.

Now, in Quicken go to File--Print [your account name]

Click through this process and select your new text printer, like this:

Printer selection dialog box

Select "Fit to one page wide" Click "Print" Enter your file specification.

The resulting .prn file can be opened with a text editor.

Answer 2

As far as I know, Quicken registers can't easily be exported as CSV files (which is probably what you meant by a text file -- comma-separated values), but Quicken reports can, and you can create a report that has the registry's full history. See the documentation, or websearch "export Quicken", for specifics.