Expert: Linda Saltz, CPA, QBalance.com - 2/15/2004

Question
Linda - I just upgraded to Quicken 2004, mainly because I got it practically free with this years tax software.  I was running the 2000 version and loved it.  With 2004 it is a different story.  For one thing, you can no longer do backup on a 3 1/2 floppy.  You either must use multiple floppies or write the backup to a CD.  When I write to a CD, a file is placed on my desktop.  It is named Q3.dir.  If I delete it then the next time I open Quicken it does not open properly.  I chatted with Quicken tech support and they say they are aware of the problem and are working on a fix.  But for now I have to live with it on my desktop.  A second and much more annoying problem is what happens after three or four entries are made in my checking account file.  A Quicken pop-up ad appears saying that Quicken has noticed that I have made X number of entries in the last however many weeks and that I could benefit by using their automatic bill payer. Of course they charge for that service.  Here is the problem.  There is a check box on the pop-up to stop it from appearing anymore.  I check the box every time and then close the window.  But it keeps reappeaaring.  Their tech support was some clown in India who didn't even understand what I was trying to tell him was happening.  I am sure that there is a file in one of the Quicken folders that would stop this annoyance if I changed the file extension or deleted the file.  Would you know where to look for it?  

Answer
Hi Ron,

I use Quicken 2004 and do not get those popups, so maybe you just need to get the latest release

To Update Quicken software
1 Choose Online menu > One Step Update.  
2 Click Update Now.

If an update to Quicken is available, Quicken displays a window that describes what's in the update, as well as brief instructions for downloading the update.
You'll need to exit Quicken to run the update program.
When you exit, all your work is saved and you can resume working as soon as the update finishes.  

I do not know of a file that can be deleted to stop the popups but maybe Quicken Support does.  They have a free chat support that you might try

Go to www.quicken.com
Click on Quicken software at the top of the page
Click on support options on the right side of the page
Choose Quicken 2004 then click on "chat"

Hope this helps,
Linda Saltz, CPA
Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor
www.QBalance.com