You can transfer Quicken to another computer if you want to upgrade your system or work on two different computers. Moving your files along with the program, however, takes some planning, but it can be done by following a few steps and using a few different methods.
The Quicken for the MAC goes back at least 5+ generations, as compare to the WINDOW 2012 version. So, if you don't mind that issue, then buy Quicken for the MAC. I have a copy of Parallels Destop 8 installed.
Transfer Quicken to Another Computer
Download the Presto Transfer Quicken program to help you safely--and legally--move Quicken files between computers. The program is available as a free trial from a variety of websites. Keep in mind that it allows for just one free transfer, and once completed, the transfer cannot be undone.
Buy the full version of the Presto Transfer Quicken program if you want to move Quicken to another computer or transfer the files back. The program is inexpensive, and some people assert that it represents the best way to move files fully and safely.
Link the two computers in a network. This can be done through a network adapter and a crossover cable, both of which can be purchased at any computer or office-supply store. More complicated, wireless systems are also available, but the basic method should be fine if your intention is to move and save files.
Look for sites that back up files online. The Quicken Online Backup Service offers a free, 30-day trial, followed by a service that charges a small amount every month to store any transactions you do in Quicken (see Resources below). While the program was originally created to protect users in case of computer crashes, it's certainly useful in the case of moving files to another computer.
Install Quicken again before you go any further. Unless the program itself is present on the new computer, you probably won't be able to access any files, even if the computers are networked.
Tips
Some versions of Quicken, such as Quicken Essentials, won't allow for networking or linking. Deluxe versions are better if you plan on using more than one computer or updating in the near future.
Warnings
Don't forget to back up your files every time you use the program. Without a backup copy, you won't be able to transfer anything to another computer.
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Transferring Quicken files from a PC to a Mac requires you to install Quicken on both computers. Since Macintosh and Windows both require software specific to their operating systems, you can't use your PC version of Quicken on a Mac and vice-versa. Business owners who use Quicken to track finances, invoices and payments can save their files in a format that a Mac computer can read effectively. This enables you to transfer your PC Quicken data to a Mac system.
Preparing Files
1.
Launch Quicken on your PC and then click 'Tools' and 'Account List.'
2.
Select 'Options' and then 'View Hidden Accounts.'
3.
Click 'Manage Accounts.' Then, uncheck all of the 'Hide in Quicken' checkboxes.
4.
Reduce the file names for any accounts that have more than 15 characters or special characters by right-clicking the account name and clicking 'Edit.' Change all Ticker symbols to uppercase letters. Type a new name and then click 'OK.'
5.
Click each tab that contains financial data, such as Personal Cash Flow and Business, and click 'Accept All.'
6.
Select the 'File' menu, 'Export' and then choose 'QIF' as the file format. Click the 'Browse' button and navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
7.
Enter the file name 'Accounts.qif' into the text box and click 'OK.'
8.
From the 'Quicken Account to Export From' section, select the drop-down menu. Choose the account you want to transfer from to the Mac version of Quicken.
9.
Choose the date range for the transactions you want to export to your Mac. Then, select the 'Accounts' check box to export only your Accounts file. Complete the same process for Securities, Categories and Transactions. Then, click 'OK.'
10.
Insert a CD into your CD drive that is formatted in a FAT file format so that both your Macintosh and Windows computers can access the files. Locate the files and burn them to your CD.
Import to Mac
1.
Open Quicken on your Mac and select the 'File' menu, 'New' and then 'File.'
3.
Enter the appropriate information into the Create Data File dialog box. Then, click the 'Create' button. If the New Account Assistant window appears, click 'Cancel.'
4.
Insert the CD with your Quicken files on it into the disk drive.
5.
Click the 'File' menu, then 'Import' and 'From QIF.' Navigate to the 'Accounts' file on your CD and then click 'Open.'
6.
Complete the process for your remaining files: Securities, Categories and Transactions.
About the Author
Avery Martin holds a Bachelor of Music in opera performance and a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian studies. As a professional writer, she has written for Education.com, Samsung and IBM. Martin contributed English translations for a collection of Japanese poems by Misuzu Kaneko. She has worked as an educator in Japan, and she runs a private voice studio out of her home. She writes about education, music and travel.
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Martin, Avery. 'How to Transfer Quicken From a PC to a Mac.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/transfer-quicken-pc-mac-55020.html. Accessed 15 December 2019.
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