What's stored in the VALIDATE folder after Validate and Repair File?

Overview

The Validate and Repair File option in Quicken for Windows attempts to fix any lingering issues pertaining to the data in a specific data file. A backup copy of your data file is saved to the VALIDATE folder within the Quicken folder where your data files are stored, while the validated version of the data file remains in the Quicken folder.

You do not need to open the data file within the VALIDATE folder unless something went wrong during the Validate and Repair process, since the file is a backup created prior to the process.

For instructions on how to Validate and Repair a data file, see this information on Advanced Data File Troubleshooting.

Validate folder location

The VALIDATE folder is located within the Quicken folder by default (Documents > Quicken).

The Quicken data file within the VALIDATE folder is the saved backup during the Validate and Repair process. Only use this file if something went wrong during the Validate and Repair process.

When should you use Validate and Repair?

The Validate process should only be used when experiencing one or more of the following issues:

• Categories or numbers wrongly associated in reports when all report settings are correct.

• Dates missing from reports when all report settings are correct.

• Missing categories or tags.

• Inability to assign categories in split transactions.

• Data file backups that cannot be restored.

• Severe slowness with just one account or unexpected data.

Important: Make sure to back up your file prior to Validating and Repairing.