advice about encryption please

You might want to consider putting the encrypted, password-protected Quicken file on a thumb drive rather than on the laptop's hard drive. The thumb drive is less likely to be lost or stolen than the laptop.

I have the same problem and use Truecrypt to protect my files.

I have created a Truecrypt volume and store my Quicken and other sensitive data in it. I then copy the Truecrypt container to and my laptop from my desktop and when I return home copy it back to the desktop. This has worked for me for many years. It is a bit of a hassle but it is better then exposing the data. Alternatively You could use the same flash drive on both machines and just move it between the machines and have different volume for backups on each machine.

When you create the volume you will be prompted to enter a strong password which you will need to enter each time you mount the volume. This volume looks like a hard drive to the system. The only caveat is don't forget the password as there is no way to recover the data.

Go to truecrypt.com for more information. BTW I don't have any connection to this site other then recommending it.

Marty

thank you Ken - I will be using your suggestion, along with that made by Marty. Your help is much appreciated.

Thank you Marty. Your advice, along with Ken's, will be used as I try out this strategy - seems like a very prudent way to go.

You're welcome. Glad to help.