When I try to reconcile an account, the window does not open, and I have to hit escape to contiue using quickbooks. Anyone else experience this?

Yes, also when you reconcile, you will find that QB references the transaction to the day you are doing the reconcile, not the day you want to use. The program is a joke, an utter and complete joke which is geared toward sucking in the gullible and then charging them a leg and arm for help.