A small window will open displaying your progress, and you’ll get a confirmation message when the file has been saved with a. Write down the exact file name and its location.Ĭlick Save. Note: Before you save your backup file, give it a name that is different from your regular company file. If you choose to simply save it now, check that button and click Next to verify the destination location and file name. The following screen gives you the option to save your file and/or schedule future (automatic) backups. One of these gives you the option to get a reminder to back up your file every x times you close QuickBooks, should you choose to do manual backups.Ĭlick OK to return to the Create Backup window, then click Next. In the window that opens, you’ll select your destination location and answer a few questions about your backup. Let’s assume here, though, that you have a USB drive plugged into your computer and are ready for your backup.Ĭlick the button next to Local backup, then the Options button. Intuit offers a service called Intuit Data Protect ($99.95 annually) that allows you to back up your company file online (we can help you explore this if you’re interested). You can save your QuickBooks backup copy locally or online. With QuickBooks in Single-User Mode, open the File menu and hover over Back Up Company.
If you’re not, and you’ve ignored those messages about updates that appear when you open QuickBooks, we can help you launch a manual update and configure QuickBooks to automatically update. This is something you should be doing regularly.īefore you start, make sure your copy of QuickBooks is updated, which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re set up with automatic updates. You shouldn’t wait until you have to move a QuickBooks company file before backing it up. If you don’t see what’s being described here in your version, contact us. Note: These instructions were created using QuickBooks 2018. Once it’s available at its destination computer (where a copy of QuickBooks has already been installed), you (or another recipient) will be able to restore it. QuickBooks allows you to create a backup file that you can save to a USB drive or CD, or to another folder on your company’s network. However, the most common reason businesses move these critical files is because they’ve purchased a new computer or they may also want to share their data.
You wouldn’t want it to be anywhere else, right? It lives safely on the hard drive of your desktop and/or laptop computer. You may not think of your QuickBooks company file as being portable.
Make sure you know how to back it up and restore it properly.