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Set up Intuit Data Protect to back up files

SOLVED•by QuickBooks•57•Updated July 17, 2023

Learn how to set up Intuit Data Protect.

Intuit Data Protect is a backup service. You can backup your entire computer or just your QuickBooks files and folders. Once you set it up, it backups your data every day. We’ll show you how to set up and schedule your backups.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and QuickBooks Enterprise subscriptions include free access to Intuit Data Protect.

Intuit Data Protect System Requirements

We want you to have a  smooth set up.  Here's helpful info with requirements to run Intuit Data Protect prior to set up.

  • Make sure your operating system is Windows 10 or higher.
  • The Windows user setting up Intuit Data Protect needs to have local admin rights to the computer. They need full access to all folders
  • You'll want to install the full version of QuickBooks Desktop on the Server or the computer where you set up Intuit Data Protect.
  • You'll need to store files on your local area network. (We don't support Box, Googles Sheets, and OneDrive.)
  • You'll want to use a local file path on the computer. We don't support network drives you map.
  • For security purposes, make sure you update the Norton Life lock certificate every six months. Just log out and back into Intuit Data Protect.
  • Add access to Intuit Data Protect secure sites in Internet Explorer.
  1. Open the Windows Start menu and type Internet Options.
  2. Select the Security tab then select Trusted sites.
  3. Select Sites.
  4. Add all secure websites that mention Intuit Data Protect and then select Close.

Set up Intuit Data Protect

After you sign up, set up Intuit Data Protect on the computer where you save your files. To start, check out this video.

  1. Open QuickBooks on the computer or server that stores your QuickBooks file. If you don't know where that is, press F2 in QuickBooks to find out.
  2. Go to File. Select Back Up Company and then Set Up/Activate Online Backup.
  3. Sign in with the email you signed up with. (This is different than your QuickBooks login.) Select Continue.
  4. Select your QuickBooks company file, then select Continue. If you have the entire PC plan, select the folders you want to back up. Then select Continue.
  5. Select the checkbox for Back up local selected documents, then select Continue.
  6. Choose the files and folders you’d like to back up, then select Continue.
  7. Schedule your daily backup, then select Continue.
  8. Set up your notifications settings, then select Continue.

Your first backup may take several hours. It depends on the number of files and their size. Don't worry. The backups you make after that will only take a few minutes.

Manage your backups

Get help backing up with Intuit Data Protect

Learn what to do when you can’t backup with Intuit Data Protect.

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