Attached files are all lost after update system

Hello @EmilyCa , thanks for reaching out to the community, we're here to help.

Keeping current with the latest versions is a good way to benefit from the latest features the program has to offer business owners. I see how not being able to access the attachments you added previously though could cause issues. I've got an idea of what might be going on and am here to help.

Attachments added in QuickBooks Desktop are always added into the same folder as the company file. This creates a link between them that allows the program to read and display the documents for you. If during the upgrade you moved your company file, but didn't move the attachments folder, that could be what's broken the connection. Don't worry, we can fix this. The first thing to do is go into your system and move the attachments folder to the same folder as your company file. If you're not sure how to do that, I suggest touching base with a IT expert.

Once you've done that, let's re-establish the link. Follow these steps.

Select the Company menu from the top menu bar.

Hover over Documents and choose Repair Attached Document Links.

Click Open Company File Folder.

Make Sure that both the company file and the Attach folder appear in the window that opens, then you can close it.

Click Repair Links.

This should re-establish the connection, so following these steps, try looking at an attachment again to see if you're able to view it.

You can also try the repair links steps above even if you didn't move the company file, just to be sure that the program is properly reading the attachment information.

After That, if you're still having trouble, I suggest getting in touch with QuickBooks Desktop support directly. A representative will be able to collect more details and take a closer look at what's going on with you, to work this out. The attached link will provide support hours, options, and other vital information: Intuit QuickBooks Desktop software support policies

Let's know if this works or if you need further clarifications. Have an amazing day!

Thanks for your answer.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find attached files there, the "attach file" under the Quickbooks Backup, and there is no missing files. Do I permanently lost those files? So misterable! I was very careful to choos the "keep my files" while reseting my computer, but the Quickbooks was removed after reset what ever. Is there some where alse can I try to find them?

Hi again.

If the attach folder isn't showing in the location your company file is located then the fastest way to find it would be to use your computers search feature. Just type in the word attach in the search bar and it'll go through your computer and find any files or folders with that name or similar. If the folder is not found then the only option that remains is to manually attach all the files again to the transactions.

Hope you have a great one!

Thanks.

I have the same issued and after running the document link update feature I still can't access the files attached for the last five years.  Any other suggestions?

Hi Triniton1952.

Being able to connect your previous attachments whenever you upgrade or install your QuickBooks Desktop is something we made sure you can always do. I'd be happy to go over how to do so.

If you used the document link update steps provided earlier and selected the correct attachment folder all your attachments should be attached to the ones they were previously. If they didn't I recommend verifying you selected the correct folder by accessing it and making sure there are attachments in the folder. If it's empty that wouldn't be the correct one. Also if it's five years worth of attachments you may need to do this multiple times depending on how many times you updated your QuickBooks Desktop in that timeframe. The other way to add the files would be to manually attach them again. This can be done by following these steps: Open the transaction you wish to add an attachment>Select Attach File>Select the method you with to use to attach a document.

If you have any questions let us know and we'd be happy to help.

Hi!

If I were to back up the attachments on a different medium and separately - would there be a way?

In essence, I am asking if there are specific files to include in a normal backup - what would the filepath(s) be?

I always wondered if those attachments were included into the QB working file, or if there were just the links pointing to where the files were on the computer. If one erases the file(s) on the computer, then we would lose the attachment.

Which way is it?

I am using QB Desktop Pro 2020, on W10

There are links to the postings then under the links are the pdfs.  To add files open the invoice add the file or also open the original pdf and append.

Ewwww... Thank you for the info

I checked, and my attached files are all over the place, It looks as if I had reinstalled QB (and it was not the case).

Anyway, at least, I know which folder to back up.

Merci!

Just be careful, when I updated my Quickbooks the links would not upgrade.  I now have to re-establish the links on 6 years of postings.

My.... I feel for you.

If you are as busy as we are, it's a huge task.

In a way, I wonder if it's best to just have a dedicated folder outside QB - just like the "old days"...

I have started a folder with sub folders for suppliers.  Am now scanning to both locations.  The key for the secondary site is OCR to be fully operational for future searches.

I"m dumbfounded at this process.  Can't get the attachement to sync anymore, had to restore a file.   Now I can't even attach files.  What the heck is going on with QBDT?  

Hi there Giselle Doucet,

It's vital that your records are kept up to date so all information can be found. QuickBooks Desktop is a great tool able to keep track of transactions you make in order for you to be able to see your business's finances. I can point you in the right direction for assistance with QuickBooks Desktop and attachments.

For help with attachments not working, I recommend reaching out to the QuickBooks Desktop support team. They'll be able to provide some troubleshooting steps in order to get your attachments working as well as notify our engineers if necessary. You can reach out to them using the methods outlined in the QuickBooks Desktop support policies.

if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out here.

I just had this happen after a Microsoft Windows update deleted the "QB Working Files" folder I had created as a sub-folder in my Documents folder.  It had all my own business and my client's Desktop Company files in it. I had current backups of all the QB Company files on removable media, but not the "Attachments" folders.  I am now stuck going back and manually re-attaching every document for 8 different Company files. With tech as advanced as it is today, this critical folder not being included in the encoded backup sequence in QB Desktop is beyond my comprehension.  At the very least, for the price increases we're absorbing, I would think the backup protocol could include a pop-up reminding us to back up the Attachments folder as well. 

Hi Midi,

The experience you've described is definitely of great concern, when Microsoft Windows updates occur.  Manually adding the attachments is extremely time consuming and I can see how this would have an impact on your day.  If you'd like to see a reminder to back up the Attachments folder as well, I suggest providing a suggestion to our Development Team.  Customer feedback is greatly appreciated, to help improve your overall experience with QuickBooks.

If any other concerns or questions come to mind, please don't hesitate to reach back out.  We'd be happy to help!