create company backup

Hi there, Paul. I'm here to ensure you'll able to create a backup copy of your company file to an external drive in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

To start, may I know if you receive an error when creating a backup copy of your company file? If none, let's first verify that you can see and locate the external drive on your computer. 

If confirmed, you can also create a backup copy of the company file and saved it to a local folder in your computer, and copy it to the external drive. Here's how:

1. In your QBDT company, go to the File menu and select Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. After that, go back to the File menu again and hover over Back up Company. Then, select Create Local Backup.
3. In the window, click Local Backup and then Next.
4. From there, select Browse and select a local folder you want to save your backup company file.
5. This runs a test to make sure your backup file is in good shape before you save.
6. Once done, select OK.
7. Click Save it now and Next. You'll get a confirmation message once done.
8. After that, move or copy the backup data to your external drive.

On the other hand, you can also use a different external drive when creating a backup. Might be that the current one you're using caused the issue. 

Additionally, for a company backup that is located on an external device, you have to move it first to your local hard drive before restoring it.

I also added this helpful resource that you can use as a guide in case you need your accountant to review your books while working: Use the Accountant's Copy. 

I'm always here ready to lend a hand if you have other concerns about creating backups of your company file. Have a great day ahead, and stay safe. 

Thank you so much for the reply.

To answer your questions.

No, i did not receive any error message.  In fact, just the opposite.  It said backup completed. 

I tried making a backup to my local drive as you suggested (drive C) and I get the same problem -- the message says backup complete, but the attached image below is all that is there in the local folder.  I cannot restore from that.

Any help most appreciated!

paul

@paulsiam 

Open your sample file. Can you create the backup file?

Hey there, @paulsiam. We appreciate you for sharing the screenshot of the file and letting us know that you encountered no errors while backing up the company file. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Allow us to further help you this time.

Upon reviewing the screenshot you sent, it has the .tmp on its file name. Which means temporarily backed up. To fix this, let's perform first the Verify Rebuild data and utilities. Doing so will help us identify the typical errors in your company file and look for a fix. We can use the steps below for reference.

Verify your company data:

1. Go to Window, then select Close All.
2. From the File, choose Utilities.
3. Pick Verify Data. If you see:
   - QuickBooks detected no problems with your data—your data is clean, and you don’t need to do anything else.
   - An error message—search for it on our QuickBooks Desktop support site for how to fix it.
   - Your data has lost integrity—Data damage was found in the file. Rebuild your data to fix it.

After that, rebuild your company file data. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to File, Utilities, and then select Rebuild Data.
2. QuickBooks will ask you to make a backup before it rebuilds your company file. Choose OK. A backup is required before you can rebuild.
3. Look where you want to save your backup, then OK. Never replace another backup file. Type in a new name in the File name and click Save.
4. Tap OK when you get the message Rebuild has completed.
5. Go to File again, choose Utilities, then select Verify Data again to check for additional damage.
   a. If the verification finds more damage, fix it manually.
   b. If an error can't be found, you can restore a recent backup. Go to File, then select Open or Restore Company. Never replace your existing company file, we need to enter the info into your company file again since the backup was created.

If you experience the same issue, we can attempt to resolve it by updating your QBDT to the latest version and then recreating a backup of your company file. 

Moreover, if the issue has never been fixed, I recommend contacting QBDT contact support to help you review the account and look for the root cause of it.

The QB Community is always available to help you, day or night. Simply click the reply button below, and we'll respond to you quickly as possible. Thank you once again, and have a great day!

Verify Data - no problems detected

Rebuild Data #449 should be 459

I followed all the instructions on the web page to correct that. 

I re-ran Verify & Rebuild (no errors)

But when I make a back up of the company file, it still is saved as a temp file.

(But I can make a portable backup perfectly).

Any other advice?

Thanks so much!!!!

Let me guide you on how you can fix this so you can back up your data, Paul.

Sometimes, new software and outdated versions are one of the reasons that can cause backup failures or errors. But, there may still be other underlying reasons why you're backup stores on the temporary file.

You can download and install the QuickBooks Tools Hub to fix this. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the most recent version (1.6.0.3) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab.  The version will be on the bottom.
3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. When the installation finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

If you're unable to locate the icon, do a search in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub and select the program.

Then, run QuickBooks File Doctor. Here's how:

1. From the tool hub, select Company File Issues.
2. Choose Run QuickBooks File Doctor. It can take up to one minute for the file doctor to open.
   If the QuickBooks File Doctor doesn't open, search for QuickBooks Desktop File Doc and open it manually.
3. In QuickBooks File Doctor, locate your company file from the drop-down menu. If you don’t see your file, click Browse and search to find your file.
4. Then Check your file (middle option only) and then Continue.
5. Enter your QuickBooks admin password and then Next.

The scan time depends on your file size and may take up to 10–15 minutes. This may say it was unsuccessful even if it fixes your issue. 

Once the scan finishes, open QuickBooks, and your company file, then proceed with creating the backup.

However, if the issue persists, I recommend reaching out to our support team to take a look and investigate further. They have the tools to pull up your account in a secure environment.

Moreover, I have some tips that can be helpful in what you can do with your data once QuickBooks is discontinued. To know more details, go through this article for more details: QuickBooks Desktop 2020 Service Discontinuation Policy.

If there's anything else that you need when backing up your file, let us know so we can get back to you as soon as possible. Have a great day!

Thanks so much for the advice.

Unfortunately, it did not solve the problem yet.  i followed all your steps.  Then did the backup.  It said that the backup was done successfully (attachment); but the file is still a temp file.

If you have any other advice, I am surely open!!

Paul

Thanks for the update, Paul.

I can see the urgency of getting your accounting data backed up. Let me redirect you to the best help available.

Since your company backup issue continues, even after performing the recommended steps above, I encourage you to reach out to our Technical Support team. They can create a case to investigate this matter and provide the appropriate fix so you can create a backup copy of your company file accordingly. Here's how:

1. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. Select the Contact Us button.
3. Enter a brief description of your concern in the What can we help you with? field and click Continue.
4. Choose a way to connect (Chat or Callback).

Once everything is all set, use your backup company file (.qbb) to restore your company file in QBDT. You may want to check out this article as your guide in completing the process: Restore a backup of your company file.

I'm all ears if you need further assistance with your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) company file. Feel free to add your reply below, and I'll circle back to help you.

Thank you so much for the help.  I will give your suggestion a try.

Paul

Hi there, @paulsiam.

I'm glad that you're able to fix your issue with the company back up. Rest assured, we'll continue to answer your questions as soon as possible and help you with it.

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to click the reply button below. Keep safe, and have a great day!