QB Desktop - Saving Company File to OneDrive

You can't put your QuickBooks file on One Drive or any other cloud based storage. It doesn't work.

Confirmation!

With a small ($300-$500) investment in an always on server of your own, and an IT pro to hep you set up your remote connections, you can self-host.

Intuit/QuickBooks offers a hosting service - no clue what it costs.

From the litte I  have read aboout Qbox it still is not true simutaneous multi-user

Thank you for your thorough reply.  I do have a follow up question please...

When you backup and restore a QB Desktop company file, you are able to select the file path as to where to save that file.  I am presuming that the related peripheral files that you mentioned (extension types - .tlg, .adr, .nd, .dns, etc.) are saved in that same location as the company file.  So why would OneDrive be any different than saving that file to any other file path location?  In other words, why couldn't a user still use the QB Desktop file that was saved to the OneDrive location (just like any other file path location)?  Forgive me if I am missing something technical, but I very much appreciate any further response you can offer on this topic.

As you noted, we are otherwise considering a solution like QBox for sharing the company file with clients, but are wondering if that is even necessary for my business partner and I to share the file within the same office from separate PC's.  Thank you again!

QuickBooks isn't designed for sharing the file in the cloud like One Drive or any other cloud storage. It is designed to be stored locally on a server or a desktop. This is really the bottom line of it. 

You can go to a hosted environment where the data & program are stored & you log in to that computer via the internet. Of course there will be a fee & you still have to buy QuickBooks & the licenses as they use your program.

Other choice is to set up a network where you share the file in house.

"When you backup and restore a QB Desktop company file, you are able to select the file path as to where to save that file.  I am presuming that the related peripheral files that you mentioned (extension types - .tlg, .adr, .nd, .dns, etc.) are saved in that same location as the company file."

You can Look at your own computer system. You will see subfolders and files, and the "company filename" from the Windows file is part of the Naming of the associated utility files and subfolders. When you Restore a Backup, you will also see a folder that is created for "Restored_XXXcompanyNameHere_Files" and in this subfolder you Also see a file named "HowToRestoreExternalFiles.txt" that basically is a ReadMe file.

"So why would OneDrive be any different than saving that file to any other file path location?"

You are relying on Synchronization, which is not the same as "database pointer" tracking.

"In other words, why couldn't a user still use the QB Desktop file that was saved to the OneDrive location (just like any other file path location)?"

Well, one of the biggest issues is the .nd and .dsn = Data Source Name and Network Data tracking, which keep track of "who" is in the file, by computer. That is why Multi-user = concurrent use, is managed by the Database manager hosting app installed on a computer.

It's not Just Like Word and Excel. It is required to be Managed, as I explained, because it is a relational database.

"Forgive me if I am missing something technical, but I very much appreciate any further response you can offer on this topic."

It is Very technical. I copied this text and kept it for reference, from another forum topic, for why you cannot use a NAS (network atteched storage device, or Sharing an external drive in the office):

"We have to be very precise with our terminology. There is a difference in the implications of iSCSI vs just mapping a drive. It's not enough to say Quickbooks supports or doesn't support NAS devices. It doesn’t support Unmanaged devices. People who don't understand the implications can get themselves in trouble, corrupting their company files.

This also is why Static Storage such as DropBox and One Drive cannot be used.

There is a big difference between a standard NAS and Enterprise Storage.  Quickbooks needs to run on a Windows host that has "exclusive block-level" access to the storage.  There is a big difference between a device that supports Fibre-Channel and iSCSI, vs one that supports SMB, CIFS, or NFS.  

Unfortunately many "wonder machines" depend on the user to know the implications and drawbacks of the different devices.    It's one thing to have a file server to share movies and general documents.  It's quite another to host a database.  Quickbooks is a database.  Or, more specifically it is an application built over a Sybase database.    SQL-Server and Oracle have the same issues running on an external device."

"As you noted, we are otherwise considering a solution like QBox for sharing the company file with clients, but are wondering if that is even necessary for my business partner and I to share the file within the same office from separate PC's.  Thank you again!"

I am glad to offer QBox, but that would be used for sharing Not from the same office. We though you needed access from two computers Not Located near each other. It is a Coud location.

In the Same Office and wanting to share a data file = Multi-user.

Both computers install the QB program = you pay for two licenses or "seats." One computer is Hosting = installs the Database Manager hosting service, an app that runs at startup, and you don't need QB open on that File Hosting computer. Both computers Wired via an ethernet network, even if peer-to-peer through a router. You set up usernames in each file. Your Windows user needs to be Local Admin on the hosting computer, even if working from the "other" computer.

Help! I just read this article and found out that I can NOT use Dropbox to share company files with my accountant! And I have been doing it for a couple years now....  :smileyfrustrated:  It seems to have been working....  But am I in danger of losing or haveing my files corrupted at any time?  :smileysad:

It’s quite possible. QuickBooks is not designed to be used that way. It needs to be used on a local computer.

Like stated below, it won’t work. You can end up with a damaged (conflicted) file.  

You may want to consider moving to QB online.   It is cloud based without all of the issues of hosting with desktop.  

It depends on what type of file you are sharing with your accountant via dropbox. You can safely store an Accountant's copy of desktop on Dropbox for them to download in lieu of emailing through QB. You could distribute a Portable Company File or a saved backup. 

As far as sharing the folder, I'm not sure how that will work for you.  I couldn't imagine that multi-user simultaneous access is going to work, as others described about the nature of the DB file. 

I did see replies in this thread about the ability to just use the company file on OneDrive, and I wanted to add my $0.02.  I'm on QBpro 2017, and you certainly can use it on OneDrive, it'll just clobber your network constantly writing to the database file.  Even my IP cc pos terminal up at the front desk chokes when I'm in the file.  I'm a small sole prop, single user, and only make my montly entries in QB once a month for about 30 min or so it's not a big deal.  If I need to be on the file for longer, like for year end JE's etc, I will just pause OneDrive for a couple hours, or whatever, and then when I'm all finished up and closed the file, re-enable OneDrive.

It has been my experience that QB Desktop does not always like to be 'e mailed'. Other ways do transfer well. 

You may consider QBO so more people can access your data.

Cherilyn Collins

How did you access you QBW file on onedrive? I have mine saved there, but when I open company file by browsing to the onedrive location, I get a "(-6176,0)" error...thanks!

Hello meyerjamesk,

I'll join in this thread to share some details about the -6176, 0 error.

This error is caused by firewall blocking the connection between the computers. Here are some troubleshooting steps that can help you fix this error:

First, try opening the file again. You may only see these errors the first time you attempt to open a company file and opening the file a second time results in success. Next, make sure QuickBooks is updated to the latest release.

You can also toggle the UAC setting, here's how:

Windows 10, 8.1, and 8

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. On your keyboard, press Windows logo and type User Account Control.
3. Go to Settings > Change User Account Control Settings.
4. Make note of the current level and then move the slider to the highest setting, Always notify.

For more recommended troubleshooting steps, check this article:

• Resolve Error -6000, when opening a company file
• Connection to QuickBooks company file is lost

That should work for you. If you've got other questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help.

Hello, thank you for taking the time to help.

On your first point, I've tried multiple times to open this file, and have had no luck. I'm also on the latest release.

On your second point, I changed my computer to "always allow", but this went to my C:drive...the QBW file is on my OneDrive which has been mapped to my windows explorer as a Z:Drive.

I also checked the links that you had provided. I tried to change my ND and TLG files to ND.OLD and TLG.OLD. This did not work. The other option was to copy my file to my desktop to see if I can open it there. I can open it when it is saved locally.

It seems that it is not able to be opened because it is stored on my OneDrive (which has been mapped to my Z:drive in windows explorer). Any other thoughts? I would love to not have to carry around my external hard drive (which is where I am able to access my locally saved QBW file).

Thank you!

Hello - I think I may have just replied, but it seems to have not saved to the thread.

On your first point, I tried to open multiple times and checked my version (latest version available), but I cannot access.

On your second point, I checked my access and it is on "always allow", but this is for my C:Drive. My file is on my Z:Drive (which is my OneDrive mapped to windows explorer)

I also checked those links. Some tell me to copy it to my desktop and try to open. I am able to open the file from my locally saved version on my external hard drive. I also tried to switch the ND and TLG files to ND.OLD and TLG.OLD, but this did not work.

Any other thoughts? I don't want to have to carry around my external hard drive to access my quickbooks! Thanks!!!

@meyerjamesk

This is your problem: "I also tried to switch the ND and TLG files to ND.OLD and TLG.OLD, but this did not work."

You cannot use OneDrive because these types of files are Live Updated as you work. But OneDrive and DropBox and Google drive are "static storage" which means they cannot handle that the QB data file is a Relational database. Word and Excel will load the entire data file into local memory while you work. QB does not Manage the data file like this. Think of the QB connection to the data file as if that is a phone call you cannot put on hold or even set down the phone.

You can investigate QBox; that seems to be the only cloud storage for the relational data file that works for QB.

Thank you for the info. I’ve seen conflicting opinions on this. You say that OneDrive cannot be used because it is static storage, but others say that it can be used. Just confirming that there is nothing I can do to be able to use OneDrive to access and backup my QB file? I’m thinking maybe if I can turn off the auto save feature or something and just do batch saving and backups? Thanks!

OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, can be used to Store the Backups = .qbb and .qbm. Think of this as for disaster recovery purposes = offsite safe storage.

OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, cannot be used to Keep the .qbw file, the working file and folder and subfolders and associated utilities files, attachments, filed forms, anything linked to the Company file, or the Company File itself and not for Any place that would be your Company File's folder or library or file path. The Folder with the files that are live updated cannot be a Static Share.

There is no debate for QB PC Desktop. The Working file and folders need to be Managed. OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox, are not able to manage a relational database that is Live Updated as you work.

Yes, this can be pointed to a USB, to your DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive: "I’m thinking maybe if I can turn off the auto save feature or something and just do batch saving and backups?"

Let the QB program make backups and set it to Rotate them = keep only the most recent 3 or 5. This is a Perfect way to use Static Storage locations, including your own USB memory stick.

Thank you. I am already backing up to an ext hard drive and OneDrive, but was hoping there would be a way to open my QBW file from

OneDrive as well so that I do not have to carry around my ext hard drive every time I want to work (I don’t save anything to my actual computer.) 

This is Exactly what leads to a corrupt QB data file: "but was hoping there would be a way to open my QBW file from OneDrive as well."

There is nothing intrinsic about the way QB works that prevents it from being used on One Drive, Drop Box etc. Intuit prevents it from being used that way because they want to force you to upgrade to their hosted service.

The fact that QB contains a DB is irrelevant. For example, One Drive works by keeping a local copy of the files and then syncing them with the remote cloud version. QB may generate a lot of network traffic with all that synchronization, but the local copy always reflects the changes and provided you don't have some catastrophic machine failure before data can be synced remotely, the cloud version will also eventually reflect those changes.

Unfortunately, intuit do not tell you that they cripple their software so you can't run on a cloud drive. I started my company file on One Drive and have no problem opening and editing it, but now I have discovered that none of the saved backups can be restored.

This is infuriating. I am considering initiating a class-action lawsuit against intuit.

@IH8QuikB

You are Wrong about this: "There is nothing intrinsic about the way QB works that prevents it from being used on One Drive, Drop Box etc."

This is a Relational Database and there are associated utility files that are Live Updated while you work. It isn't just the .qbw that is Updated. Unlike Word and Excel, while you work on a data file, it is not Loaded into local memory.

"Intuit prevents it from being used that way because they want to force you to upgrade to their hosted service."

Oh, nonsense. If you want to understand this, fine. Otherwise, please take your Conspiracy theories off the Peer user Community.

The file is Managed; you didn't even tell us if you want Concurrent Sharing or just two different computers accessing the files individually. We can help you learn, but you would need to ask.

"The fact that QB contains a DB is irrelevant. For example, One Drive works by keeping a local copy of the files and then syncing them with the remote cloud version."

Which is Not going to work for QB; sorry if you don't Like that answer. It's like a phone call that cannot be put on hold or paused. While you work, that transaction is Open and Live. When you Save it, it Updates the data base. it isn't being held hostage or in some temporary folder.

"QB may generate a lot of network traffic with all that synchronization, but the local copy always reflects the changes and provided you don't have some catastrophic machine failure before data can be synced remotely, the cloud version will also eventually reflect those changes."

Let's try this, again: You can work on a DropBox file that is On Your Computer and sync'd to the Cloud. You cannot work on the Dropbox copy and expect someone else to also use it. You use Local Storage for the Working file. Think of what happens if there is a pause in the internet traffic = a hiccup in transmission. For most programs that load the data into local memory, they just pause transmission. For a live update relational database, the connection was Dropped and what you were doing no longer is connected to the file. You risk getting the messages such as "Connection to the data file has been lost" and "Last Transaction not saved; rolling back to the previously saved transaction."

You can risk corrupting your file; no one would stop you. But, this is my Precious Business data, and I like not taking risks with it.

"Unfortunately, intuit do not tell you that they cripple their software so you can't run on a cloud drive."

Yes, this is in the support articles.

And you can investigate QBox; that provider seems to have the coding support that manages the Shared Data File on a cloud server. Which is something I would also never recommend. But then, I like to have local access and local control for Desktop computing.

"I started my company file on One Drive and have no problem opening and editing it, but now I have discovered that none of the saved backups can be restored."

Actually, Backups, from within the QB Backup function using the setting of Full Verification, is the Only Recommended use of DropBox or One Drive. I make a Backup at the end of the working session, and the copy is made to a USB, mirrored on the local computer and to a dropbox location. The QB program can be set to Rotate backups = only keep the most recent 3 or 5.

You can do whatever you want to, but if you want to Learn how to use tools, you pay attention to what people are telling you. Complaining that it doesn't work how you Want it to work, when you did not Write the program, really won't change how it works. If we give you hammer, we can teach you to build a hospital or a doghouse. But first, you should listen to the people describe how to hold and use a hammer, and not complain that it won't dig a Ditch for you.

This is infuriating. I am considering initiating a class-action lawsuit against intuit.