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jandhcody
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Is there a way to backup my quickbooks to my google drive so that I can access it from multiple computers? Also wondering if I can install my program on our business laptop for when my husband is out of town and on our desktop for when we are at home and they will communicate

Solved
Best answer January 15, 2019

Best Answers
Lexiesmemere
Level 7

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

You should never try to RUN QB from Dropbox, Google driver, etc., but saving a backup to it, downloading when needed, restoring, working, then backing up again is fine.

https://betterbottomline.com/dont-try-to-run-quickbooks-pro-premier-or-enterprise-via-dropbox-google...

Your license allows you to install a single user license on up to two computers (the intention is that it is to be used by one person), but you cannot configure the two computers for multi-users.  You will have to back up from one, restore to the second, then back up from the second, restore to the first (never using the backed up computer in the meantime), etc., which can open the door for problems if you inadvertently work in the backed up computer while the other is in use.  You might want to consider a remote access program like LogMeIn,SplashTop, JoinMe or  TeamViewer, designating the desktop as the host and the laptop as the remote computer (you don't even need QB on the remote computer as you work in the host QB) or have your file hosted (Intuit now offers that service) so that you can access it online from any internet connection.

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16 Comments 16
Lexiesmemere
Level 7

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

You should never try to RUN QB from Dropbox, Google driver, etc., but saving a backup to it, downloading when needed, restoring, working, then backing up again is fine.

https://betterbottomline.com/dont-try-to-run-quickbooks-pro-premier-or-enterprise-via-dropbox-google...

Your license allows you to install a single user license on up to two computers (the intention is that it is to be used by one person), but you cannot configure the two computers for multi-users.  You will have to back up from one, restore to the second, then back up from the second, restore to the first (never using the backed up computer in the meantime), etc., which can open the door for problems if you inadvertently work in the backed up computer while the other is in use.  You might want to consider a remote access program like LogMeIn,SplashTop, JoinMe or  TeamViewer, designating the desktop as the host and the laptop as the remote computer (you don't even need QB on the remote computer as you work in the host QB) or have your file hosted (Intuit now offers that service) so that you can access it online from any internet connection.

pngrini
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Thanks for the advice.  I am wondering how this squares with the support for iCloud in Quickbooks Desktop for Mac 2019.  It suggest that it is OK to have a company file on iCloud "or other sharing services such as Dropbox, One Drive" etc.

ShiellaGraceA
QuickBooks Team

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hi pngrini,

 

In addition to Lexiesmemerea's post. QuickBooks for Mac 2019 has a new product enhancement called iCloud document sharing.

 

To understand how and how not to use iCloud Document Sharing, you'll want to check out this article: ICloud Document Sharing and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2019.

 

Always swing by anytime if you have further questions. We're here to help you.

Henningsen
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I was wondering, does desktop pro 2020 allow me to set up QB remotely? My goal is to be able to use QB on my laptop and sync with my desktop. I read I would need to create a back up and go back and fourth as I work from each. I was trying to avoid opening up for problems of inadvertently working between the two and missing a back up. Does 2020 version allow for the desktop to be a host and allow me to remotely work so I do not need to back up every time?

 

 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@Henningsen 

As mentioned by other members, you may purchase a remote desktop app.

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

 

Renewable01
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I am trying to figure out the same thing. I'm trying to figure out how to transfer over vendors' information and transactions that my new assistant had entered into her computer, over to my main computer that has the QB Desktop Contractors Edition 2019 originally installed on. 

I backed up what I had originally on an external, then downloaded it onto her computer here at the office so that she could enter vendors and their information, but now I'm wondering how to merge the two to update my main QB account with the information she has entered, without losing what I have recently entered on my own. 

 Any advice?  Thanks!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@Renewable01 

You need a 3rd party tool to migrate data between company files

https:// transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd

https:// partners.saasant.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=5051_2

 

 

 

Renewable01
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Thank you for your response, @Fiat Lux - ASIA 

Do I need a 3rd party program to only do this conversion one time?  Meaning, I had outside help assist in entering numerous vendors and invoices, as I continued with my daily on the main QB profile on my computer.  This won't be a regular occurrence of needed to merge the files, I just need to add what she has entered on the second computer into my main QB Desktop program.  Thank you in advance!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

You may utilize IIF feature for free but it only offers limited capability comparing to the 3rd party tool I have mentioned.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/manage-lists/tasks-you-can-do-with-iif-files/00/20...

 

SpecmarAus
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

 

Hi Lexiesmemere

Interesting post

 

 I too have a question re 2 computers how do you download the App onto a Second Windows Laptop as O do not wish to have it on my mobile or tablet.  Forgive me if this has been dealt with before...:)

Regards SpecmarAus

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@SpecmarAus 

Should you need to access QB on other computer, you may utilize a remote desktop app as mentioned earlier. I would recommend ST with the lower cost.

https:// my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

SpecmarAus
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

We have remote access however we will not be leaving the desktop online Thank you for your advise

 

SpecmarAus
Level 2

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Solved simply log on at Quickbook's

TVP
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I'm not techy (Sorry) at all, but I'd like to use my laptop on vacation and access my QB's. My laptop has Windows 8.1.  Is there an Easy way to do this? I see a response from one tech to buy Splashtop.  That's all good but, I also know that doesn't have anything to do with all the set up on both computers. I've always just called and talked with someone to walk me through it.  Is that still available? When I called a number it refrerred me here to the chat room.

DivinaMercy_N
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I've got you covered, @TVP.

 

You can create a backup copy of your company file and save it in a hard drive then restore the file on your laptop. Once you're ready to go back and access your company data on your computer, create a backup copy again and restore it.

 

To start, you'll need to install QuickBooks Desktop on your laptop. To determine the compatibility of the software with your Windows version, see this article for more info: System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop

 

Also, if you need further assistance in doing the process, follow these easy steps to connect with our live support:

 

  1. Click the Help menu at the top, and then select QuickBooks Desktop Help
  2. Hit Contact Us.
  3. Enter a brief description of your issue, for example: Use my laptop on vacation and access my QuickBooks.
  4. Tap Let's talk. 
  5. Choose Start a chat or Get a call.  qbhelp3.JPG

 

Here's a great source where you can find articles that can help you in managing your books in QuickBooks, please visit our QBDT help articles page. This includes topics such as reconciliation, track income, and expenses, run reports, etc.

 

Feel free to leave a reply if you have further questions about accessing your QuickBooks on your laptop. I'll be here to answer them for you. Stay safe.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@TVP 

Agreed, I also have recommended ST for your case. 

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

 

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