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paulgosselin
Level 1

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

I will be the only user

Solved
Best answer December 10, 2018

Best Answers
john-pero
Community Champion

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

By back and forth with backup/restore a full company file or a portable company file. To have just one company data file you have to have the file hosted or host yourself on a single always on computer.

Or use a remote desktop app and from second computer access first computer as if you were on it

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65 Comments 65
john-pero
Community Champion

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

By back and forth with backup/restore a full company file or a portable company file. To have just one company data file you have to have the file hosted or host yourself on a single always on computer.

Or use a remote desktop app and from second computer access first computer as if you were on it

Lexiesmemere
Level 7

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

If these computers are in the same office and networked (not wirelessly), you could purchase a second license, install it, and set the computers up in multi-user mode.

mommie-salami
Level 2

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

I just purchased QB2019 for MAC. I have a computer at home and my laptop that I take to the office and on location. Can I transfer the QB2019 data file onto a usb drive and then onto the other computer so I can use is when not at home? Two computers max will be used. Single user. or even use airdrop between the two computers? Many times they sit side by side.

Anonymous
Not applicable

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

It's nice to have you as part of the conversation, @mommie-salami,

 

I can share some insights about installing the software on different computers.

 

If you're using a single user license and is not using the file simultaneously, you're able to install QuickBooks on different PC. However, doing this does not automatically sync the data on both locations. You can, however, create a backup of your company file and restore it to the other PC using your USB. Let me guide you through the steps:

 

Step 1: Create a backup copy.

  1. Launch QuickBooks for Mac 2015 (if you haven’t already).
  2. Go to QuickBooks.
  3. Choose Preferences.
  4. Select Backup.

Step 2: Restore the file.

  1. Locate the backup copy and double click the .dmg file.
  2. Drag the company file (with .qbXXXX extension) to the folder where you want to save the file.
  3. Drag the Attached Documents Library folder (if applicable) to the same folder as the QuickBooks company file.
  4. Click the copy of the company file saved on the desired location or go to File > Open Company.

However, if you are using both PC's at the same time, and would want to sync your transactions automatically, it is best to purchase a secondary license to enable Multi-user mode. This feature ensures all users can access the file at the same instance. To know more about this, please checkout Step 5 of this article: Install and set up QuickBooks Mac Desktop

 

Please feel free to post an update below if you have additional questions. I'll be more than happy to help you at any time. All the best!

mommie-salami
Level 2

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

Thank you Jen, I am giving this a try. 

Zube
Level 1

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

Jen, Do you have a quick guide to set up PC for multiuser? I just purchased 2019 pro desktop and bought the multi-license version.  I have never done this before.  We have always just had one computer and one log-in. I downloaded the software on both computers and have them both backed up - all the same info.    THanks for any help!!

Anonymous
Not applicable

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

Welcome to our forums, @Zube,

 

I appreciate the time you've given joining this conversation. It's my pleasure to help and guide you set up the multi-user feature for your QuickBooks Pro licenses.

 

Before we start, please make sure your PC meets the system requirements for QuickBooks 2019 to avoid compatibility issues when installing the program and enabling the multi-user network. Once done, follow the steps to install QuickBooks on your workstation:

  1. Download the software to your laptop through this link: Download QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Complete the download information and click Search.
  3. Click the Download button.
  4. Once the download is complete, the installation will automatically start. If it doesn't, double click the installer file to proceed.
  5. Select Yes to All the hit Next.
  6. Mark the Software License Agreement then click Next.
  7. Enter the License and Product numbers, then hit Next.
  8. Pick the type of installation you want.
  9. Choose where you want to save QuickBooks.
  10. Pick a new install location or select Next to install to the default directory.
  11. Click Install.

Once installed, follow the steps found in this article to start the network: Set up multi-user network

 

To switch between modes:

  1. Go to the QuickBooks File menu.
  2. Choose either Switch to Single-user Mode or Switch to Multi-user Mode.

 

I'm also including some resources that walk a user through the install process:

 

I'm confident you'll have the software installed in no time. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know by clicking the Reply button below. Have a great day!

RettaCarl
Level 1

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

Could this be done via a file in dropbox? Just wondering, if I am using the computer in the office and the laptop at home, can I set it up so both automatically back up and access from a drop box file? Pros and cons? I'm really bad about remembering to do things like grab the flash drive before heading to the office. I've read a couple of things about hosting one computer too but not sure how that works if one computer is home and one is in the office.

KlentB
Moderator

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

I'm here to share some information about backing up and restoring company file, RettaCarl.

 

 

You can use DropBox in synchronizing your company file. The advantage of using Dropbox is you can access it anytime and anywhere since it's a web-based program. However, we don't recommend it because there are times that connectivity and syncing issues occur upon performing the backup process.

 

Since you've that you've like to access your company file in your home and office, you'll want to host a QuickBooks Desktop company file. This way, you'll be able to access QBDT remotely using an internet browser or remote desktop connection from your home or office. QuickBooks Desktop with Hosting offers protection anytime, anywhere, and on any device accessing your data. You and your team (if you have one) can all work with the same info at the same time no matter where they are and no matter if they use a Mac, PC, or tablet. 

 

With this program, your QuickBooks software and data are stored on an enterprise-level web server at a secure facility. Then, you can access them over a secure internet connection from anywhere or any device rather than using your local network.

 

For more information about this program, you can read the articles that I've listed below:

 

I've also included an article that will guide you in setting up a multi-user network: Hosting your company data in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

We're always open here, so don't hesitate to tap us if you have further questions regarding this matter. As always, assistance is just one comment away.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

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

@RettaCarl

I am opposed our clients using a public cloud storage (e.g DBox, GDrive) to sync their data files. Most of the time, the data file would be damaged. You should only utilize it for storage or backup purpose. Consider using a remote desktop solution.

my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

There is another solution should you need running on multi-user mode

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi all,

 

I have a question about this topic. I hope I can find a solution way here.

 

I have the Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2020 . I have this tool on two different computers and this tool is used by two different people in different locations. So, these computers aren`t in same networks. We want to do changes on the same Quickbooks file. How can I sync Quickbooks files between two computers?

 

Thanks for your answers in advance.

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi,

 

I have a question about this topic. I hope I can find a solution way here.

 

I have the Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2020 . I have this tool on two different computers and this tool is used by two different people in different locations. So, these computers aren`t in same networks. We want to do changes on the same Quickbooks file. How can I sync Quickbooks files between two computers?

 

Thanks for your answers in advance.

Kendra H
QuickBooks Team

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

Good afternoon, @ahmeto

 

Thanks for posting in the Community. I'd be happy to share some insights about combining two accounts in QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

To make sure we're on the same page, are you trying to merge two company files in QuickBooks? If so, that option is currently unavailable.

 

However, there's one way you can communicate the files in two separate locations would be to use a 3rd party software called Right Networks. Below, I have included a helpful article with further information about Right Networks: 

 

Please know that I'm just a post away if you're referring to something else or if you have any other questions about QuickBooks. I'll be happy to help you out. Have a great day ahead!

 

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi again,

 

Thanks for your reply but this is not what I mean. Let me explain that with an example..

 

I have to make changes on the same file with my colleague. For example, I need to create a purchase order and I want him to be able to enter different items at the same time while I am entering items. How can we access the same file through two different computers?

 

Thanks.

AileneA
QuickBooks Team

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

I appreciate your explanation, @ahmeto. I want to ensure that we're on the same page, are you referring to a transaction? Where you working on a present transaction and your colleague is updating/add some items to the currently running transaction is not possible. 

 

The multi-user function is allowing 2 or more people to work on the same company but can't work on the same transaction. 

 

This article will provide you the information about the features available in single-user mode and multi-user mode. Refer to the tables to get to know about the features that available and unavailable in both the modes so that you can select as per your requirements.: Features available and tasks you can perform in single or multi-user mode.  

 

Just in-case, I've add this article for your future reference: Hosting your company data in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop

 

We're always here for you, so don't hesitate to click the Reply button if you have further questions regarding this matter. As always, assistance is just one post away. Take care!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

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

@ahmeto 

Just to clarify, do you wish to work on the same data file at the same time with your partner? Or do you wish to work on the same screen when creating/editing a transaction? 

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi @Fiat Lux - ASIA ,

 

I want to create/edit a transaction on the same Quickbooks file with my partner.  Working on the same file with my partner is not necessity being at the same time but it can be better if it is possible. The most important thing we want is to be able to make changes on the same file. I mean that I want to enable these changes ( creating/editing) on the Quickbooks files in each computer that not in the same networks when my partner and I make changes on the file. And we both want to see these changes and work on this file on our computers. In short, I just want to sync these changes on both side.  How can we do that?

 

Thanks,

Adrian_A
Moderator

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

Thank for getting back to us, ahmeto.

 

I can see how helpful the option to sync data on a different computer at the same time help your business. That said, I'd recommend setting up the Multi-user network option.

 

With the multi-user network, one computer hosts your company files. This is your server computer. 

 

All other users that have access to the file, can make and sync any changes at the same time. You can check this article for more information: Set up and install a multi-user network.

 

I'm just here to help if you have other concerns about the multi-user network. Stay safe!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

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

@ahmeto 

You may have 2 option:

1. If anyone of you is using a desktop, consider to deploy a private cloud. It costs $25/month/access

https://partners.myquickcloud.com/?pc=fiatlux

 

2. If you are using any supporting QB version (i.e 2017-2020) and both of you are using notebooks or mobile devices, you may put your own license and data files on an authorized QB hosting. The cost starts from $30/month

http://www.apps4rent.com/#a_aid=quickbooks

 

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi @Adrian_A ,

 

I have a question about that. Is this option possible for computers that not in the same network? Because I read an article about this matter. 

It says :

``To sync files between two computers, you must connect both to the same network and make sure you've set the correct installation options for each computer. ``

 

You can find this information below link.

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/sync-quickbooks-files-between-two-computers-61319.html

 

Thanks.

MaryLurleenM
Moderator

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

I appreciate the reference, ahmeto.

 

You can only sync the files with computers running on the same network.

 

If you have not yet done that, you can follow the steps on the reference you attached.

 

Stay in touch with me if you have additional questions.

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi @MaryLurleenM ,

 

But our computers are not on the same network. In this case, how can we sync them?

Thanks,

 

ahmeto
Level 1

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

Hi @Fiat Lux - ASIA,

 

Could you please explain these solutions?

Thanks,

 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

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

@ahmeto 

You may click to the links I have mentioned. If you are still confused about it, send your email address in a private message to us. We may help you to decide which option is better for your needs.

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