Use one data file between two computers

@bpike 

If you want to utilize the cloud storage service (e.g OD, GD, DB), make sure to only keep one data file at a time to lower any duplicated file. Then you may secure some backup files locally. I would not recommend to access your data file directly on the free cloud storage. The platforms are not designed for that purpose. Consider having a remote desktop app if you don't like to download/upload data file to the free cloud storage.

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

Thanks John. I was thinking of using OneDrive just as a place to store the file as I go back and for the between work and home. Then I can download it to the local computer and override the data file located there so I would not need to backup/restore as the file contains the same name. So I would work on the computer and once I quit Qb then take the data file and upload to OneDrive to then download from the other computer if need be. 

In addition, when I quit QB on one computer it should automatically sync to OD. When I turn on the 2nd computer, OD would then sync the latest version down to the local file storage folder.

Make sense?

The company file would run locally. My thought was to use OneDrive to only store the latest file. I would download it locally to whichever computer I was working on and override the current local data file as they will contain the same name. Then once I quit QB I would upload the local data file to OD to be able to pull down and override on the second computer.

Does this make sense and sound like a solution?

@bpike 

Yes you can do that. Don't forget to secure some backup files (QBB) locally as insurance.

Thanks for all the feedback.

With the Remote Desktop app/software, will I be able to access a laptop that is closed or does it need to be open?  I am sure it needs to be on.

You can count on me, @Downeyland.

Generally, yes, you'll need an open laptop to access the QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) program remotely. However, it's best to consult with your remote or hosting provider. Some allow you to access QBDT on your device remotely as long as it's connected to the internet.

Also, the pandemic has impacted almost all businesses. Thus, the work from home set up is the new trend we're currently adapting. QuickBooks has a handy article that outlines various options for effective remote set up: How to set up QuickBooks Desktop to work from home.

For good practice, you can always back up your company files. This way, you can restore them in case you need some copies later on.

Stay in touch with me if you have more questions about managing QuickBooks. I'm here to help you anytime.

@Downeyland 

By default, Windows puts your notebook to sleep when you close the lid. You may configure it in Windows Setting. As another option, you may let the lid open but set it to the blank screen to avoid anyone notice what you are doing remotely.

My company is late to the work from home party. As of 1/1/22, I have a hybrid situation and can work from home sometimes, but don't always know ahead of time when that will be. Because of this, I use OneDrive to store my QuickBooks file. I am a single user on Premiere Nonprofit 2020 Desktop. I have two computers,  home and at work, with the same version on both. 

At the end of each day, I run the QB automatic Create Local Backup process and that file saves directly to the OneDrive. The next day, I move the file to where I am working (home or work) and run the Restore Company file. This means I am almost always running on the restored backup file. Let me be clear, I do not run QB with the file while it is on the OneDrive, just the one housed locally.

My question is two parts:
A) Is this the best process to ensure I am using the most current file? Should I be backing up locally and then moving the backup to the OneDrive? Or should I be moving my daily full file (.QBW) and the associated .ND & .TLG files to and from the OneDrive.

B) I use attachments, which is a huge file. Do I need to move the entire file every day or is there a way to move just items I "attached today" to the OneDrive? And then move the Attach file to where I am working locally the next day.

I hope this is clear. I have looked at a lot of posts regarding OneDrive and I understand it can only be used to store the file, not run QB. My employer will not spend money to host separately, etc.

Welcome to the thread, @CAC-ALD. 

I'm here to answer your queries in handling your file when working at home and office.

As for your first question, you were right that you should be backing up locally. Then, move the backup file to the OneDrive if working at the office and vice versa when working at home since only one computer can access the data file(s) at one time. By doing this, you'll have the most current updated file.

To know more about accessing your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) file stored at a different location, check this article and go to Option 3: Set up or open a company file from a remote computer section: How to set up QuickBooks Desktop to work from home.

Then, for your 2nd question, to ensure you won't miss any data when doing a backup, you'll need to move the entire file every day.

For additional reference, here's an article to further guide you in managing your company data and your business's growth using QBDT: QuickBooks Help Articles. It includes topics about data security, banking, and expenses, to name a few. You can click the + More topics button to view other selections.

Fill me in if you need a hand when running your business in QuickBooks. I'll be here to make sure you're taken care of. Keep safe and healthy.

Thanks for your help! My "remote" computer is my home because I mostly work at work. I will try setting up option 3 when I am next working from home and will follow up if I have questions. Because of its size, the Attach file can take about 20 minutes to backup so I wish there was a way to have the main file updated with just changes. Thanks again, your answer is greatly appreciated.