Payroll processed on mobile laptop but not desktop (forgot to backup and transfer to desktop before resuming business on the desktop)- how to fix and include this transaction on my desktop.

Thanks for posting here, @terrywag.

Let me share some information about adding payroll data. Importing payroll data is unavailable. You can either restore a backup (backup copy from your laptop) or run your payroll normally in your desktop file.

To restore:

1. On your QuickBooks desktop, go to the File menu.
2. Choose Open or Restore Company. Then, select Restore a backup copy.
3. Tap Next. Then, tap Local Backup and then Next. Browse your computer for your backup company file. 
4. Pick a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then, Open.
5. Click Save. 

See this article for details: Restore a backup of your company file.

To create payroll on your desktop file, refer to this article: How do I create a paycheck for an employee?

With the above steps, you're able to record your payroll on your desktop company file. 

I'm also adding this link to help you manage your payroll-related tasks: View all help for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you still have questions or concerns with payroll data. I'll be around to assist you. Take care and stay safe.

Thank you very much for your reply- this is what I was initially thinking to do.

My concern is that if I process the payroll on my desktop file will I get the "send data to Intuit" message like I normally do?

I'm worried that Intuit might think I am trying to double the payroll for that period (which I'm not).

I'm here to help you with your payroll concern in QuickBooks Desktop, terrywag.

It usually happens when QuickBooks connects your data to Intuit's server. Two possible options will show up. Either the Send Usage Data (for non-direct deposit users) or Send Payroll Data (for direct deposit and Assisted Payroll users) option. If you don't work with direct deposit, you'll want to select Employees, then Send Usage Data to send your data for non-direct deposit employees. There's several reasons why you may need to do this:

• To update your version of QuickBooks Desktop with Intuit. This is important especially if you were previously using a discontinued version of QuickBooks Desktop. This allows Intuit to know that you are now using a supported version of QuickBooks.
• To verify your bank account information after a Bank Account Change is processed
• To notify Intuit after voiding a paycheck.
• To recover the latest payroll service fees check (Direct Deposit liability check) in the register.

In your case, the purpose would be to verify your QuickBooks version and ensure you're using a supported product. To know more about the several reasons why you need to send data, check out the How to connect to Intuit's servers in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll article. For more information about sending usage data, as well as how to fix an incorrect time zone, see the Error: QuickBooks has encountered a problem sending your usage data article to troubleshoot the issue.

Feel free to visit our Payroll page for more insights about managing your payroll transactions on the software. 

I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you, please let me know if you have any other issues or concerns. Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you. You have a good one.