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December 11, 2018
Question

Automatic backup not running

  • December 11, 2018
  • 6 replies
  • 11 views

I have a backup set to run but they never do and when I check the settings I noticed it says not scheduled.  I am running Enterprise v17 R5_102 on Windows 10.  Any ideas how to fix this?

6 replies

Level 9
December 11, 2018

Hi ross.kovelman,

I'd be glad to help you set up an automatic back up in QuickBooks.

Let's check to make sure if the automatic backup was set up correctly. Here's how:

  1. Go to the File menu and select Save Copy or Back Up.  The Save Copy or Backup window opens.
  2. Select Backup Copy and click Next.
  3. If you haven't already done so, click Options to set your backup defaults (such as where you want to save your local backup) and then click Next.
  4. Select Change Location or Use this Location.
  5. Click Next.
  6. Click Save it now and schedule future backups or Only schedule future backups, and then click Next.
  7. Select the Save backup copy automatically when I close my company file every [number] times box.
  8. Enter a number in the field provided, and then click Finish.

You can refer to this article for more detailed steps: How do I set up automatic backups, scheduled backups, and backup reminders?

If the setup is correct, please try to run the Verify Data Utility Tool (File > Utilities > Verify Data) to identify data errors. When prompted for an error, run the Rebuild Data Utility Tool (File > Utilities > Rebuild Data).

Feel free to comment down below if you need help with anything else.

December 11, 2018
I have done this already but they do not run.
May 14, 2019

Just wondering if there was ever a resolution to this?  I have QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2019 and recently upgraded to a new computer with Windows 10 and my automatic (local) backups are not working.  I have tried deleting the scheduled backup and creating a new one, double checking the backup location (manual backups work), uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks and also checking the compatibility mode.  When I try to change the compatibility mode, it doesn't give me an option for Windows 10 - Windows 8 is the latest version it shows.  I even called QuickBooks support and they told me I would have to pay for premium support or figure it out myself.  So here I am.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Rose-A
Level 10
May 14, 2019

I'm glad you reached out to us today, Megan10.

I want to ensure you'll be able to back up your QuickBooks file. Let's get this scheduled backup working for you.

 

There are things that we need to check first before bucking up your QuickBooks data file.

 

  • File Name Too Long - having a Company file name that exceeds 65 characters definitely can be the cause of your backup failing. We also have seen this when the file name has a lot of spaces, underscores, and special characters.
  • File Too Big - If you're attempting to back up a QuickBooks file that's more than 3 GIG in size.
  • Improper Drive or Insufficient Access Rights - Nothing will stop a QuickBooks Backup faster than attempting to shuttle it off onto an external drive or flash drive, or into a directory where not only you but the QuickBooks Database Server, hasn’t received the necessary Windows access rights (full permissions).
  • Preference Setting Conflict - Another cause for automatic or scheduled backups failing stems from the use of the "Keep QuickBooks running for quick startups" feature. While QuickBooks goes through the motions of creating the backup until the very end, it never actually finishes. In these cases, a .tmp file is usually created in the QuickBooks directory where your file is resident.

Once you're done checking these things, you can try to schedule a backup again. If you're getting the same issue, repairing QuickBooks is a good start when it comes to fixing program-related issues.

 

Windows 10, 8/8.1, and 7. Don't be misled by references to the Installation Wizard. It is the Installation Wizard that runs Repair:

 

  1. Restart your computer to close unnecessary programs interfering with QuickBooks.
  2. Back up your QuickBooks company file.
  3. Select Start and then Control Panel. (In Windows 8/8.1: From the Start menu, open Search and type Control Panel. From the results, select Control Panel.)
  4. Select Programs and Features. If necessary, choose Uninstall a program.
    (If you don't see these options, select Programs, then Program Features.)
  5. Select QuickBooks in the list of programs and choose Uninstall/Change.
  6. Select Continue, then Next.
  7. Select Repair then Next. Wait for the Repair to complete.
  8. Choose Finish. Restart your computer if prompted.
  9. Don't forget to download the latest QuickBooks release and the latest payroll tax table when you open QuickBooks.

You can get more details in this article: Fix QuickBooks Desktop (Windows).

 

I’d appreciate if you can update me on how it goes or if you ran into a different situation by leaving a reply below. I’m always here to help you with backing up your data.

May 14, 2019

Hello, I'll try to answer each item in order below:

- File names are not too long (do not exceed 65 characters).  The file names do have spaces because they are the company names, but I never had issues with the automatic backups on my previous computer (which was running Windows 7) using the same company files/names.

- Files are not greater than 3 GIG.

- How do I check to see if QuickBooks has the necessary access rights in Windows?

- I don't have an option for "Keep QuickBooks running for quick startups" in My Preferences.

 

I've already uninstalled/reinstalled QuickBooks and tried to repair it as well, to no avail.  I have a feeling it has something to do with access rights or compatibility with Windows 10, but haven't been able to locate the issue yet.  When I try to run in compatibility mode, it doesn't have an option for Windows 10.  Is there an update or something I need to install for compatibility with Windows 10?

March 29, 2020

I too am having the same issue. I have a saved back up profile and I have provided the back up with my login password for windows and it will not run the back up. I have the working file on a mapped drive on the server because we are multi-user. The back up does not even attempt to work and it did before. The difference I have is that I just replaced my server and I used to have 2016 and 2019 database manager on the server. Now I just have 2019 database manager and it does not even think about working. I have set the time on saved back up for a couple of minutes out to watch it and it does not do anything at all. It is beyond me how bad quickbooks deals with the file being in another location. We constantly have issues where it will not allow the file to be opened in multi-user and now this issue with the file not being able to back up. It is not that hard!!! I have tried everything to get the file to back up automatically and it will not back up. 

MarsStephanieL
Level 6
March 29, 2020

I appreciate you for providing complete information and a screenshot above, Davep0071.

 

For now, we have an ongoing investigation about QuickBooks Desktop failed scheduled local backup on Windows 10. Rest assured that our product engineers are actively working to get this issue fixed.

 

As of the moment, I suggest using the manual backups. You can also use the Intuit Data Protect to back up your files. This service works directly with QuickBooks Desktop to keep your data safe.

 

To set up the service, you can check out this article: Set up Intuit Data Protect to back up files.

 

Also, to be notified if the issue is fixed. I recommend contacting our Customer Care Team to include you on the list of affected users and send you an email once the issue is resolved.

 

I appreciate your patience while we're working on this. Take care.

June 11, 2020
It worked for me by changing the setting in Task Scheduler to "Run only when user is logged on". The default was on "Run whether user is logged on or not". Hope this helps you too. Cheers!
February 1, 2022

it work for me 

thanks a lot

January 8, 2021

I never could get it working myself. UNTIL, I moved the company file in the 'standard' location for QB Company files.

Which is C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\YOURFOLDERNAME\YOURFILE.qbw

 

Hope this helps

April 18, 2026
 
 
 

quickbooks backup says it is done backing up to date disconnecting but that was 2 hours ago

QuickBooks Team
April 18, 2026

Hi there, Maria. You need to verify the backup file manually in your storage folder instead of waiting for the progress bar to disappear to move forward, Maria. This ensures your data is safe even if the software UI hangs up.

 

QuickBooks operates on a handshake logic. Once the data is compressed into the backup file, the program checks the integrity of your drive. If there is a slight delay in your connection or a minor conflict with your antivirus software, the window may stay open even after the file has successfully finished processing. While this can be inconvenient, it does not mean that your backup was unsuccessful.

 

To reflect this accurately in your records, you'll want to check the destination folder. You can visit our Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file guide for detailed steps on setting up backup defaults.

 

You can close the program afterwards. Just press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard and select Task Manager. Locate QuickBooks in the list and select End Task. This will close the frozen window for you to continue working.

 

When you reopen the file, ensure the backup is available to protect your books.

 

Please feel welcome to send a reply here or create a new thread if there are any questions. The Community's always here to help.