Can you download and run quickbooks from a portable drive instead of the C drive?

We don't recommend running QuickBooks from a portable drive, JenniferGrace.

One of the system requirements for QuickBooks is to install it on a particular system or environment that was designed for. Hence, you need a 4X DVD-ROM drive for CD installations.

I'm adding this link for additional information: System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2022. It includes what operating system, hardware, software, and other requirements to run the software.

You may use a portable drive if you need to create a backup copy of your company file. Then, move the copy to a local hard drive when restoring the file.

Let me provide the steps on how restore the file.

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Restore a backup copy, then Next.
3. Select Local Backup, then Next.
4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file, then Open.
6. If you open the backup in the same folder as your existing company file, you may overwrite your data.
7. When you're ready, select Save.
8. If you see any messages about possibly overwriting your data, select the option that best fits your needs. Don't overwrite anything unless you know you want to.

To avoid overwriting anything, you can rename your existing company file or the backup so the names are unique. Or you can save the backup in a completely separate folder. 

If you run into issues while restoring the backup file, here's how to fix them.

Keep me posted by leaving a comment below if you have additional questions about installing QuickBooks. I'll be right here to help you through the process.

@JenniferGrace 

QB Desktop is not designed to run in such way. If you are working solo, you can utilize a remote desktop app as a workaround.

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

Thank you.

Thanks!

I also have a question about running off the portable drive or backing up and then restoring.  I'm traveling in the next 3 weeks and need to process payroll with direct deposit while gone each week.  I have QB on a larger HP laptop that I DO NOT want to tote around.  My thought was to back up my file to the portable SSD and work through it using a newer Lenovo ThinkPad, but not load QB to Lenovo, and when I return restore back up to the HP. 

My questions are:  can I work through the portable? and is it possible to use wifi (payroll processing and direct deposit, paystubs) through a portable?

It's nerve racking because I'm afraid of losing data but I have to do payroll while I'm gone.  I really don't want to put QB on the ThinkPad if not necessary.

Welcome to the Community space, MichelleR1.

I understand that having QuickBooks Desktop installed on a portable drive makes it simple for you to work and process payroll. I'll provide more information about this.

To answer your questions is no since working with QuickBooks and processing payroll through a portable or wifi isn't possible. We're unable to install QuickBooks Desktop on a portable drive since it's designed to work only on a physical drive C. However, you can create a backup of your company file and save it on your portable drive.

Here's how:

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. Go to the File menu again and hover over Back up Company. Then click Create Local Backup.
3. In the window, select Local Backup and then Next.
4. In the Local Backup Only section, select Browse and choose your portable drive to save your backup file.
5. This runs a test to ensure your backup file is in good shape before you save it.
6. When you're ready, hit OK.
7. Select Save it now and Next.

For your reference, you can read this article for more details: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

If you want to work and process payroll while you on the go, you may consider switching to QuickBooks Online. You can keep track of your records and process your payroll as long as you have an internet connection: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

In addition, I've included the following resource to help you restore a company file stored on a portable drive: Restore a backup of your company file.

You're welcome to post again if you need anything else. We're always available to help you.

@MichelleR1 

You still need to install QB on your new machine to restore the backup file and work on it. Are you the only one using QB at your office?

Yes, I am the only user of the computer period.  

Yes I am the only one using the computer.  I have TeamViewer on the HP and it is in my home.  There's no problem leaving the machine on, but I worry about it not connecting correctly or locking up and wanting to restart.  I've never been far enough away and for a long enough period that I couldn't get back to the HP should that happen.

You can install a QB Desktop license for single user on 2 different machines as long as you don't run QuickBooks at the same time.

If I'm going to install to the new machine, would I be better to purchase the new 2023 Desktop version and download it to the new machine, then do a backup and restore the backup file of the 2020 version to the new machine?  Or can I backup from the old version and restore to a newer version on a different machine?  I probably need to update QB's and it seems cleaner to buy the new version for the new machine and then restore my file to the new QB.

Sorry, if this is confusing.  We leave in 10 days and I'm a little overwhelmed! 

Let me help you with installing and upgrading your QuickBooks to the new machine, MichelleR1.

You can purchase the latest QuickBooks Desktop 2023 version and download it to the new machine. Then, create a backup of your company file for the QuickBooks 2020 version and restore the backup file to the new machine. Before upgrading your QuickBooks and installing the latest software, we'll need to know what your computer needs for the best experience and the recent changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) for QuickBooks Desktop 2023 subscription products. You can check out these articles for your references:

• System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2023
• License agreement changes for the QuickBooks Desktop subscription plan - 2023

Once done, QuickBooks will ask you to upgrade your company file the first time you open it in your newer version. Here's how: 

1. Make sure all users log out of your company file.
2. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Tap Open or Restore Company if you don't have a company file open. You can also go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
4. Select Open a company file, then Next. If you have a backup company file (QBB) instead of a company file (QBW), choose Restore a backup copy and then Local backup.
5. Browse your computer for your company file. Select it and then hit Open.
6. Sign in to your company file as an admin user.
7. Before you upgrade, QuickBooks automatically creates a backup of your existing company file. Then click Change this default location to save the backup in a specific folder.
8. Press Update Now to start the upgrade.
9. When QuickBooks finishes, press Done.

You can now open your company file in your new version of QuickBooks Desktop. Here's an article you can refer to for more details about upgrading your company files after switching to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop. We can also move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer. If you need to move your company files to another folder on your computer, on and off your network, or to another computer, follow the detailed steps in moving your company files to another computer.

Just in case you need help with the steps provided, please contact our QuickBooks Desktop support. They'll pull up your account in a secure environment and assist you with this one. 

Feel free to visit our Import your data page for more insights about bringing your data into your software. 

I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you, please let me know how it goes or 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. 

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@MichelleR1 wrote:

Or can I backup from the old version and restore to a newer version on a different machine?  I probably need to update QB's and it seems cleaner to buy the new version for the new machine and then restore my file to the new QB.

They will release QBD 2023 on September 20th and the timing is too tight for your schedule. You should install QBD 2020 on the new machine, backup your company file on the old machine and restore it on the new machine.