Back-up failure

Let's resolve the error you're having to backup your company file successfully, @Lizaluuu1.

First, make sure to update your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release to have the latest features and fixes. See the following article for detailed guidance: Update QuickBooks for Mac to the latest release. 

There may be some minor data issues with your company file that's why you're having backup errors. Try running the Rebuild and Verify Utility tool to fix possible data damage on your company file.

Please follow the steps below:

1. Open your company file again.
2. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities and choose Rebuild Data.
3. Click OK in the QuickBooks Information window.
4. Wait until the repair is done. Then, click OK.
5. Then, go back to the File menu and select Utilities and choose Verify Data.
6. Click OK if QuickBooks doesn't find any problems. Or Rebuild Now if it finds issues with your company file.

I'm adding this article for more troubleshooting steps: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

Once done, try creating a backup of your company file. This will show you how to schedule automatic backups or backup your company file manually: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac company file.

If you need to undo recent changes in your company file or lost your data, refer to the following article for detailed guidance in finding and restoring your backup company file: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. 

Keep me posted if you still have questions in creating a backup file by leaving a reply below. Take care and have a wonderful day!

I'd love to help you with your QuickBooks navigation, Lizaluuu1. 

You can create a new company file from an existing one by creating a back up of your file and restoring it for testing purposes. You can see the complete details in this article: Create a new company file by copying an existing one. 

If you want to have another sample company file with totally different transactions from your actual, you can also use the company files provided by QuickBooks.

Let me show you how to open a sample company in QuickBooks Desktop.

1. Go to File menu.
2. Select Close Company before opening a sample file. 
3. On the Open a sample file tab, click the drop-down arrow to select a sample company you want to open.  
4. Choose a sample file and click on it.  

You can now take a test drive of QuickBooks Desktop once the sample company file is open.  

Let me know if you have any other QuickBooks questions, I'll be always here to help you. Have a great day ahead and stay safe!

Hello there, @JoshAllen. It's nice to hear that you were able to resolve the error you received.

Still, I'd like to share additional info about it. There are some possible reasons why that error occurs:

• The unavailability of the storage device that stores the backup file is the primary cause of the issue. The external storage device from which QuickBooks produces the backup, for example, is no longer attached to the computer.
• Failure to back up data in QuickBooks can also be caused by damage to the company file data.
• QuickBooks may freeze or display a backup failed error if the backup path is incorrectly configured.
   

Here are some possible solutions that you can try (in case you'll encounter the same thing in the future).

Solution 1: Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop.

solution 2: Locating Backups and Company Data Files

Solution 3: .ND files in QuickBooks Desktop

If you need some references in the future, you can also check out our site: Help articles for QuickBooks Desktop.

Good job for resolving it by yourself. Still, you can visit again if you have more concerns. I'll be around to assist you. Take care and stay safe.