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!

thanks, MaryJo. I've confirmed that I'm running the most recent version of QB Desktop for Mac (

QuickBooks 20.0.5.866 R6 ). I attempted the Rebuild and Verify steps you suggested -- no issues were found. However, I received the same error message when I attempted a back-up.

any other possible solves? Thank you!

Liza

Thank you for letting us know, Liza.

Let's do a few steps to get this sorted out.

First, let's use a sample sample file in your QuickBooks and create a backup copy from there. If it works using a sample file, let's rebuild your company file once more.

If you're still getting the same error message, let's try creating a different Admin user on your Mac computer.  This is to determine if you have some system issues that prevent the software from creating a backup copy.

Also, if you're able to create a copy and you want to set up automatic backups, you can check this guide: How to schedule automatic backups of your company file?

Let's give this a shot and let me know on how this turns out. I want to ensure that this gets taken care of.

thanks, Adrian. How do I create a sample data file?

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!

hi Adrian,

I followed the instructions to open a sample company, and I received te same back-up failure message. I don't quite understand creating a new Admin user. I am already the administrator for the QB application... the article you referenced didn't seem to address and alternate admin. I must be missing something!

thanks again,

Liza

Hello again, @Lizaluuu1. Allow me to join the thread and help ensure you'd able to backup your file successfully. 

To start, I'd like to verify if you're using MacOS Big Sur? Since we've received reports last month about this issue and now resolved. The suggested workaround for this is making sure you're on the latest macOS version 11.4 and consider deleting Plist files and create a backup afterwards.

To do this, here's how:

1. Close QuickBooks and any other open applications.
2. Click the Go menu, and while holding down the Option key click on Library.
3. Double click on the Preferences folder.
4. Look for files named com.intuit.QuickBooks20XX where XX is the year of QuickBooks they are using.
5. Delete the plist files moving them to the Trash, which should empty if possible.
6. Restart the computer.

Once done, open QuickBooks and make sure the Backup preference is set correctly. Then, make a backup.

For additional reference, here's a link that'll help you in restoring your backup company file: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Please let me know how things go on your end. I want to ensure this gets resolve for you. Take care.

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.

I’m having the same problem, only I’m using Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2017 on a Windows 7 operating system. I’m desperate to get the backup failure fixed. I did the whole rebuild and verify fix. It did find and fix one thing. ( Failed at m pFileMqr->GetConnection in SADMTransaction: SADMTransaction) can someone please help me? 

I understand the importance of keeping a record of your data, @AppliedD2017. I’m here to help you out with backing up your QuickBooks Pro 2017 company file.

If you’re on macOS Big Sur (11.2) or lower, it can affect the process. You’ll want to consider upgrading to the macOS Monterey. Otherwise, let’s remove QuickBooks PLIST files. 

Here’s how:

1. Close QuickBooks and any other open applications.
2. Select the Go menu, then press the Option key, then select Library.
3. Open the Preferences folder.
4. Find PLIST files like com.intuit.QuickBooks20XX.
   Note: XX is the QuickBooks version you’re using.
5. Move the PLIST files to the Trash to delete them.
6. Empty the trash and restart your computer
7. Open QuickBooks and make sure the Backup preference is set correctly.
8. Make a backup to make sure it works.

For additional reference, here's a link that'll help you in restoring your backup company file: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Don't hesitate to tag my name in the comment section below if you have other concerns or questions. I'm always ready to help.

No I’m using windows 7 operating system. I need help for that particular program. 

Thank you for clarifying the operating system you’re using since the thread started from our MAC users, @AppliedD2017. Let’s work together to get past the error so you can back up your company file in QuickBooks Desktop successfully.

I appreciate the things you’ve done so far to fix the error. I’m here to provide further troubleshooting steps to help resolve your backup processing concern.

Since you’re done with verifying and rebuilding your data, let’s proceed to QuickBooks File Doctor. This will help us fix common errors and company file issues in QuickBooks Desktop. You’ll need to close QuickBooks, then follow the steps below:

1. Download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it.
2. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
3. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Once done, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub

See this article for the remaining detailed steps (Step 2–4): Fix company file and network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor. If everything is settled, you can then create a backup of your company file.

If the issue persists, you’ll want to reach out to an IT professional. They can check your computer settings and help you further with this.

For more questions about backing up files in QuickBooks, just let me know. It’ll be my pleasure to help you out again. Take care.