Moving back and forth from a desktop to a laptop.

Are you using QB Enterprise edition for 1 user only?

A portable file (QBM) is a type of file that makes QuickBooks company files compact (i.e 10-20%) so you can email them or put in cloud more easily. These files take up less space because they don't contain other files related to your company file, like letters, templates, logos, and images. A portable file also doesn't contain a transaction log (.tlg file), which any support team can use to restore transactions if your file is damaged in some way.

Glad you reached out to us, @drocus,

Fiat Lux - ASIA is right. A portable company is a compact version of the working file, enough to send it through email or store in a USB drive.

Additionally, there are several options to manage your business while you're away from the workstation. First, you can consider hosting your software.

This add-on service stores the company data in the cloud, not at your office, making it easy and convenient to enter and manage business activities remotely. You may visit this site to know more about the hosting feature in QuickBooks Enterprise: QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise with Hosting.

Another option you might want to look at is having QuickBooks Online. This plan allows you to monitor your business statistics at 24/7 through web or mobile device. Before you switch, take a look at this comparison chart to learn more about the features available for the online version: Compare QuickBooks Online Plans.

You can also use the same method you're doing to create a backup then restore it to the actual company after making the changes.

I want to make sure QuickBooks is working well for you. If you need further assistance, click the Reply button below to notify me.  I'll be right here to provide additional help and insights. Have a wonderful day! Take care.

I'm already paying $91.20 per month. Is it possible I'm already paying for the hosting service? I do backup my files to the QB Cloud daily.

Online hosting would mean my file would always be synced. Right?

I'm already paying $91.20 per month. Is it possible I'm already paying for the hosting service? I do backup my files to the QB Cloud daily.  I didn't even know that backing up to the QB Cloud was included in my package until a year after I started.  What other benefits am I missing out on?

Online hosting would mean my file would always be synced. Right?

I appreciate the details that you gave, @drocus.

Based on the information you provided above, I can see that you're using the Intuit Data Protect. This is a subscription that creates a backup copy of your company file daily and has it saved on the cloud. Doing this will help you restore the company file anytime in case of data loss.  

Yes, the hosting feature will sync all your data since you are working on one server, which means that you can access your QuickBooks anytime and anywhere.

To add up, the link given by my peer above provides more details on how the Hosting works. If you wish to subscribe to this functionality, I recommend getting in touch with our Customer Care Team. They'll be able to assist you with the process as well as with the setup.

Here's how to reach them:

1. Go to the Help menu.
2. Choose QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Tap the Contact us button.

You've got me here to assist you further if there's anything else you need. Just notify me by leaving a reply below. Wishing you all the best!

how do I save my company file to a .qbm so my worker can use the file?

Hi there, bermuda,

I'm happy to walk you through saving a .qbm file so your worker can use it in QuickBooks desktop.

You need to create a portable company file to get this format. This is a compact version for sharing or moving accounting data around when you don't need a full backup.

Just a heads up, the information below aren't included in the backup:

• Message templates, logos, and images.
• .LOG files, Loan Manager, Statement Writer, or Fixed Asset Manager files.

Here's how to create a portable file:

1. Update QuickBooks to get the latest version
2. Open QuickBooks and log in as an admin.
3. Go to the File menu, then pick Create Copy.
4. Choose Portable company file, then Next.
   
5. Enter a unique name.
6. Select a location where you want to save the file.
   
7. Click Save, then OK once you're ready.
8. It will look like this: [Unique company file name].qbm.

To open the file:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to the File menu, select Open or Restore Company.
3. Select Restore a portable file, then select Next.
   
4. Choose the file, then click Open.
5. Read the notes on Where do you want to restore the file page, then select Next.
6. When you're ready to open your file, select Save.

If you want to completely save your data, you may consider reading through this article: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file. It includes instructions and detailed steps.

Let me know if there's anything else you need, and I'm always around to help you out.