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jlee474
Level 2

QBW extension files why?

Quickbooks creates ancillary files based on the company file, which are necessary data support files I assume. But WHY do some of them have the exact same name and extension?

 

For instance, there's ABC Company.qbw (company file), and ABC Company.qbw data (Source name file).

 

This seems like a terrible idea, especially when you need to restore a corrupt/missing file.

I'm working with IT guys trying to do a restore of the company file and they get confused because they think they see the file, but it's not the actual file.

Solved
Best answer April 22, 2019

Best Answers
Anonymous
Not applicable

QBW extension files why?

@jlee474 

RE: Yes the file type is different, but still, Is it necessary for two files to have the exact same name and extension?

 

They don't.  The extension defines the file type.  You probably have Windows Expoder set to hide known file extensions.  Turn that option off and then you can see the actual full file names.

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5 Comments 5
Anonymous
Not applicable

QBW extension files why?

The files all have different file types / extensions and so they should be easy to tell apart.

jlee474
Level 2

QBW extension files why?

Some of the files have the same filename with same .QBW extension, which is why it's confusing.

 

Yes the file type is different, but still, Is it necessary for two files to have the exact same name and extension?

Rose-A
Moderator

QBW extension files why?

Thanks for getting back to us, jlee474.

I'd be happy to help you restore the correct company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

In order not to get confused when restoring the right company file, you may want to rename your QuickBooks file.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Back up your QuickBooks company file.
  2. In QuickBooks, check the location of the company file.
    • While on the Home page, press F2 or Ctrl+1 to open the Product Information window.
    • Note the location listed in the File Information field.
  3. Go to the location specified.
    • Right-click the Windows Start button and select File Explorer (Windows 10, 8.1 and 8)  or Open Windows Explorer (Windows 7 and Vista).
  4. Right-click the file and select Rename. The file name may appear as [CompanyName].qbw or just [CompanyName].
  5. Change the file name and press Enter.
  6. Select Yes to confirm the action.

Once done, you can follow the steps below in restoring it.

 

  1. Go to the File menu. Then select Open or Restore Company.
  2. Select Restore a backup copy. Then select Next.
  3. Choose Local Backup. Then select Next.
  4. From the Look In the drop-down, choose the location of the backup file.
  5. Select the backup file from the folder. The file name should appear as [Company Name].qbb.
  6. Select Open. Then select Next.
  7. From the Save in the drop-down, choose the location where you want to save the restored file.
  8. In the File name field, type a new file name. (Note: The Save as type field will automatically populate QuickBooks Files (*.QBW).
  9. Select Save.
  10. Carefully read and respond to any messages that appear before restoration begins. Select No if, at any time, you receive one of the following messages.

These articles are a good reference:

 

Feel free to get back in touch with me if you have other concerns about files extensions in QuickBooks. I'd love to help.

Anonymous
Not applicable

QBW extension files why?

@jlee474 

RE: Yes the file type is different, but still, Is it necessary for two files to have the exact same name and extension?

 

They don't.  The extension defines the file type.  You probably have Windows Expoder set to hide known file extensions.  Turn that option off and then you can see the actual full file names.

jlee474
Level 2

QBW extension files why?

Okay that answers my question, mystery solved.

 

So the file is .QBW for QB company file, and .QBW.DSN for Datasource name.

So it has a QBW extension with another DSN extension.

 

Yes I had to turn option off to hide known file extensions to see that. Should have known, I feel like such a rookie. 

 

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