Quickbooks Backup creates temp backup instead of normal backup file.

Hey there, @css321.

Welcome to the Community! I'd be glad to offer my assistance.

When you back up your company file, it's always best to do this local on the desktop. Once you have saved your back up to the desktop you could choose to move it to the dropbox, if you prefer to have it there. I recommend using our Intuit Data Protect to save the back up on the cloud. 

You can follow these steps in the article posted below for more details on creating a local back up.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/back-up-data/back-up-your-quickbooks-desktop-compa...

If you have any more questions, please know I am only a post away. Have a great rest of your day!

Afaik, when the backup process is not completed, it only created a TMP file.  You should create a backup file locally then move the QBB to the cloud storage (e.q DB, GD)

I appreciate this response, however, we have been backing up the same way for years now. 

We do choose "Local Backup". It gets backed up to his local Drop Box folder, and then the Drop Box folder syncs up on my end. (And then I restore on my end) It has ALWAYS been the normal back up file. As I said, it is only the last 2 times that it has instead created this "temp" back up file instead. 

And I also use the exact same method to back up, and it creates the normal back up file, like always, and he is able to restore from mine, just fine, like always. 

There can be an error when you backed up your company file, css321. 

I read the thread and I agree with the recommended workarounds provided. I suggest reaching out to our Customer Support Agents to help you sort out the root cause of the Temp backup files since the issue persists. They can open an investigation for you so our engineers will be aware of it. 

Here's how to contact us:

1. Go to the Help icon and select QuickBooks Desktop Help (F1).
2. Click the Contact us link.
3. Enter your concern that QuickBooks creates a Temp backup file using Dropbox. 
4. Click Continue.
5. We provide options on how you'll want to connect with us. 

You can always reach out to me if you have further questions. 

We are having a similar problem backing up, but we are backing up to the local drive and it's still saving as a temp file.  QB gives us no error message when completing the back up.

I think this is an enginerring issue with QB.

Hello there, headhunting dot com,

I'd suggest saving a backup file to other locations, such as flash drive, to see if it saves a .qbb file. This helps us isolate this issue. If it works, create a new folder to replace the old file. If not, you'll need the assistance of our Customer Care Team. Refer to the steps provided by my peer Catherine_B above on how to contact them. They can investigate why the backup copy is still saving as a temp file. They can also confirm if this is an engineering issue and help you fix it. 

Once resolved, use your backup file to restore your accounting data. It helps you go back to your save points in case you ever run into problems. For detailed steps, go through this article: Restore A Backup of Your Company File. 

I'll be right here to help if you need further assistance. Take care always, headhunting dot com.

@headhunting dot com 

Try open a dummy file or sample one, and backup the file locally. Any error message?

I realized that I am dealing with the same issue. Last 2 backups were done in temp files. And now, I cannot retrieve the data. I can open the backup made 3 times before that. Any way to get the data from temp backup?? It's going to be a long process if I have to re-enter everything!

When the backup process is failed, it created a temp backup file. Try to create a backup file manually to make sure the tool is working. 

Hi,

This backup problem happens once a while.

Some times I had buy a New QB program as I can't risk my clients' files.

At least create a portable company file when your back up fails.

I had no problem to get a Portable file when Back up fails.

This may help you from a disaster.

Kevin, LA

Hi,

This back up problem happens once a while.

After couple of months (suppose after a new update), it solved alon.

Create a copy of Portable company file.

I could get it even a normal back up fails.

This may save you from a disaster.

Good luck!

Kevin, LA

You can't possibly be asked to pay something extra when the feature is already there but it's broken. Backing up a data file is no joke and I'm sure you're aware of it. I have multiple clients and I have set up automated local backups but from time to time it creates a temp file and it's a HUGE RISK. 

And in this case I'm not alone. Countless of other QBDT users must be facing the same looking at the threads online. Why don't you provide a real permanent solution to this matter instead of asking to buy subscriptions?

Me too.

I backed up to the local drive, and today when I need to rerive it, it shows as .tmp.

I really need to solve this problem urgently.

@EmilyCa 

When the backup process is failed, it created a temp backup file. Try to create a backup file manually to make sure the tool is working. 

I can sense the urgency here, @EmilyCa.

Let's sort out your concern with backing up your file in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

Fiat Lux - ASIA is correct if the process of backing up your company file was incomplete. Then, the backup file extension will show as .tmp. That said, it has only been temporarily backed up.

There are ways to fix this type of issues. Thus, I suggest performing a Verify Rebuild data and utilities. Having said that, we can verify and correct the most typical data errors in your company file. Please make sure your QuickBooks Desktop is up to date as well.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Window, then Close All.
2. From the File menu, click Utilities.
3. Select Rebuild Data.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to back up your data.
5. When the tool finishes, select OK.
6. Go to the File menu, then click Utilities.
7. Click Verify Data, then select Rebuild Now once QuickBooks finds an issue with your company file.

Once done, create a backup file again to ensure you get all the data you want to secure.

Moreover, you’ll want to check out this article to restore a backup of your company file: Restore a backup of your company file

Stay in touch if you have more concerns about your backup file. The Community will surely assist you with this. Stay safe!

It's good to see you here in the Community, @Anonymous.

Thank you for sharing a solution to fix the backup issue in QuickBooks Desktop. This will surely help other users who encounter the same problem.

Wishing you all the best, @Anonymous. Have a great day ahead!

OH MY GOD

I just saw that all of my backups from 2022 and some in 2021 are temp files, it wants to rebuild but only until 9/2021. I cannot redo the entire file system. What do I do to get it to go to the last temp backup? Not all the way back to 2021.....I am sooooo ready to find another way to keep the books. This is ridiculous....

Let's get rid of the error you're having to save your backup file successfully, @LuanasArt. 

You can restore the latest temp file that you need. You no longer need to go back to those old files. Then, follow the troubleshooting steps provided by Tasos Savva above by setting the regional settings of your Windows computer to the locale version to create your backup file successfully. Here's how to change regional settings in Windows to the locale version of QuickBooks.

Check the following article on how to use your backup company file to restore your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

In case you're having trouble restoring your backup file, follow the steps outlined in the following article on how to fix backup company file issues in QuickBooks Desktop.

Let me know if you need further help in creating your backup file. I'm always here to help. Have a great rest of the day! 

@LuanasArt 

If your .TLG file is valid, a full recovery is possible by replaying the .TLG file into an older backup. You can purchase a 3rd party service to replay the contents of the Transactional Log File (TLG) into an older backup (QBB or QBM) or copy (QBW) of the data file to recover all missing data.

I am having the exact same problem. However, I have tried all of the fixes below and none of them worked. In addition, I am backing up Quickbooks to an external hard drive. Please help!

@LarryLewis24 

What file format do you have?