This article will focus on step-by-step instructions for how to backup your QuickBooks file. We hear often from people that they can’t backup their file in the following instances:
- The verification piece of the backup process crashes
- Their backup command fails
- Regular backups are possible, but the portable files can’t be created
In these instances the problem is sometimes related to the media, but usually is caused by corruption of data. Here are some simple fixes you can do by yourself:
- Rebuild your company’s data by clicking on Files, then Utilities, followed by Rebuild Data and simply trying again. The Rebuild command can usually fix the errors in the file that prevented a backup from occurring.
- You can also try backing up to a localized hard drive, rather than using a cloud-based drive, USB, network server or external drive. These other kinds of drives can sometimes have speed and connectivity issues that can prevent a successful backup from occurring. Try to backup to your Desktop and see what plays out.
If you are still having problems with how to backup your QuickBooks file, the data is most likely corrupted at the point where the Rebuild command is unable to fix it. If this is the case, you are left with three options:
- Restore your file from the last good backup and move forward from that point. There’s a good chance this might require some data re-entry.
- Have your current, damaged data repaired.
- Choose to look the other way. While there are some risks with simply ignoring the problem, there is sometimes damage that occurs that prevents a backup but that doesn’t cause problems in the operation of your QuickBooks system. If you decide to go this route, you can always turn off the option for verification within the backup command so that backups can still occur. It is important to note though that you will still be performing a backup using damaged data.
This concludes this article on how to backup your QuickBooks file. If you have additional questions please consult with your accountant.