How to Backup Quickbooks Files:

1. Create a local backup of the .QBW file which will then create a .QBB file.
2. When you create a local backup it will verify that the file is not damaged or corrupted before creating .QBB file)
3. Backup both the .QBW file and the .QBB file as a precautionary step with online backup software, in order to ensure successful backup and restoration.
4. By following these better backup practices will minimize the chance that the client's QuickBooks company file(s) are not corrupted upon restoration.

Back up when I close my company file (local backup)

Follow these instructions to have QuickBooks automatically back up your company file when you close the file.

1. If not already displayed, open the automatic and scheduled backup window in the backup wizard.
   1. From the File menu, click Save Copy or Backup to open the backup wizard.
   2. Click Backup Copy, then click Next, then click Local Backup.
   3. If you haven't already done so, click Options to set your backup defaults (such as where you want to save your local backup) then click Next.
   4. Click Only schedule future backups (to create a schedule without running a backup) and click Next.

2. Select the first checkbox and enter a number to specify how often you want your company file to be backed up. For example, to back up your company file every fifth time you close it, enter 5 in the field provided.

   The backup is stored in the location you specified in the Backup Options window. To view or change this location, click the Options button.

   To cancel automatic backups, clear the checkbox.

3. Click Finish to close the wizard.

How To Set a backup reminder

To do this task

1. Go to the File menu and click Save Copy or Backup to open the backup wizard.
2. Click Backup Copy, click Next, and then click the Options button.
3. Select the checkbox and enter a number to determine how often you're reminded to back up your company file. (The default is every four times.)

Add a timestamp to the backup filename (local backup)

To prevent overwriting of your local backup files, you can add a timestamp (the day and time of the backup) to the backup filename. The filename will look like this: Company Filename (Backup Dec1,2006 12 00 AM).qbb.

To do this task

1. Go to the File menu and click Save Copy or Backup to open the backup wizard.
2. Click Backup Copy, click Next, and then click the Options button.
3. Click the checkbox to add the date and time to the filename.