How to Backup QuickBooks Desktop to Flash Drive [QuickBooks Guides] (2024)

PAGE CONTENT:

Backup QuickBooks Desktop to Flash Drive with Built-in Feature
How to Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive with File Backup Software
Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive FAQs

Can You Back Up QuickBooks on a Flash Drive

QuickBooks is a robust accounting software program that small businesses can use to manage their finances. The program offers a variety of features, including the ability to track income and expenses, create invoices and reports, and manage customers and vendors.

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QuickBooks desktop data is typically stored on the computer's hard drive where the program is installed. However, it is possible toback up QuickBooks to a flash drive. Backing up QuickBooks data to a flash drive can be an excellent way to copy and export your data in case something happens to the original files, like a computer crash or other problems. Besides, it can be convenient, especially if you need to transfer the data to another computer.

This post covers two common ways toback up QuickBooks desktop to flash drive. One uses the backup utility in QuickBooks desktop, and the other applies professional data backup software. Let's move on to the details.

Backup QuickBooks Desktop to Flash Drive with Built-in Feature

QuickBooks desktop provides users with an easy Backup Company solution, which keeps all the data in your company file like templates, logos, accounting data, reports, loan manager, and more. Here's how to make a backup of QuickBooks manually.

Step 1.To back up QuickBooks data to a flash drive, open the program and go to the "File" menu.

Step 2. Then, select "Backup Company" and choose the option to "Create Local Backup".

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Step 3. Choose the "Options" to configure settings, including the location for the backup file, which will be the flash drive, and then click "Save".

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Step 4. Wait for the backup process to complete.

Steps to Set Up QuickBooks Desktop Automatic Backup

QuickBooks backups can be created manually or automatically. To set up automatic backups:

Step 1. Go to the "Edit" menu and select "Preferences".

Step 2. Click on the "Backup" icon and choose the frequency of backups and the location.

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Step 3. Then, click "OK" to save the changes. With automatic backups, QuickBooks will create a new backup file at the specified interval without any intervention from the user.

How to Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive with File Backup Software

Several ways allow you to back up QuickBooks to a flash drive, including using an intelligent file backup software program - EaseUS Todo Backup Home that supports full-around file, disk, and system backup methods.

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If you choose to use a file backup program, there are a few things that you'll need to do to ensure that your QuickBooks data is properly backed up.

  • Make sure the file backup software program that is compatible with QuickBooks.
  • When you are creating the backup, select a location that is separate from your QuickBooks installation directory. This will ensure that your data is appropriately protected if something happens to the QuickBooks installation directory.

Follow the steps below to backup QuickBooks files saved on your hard disk. You can also configure an automatic backup with EaseUS file backup tool.

Step 1. To start backup, click the Select backup contents.

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Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail.

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Step 3. On the left-hand side, you'll see a list oflocal and network files. Selecting the files to be backed upby expanding the directory.

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Step 4. Follow the instructions on the screen and pick the location where you wish to store the backup.

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In Backup Options, click Options to encrypt the backup with a password, specify the backup schedule, and choose whether or not to start the backup at a certain event in Backup Scheme. There are a variety of customizable featuresavailable for you to explore, and you may tailor the backup operation to meet your specific requirements.

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Step 5. Backups canbe stored on a local disk, in EaseUS's cloud service, or on a network attached storage device (NAS).

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Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup allows customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive or the company's own cloud storage.

If you wish to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, selectLocal Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device andenter your account information.

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You may also use EaseUS's own cloud storage service. Click EaseUS Cloud, create an account using your EaseUS Account, then log in to your account.

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Step 7. To begin a backup, choose Backup Now. It will appear in the shape of a card on the left-hand panel when the backup process has been successfully finished. To handle the backup job in more detail, right-click on it.

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How to Restore QuickBooks Backup Files from a Flash Drive

You can restore your QuickBooks backup files with simple clicks whenever you need.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup, click "Browse to Recover".

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Step 2. Guide to your backup destination, choose the backup file you want to recover. (The backup file created by EaseUS Todo Backup is a pbd file.)

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Step 3. Choose the recovery location. You can recover data to a specific location or to original location.

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Step 4. Click "Proceed" and the recovery would start.

Conclusion

Backing up QuickBooks to a flash drive is a quick and easy way to keep your data safe that in case of a computer crash or other unforeseen disaster. Connect the flash drive to your computer and follow the methods above to export and back up your QuickBooks data.

You can use the embedded Backup Company utility or EaseUS file backup program to back up QuickBooks in different modes. If you need a comprehensive Windows backup software, EaseUS Todo Backup is a great choice.

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This software can help you back up all the data on your computer and clone hard drives whenever you want to migrate OS or upgrade to a larger disk.

Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive FAQs

Read the following questions and answers to get further information on QuickBooks backup.

What is the best way to back up QuickBooks Desktop?

There are a few ways to back up QuickBooks Desktop, but the best way is to use the built-in backup feature. This will create a copy of your QuickBooks file on your computer that you can use to restore your data if needed. To do this, open QuickBooks and go to the File menu. Then, choose Backup Company and follow the prompts.

How do I upload QuickBooks to a flash drive?

To upload QuickBooks to a flash drive, you'll need to export your QuickBooks file as a .qbb file. To do this, open QuickBooks and go to the File menu. Then, choose Export and follow the prompts. Once you have your .qbb file, you can copy it to your flash drive.

How do I back up QuickBooks to an external hard drive?

An easy way to back up QuickBooks to an external hard drive is to use EaseUS file backup software:

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive to your computer.

Step 2. Run EaseUS data backup tool and choose your QuickBooks files to back up to an external hard drive.

Step 3. Wait for the backup process to finish.

How do I restore QuickBooks from a flash drive backup?

To restore QuickBooks from a flash drive backup, take these steps:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS file backup tool and click Browse to Recover.

Step 2. Go to your flash drive and find the backup file you need to restore, which is a pbd file.

Step 3. Select a recovery location and click Proceed.

How to Backup QuickBooks Desktop to Flash Drive [QuickBooks Guides] (2024)

FAQs

How to Backup QuickBooks Desktop to Flash Drive [QuickBooks Guides]? ›

To designate the flash drive, open QuickBooks, go to the 'File' menu, select 'Create Backup', and then choose 'Local backup'. Next, opt for 'Only save to the flash drive' and click 'Options' to specify the drive as the backup location.

How do I backup QuickBooks desktop to a flash drive? ›

To do this, open QuickBooks and go to the File menu. Then, choose Export and follow the prompts. Once you have your . qbb file, you can copy it to your flash drive.

How do I backup QuickBooks desktop to external hard drive? ›

Here's how:
  1. Select the File and hover over Back up Company. Then select Create Local Backup.
  2. Select Options.
  3. Choose where you want to store the copy.
  4. Make your changes and select OK.
Jan 20, 2024

How do I manually backup QuickBooks? ›

Manually Back Up File
  1. From the File menu, choose Back Up.
  2. Click the Back Up Company File tab.
  3. Click the Browse button to change the filename and indicate the backup location.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Optional: Select other items in Back Up Options area.
  6. Click OK.

Can you save QuickBooks online to a flash drive? ›

To begin, log in to your QuickBooks Online account and navigate to the Gear icon in the upper right corner. From there, select 'Export Data' and choose the data range you wish to back up. Once the data is ready, insert your flash drive into the USB port of your computer.

How do I backup and restore QuickBooks desktop? ›

When you open QuickBooks Desktop you see a screen where you select a company file to open. Instead of opening your file click on “Open or restore an existing company”. On the Open or Restore Company screen select the option to “Restore a backup copy” then click Next.

Is QuickBooks desktop being phased out? ›

Your access to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, Desktop Payments, live technical support, Online Backup, Online Banking, and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. This also means you won't receive critical security updates protecting your data starting June 1, 2024.

What is the difference between a backup and a copy of QuickBooks? ›

To recap, a backup is a complete copy of the respective Quickbooks account. It uses the . QBB extension and contains all information and data associated with the account. In comparison, a portable file is a smaller and more slimmed-down version of a backup.

How long does it take to backup QuickBooks desktop? ›

Typically, changes are backed up within 5-10 minutes after they are made. To verify that all transactions (even payroll and inventory) are recorded, Online Back-up and Restore reviews your General Ledger report.

What format is QuickBooks desktop backup file? ›

qbw. When you back up your company file, QuickBooks creates a backup file with a . qbb extension.

Does QuickBooks do automatic backups? ›

Whenever there are changes to your company file, your data is saved to two hard drives. We periodically copy all data to a third-party hard drive. This means your data is protected in case something happens to the first two hard drives. Automatic backups are performed every night.

Is QuickBooks desktop backed up to the cloud? ›

You can use QuickBooks' built-in backup feature or a third-party backup tool to back up your data. Additionally, you can save the backup file on an external hard drive or a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

How often should you backup QuickBooks? ›

Intuit suggests making a backup at the end of each session or each day to a network drive, external hard drive, or a removable storage device like a CD, USB flash drive, etc. You can also sign up for Intuit Data Protect if you prefer an online backup service for your QB files.

Where are QuickBooks backup files stored? ›

The usual location for your company file is located in the C: drive: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files. You can view the file name, date, timestamp, and or size to see which is the most current.

Can I move QuickBooks to an external hard drive? ›

Backup Your QuickBooks Data

Start by creating a backup of your company files and other essential data. Open QuickBooks and go to "File" > "Backup." Follow the on-screen instructions to save the backup file to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.

How do I copy QuickBooks desktop to another computer? ›

How to transfer QuickBooks to a new computer?
  1. Step 1: Backup Your Company File. ...
  2. Step 2: Copy the Backup File to Your New Computer. ...
  3. Step 3: Install QuickBooks on Your New Computer. ...
  4. Step 4: Restore the Backup File. ...
  5. Step 5: Update QuickBooks.
Mar 29, 2023

How do I open a QuickBooks file from a flash drive? ›

To open a portable version of your company file:
  1. Open QuickBooks and log in as an admin.
  2. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
  3. Select Restore a portable file, then select Next.
  4. Select your portable company file. ...
  5. Read the notes on the Where do you want to restore the file page, then select Next.

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