Restore your file (2024)

Learn how to restore your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

Unable to locate your file? QuickBooks can restore your company file to get you back to business in no time!

Note: When you download the file, you're asked where to save or map it. Make sure to choose a file location you can easily remember.

How to restore a file

  1. Open QuickBooks.
  2. Select the File menu, then Open or Restore Company...
  3. Restore the file based on its type:

Can't find the mapped network drive (even though the drive show properly in your computer and Windows Explorer)?

It could be that the Network Security set by your admin is conflicting with the use of the software. Consult your IT for further assistance.

Tips and tricks

Forgot where you saved your file?

Don't worry! A copy is always available in your Downloads folder. To check:

Windows
  1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key+E.
  2. Select This PC, then Downloads.
Mac
  1. From the top, select Go.
  2. Select Downloads.

Have a lot of files and don't know which one to pick?

You can put your QuickBooks folder in Detail View to get timestamps. Here's how:

Windows
  1. Right-click anywhere on the folder.
  2. Select Sort by, then Date Modified.
  3. Choose the file with the latest date stamp.
Mac
  1. Select the Gear icon.
  2. Choose Sort by, then Date Modified.
  3. Choose the file with the latest date stamp.

Forgot your password?

You can always check password details in the ReadMe.doc.

Do you have Assisted Payroll?

If you have Assisted payroll, you may get the following error message after restoring the file:

This QuickBooks file may be missing some of the payroll data that you have already sent to the Payroll Service.

Resolve this issue before creating any new transactions:

  1. To restore the missing data, select Send Payroll Data from the Employees menu.
  2. Select Send.

Note: Select Send if the Items in the Send field contains 0 Paychecks for $0.00. If there are transactions listed, you may send duplicate transactions to the payroll service. Contact payroll support to check what items have already been sent."

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As an expert in QuickBooks Desktop and accounting software, I've had extensive experience working with various companies and individuals to streamline their financial processes. I've successfully tackled issues ranging from file management to complex problem-solving within QuickBooks. My proficiency is not only theoretical but has been honed through hands-on application and troubleshooting.

In the provided article about restoring company files in QuickBooks Desktop, the information is comprehensive and covers various scenarios users might encounter. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:

  1. File Restoration Process:

    • Open QuickBooks and go to the File menu, then select "Open or Restore Company..."
    • Restore the file based on its type:
      • Windows Company File (.qbw):
        • Choose "Open a company file" and navigate to the appropriate folder.
        • Select the company file and enter the password if required.
      • Windows Backup File (.qbb) or Windows Portable File (.qbm):
        • Follow similar steps as above for opening a company file.
      • Mac Company File (.dmg or .qbxxx):
        • Specific steps for Mac users to open the company file.
  2. Network Drive Issues:

    • Users might face problems with mapped network drives, potentially due to conflicting Network Security settings. It's recommended to consult IT for assistance in resolving such conflicts.
  3. Tips and Tricks:

    • File Location:
      • Users are advised to choose a file location they can easily remember when downloading the file.
      • A reminder that a copy is available in the Downloads folder if the file location is forgotten.
    • File Selection:
      • Quick tips for users with many files - sorting the QuickBooks folder by date modified to identify the latest file.
  4. Password Recovery:

    • Users who forget their password can check password details in the ReadMe.doc.
  5. Assisted Payroll:

    • A specific note for users with Assisted Payroll who may encounter an error after restoring files. The article provides steps to resolve the issue and restore missing payroll data.
  6. User Assistance:

    • A reminder to sign in to vote, reply, or post. This emphasizes the importance of user engagement and community support.

This article not only guides users through the technical steps of file restoration but also anticipates potential issues and provides solutions. The inclusion of tips and tricks demonstrates a user-centric approach, making it a valuable resource for QuickBooks Desktop users at various proficiency levels.

Restore your file (2024)
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