Looking to locate current QBks files for independent backup

With QB open, and the file you wish to backup, Do a CTRL-1, this will bring up a screen that tells you the info about your current datafile, including it's location. Backup the file with extension QBW

Gary

Gary is right that Ctrl + 1 or the F2 key will show you the path to where the data file is located. In QB 2007 & 2008 the default path is the shared folder, Intuit, QuickBooks, Company files. I hope that helps!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA Author of: Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Complete Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business

There are usually two other files located with the main company file, one is a log and I forget the other one. I assume they are not needed. Bob

That is why, I recommend backing up from within QB--so you get ALL the files. But, if you're using the fixed asset manager you need to back it up separately (from within FAM).

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA Author of: Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Complete Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business

thanks again for the post I am using 2006 QB Pro-is the single file all that is needed or should I back up the entire folder? The internal backup in QBks is not handy and cannot be done automatically-hence my looking to back up outside in addition to the less frequent internal run. Thanks More. Bob

If you don't want to use the Quickbooks internal backup process then you need to copy the following files: companyname.qbw, companyname.qbw.ND and companyname.qbw.TLG. That will give you your basic file. BTW, I have moved just the qbw file to a new computer and have not lost anything. As Michelle pointed out, you won't get the Fixed Asset manager info but if you are not using that addon then it won't be an issue. It all depends on what features you are using.

I keep all of my client files in My Documents instead of the Intuit default locations. If you backup everything in that location then you should capture everything.

Experiment with saving just the qbw file to an external location and opening it up. See if any of your features (letters, template, etc) are missing. That's probably the only way you will know if you are missing anything.

Absolutley not true. QB 2006 has an excellent automatic back-up procedure. When you exit the program a pop-up window asks if you would like to backup now, the choices are yes or no. Also the backup can be configured to include a data integraty check as well. If that an't handy then I don't know what is.

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The interactive popup isn't what I'd call "automagic" -- I think what OP was looking for was unattended.

"Handy" is a personal definition I think--personally I detest popup windows that nag me--I'll backup when I choose, thank you! :)

What would tend to be "more handy" imo (but then again, that's me) would be an automated, silent background backup that can be set via user-selected preferences as to on/off, frequency, etc. Again, whether that or something similar has been included in newer versions I don't know.

I've not check on later versions, but I think companyName.* will ensure getting everything required.

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How do you know what the OP was looking for?

I personally love popups.

Yes, companyName.* will get everything required for all versions of QB.

What do you people have against popups?

I guess some people find them annoying. I don't mind them as long as they don't interrupt what I am doing. Many times a popup hits you to upgrade your program while you are in the middle of doing something. Having a reminder pop up when you are closing the program is a good memory jogger. I frequently forget to do backups on a regular basis so I actually have no problem with the QB popup.

Based on his response that what was internal wasn't joy...

"Know" I don't...inferred was implied by "I think".

ymmv...

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Haskel LaPort wrote: ...

They're annoying just like having a car talk is.

I'll do what _I_ want to do w/ a program when/how _I_ wish to do so, thank you very much.

imo, $0.02, ymmv, etc., etc., etc., ...

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Well, it is sort of automatic and not always convenient. The backup outside of QBooks runs during an off time and does not take a little less than forever. I still use the File...Backup when time permits and it is a good feature. I appreciate the time. Bob

You are right on target with what I am looking for. As of late, most operations/procedures QBooks has introduced have been nothing short of terribly slow--the backup procedure is just one example...IMHO. QBooks just flat out works and that's why I am here. Thanks for the post. Bob

I find that an external backup application that deals with all the important files and runs during an off time both gets it done quickly, without issues and at my convenience. I just wanted to be sure I had all the data needed and did not mean to cause this much posting. Thanks for all the help. Bob

Now if a car is purring.....

No problem. It has turned into an interesting discussion.