Error: QuickBooks was unable to back up the company file

Save the backup to a local drive (such as the C:\ drive), and then copy the backup to the external drive.

1. Go to the File menu, and select Save Copy or Backup.
2. Select Backup copy, and click Next.
3. Select Local Backup, and click Next.
4. When asked, Where do you want to save your backup copy?, select Save it now, and click Next
5. Browse to a location on your local drive (usually, this is the C:\ Drive), and click the Save button. (To simplify this process, you can save the file to the Windows Desktop, as this is a folder within the C:\ drive).
6. Minimize QuickBooks.
7. Locate the backup file within the local drive.
8. Right-click on the file, and choose Copy.
9. Open a Windows Explorer window.
   Windows 8, 7 or Vista:

   
   

   1. On your keyboard, press Windows + E to open the Computer window.
   Windows XP:

   
   

   1. Click on the Start menu.
   2. Select My Computer, from the drop-down menu.
10. Double-click on the drive letter that corresponds with your external drive or flash drive to open it.
11. Right-click on the file, and choose Paste.

1. Create a portable company file (.QBM):
   QuickBooks 2011 and later:
   1. Choose File > Create Copy.
   2. Select Portable company file and click Next.
   3. Click the Save in drop-down arrow and select Desktop.
   4. Click Save.
   QuickBooks 2007 through 2010:
   
   
   1. Choose File > Save Copy or Backup.
   2. Select Portable company file and click Next.
   3. Click the Save in drop-down arrow and select Desktop.
   4. Click Save
   QuickBooks 2006:
   
   
   1. Chosee File > Portable Company File > Open File.
   2. Click Browse, select Desktop and click Save
2. Restore the QBM:
   QuickBooks 2007 and later:
   
   
   1. Choose File > Open or Restore Company > Restore a portable file, and then click Next.
   2. Restore the QBM to a new folder, or change the file name so the original file is not overwritten.
   3. Back up the newly restored file.
   QuickBooks 2006:
   
   
   1. Click the File menu and click Portable Company File > Create File.
   2. Click Browse, locate and click the (.QBM) file, and then click Save

1. Identify the location of the company file by opening QuickBooks and pressing the F2 key to display the QuickBooks Product Information window.
2. In the File Information section, make a note of the path to the company file. (Listed to the right of Location.)
3. Close the program
4. Go to the Start Menu > My Computer
5. Browse to the location of the company file
6. Locate the .TLG file (filename.TLG)
7. Right click on the file and select Rename