You can:

• Have QuickBooks back up your company file when you close it without prompting you.

  This is the simplest way to back up your files. file handling, backup, . QuickBooks will automatically back up your data when you close the company file. file handling, backup, . How often it does so depends on the number you specified.

• Schedule automated daily backups to a network drive or external hard drive. file handling, backup, .

  Once you set the schedule and how many backups you want to keep, you're done. file handling, backup, . Note that at the scheduled time of backup your computer must be on and the company file you want backed up must be closed (however, you can be working in another QuickBooks company file). file handling, backup, . Be sure to store your Windows password in the backup schedule so QuickBooks can run the backup for you.

• Manually back up your data to a CD using Windows XP, or a CD using Windows Vista, or a CD using Windows 2000, or a USB flash drive, Zip drive, or network drive.

  This gives you maximum control. file handling, backup, . You can choose the location where you want to save the backup each time you back up, or you can set these in your backup options to use as defaults. file handling, backup, . You can even have QuickBooks remind you to back up your company file each time you close it (or at whatever interval is convenient for you).

• Set backup options to make managing backups easier.

  You can have QuickBooks automatically add the date and time to the backup filename so you don't overwrite previous backups. file handling, backup, . You can also limit the number of backups stored in your backup folder so older backups are automatically removed when new ones are added.

• Back up your company file online using QuickBooks Online Backup.

  To find out more about QuickBooks Online Backup go to the File menu, click Save copy or backup, click Backup copy, click Next, and then click the Learn more about QuickBooks Online Backup link.

  If you register for and use this service, you will no longer need to worry about loss or damage of local storage media, nor will you need to remember to make these backups because you can schedule online backups to run at your convenience. file handling, backup, . Simply leave the computer on, close the company file, and be sure that your Internet connection is enabled.