Backing up your data

Back up your QuickBooks company data files daily. Backup copies are importantinsurance—if you lose data for any reason, you can restore the datafrom your backup copy.

Common questions about backing up company data files

• Why can't I select my CD drive letter in the Location field?

  Windows XP overrides the CD drive letter with its CD Burning folder location. See Backing up to a CD using Windows XP for more information.

• Can I backup or restore data for a specific date range?

  No. QuickBooks backs up all data within a company data file.

• How can I change the company data file that I'm backing up?

  There is no field to select the company file to back up because QuickBooks can only back up the company file that you're currently in when you selected Back Up from the File menu. To change the company file being backed up, open that company file and then select Back Up from the File menu.

• Why does this version of QuickBooks require more floppies than previous versions?

  This version of QuickBooks requires more space for company files. This behavior is expected.

• When do I use a portable company file vs. a backup?

• Do payroll tax forms get saved with backups?

Steps to back up your company data file

To back up company files, you must be in single-user mode.

1. Open the company file you want to back up.

2. From the File menu, choose Back Up.

3. Choose how you'd like to back up your company file:

   To back up to CD using Windows XP

   To back up to CD using an operating system other than Windows XP

   To save your backup to your hard drive or floppy disks

   To back up using the QuickBooks Online Backup Service (requires subscription)

4. Select your Backup Options:

   • Select "Verify data integrity" to have QuickBooks check your company file for damage before it backs up the file.

   • If you are backing up to floppy disks, select "Format each floppy disk during backup" to have QuickBooks check your floppy disks for damage before backing up to them.

Related topics

• Scheduling regular backups

• Recommended backup routine

• Backing up to a CD

• Restoring data you've backed up