Complete DIY Guide to Recover Deleted QuickBooks Data Files

Last Updated on April 16, 2026

QuickBooks is not immune to errors or technical glitches. Users often encounter issues that disrupt their workflow. One common problem from these issues is data loss. While using the QB, you may notice an additional folder containing newly created subfolders. This is the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder, which automatically generates backups of your company files. If your data is lost, this tool can help you recover deleted QuickBooks data files. In this blog, we will learn in detail how the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery tool functions.

You may face technical inconveniences when trying to recover lost data. However, if the issue still appears, you must contact a specialist. For that, dial +1(855)-510-6487 and speak with a certified QB expert.

Detailed Description on QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery Tool

ADR is a very important tool to help in backup creation for your data. To imagine or face a situation of data loss might bring severe effects on your business activities, and that is where this tool rescues it. The QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery tool uses your current Transaction Log file and a duplicate of your company file to restore all the lost transactions except the ones done in recent times. This recovery tool can provide many enhanced features to QB users, which are outlined below:

• Restoring the deleted transactions using the current transaction log file with a copy of the QB company file
• Additionally, this would restore all but the recent hours of transactions with a duplicate of both the company file and the .tlg file

Once done, discuss the ADR Tool, and continue with the next section to know more.

Importance of the Password Reset Tool When You Try Recovering Lost Company File

Well, addressing security concerns is one of the main reasons a password reset tool is necessary. The QuickBooks password retrieval procedure was created in response to cybersecurity concerns. There had previously been reports that a large number of persons could access the QuickBooks company file, allowing them to extract and steal crucial data and information.

However, the Automated Password Reset Tool may be able to help if you are having trouble changing the password for your QuickBooks program. You may easily reset your password with the aid of this program. You may find it useful if you have forgotten or misplaced:

• 15 Digit license number
• Contact name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Postcode

After knowing the details of the importance of the QuickBooks Password Reset Tool When trying to restore the lost data.

Points to Remember before Running QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery Tool

Before using the Auto Data Recovery tool, it’s important to understand a few key requirements to ensure it works correctly and efficiently.

• You can utilize the Auto Data Recovery tool only if you have QuickBooks Pro, Premier, or Enterprise Solutions for Windows.
• The Auto Data Recovery (ADR) feature is not available in the QuickBooks Accountant edition.
• The tool can back up company files up to 1.5 GB; files larger than 1.5 GB cannot have an ADR backup created.
• For best results, make sure you are using the latest version of QuickBooks.

Once these conditions are met, the Auto Data Recovery tool can function at its best and help restore essential QuickBooks data when needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Deleted QuickBooks Data Files

The QuickBooks software version affects how to reset passwords using the QuickBooks auto data recovery tool. You can use the ADR Tool to recover your lost data by following the instructions listed below:

Recover Lost Data Using Original .TLG File with .QBW.adr.file

If you have lost recent transactions, you can retrieve them using the current version of ADR and the old .tlg file. Do the same by following the steps below:

• Create a new folder on your Desktop and save it as QBTest
• Next, open the folder where your company file is stored (you can find the file path on the Product Information window by pressing F2 or Ctrl + 1, or on the No Company Open screen)
• Locate the .tlg file that matches your company file name

Show File Extensions

If you can’t recognise the .tlg file, follow the instructions below:

1. Open File Explorer using Windows + EGo to Organize > Folder and search options
2. Go to Organize > Folder and search options
3. Remove the mark next to the Hide extensions for known file types, and then click Apply and OK

• Now, copy the .tlg file and paste it into the QBTest folder
• Open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder located in the same folder as your company file
• Now, copy the .QBW.adr file and paste it into the QBTest folder so that the folder stores both the .QBW.adr and .tlg files
• In the QBTest folder, right-click the .QBW.adr file and choose Rename
• Delete the .adr extension from the file name, then relaunch QuickBooks
• Open the company file located in the QBTest folder and check the account register to confirm the transactions are intact

• Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data to ensure the recovered file’s data integrity
• If this restored file is working properly, move the damaged company file elsewhere and replace it with the verified copy from the QBTest folder

This will help you recover deleted QuickBooks Data files by using .TLG file with .QBW.adr.file. There is another way to recover lost QB files. To try that method, follow the next method.

Recover Recent Transactions Using .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr Files

This way utilizes the ADR versions of both the .QBW and .TLG files. It can restore your data, except for the most recent 12 hours of transactions:

• Create a folder on your Desktop and name it QBTest
• Navigate to the location where your company file is located, then open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder found within it

Tip: If you’re unsure where the company file is located, open the Product Information window by pressing F2 or Ctrl + 1, or check the No Company Open screen.

Inside the folder, locate the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files, which share the same filename as your company file

Show File Extensions

If you’re unable to find these files, enable file extensions to make them visible. For that, perform the instructions below:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard
2. Click Organize and choose Folder and search options
3. Next, uncheck the option Hide extensions for known file types
4. Select Apply, then click OK to confirm

• Now, copy the .tlg.adr and .qbw.adr files and paste these files into the QBTest folder
• Remove the .adr extension from both files in the QBTest folder so they convert into .qbw and .tlg files, and launch QuickBooks
• Open the company file located in the QBTest folder and check the account register to ensure all transactions are present
• Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data to confirm the recovered file’s data integrity
• If the recovered file is valid, move the damaged company file elsewhere and replace it with the verified file from the QBTest folder

These steps should help you successfully recover deleted QuickBooks data files using the Auto Data Recovery Tool. If the restored file opens correctly and passes verification, you can safely replace the damaged file. However, if issues continue, additional repair tools or professional assistance may be required.

A Quick Overview on How to Recover Deleted QuickBooks Data Files

The quick view table gives a brief look at why QuickBooks data files get lost and the methods you can use to recover them quickly and safely.

Conclusion

Auto Data Recovery provides a reliable way to recover deleted QuickBooks data files and restore access to important company information. The use of ADR files of the .QBW and .TLG files enables recovery of most transactions in the event of loss of data or corruption of the files. The procedure outlined above guarantees the safe reconstruction and verification of your data. Once confirmed as correct, the recovered file can replace the corrupt one. In the event of failure, professional assistance with the files would be required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kate Churchill

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.