When you backup QuickBooks to flash drive, you take your data security to another level. This protects you from malware or viruses destroying your data, and you always keep a physical copy of your records with you.
It is possible to backup both QuickBooks Online and Desktop data to a flash drive. If you are doubtful about how, continue reading this blog. We have compiled different
Here’s Why You Must Backup Your QuickBooks Data
You work on the company file (.qbw) and make real-time changes to it. However, when you create a backup company file, it is saved with a .dmg extension on Mac and a .qbb extension in Windows. You do not work on them, or can make manual changes to them, and your data stays safe. In case you accidentally delete or remove some data from your company file or it gets corrupted, you can restore a recent backup. This is why you must regularly back up your company file or schedule automatic backups so that you always have a recent copy of your company data.
However, that won’t be a help if your system or hard disk gets infected by viruses or malware. This is why experts recommend you also keep a backup of your company data in an external drive like a USB flash drive.
Key Points to Consider When Saving a Backup Company
Here are some key points to note for backing up your company file:
- You should schedule your QuickBooks Desktop data for automatic backups.
- You may encrypt your backup and secure it with a password
- If you have important documents in the form of attached files, include backups for them as well.
- The frequency of backup should be daily or more than once a day.
- Moreover, set the application for backup everyday after you complete working on the company data and close the application.
Moreover, copy your backups to an external drive.
How to Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive: Desktop Application
If you use a desktop application, such as Windows or macOS, you can back up QuickBooks to Flash drive. It is not very different from creating a local backup.
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and launch the File menu.
- Navigate to Back Up Company, followed by Create a Local Backup.
- From the Backup window that you see, choose Local Backup.
- Tap Next, and now select where you would like to store the company file.
Note: You can select the external drive as the desired location. You will need to insert the flash drive for it.
- Choose OK, followed by Next, and then Save it Now.
- Tap on Next and choose Save once again.
If you saved the backup on the local disk, insert the flash drive and copy the .qbb file to the flash drive. This was about QuickBooks Desktop. Now, let us talk about QuickBooks Online.
How to Backup QuickBooks Online to Flash Drive
Let us show you how you can backup QuickBooks to flash drive for the web (online) version:
- Open Settings ⚙ and choose Export data.
- Tap on the Reports tab, and then set the date range.
- Use the toggle switch to enable and disable the items in the Reports and Lists tabs according to your preference.
- Finally, tap on Export to Excel.
Now, follow the instructions you see on your screen to export QuickBooks Online to the desired location. You can either choose your flash drive as the location (for that, your USB Flash drive must be already plugged in) or save it somewhere on your computer and then copy it to the flash drive.
However, if you desire continuous backup of your QuickBooks data, you should check our QB app store for that.
Conclusion
This was all on how to backup your QuickBooks to flash drive. We discussed the detailed steps on how to do it for both the Desktop application and the Online version. If you face any challenge with it, connect with a QB professional. They are available round the clock at +1(855)-738-0359!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can create a QuickBooks Desktop backup to the local disk and then copy it to the flash drive. If it is QuickBooks Online, choose to export your data and save it in your desired location.
The best way to back up QuickBooks Desktop data is to schedule automatic backups, and the frequency should be at least once a day. Alternatively, you can put your application on backup after you are done working on the company file every day.
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.