Step 1: Open QuickBooks and Company File

  • Launch QuickBooks Desktop and open the company file you want to back up.

Step 2: Go to Backup Options

  1. From the menu, click on File.
  2. Select Back Up Company.
  3. Choose Create Local Backup.

Step 3: Select Backup Method

  1. In the Create Backup window, select Local Backup.
  2. Click Options to specify where you want to save your backups (e.g., an external drive, cloud folder, or local hard drive).
  3. Set additional preferences like file verification and backup file naming conventions, then click OK.

Step 4: Set Up the Schedule

  1. In the Create Backup window, select Save it now and schedule future backups.
  2. Click Next.

Step 5: Configure Schedule Settings

  1. Click on the Only schedule future backups button.
  2. Select the Schedule Backup button.
  3. In the Schedule Backup window, choose the following settings:
    • When: Set the frequency (e.g., daily, weekly, etc.) and time you want the backup to be created.
    • Number of backups: You can choose to save a specific number of backups before overwriting older ones to conserve storage.
  4. Click OK when you’ve configured the schedule.

Step 6: Finalize the Setup

  1. Review the settings you’ve selected.
  2. Click Finish to activate the automatic backup schedule.

Tips for Scheduling Backups

  • Choose an external location: For better data security, select an external drive, network location, or cloud service for storing backups.
  • Back up after major updates: While scheduling helps with daily or weekly backups, consider manually backing up before making large changes.
  • Test backups: Periodically test your backups to ensure they can be restored correctly.