As software applications evolve so to should their backup routines and Quickbooks is no exception. Once open just select File --> Create Backup. A window should appear offering two options, Online Backup and Local Backup. We will be walking through the Local Backup routine which you should get in the habit of doing regardless of whether or not you also backup online.

Select Local Backup, click Next and then on the following page, Save it Now should be the default option to which you will click Next again. Once on the Save Backup page, navigate to the area you’d like to save the backup and make sure the company filename date and time are in the Filename area and click Save (if it gives you a warning prompt regarding the choice of another backup location just click Use this Location). If you use Carbonite, Mozy, Absorb.com or another remote data backup provider, make sure that your save location is part of your automatic remote data backup routine for additional protection. If you do not have an online backup or storage option at this time (which you should!) at the very least copy this file at regular intervals to an external thumbdrive and store it at another location or email it to yourself and store at with your online mail.

Once your file is saved you will probably get an additional recommendation window offering Intuit’s ‘fully integrated online backup solution’, whereby I select ‘No Thanks’ and move along. Repeat this backup procedure as often as you can and remember to store an additional copy of your file in a remote data location.