Welcome to AskforAccounting company, a QuickBooks Service provider. We offer QuickBooks accounting services such as data conversion, data recovery, password recovery, rebuilding data, verification, condensing data, error resolution, and many more. We’ve successfully helped clients with QuickBooks (Online and Desktop) over the last 5 years. In this blog, we’ll discuss the topic of QuickBooks auto data recovery.
QuickBooks auto data recovery is a crucial process for recovery in case of data loss or corruption. QuickBooks data recovery methods include restoring from backups, using the auto data recovery feature, or using third-party data recovery tools. Understanding these approaches and having a data recovery plan in place is essential for businesses to protect their financial records, maintain accuracy, and avoid downtime which makes QuickBooks data recovery a fundamental aspect of financial management.
Understanding Auto Data Recovery Feature in QuickBooks Desktop
The QuickBooks automatic data recovery tool developed by Intuit is intended to help clients and customers reclaim their lost data. This is an add-on tool that is designed to recover the lost data. The auto data recovery (ADR) tool was started for the first time in QuickBooks 2012 & newer versions; and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 13.0 R4 and later versions following that. It is equipped to recover and accord almost all of the lost data.
We all understand the importance of backing up our financial data, like the QuickBooks company file, but how often do we do it? Starting with QuickBooks 2011 R6 and QuickBooks 2010 R12, Intuit introduced QuickBooks auto data recovery, a feature designed to simplify the backup process. This feature automatically generates a local backup copy of your company file, making it more accessible to a broader range of users.
Currently, this feature is available in QuickBooks Pro and Premier versions, but not in QuickBooks Enterprise or QuickBooks Premier Accountant’s Edition. When you have one of the supported versions, you’ll notice a new folder on your computer, the QuickBooks auto data recovery folder, which contains both a backup copy of your QuickBooks company file and a corresponding transaction log. Intuit has made it easier than ever to ensure the safety of your financial data.
How QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery Tool Works
Around an hour after opening a QuickBooks company file, the auto data recovery feature conducts internal diagnostics. If the file passes these tests, a backup copy is created in the ADR folder. Once the initial backup is completed, all subsequent transactions are logged in the ADR transaction log. Every 12 hours after the initial copy, QuickBooks generates another backup of the file, typically when you launch the desktop program. This means you’ll have two copies—one up to 12 hours old and another up to 24 hours old. (Older copies are eventually deleted.)
Restoring the backup file is not meant for customers to handle independently. The purpose is to have these backups available for Intuit’s technical support as a final option before sending the file to Intuit Data Services for repair.
Preparing your QuickBooks Desktop data for migration to QuickBooks Online is essential to ensure a smooth transition. If you encounter the following message during the data import process, or if you wish to clean up inactive list entries in your Desktop data before the conversion, here’s what you need to know.
QuickBooks Data Services Prices
If you have a damaged company file, our services team is ready to assist you with the following services to restore your data.
Data Services fees without a QuickBooks Care Plan
- Assisted Data Conversion: $50.00 per file
- QuickBooks Data Recovery: $250.00 per file
- Password Removal: Covered by the Customer Care Policy (Some data recovery issues are free – check our Software Support policies for details).
Data Services fees with a QuickBooks Care Plan
- Covered: Services under the care plan incur no additional cost.
- Per file Fee: Services not covered by the care plan are subject to a fee per company file.
- The first file is free: The first file is free, and each additional file is subject to fees (e.g., converting two files – one is free, and the other is $50 for the second file).
- Unlimited file conversions: The care plan covers an unlimited number of file conversions, but the data services team may request customers to prioritize their conversions.
- QuickBooks Online: Unlimited file conversions
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale Monthly Plan
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale One-Time Support
- Intuit Point of Sale One-Year Support Plan: Covered
- QuickBooks Enterprise Subscription (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Accountant): Covered
- QuickBooks Solution Providers: Covered
- Intuit QuickBooks 90-Day Expert and Unlimited Assisted Data Conversion for Retail Clubs: Per file fee
- Intuit QuickBooks Core One-Time Support: Per file fee
- Intuit QuickBooks Care Plus Annual Subscription: Covered
- Intuit QuickBooks Care Plus Monthly Subscription: Covered
- Intuit Reseller Program: Per file fee
- ProAdvisors (Platinum, Gold, and Silver): Covered
- Payroll Subscription (Issue must be related to Payroll): Covered
- QuickBooks 90-Day Expert and Unlimited Assisted Data Conversion for Retail Clubs: Per file fee
- Intuit Care Protection Plan for Mac Annual: Covered
- Intuit Care Protection Plan for Mac Monthly: Covered
- Intuit QuickBooks Core One-Time Support: Per file fee.
Recovering Lost Data with QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) File
QuickBooks Desktop offers a helpful feature known as auto data recovery (ADR), designed to assist in case of data loss or corruption, enabling you to potentially recover most, if not all, of your data.
When Should You Consider ADR?
While Intuit Data Services can help with data recovery, the process can be time-consuming, rendering QuickBooks inaccessible for several days. ADR serves as a quicker alternative but should only be utilized after all troubleshooting options have been exhausted.
How ADR Can Help:
ADR assists in data recovery by…
- Restoring lost transactions using the current Transaction Log file and a copy of your Company file.
- Restoring nearly all transactions, except the last few hours, with copies of both your Company file and Transaction Log file.
- ADR is available in QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions for Windows but not in Accountant Editions.
- The ADR file size limit is 1.5 Gigabytes. Larger backups won’t generate ADR files.
- Ensure QuickBooks Desktop is up to date for optimal ADR performance.
Method 1- Using Transactions Log File (.TLG) and (.QBW.adr) Files
- Create a new folder on your Desktop, named QBTest.
- Access the folder where your company file is stored (check Product Information for location).
- Locate the .tlg file with the same name as your company file.
- Show file extensions if needed.
- Copy the corresponding .tlg file and paste it into the QBTest folder.
- Open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder (same location as your company file).
- Copy the .QBW.adr file and paste it into the QBTest folder. You should now have both .QBW.adr and .tlg files in the QBTest folder.
- In the QBTest folder, right-click the .QBW.adr file, select Rename, and remove .adr at the end.
- Open QuickBooks then open the company file in your QBTest folder, and use the account register to verify all transactions.
- Go to File, then Utilities, and select Verify Data to check the data integrity of the recovered file.
- If the recovered company file is correct, move the damaged file to a different location and transfer the copy from QBTest to the original location.
Method 2- Using .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr Files
If you need to recover or restore recent transactions with the ADR versions of both .QBW and .TLG files, follow these steps. This method can restore all transactions except the last 12 hours.
- Begin by creating a new folder on your Desktop and name it QBTest.
- Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored and look for the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder.
- You can find the location of the company file in the Product Information screen (press F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard) or No Company Open Window.
- Locate the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files in this folder; they should have the same name as your company file.
- Ensure file extensions are visible if you can’t identify these files…
- To reveal file extensions, press Windows+E to open File Explorer.
- Choose Organize, then select Folder and search options.
- Opt to hide extensions for known file types, then click Apply and OK.
- Copy the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files and paste them into the QBTest folder.
- In the QBTest folder, remove the .adr from the end of the file names, resulting in .qbw and .tlg files.
- Open QuickBooks then open the company file saved in your QBTest folder, and use your account register to confirm the presence of all transactions.
- To ensure the recovered file’s data integrity, click File in the top left, then Utilities, and select Verify Data.
- If this copy of the company file is correct, you can relocate the damaged file to a different location and replace it with the copy from QBTest.
Recover QuickBooks Desktop Company File
If you can’t locate your QuickBooks company file, don’t worry. QuickBooks makes it easy to recover your file and get back to business quickly. When downloading the file, ensure you choose a file location that’s easy to remember.
How to Recover a File
- Open QuickBooks, after that, select the “File” menu, then “Open or Restore Company.”
- Restore the file based on its type:
- For Windows company file (.qbw):
- Choose “Open a company file,” then “Next.”
- Navigate to the appropriate folder and select the company file.
- Click “Open” and enter the password if required.
- For Windows company file (.qbw):
Tips and Tricks for Restore File
- If you’ve forgotten where you saved your file, check your Downloads folder.
- On Windows: Press the Windows key + E, select “This PC,” then “Downloads.”
- On Mac: Click “Go” and select “Downloads.”
- To locate the right file when you have many, use Detail View and sort by Date Modified.
- On Windows: Right-click anywhere on the folder, select “Sort by,” then “Date Modified.” Choose the file with the latest date stamp.
- On Mac: Select the Gear icon, choose “Sort by,” then “Date Modified.” Select the file with the latest date stamp.
- If you’ve forgotten your password, refer to the ReadMe.doc for password details.
Read more— QuickBooks for MAC Data Recovery
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’ve accidentally, deleted important transactions or experienced file corruption, the ability to recover your data with the use of QuickBooks auto data recovery tool. If you’re facing data recovery challenges, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from QuickBooks experts, who are available to guide you through the process and ensure your financial data is safe and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is QuickBooks Data Recovery, and why is it important?
QuickBooks Data Recovery is the process of safeguarding and restoring financial data in case of loss or corruption. It’s vital for ensuring business continuity and preventing disruptions in financial operations.
How can I recover my QuickBooks data if it gets lost or corrupted?
You can recover QuickBooks data by restoring from backups, using the Auto Data Recovery feature, or employing third-party data recovery tools, depending on the nature and extent of the data loss.
What are the common causes of QuickBooks data loss or corruption?
Data loss or corruption in QuickBooks can occur due to various reasons, including hardware failures, software issues, human errors, and viruses or malware.
Should I rely on QuickBooks’ built-in recovery tools or seek third-party solutions?
The choice depends on the severity of the data loss and the effectiveness of built-in tools. For complex issues, third-party solutions might be necessary.
How often should I back up my QuickBooks data to prevent data loss?
Regular backups are essential. It’s recommended to back up your QuickBooks data at least daily or whenever significant changes occur to ensure minimal data loss in case of an issue.
What measures can I take to prevent QuickBooks data loss in the first place?
Preventive measures include regular data backups, maintaining updated software and hardware, training employees in data security best practices, and using reliable antivirus software to protect against malware.
Can I disable or Turn off the auto data recovery feature in QuickBooks Desktop?
Yes, you can turn off the auto data recovery feature in QuickBooks, in case your need arises due to some reason.
