How to Fix ‘QuickBooks Unable to Backup Company File’ Error?

If you are facing the inability to backup a QuickBooks company file or the QuickBooks backup failed error, read this article as a detailed guide to this problem. We have done an in-depth analysis of the causes of this error, its reasons, and the methods to resolve this error successfully.

One of the most important resources for any company is data. If you regularly back up data, it will help you avoid data loss, reduce downtime, and ensure business continuity.

All business information and transaction details are stored by QuickBooks in company files (.QBW) in local storage. Due to this, there is a chance of your data getting lost due to hardware failure or programming errors. Hence, it is important to back up QBW files regularly.

Why Getting QuickBooks Unable to Backup Company File Error Messages

The QuickBooks unable to backup company file error occurs whenever you are trying to take a backup of your company files. Sometimes, you might encounter a few errors while taking a backup of your company files. Below are a few errors.

• QuickBooks is not able to back up the company file
• .ND file is corrupt or damaged
• Without moving the .ND file .QBW file is moved during the upgrade process.

Reasons for QuickBooks Unable to Backup Data

If you are facing QuickBooks is unable to back up the company files issues then below are the most likely reasons why the error message is like QuickBooks unable to back up company file.” Then, below are the reasons that might have caused this error.

• The name of the Company Files takes more than 65 characters
• You are taking a backup on any unauthorized external hard disk
• The size of the company file is larger than 3 GB
• QuickBooks Desktop is either used or scanned by another user
• The too-long path where the Company Files are stored
• The wrong extension (.ADR) for the Company File name is given

Fix QuickBooks Unable to backup Company File Error with Short Methods

When QuickBooks Unable to Backup the Company File then you might be at a greater risk of losing your company’s financials.

Solution 1: Renaming the Company File

If you need to create a new company file in QuickBooks Desktop, you first need to take a backup of all your company files, which would help you to avoid mistakes like giving the wrong name to the company files or any misprint in the company file. If you have renamed your company files, then before using the “Loan Manager” of your QuickBooks Desktop, you have to recreate the entire “Loan Manager”. To do so, follow the given steps

• Start your QuickBooks Desktop and access your company files.
• By using the keyboard command Ctrl+l, open up a Product Information window
• Next, you need to populate the ” File Information field by copying the location of your Company Files.

Note: You need to hover over the filename to get the complete filename when the file name appears in an ellipsis (…) if it's too long.

• Shut down all the Company Files running on all your workstations.
• Next, go to the Company File location, select the Company File, right-click, and from the pop-up menu select Rename.
• Enter the New Company File Name and hit the Enter key, you will be prompted for confirmation, select “Yes” and proceed.

Solution 2: Create a New Company File

Another way to resolve this error is to set up QuickBooks Desktop again so that you can use the renamed company file name. The steps below will help you set up QuickBooks Desktop.

• Navigate to the following path: QuickBooks Desktop Menu Open/Restore Company
• Click on Open a company file  and proceed by clicking on the Next button
• Here, click on the new company file name and click on the Open button.

Solution 3: Backup on Flash or External Drive

You can also take the backup on any Flash Drive or External Hard disk. Before starting your backup, copy the contents on your C: drive or any other local drive, and then follow the steps given below.

• Navigate the following >> Select File, Save, Copy, or Backup
• Select the option Backup and click on the  Next button
• Click on Local Backup and proceed by clicking on the Next button
• You will be prompted by a question stating, “Where do you want to save your backup copy?”
• Select the option to select “Save it now“, and click on the Next button to proceed.
• Go to the location where you want to make a copy of your Company Files and click on the Save Button
• Next, minimize your QuickBooks Desktop window and access your backup file, recently created on your local drive
• Right-click on the file, select Copy, and paste it into your external drive.

Solution 4: Using QuickBooks File Doctor

To resolve company file issues in QuickBooks and address any unusual behavior while working on your company file, you can use the QuickBooks File Doctor. Here’s how to use it.

1. Close your QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub file and save it on your computer.
3. Open the downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Once the installation is complete, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
6. Select “Run QuickBooks File Doctor.”
7. In QuickBooks File Doctor, choose your company file from the drop-down menu. If you can’t locate your file, click “Browse” to search for it.
8. Click “Check your file,” then enter your QuickBooks admin password and click “Next.”

You may read this: QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

Solution 6: Rename the Network Data (.ND) File

A damaged Network Data (.ND) file can stop QuickBooks from backing up company files. If you moved the .QBW file to another folder but did not move the An .ND file with it, the backup will fail.

Follow these steps to fix the issue:

• Open Windows Explorer.
• Go to this path: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks.
• Find the file with the same name as your company file and the .ND extension (for example: mycompanyfile.nd or mycompanyfile.qbw.nd).
• Right-click the .ND file and select Rename.
• Add .old at the end of the file name. Press Enter to save it.
• If you moved the .QBW file to a new folder, move the .ND file there as well.
• Try backing up the company file again and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 7: Create a New QuickBooks User with Admin Rights

If the current QuickBooks user does not have admin rights or is corrupt, backup errors may occur. You can fix this by creating a new user with admin access:

• Open the Company menu in QuickBooks. Click Set Up Users and Passwords, then select Set Up Users. Choose the user who should be assigned admin rights. Repeat the steps to open the user list. Select Admin and click Edit User.
• Assign admin rights to the selected user.
• Answer the security question to complete the setup.
• Click Next, then Finish*to save changes.

Conclusion

Hope we answered your query, but if you are still facing QuickBooks unable to backup company file issues, then now you would need to ask for a Consultant. Our QuickBooks error support team is always there to guide and consult you whenever a problem arises. You can get in touch with us on our toll-free number anytime.