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BarbaraMc
May 26, 2021
Solved

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

  • May 26, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 23 views

Hi - I have one license of Desktop Pro 2021 on my work computer but sometimes want to work from home on my personal laptop - Can I install on my laptop since they won't be used at the same time? Also is the best option to do this to restore from backup on my laptop, then the next day, restore from backup on my desktop? I'm just looking to catch up when I get behind and have to work later at home. Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.

    Best answer by mv32

    Yes, you're correct, @BarbaraMc. So many of us working remotely these times, and the benefit of having a laptop is a plus. 

     

    In addition to Fiat Lux - ASIA's response, QuickBooks isn't IP address specific, so you can use it anywhere.

     

    You can install QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2021 on your laptop. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has the correct system requirements.

     

    To move your QBDT, you'll want to install it on your laptop and restore a backup copy of your company file.

     

    Install QuickBooks:

    1. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
    2. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would. See Install QuickBooks Desktop for more detailed steps.

     

    To back up and restore your file:

    1. Create a backup of your file on the old computer.
    2. Copy the backup file to your new computer:
      • using a flash drive or other external device; or
      • through a network, if the computers are connected.

           3. Restore the backup on your new computer.

     

    Well done! Keep me posted if you have any additional questions about installing QuickBooks or anything else. Anytime I can help.

    3 replies

    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    Level 14
    May 26, 2021

    Yes you are allowed to install QBD for 1 user license on 2 machines as long as you don't run them at the same time. As another option, consider using a remote desktop app.

    https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

     

    B
    BarbaraMcAuthor
    May 27, 2021

    Thank you for your reply @Fiat Lux - ASIA - unfortunately our company policy does not allow for remote access. Do appreciate the recommendation.

    M
    mv32Answer
    Level 8
    May 26, 2021

    Yes, you're correct, @BarbaraMc. So many of us working remotely these times, and the benefit of having a laptop is a plus. 

     

    In addition to Fiat Lux - ASIA's response, QuickBooks isn't IP address specific, so you can use it anywhere.

     

    You can install QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2021 on your laptop. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has the correct system requirements.

     

    To move your QBDT, you'll want to install it on your laptop and restore a backup copy of your company file.

     

    Install QuickBooks:

    1. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
    2. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would. See Install QuickBooks Desktop for more detailed steps.

     

    To back up and restore your file:

    1. Create a backup of your file on the old computer.
    2. Copy the backup file to your new computer:
      • using a flash drive or other external device; or
      • through a network, if the computers are connected.

           3. Restore the backup on your new computer.

     

    Well done! Keep me posted if you have any additional questions about installing QuickBooks or anything else. Anytime I can help.

    B
    BarbaraMcAuthor
    May 27, 2021

    Thank you so much @mv32  - will try this weekend.

    S
    samko1
    June 24, 2022

    Jovychris_A

     

    I have QB Desktop Pro Plus 2021 - 1 User

     

    I understand your explanation, but it's quite time consuming. Sometimes I work on QB at home on my laptop in the morning, and then I want to use it later in the day on my desktop in my office. Is there no easy way to keep the file synced? I've learned that I can't use Google Drive or other cloud options.

     

    What about Intuit Data Protect (IDP)? How can I use this to keep everything synced at all times? Should I backup the file to IDP every time I shut down QB? And then, every time I want to use QB I should open from IDP? Is there no easier way?

    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    Level 14
    June 24, 2022

    @samko1 

    Cloud storage (eg GDrive) is only suitable for backup purposes. You have to manually restore files between 2 machines. You should consider a third party paid solution and this is the cheapest option you can get for your case.

    https://qbox.coraltreetech.com/?associate_code=FL-AF34

     

    R
    Rasa-LilaMQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    June 24, 2022

    I know that can it be challenging when you’ll have to move from one place to another to work mainly with your QuickBooks, samko1.

     

    Allow me to help and provide an alternative solution on how to save time and get your data synced automatically without having to install the backup file. 

     

    In addition to the suggestion shared by @Fiat Lux – ASIA, you can consider using a third-party hosting provider to run your QuickBooks and store the data. This allows you to access your company file from anywhere and at any time. Also, you’ll no longer have to send files back and forth over email or save a copy and install it on your computer.

     

    You can browse this article to view the detailed list of supported providers: Hosting providers authorized by Intuit.


    For your other concern, you can utilize Intuit Data Protect (IDP) to backup your entire computer or just the QuickBooks files and folders. Once you set it up, it saves a copy of your data every day. Make sure to meet the requirements to run the utility smoothly:

     

    • Intuit Data Protect runs on Windows computers. Windows should be installed natively. This service will not work on virtual environments or Windows Parallel.
    • Install Intuit Data Protect on the computer that hosts your company file.
    • Make sure the computer doesn't go into hibernation mode.
    • The computer needs to stay signed in as the Windows user you use to set up Intuit Data Protect.


    The following articles provide detailed information on how the backup service works. You’ll also see answers to common questions about IDP.

     

     

    For future reference, we have collated resources to help ensure users can carry out any QuickBooks-related tasks easily. They're arranged by topic so you can find and view the article right away.  

     

    Reach out to me again if you have other QuickBooks concerns or additional questions about IDP. I’ll get back to help you the best that I can.

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