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J
JN92
March 4, 2022
Question

How Specify Where QB Company Files are Stored?

  • March 4, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 44 views

We are in the process of changing a server-based multi-user networked system to a single computer standalone QB Desktop system.  

 

At what point in the single computer/user standalone QB installation is the company file location specified?  These files (four companies) have resided on the server, which will no longer be on the network or accessible to the standalone QB workstation.  So, we need to move them from the server to the laptop QB workstation.  Through the <F2> key, I am able to see the specific path for the QB company files on the server.  Could you please tell me where/how to specify the company file location on the standard single user QB computer?

 

Thanks very much.

 

John

 

2 replies

JasroV
JasroV
Level 8
March 4, 2022

Search no more, John.

 

I'd be delighted to guide you on how to locate those files. The file stored from the multi-user mode is located on the same file as your Company file. Here's how. 

 

  1. Go to the File menu in your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), and select Open or Restore Company.
  2. Select Open a company file, then Next.
  3. Browse the location of the company file. For example: if your company file is mapped to drive E, look for Company Files Name (E:) in the list.
  4. Click the company file (with file extension .qbw) from the list and select Open.
  5. If prompted, enter your user name and password.

 

You can also refer to these articles for more details: 

 

 

I'd also suggest seeking assistance from an IT expert. This way, you'll be guided accordingly and steer clear of any errors in moving the files.

 

Furthermore, I've also added this link for your reference in restoring your file to a new computer: Restore a backup of your company file.

 

I'm all ears if you have any other concerns or questions about moving your files in QBDT. Please don't hesitate to add them in your reply and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Keep safe and have a great weekend ahead!

J
JN92Author
March 10, 2022

Thanks for your response to my question.  Just to clarify, we wish to move QB company files from the server on the current three-station network configuration that has been in use for several years.  

 

The owner of the company wants to pare the computer system down.  He wants to remove the network and server from the system.  All that will be left in terms of QB is a standalone laptop.

 

Without a server, there are no mapped network drives to create a link to the past locations of the QB company files.  As a result, when I try to use the prior company files via the QB file menu, the screen is blank and no company files are detected or shown.  My guess is that since they have been only used from the server, and the server no longer exists, they do not show up at all.  This is the problem I am trying to resolve.  We have created backup QBB files from the server and stored them on a USB flash drive.  What I don't know how to determine is where the restored QBB files should go on the remaining laptop (i.e., which folder).  When that has been determined, will QB then "see" and load these company files when selected (so we can use QuickBooks with our data)?

 

Thanks again for your assistance with this.

 

 

John

 

L
LeizylMQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
March 10, 2022

Hi there, John.

 

I'm here to make sure you'll be able to open your company file successfully and get back to your business right away.

 

You can locate the file by going to your computer server and performing a wild card search for all company files. Let's make sure to include the asterisk (*) before the extension type to ensure the search works correctly.

 

Note: Be sure to include the asterisk (*) before the extension type to ensure the search works correctly.

 

  • *.qbw (Working Files)
  • *.qbb (Back-Up Files)
  • *.qba (Accountants Copy Files)
  • *.qbx (Accountants Transfer Files)
  • *.qby (Accountants Change Files)

 

To search using the file explorer:

 

  1. Open the Windows Start menu 
  2. Select File Explorer by typing it into the search box.
  3. From the menu bar, choose My Computer or This PC.
  4. In the search field, be sure to include the asterisk (*) before the extension type (*.qbw, *.qbb) to find all corresponding files.

 

Once found, take note of the file's location so you can easily locate it when opening your company file. I also suggest you change the name of your company file so you can easily locate it in the future. 

 

For more information, you can refer to this article: Locating Backups and Company Data Files. It helps you learn about searching for all company files saved locally on the same computer or over the network. 

 

For future reference, these links outline the complete steps on how to resolve any of the following issues.

 

 

Let me know if you need further assistance, so we can perform additional troubleshooting steps to find your company. Have a wonderful day! 

BigRedConsulting
BigRedConsulting
Level 15
October 14, 2022

You don't really specify where files are stored other than by putting them in a location - one or more - and then opening them. QB doesn't really care as long as it has appropriate rights - basically full rights, similar to your Documents folder.

C
cmurda
March 22, 2023

I personally find it ridiculous that the company file location can't be changed to another location. It's too much cutting and pasting to move it or the rigamarole of backing up and restoring the backupo where you want the save location in the first place.  

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