Essential for companies, QuickBooks helps them effectively handle bills, payroll, and financial data.
On the other hand, inadvertent deletion or loss of QuickBooks data files (.QBW,.QBB, and. ND) may
cause a major disturbance in company operations. Luckily, there are many methods to get back
erased QuickBooks data. This book offers methodical answers to enable you to properly recover
your lost data.
Table of Contents
ToggleCommon Reasons for QuickBooks File Deletion
Before exploring recovery techniques, it's important to know the typical reasons for data loss:
- Accidental Deletion: Users organizing data may unintentionally remove important QuickBooks files.
- System breakdown: Missing or damaged files might result from a rapid power outage or system breakdown.
- Hard Drive Failure: Data loss in your hard drive could result from software problems or physical damage.
- Attacks by malware or viruses may damage or destroy QuickBooks data files.
- Software Conflicts: QuickBooks upgrades or outside programs might conflict with current files and cause them to vanish.
- Unintentional Formatting: QuickBooks files may be permanently lost when a storage device is formatted without backup.
Methods to Recover Deleted QuickBooks Data Files
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first place to look for deleted QuickBooks files is the Recycle Bin.
- 1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- 2. Search for your QuickBooks file (.QBW, .QBB, or .ND).
- 3. Right-click the file and select Restore.
- 4. Check the original file location to confirm recovery.
2. Restore from a Recent Backup (.QBB File)
If you have previously backed up your QuickBooks data, you can restore it using a backup file.
- 1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Open or Restore Company.
- 2. Choose Restore a backup copy and click Next.
- 3. Select Local Backup and click Next.
- 4. Locate your backup file (.QBB), then click Open.
- 5. Follow the prompts to save and restore your QuickBooks data.
3. Use the Auto Data Recovery (ADR) Feature
QuickBooks Desktop provides an Auto Data Recovery (ADR) feature that helps restore lost files.
- 1. Navigate to the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder (located in the same directory as your company file).
- 2. Look for files named [CompanyFileName].adr.qbw and [CompanyFileName].adr.qbw.tlg.
- 3. Copy these files to a new folder and remove the ".adr" extension.
- 4. Open QuickBooks and access your restored data.
4. Restore from Windows File History (Previous Versions)
Windows has a feature called File History, which may contain previous versions of your QuickBooks
files.
- 1. Navigate to the folder where your QuickBooks files were stored.
- 2. Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions.
- 3. Browse the available versions and choose the most recent one.
- 4. Click Restore to recover your QuickBooks file.
5. Use Data Recovery Software
If you cannot recover the deleted files using the above methods, you can use third-party data
recovery software.
- 1. Download and install a reliable data recovery tool (such as EaseUS Data Recovery, Stellar Data Recovery, or Recuva).
- 2. Launch the software and select the drive where QuickBooks files are stored.
- 3. Start the scanning process to locate lost or deleted files.
- 4. Select your QuickBooks file and click Recover.
- 5. Save the recovered file to a secure location.
6. Restore from Cloud Backup
If you use cloud backup services (such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or QuickBooks Online Backup),
follow these steps:
- 1. Log in to your cloud backup account.
- 2. Search for your QuickBooks data file.
- 3. Download and restore the file to its original location.
- 4. Open QuickBooks to ensure the data is intact.
7. Contact QuickBooks Support
If all else fails, you can reach out to QuickBooks support for professional assistance.
- 1. Visit the QuickBooks Help Center (https://quickbooks.intuit.com/).
- 2. Navigate to Contact Us and describe your issue.
- 3. Follow their troubleshooting steps or request technical support.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Data Loss
Think about using these recommended practices to reduce data loss going forward:
- Plan automated QuickBooks backups to an external disk or cloud storage.
- Activate Auto Data Recovery (ADR): Verify QuickBooks' additional security Auto Data Recovery is turned on.
- Install dependable antivirus software to guard against viruses and malware capable of file corruption.
- Frequent updates to QuickBooks help to avoid data corruption and software conflicts.
- Steers clear of unauthorized deletions. Teach staff members to safely manage QuickBooks data and prohibit unneeded access.
Conclusion
Although losing QuickBooks data might be annoying, you can effectively restore lost information by
using the above-described techniques. Whether recovering from backups, using Auto Data Recovery,
or depending on other tools, fast response is very vital. Furthermore, implementing preventative
actions will assist in protecting your information and guarantee seamless financial operations.
QuickBooks assistance is always accessible to help with difficult data recovery problems, should
necessary.