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jandhcody
January 15, 2019
Solved

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

  • January 15, 2019
  • 2 replies
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Is there a way to backup my quickbooks to my google drive so that I can access it from multiple computers? Also wondering if I can install my program on our business laptop for when my husband is out of town and on our desktop for when we are at home and they will communicate

Best answer by NOT MY USER ID

You should never try to RUN QB from Dropbox, Google driver, etc., but saving a backup to it, downloading when needed, restoring, working, then backing up again is fine.

https://betterbottomline.com/dont-try-to-run-quickbooks-pro-premier-or-enterprise-via-dropbox-google-drive-onedrive-or-similar-services/

Your license allows you to install a single user license on up to two computers (the intention is that it is to be used by one person), but you cannot configure the two computers for multi-users.  You will have to back up from one, restore to the second, then back up from the second, restore to the first (never using the backed up computer in the meantime), etc., which can open the door for problems if you inadvertently work in the backed up computer while the other is in use.  You might want to consider a remote access program like LogMeIn,SplashTop, JoinMe or  TeamViewer, designating the desktop as the host and the laptop as the remote computer (you don't even need QB on the remote computer as you work in the host QB) or have your file hosted (Intuit now offers that service) so that you can access it online from any internet connection.

2 replies

NOT MY USER ID
NOT MY USER IDAnswer
January 15, 2019

You should never try to RUN QB from Dropbox, Google driver, etc., but saving a backup to it, downloading when needed, restoring, working, then backing up again is fine.

https://betterbottomline.com/dont-try-to-run-quickbooks-pro-premier-or-enterprise-via-dropbox-google-drive-onedrive-or-similar-services/

Your license allows you to install a single user license on up to two computers (the intention is that it is to be used by one person), but you cannot configure the two computers for multi-users.  You will have to back up from one, restore to the second, then back up from the second, restore to the first (never using the backed up computer in the meantime), etc., which can open the door for problems if you inadvertently work in the backed up computer while the other is in use.  You might want to consider a remote access program like LogMeIn,SplashTop, JoinMe or  TeamViewer, designating the desktop as the host and the laptop as the remote computer (you don't even need QB on the remote computer as you work in the host QB) or have your file hosted (Intuit now offers that service) so that you can access it online from any internet connection.

    P
    pngrini
    March 3, 2019

    Thanks for the advice.  I am wondering how this squares with the support for iCloud in Quickbooks Desktop for Mac 2019.  It suggest that it is OK to have a company file on iCloud "or other sharing services such as Dropbox, One Drive" etc.

    S
    ShiellaGraceA
    March 4, 2019

    Hi pngrini,

     

    In addition to Lexiesmemerea's post. QuickBooks for Mac 2019 has a new product enhancement called iCloud document sharing.

     

    To understand how and how not to use iCloud Document Sharing, you'll want to check out this article: ICloud Document Sharing and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2019.

     

    Always swing by anytime if you have further questions. We're here to help you.

    T
    TVP
    December 10, 2020

    I'm not techy (Sorry) at all, but I'd like to use my laptop on vacation and access my QB's. My laptop has Windows 8.1.  Is there an Easy way to do this? I see a response from one tech to buy Splashtop.  That's all good but, I also know that doesn't have anything to do with all the set up on both computers. I've always just called and talked with someone to walk me through it.  Is that still available? When I called a number it refrerred me here to the chat room.

    DivinaMercy_N
    DivinaMercy_N
    December 10, 2020

    I've got you covered, @TVP.

     

    You can create a backup copy of your company file and save it in a hard drive then restore the file on your laptop. Once you're ready to go back and access your company data on your computer, create a backup copy again and restore it.

     

    To start, you'll need to install QuickBooks Desktop on your laptop. To determine the compatibility of the software with your Windows version, see this article for more info: System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop. 

     

    Also, if you need further assistance in doing the process, follow these easy steps to connect with our live support:

     

    1. Click the Help menu at the top, and then select QuickBooks Desktop Help. 
    2. Hit Contact Us.
    3. Enter a brief description of your issue, for example: Use my laptop on vacation and access my QuickBooks.
    4. Tap Let's talk. 
    5. Choose Start a chat or Get a call.  

     

    Here's a great source where you can find articles that can help you in managing your books in QuickBooks, please visit our QBDT help articles page. This includes topics such as reconciliation, track income, and expenses, run reports, etc.

     

    Feel free to leave a reply if you have further questions about accessing your QuickBooks on your laptop. I'll be here to answer them for you. Stay safe.

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