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August 9, 2022
Question

What is the difference between a complete backup and a full backup in Quickbooks online?

  • August 9, 2022
  • 1 reply
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1 reply

August 9, 2022

Hi @saltforkwoodwork.

 

I can share a few things about what I know about backups.

 

The complete backup means all parts of data are saved, while full backup means the maximum amount of that which can fit in the space available. For example of a complete backup is you already finish cloning all customers with its associated transactions data and other QuickBooks Online data.

 

On the other hand, a great example of a full backup is cloning all possible amount of data in your QuickBooks Online account that can fit in the space available. This identifies the name of the database you are backing up that includes the following:

 

  • Customers and their transactions
  • Vendors and their transactions
  • Chart of accounts and the entries in the registers
  • Products and services that covers pricing and tax details
  • Reports and etc.

 

While QuickBooks Online is a cloud based application, this will store and manage your accounting data into one central cloud accounting system. It means that you won't to create a back up from time to time.

 

If you're required to back up your company in QuickBooks Online, you can reference this article to learn more: Back up and restore your QuickBooks Online Advanced company.

 

Feel free to comment if you have other concerns about handling your data. I'm always here to lend a hand. Have a nice day.

August 24, 2023

This response did not answer the question on the difference between Complete and Full. Let's try again:

 

When doing a Manual backup, I can choose:

1. Full, which I assume is a full dump of everything such that subsequent Quick Backups will use this as a new base for restore,

2. Quick, which I assume means "Incremental" in the standard terminology of backups and is dependent on the availability of a previous Full backup to properly restore,

3. Complete which seems like a synonym of "Full" and if that is so, it's not clear why this is necessary.

 

Please explain.

JaeAnnC
August 24, 2023

Thanks for joining in on this conversation, @Caldominus. Allow me to elaborate further on the differences between Complete and Full backup in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

 

I understand that the terms Complete and Full might seem synonymous at first glance. However, they hold different meanings when it comes to backing up data in QBO.

 

Full backup saves your financial data, which refers to the numerical and transactional information related to your company's finances. It includes records of income, expenses, assets, liabilities, equity, and various financial transactions. 

 

On the other hand, complete backup saves everything, including your company data. It encompasses all the information and settings associated with your business within the QBO environment. It may include both financial and non-financial details. Examples are customer and vendor information, chart of accounts, employee details, inventory data, preferences and settings, and others that define your business.

 

For in-depth information, please see this article: Back up and restore your QuickBooks Online Advanced Company.

 

Furthermore, you may also run reports in QBO to get a comprehensive view of your business's financial landscape, empowering you to make informed decisions, monitor progress, and optimize operations.

 

You can always get back to us whenever you have additional questions concerning data backup. We're always available to assist you further. Stay safe.