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

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
December 11, 2018
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I will be the only user

QuickBooks Desktop

Best answer by john-pero

By back and forth with backup/restore a full company file or a portable company file. To have just one company data file you have to have the file hosted or host yourself on a single always on computer.

Or use a remote desktop app and from second computer access first computer as if you were on it

john-peroAnswer

By back and forth with backup/restore a full company file or a portable company file. To have just one company data file you have to have the file hosted or host yourself on a single always on computer.

Or use a remote desktop app and from second computer access first computer as if you were on it

R

RettaCarl

Could this be done via a file in dropbox? Just wondering, if I am using the computer in the office and the laptop at home, can I set it up so both automatically back up and access from a drop box file? Pros and cons? I'm really bad about remembering to do things like grab the flash drive before heading to the office. I've read a couple of things about hosting one computer too but not sure how that works if one computer is home and one is in the office.

KlentB

I'm here to share some information about backing up and restoring company file, RettaCarl.

You can use DropBox in synchronizing your company file. The advantage of using Dropbox is you can access it anytime and anywhere since it's a web-based program. However, we don't recommend it because there are times that connectivity and syncing issues occur upon performing the backup process.

Since you've that you've like to access your company file in your home and office, you'll want to host a QuickBooks Desktop company file. This way, you'll be able to access QBDT remotely using an internet browser or remote desktop connection from your home or office. QuickBooks Desktop with Hosting offers protection anytime, anywhere, and on any device accessing your data. You and your team (if you have one) can all work with the same info at the same time no matter where they are and no matter if they use a Mac, PC, or tablet.

With this program, your QuickBooks software and data are stored on an enterprise-level web server at a secure facility. Then, you can access them over a secure internet connection from anywhere or any device rather than using your local network.

For more information about this program, you can read the articles that I've listed below:

I've also included an article that will guide you in setting up a multi-user network: Hosting your company data in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop.

We're always open here, so don't hesitate to tap us if you have further questions regarding this matter. As always, assistance is just one comment away.

NOT MY USER ID

If these computers are in the same office and networked (not wirelessly), you could purchase a second license, install it, and set the computers up in multi-user mode.

M

mommie-salami

I just purchased QB2019 for MAC. I have a computer at home and my laptop that I take to the office and on location. Can I transfer the QB2019 data file onto a usb drive and then onto the other computer so I can use is when not at home? Two computers max will be used. Single user. or even use airdrop between the two computers? Many times they sit side by side.

A

Anonymous

It's nice to have you as part of the conversation, @mommie-salami,

I can share some insights about installing the software on different computers.

If you're using a single user license and is not using the file simultaneously, you're able to install QuickBooks on different PC. However, doing this does not automatically sync the data on both locations. You can, however, create a backup of your company file and restore it to the other PC using your USB. Let me guide you through the steps:

Step 1: Create a backup copy.

Launch QuickBooks for Mac 2015 (if you haven’t already).
Go to QuickBooks.
Choose Preferences.
Select Backup.

Step 2: Restore the file.

Locate the backup copy and double click the .dmg file.
Drag the company file (with .qbXXXX extension) to the folder where you want to save the file.
Drag the Attached Documents Library folder (if applicable) to the same folder as the QuickBooks company file.
Click the copy of the company file saved on the desired location or go to File > Open Company.

However, if you are using both PC's at the same time, and would want to sync your transactions automatically, it is best to purchase a secondary license to enable Multi-user mode. This feature ensures all users can access the file at the same instance. To know more about this, please checkout Step 5 of this article: Install and set up QuickBooks Mac Desktop

Please feel free to post an update below if you have additional questions. I'll be more than happy to help you at any time. All the best!

A

ahmeto

Hi all,

I have a question about this topic. I hope I can find a solution way here.

I have the Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2020 . I have this tool on two different computers and this tool is used by two different people in different locations. So, these computers aren`t in same networks. We want to do changes on the same Quickbooks file. How can I sync Quickbooks files between two computers?

Thanks for your answers in advance.

D

dd110

Give me detail instructions

IamjuViel

Hello, @dd110.

You can set up your computer into multi-user mode if these computers are in the same office and networked (not wirelessly). I can walk you through on the process.

Let's first make sure that both computers meet the system requirements for the QuickBooks version you want to use. This way, we can avoid compatibility issues when installing the program and enabling the multi-user network. Also, determine which computer will you store your company files.

Here's how:

Download the software to your through this link: Download QuickBooks Desktop.
Complete the download information and click Search.
Click the Download button.
Once the download is complete, the installation will automatically start. If it doesn't, double click the installer file to proceed.
Select Yes to All then hit Next.
Mark the Software License Agreement then click Next.
Enter the License and Product numbers, then hit Next.
Pick the type of installation you want and where you want to save QuickBooks:
- I'll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I'll be storing
- I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer
Pick a new install location or select Next to install to the default directory.
Click Install.

Once completed, you can set up folder permissions on your server computer. You can visit this article for the step-by-step instructions: Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop.

Lastly, you can now map your network drive depending on your computer's operating system. This allows access to your company file even without an internet connection. Here's how:

Go to This PC.
Under Computer, select Map a network drive.
Choose one from your unused drive.
Select Browse.
Go to the location of your QuickBooks company file.
Click OK and then Finish.

You can map a network drive for your company file. In addition, I've included our detailed guide in mapping a network drive for your company file. Also, here's an article you can read to learn more about activating multi-user mode: Host your Company Data File in Multi-User Mode.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions about multi-user mode. It'll be always my pleasure to lend a hand.

F

Fontainekb

Help, How do I sync quickbooks ? Don't want to have to save and use flash drive everytime