Skip to main content
December 10, 2019
Question

Quickbooks Backup creates temp backup instead of normal backup file.

  • December 10, 2019
  • 6 replies
  • 0 views

We use Drop Box when we back up our Quickbooks files.

Lately when my Boss backs Quickbooks up, it creates a QBTempBackup.tmp in drop box, instead of the usual back up file. Of course I can not restore that backup to this computer with that. This is a new development and has only happened the last 2 times he has backed Quickbooks up.

 

When I back up to Drop Box, it creates the normal back up file, and he is able to restore fine on his end. 

 

We use Quickbooks Pro 2016

 

Any advice?

 

Thank you.

6 replies

Tori B
December 10, 2019

Hey there, @css321.

 

Welcome to the Community! I'd be glad to offer my assistance.

 

When you back up your company file, it's always best to do this local on the desktop. Once you have saved your back up to the desktop you could choose to move it to the dropbox, if you prefer to have it there. I recommend using our Intuit Data Protect to save the back up on the cloud. 

 

You can follow these steps in the article posted below for more details on creating a local back up.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/back-up-data/back-up-your-quickbooks-desktop-company-file/00/202669

 

If you have any more questions, please know I am only a post away. Have a great rest of your day!

css321Author
December 10, 2019

I appreciate this response, however, we have been backing up the same way for years now. 

We do choose "Local Backup". It gets backed up to his local Drop Box folder, and then the Drop Box folder syncs up on my end. (And then I restore on my end) It has ALWAYS been the normal back up file. As I said, it is only the last 2 times that it has instead created this "temp" back up file instead. 

And I also use the exact same method to back up, and it creates the normal back up file, like always, and he is able to restore from mine, just fine, like always. 

 

 

December 10, 2019

There can be an error when you backed up your company file, css321. 

 

I read the thread and I agree with the recommended workarounds provided. I suggest reaching out to our Customer Support Agents to help you sort out the root cause of the Temp backup files since the issue persists. They can open an investigation for you so our engineers will be aware of it. 

 

Here's how to contact us:

  1. Go to the Help icon and select QuickBooks Desktop Help (F1).
  2. Click the Contact us link.
  3. Enter your concern that QuickBooks creates a Temp backup file using Dropbox. 
  4. Click Continue.
  5. We provide options on how you'll want to connect with us. 

 

You can always reach out to me if you have further questions. 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
December 10, 2019

Afaik, when the backup process is not completed, it only created a TMP file.  You should create a backup file locally then move the QBB to the cloud storage (e.q DB, GD)

December 14, 2019

We are having a similar problem backing up, but we are backing up to the local drive and it's still saving as a temp file.  QB gives us no error message when completing the back up.

 

I think this is an enginerring issue with QB.

December 14, 2019

Hello there, headhunting dot com,

 

I'd suggest saving a backup file to other locations, such as flash drive, to see if it saves a .qbb file. This helps us isolate this issue. If it works, create a new folder to replace the old file. If not, you'll need the assistance of our Customer Care Team. Refer to the steps provided by my peer Catherine_B above on how to contact them. They can investigate why the backup copy is still saving as a temp file. They can also confirm if this is an engineering issue and help you fix it. 

 

Once resolved, use your backup file to restore your accounting data. It helps you go back to your save points in case you ever run into problems. For detailed steps, go through this article: Restore A Backup of Your Company File

 

I'll be right here to help if you need further assistance. Take care always, headhunting dot com.

July 13, 2020

I realized that I am dealing with the same issue. Last 2 backups were done in temp files. And now, I cannot retrieve the data. I can open the backup made 3 times before that. Any way to get the data from temp backup?? It's going to be a long process if I have to re-enter everything!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
July 13, 2020

When the backup process is failed, it created a temp backup file. Try to create a backup file manually to make sure the tool is working. 

August 29, 2022

I backed up to the local drive, and today when I need to rerive it, it shows as .tmp.

I really need to solve this problem urgently.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
August 29, 2022

@EmilyCa 

When the backup process is failed, it created a temp backup file. Try to create a backup file manually to make sure the tool is working. 

August 29, 2022

I can sense the urgency here, @EmilyCa.

 

Let's sort out your concern with backing up your file in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

 

Fiat Lux - ASIA is correct if the process of backing up your company file was incomplete. Then, the backup file extension will show as .tmp. That said, it has only been temporarily backed up.

 

There are ways to fix this type of issues. Thus, I suggest performing a Verify Rebuild data and utilities. Having said that, we can verify and correct the most typical data errors in your company file. Please make sure your QuickBooks Desktop is up to date as well.

 

Here’s how:

 

  1. Go to Window, then Close All.
  2. From the File menu, click Utilities.
  3. Select Rebuild Data.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to back up your data.
  5. When the tool finishes, select OK.
  6. Go to the File menu, then click Utilities.
  7. Click Verify Data, then select Rebuild Now once QuickBooks finds an issue with your company file.

 

Once done, create a backup file again to ensure you get all the data you want to secure.

 

Moreover, you’ll want to check out this article to restore a backup of your company file: Restore a backup of your company file

 

Stay in touch if you have more concerns about your backup file. The Community will surely assist you with this. Stay safe!

May 14, 2023

I am having the exact same problem. However, I have tried all of the fixes below and none of them worked. In addition, I am backing up Quickbooks to an external hard drive. Please help!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
May 14, 2023

@LarryLewis24 

What file format do you have?

May 14, 2023

When it was working properly, the file was saved to a Quickbooks Company Backup fole format (.qbb)