QuickBooks Desktop 2017 Backup Strategy After Sunsetting
Build a bulletproof local backup routine for QuickBooks Desktop 2017. Learn .QBB scheduling, 3-2-1 copies, restore drills, and essential files to keep.
QuickBooks Desktop 2017 officially reached the end of Intuit's live support and add-on services on May 31, 2020. With sunset status, features like QuickBooks Online Backup are no longer available, meaning the safety of your company data rests entirely on your local infrastructure. To keep your 2017 software running indefinitely, we need to build a bulletproof, offline backup routine that does not rely on Intuit's servers.
Master the Manual and Scheduled .QBB
The most reliable way to back up your data is by creating a QuickBooks Backup file (.QBB). This compressed file bundles your company data and is generally safer to move and restore than copying the live working file (.QBW).
While the exact interface varies slightly depending on whether you run Pro, Premier, or Enterprise, the core process is identical across the QuickBooks Desktop family. You can create a manual backup at any time by going to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup.
Because relying on your memory is risky, set up a scheduled backup. QuickBooks Desktop 2017 includes a built-in scheduler that can run automatically when the software is closed. When setting this up, direct the scheduled backups to a dedicated local folder or an attached external drive rather than relying on manual initiation.
Implement a 3-2-1 Strategy
A single backup copy is not a backup strategy; it is a waiting game for hardware failure. We recommend the standard 3-2-1 approach:
- Keep 3 total copies of your data (your live .QBW file plus two backups).
- Store the copies on 2 different types of media (e.g., your local hard drive and an external USB drive).
- Keep at least 1 copy off-site (such as a synced cloud storage folder or a physical drive stored in a different location).
If you map a cloud storage folder (like Google Drive or OneDrive) as a network drive on your computer, you can often direct QuickBooks to save your scheduled .QBB files directly to that location.
Keep Files Beyond the .QBW
A standard .QBB file contains your primary financial data, but a truly bulletproof strategy requires keeping several ancillary files. If your hard drive crashes, losing these supporting files will severely disrupt your workflow even if your core accounting data is safe.
Always keep manual copies of these items alongside your .QBB backups:
- The License Number: Keep a physical or separate digital record of your 2017 product and license numbers. You will need these if you ever have to reinstall the software on a new machine.
- The .TLG File: The Transaction Log file (.TLG) tracks every change made since your last backup. If your live .QBW file gets corrupted but you have a recent .QBB and the current .TLG file, specialized data recovery can often use the .TLG to restore your data right up to the minute the crash occurred.
- Templates and Letters: Custom invoice templates, sales receipts, and statement formats do not always transfer cleanly through a standard .QBB restore. Export these separately from the Lists menu.
- Batch Printing and PDFs: Keep a separate folder of any saved PDF reports, W-2s, or 1099s generated within the 2017 software.
Run Regular Restore Drills
A backup is only as good as your ability to restore it. Set a calendar reminder to perform a restore drill once a quarter.
To do this safely without overwriting your live data, open QuickBooks Desktop 2017 and choose to restore the .QBB file, but select the option to create a new company file rather than replacing the existing one. Save this temporary file to your desktop, open it, and verify that your recent transactions, customer balances, and reports look accurate. Once confirmed, delete the temporary file from your desktop.
If you encounter error messages during this drill—such as a failure to restore or a message that the backup file is corrupted—you will know immediately that your backup chain is broken. If a .QBB file refuses to restore, you may need to repair the damaged backup file before a real data-loss emergency strikes.