QuickBooks Desktop offers a valuable feature called Auto Data Recovery (ADR) that can assist you in recovering lost or corrupted data efficiently. While Intuit Data Services can also help with data recovery, it may take several days. By utilizing QuickBooks auto data recovery tool, you can potentially restore all or nearly all of your data in a faster manner. However, it is important to exhaust other troubleshooting methods before resorting to ADR.
What is QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery?
QuickBooks Data File Recovery is a valuable tool designed to assist you in diagnosing and recovering your QuickBooks company file. Additionally –
- When you launch the feature, it conducts internal diagnostics on your file, which typically takes about an hour to complete.
- During this process, the tool assesses the integrity of your company file, ensuring its stability and reliability.
- Once your company file successfully opens and passes the diagnostic tests, the Auto Data Recovery feature confirms that your file is in good condition.
- At this point, it automatically creates a backup copy of your company file, which can be found in the designated Auto Data Recovery folder. This initial backup copy serves as a safeguard for your data.
- From this moment forward, the auto data recovery transaction log diligently records every transaction that is added to your file.
- This log serves as a comprehensive record of all changes made, providing an additional layer of protection and recovery options.
- After the first backup copy is created, another copy of your file is generated after a period of 12 hours.
It’s important to keep the QuickBooks software open during this time to ensure the creation of the second backup copy.
- If the file happens to be closed, the second copy will be made automatically when you launch QuickBooks again.
- As a result, you will have two copies of your file available: one that is up to 12 hours old and another that is up to 24 hours old.
- Eventually, the older backup copy will be removed to maintain an organized and streamlined system.
By leveraging QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery, you can have peace of mind knowing that your company file is regularly backed up and monitored for any potential issues. This feature offers an efficient and reliable solution for safeguarding your data, reducing the risk of data loss and enabling you to restore your file to a recent, stable state if necessary.
What is QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery File Process
When you launch your company file, the Quickbooks Auto Data Recovery Files tool executes internal diagnostics on the file. This process usually takes about an hour to complete.
If your company file passes the diagnostic tests, the tool confirms the file’s integrity and proceeds to create a backup copy of it.
After the initial backup copy is created, the Auto Data Recovery tool starts keeping track of all the transactions added to your file using the transaction log. This log is updated regularly, ensuring that recent changes are captured.
Every 12 hours, the tool creates a new backup copy of your file. If QuickBooks remains open, the copy is made within the software. However, if the file is closed, the copy is generated the next time QuickBooks is launched.
This process ensures that you have two backup copies of your file: one that is up to 12 hours old and another that is up to 24 hours old. The older copy is removed, maintaining a rolling backup system.
How to Recover Recent Transactions using the Original .TLG File with .QBW.adr File?
Follow these steps –
- On your desktop, make a new folder called QBTest. The recovery procedure will make use of this folder.
- Open the folder containing your company file. The Product Information screen (accessed by pressing F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard) and the No Company Open Window both display the location of the company file.
- Locate the .tlg file in your company file’s folder. It shares the same name as your company file.
- If you are unable to identify the .tlg file, follow these steps to show file extensions:
- Press Windows+E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
- Select Organize.
- Now choose ‘Folder and search’ options.
- Under the View tab, uncheck the option “Hide extensions for known file types.”
- Select Apply, then OK.
- Copy the .tlg file from your corporate file and put it into the QBTest folder on your desktop.
- Navigate to the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder, which is located in the same directory as your company file.
- Copy the .QBW.adr file from the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder and paste it into the QBTest folder. You should now have both a .QBW.adr and a .tlg file in the QBTest folder.
- Right-click the .QBW.adr file in the QBTest folder, select Rename, and delete the .adr extension at the end of the file.
- Open QuickBooks and then open the company file saved in the QBTest folder. Verify that all transactions are present using your account register.
- To ensure the data integrity of the recovered file, go to the top left corner, select File, then Utilities, and finally Verify Data.
- If the recovered copy of the company file is accurate, move the damaged company file to a different location and replace it with the copy from the QBTest folder.
How to Recover Recent Transactions using .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr Files?
Follow these steps –
- Begin by creating a new folder named “QBRecovery” on your Desktop. This dedicated folder will be utilized throughout the recovery process.
- Open the folder where your company file is stored. You can easily locate the location of the company file by accessing the Product Information screen. To access this screen, press F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard while on the No Company Open Window.
- Within the same directory as your company file, find the folder called “QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery.”
- In the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder, search for files with extensions “.TLG.adr” and “.QBW.adr.” These files will have the same name as your company file.
- Follow these instructions to display file extensions if you are unable to recognise the.TLG.adr and.QBW.adr files:
- Press Windows+E on your keyboard to launch File Explorer.
- Click on “Organize” and choose “Folder and search options.”
- Under the “View” tab, deselect the option “Hide extensions for known file types.”
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- The identified.TLG.adr and.QBW.adr files should be copied and pasted into the “QBRecovery” folder that was previously established.
- Inside the “QBRecovery” folder, remove the “.adr” extension from the file names. This action will result in having a “.qbw” and “.tlg” file within the “QBRecovery” folder.
- Launch QuickBooks and open the company file that you copied into the “QBRecovery” folder. Ensure that all transactions are present by checking your account register.
- To verify the integrity of the recovered file’s data, click on “File,” then “Utilities,” and finally select “Verify Data” from the top left corner.
- If the recovered copy of the company file is accurate and error-free, relocate the damaged company file to a different location. Then, replace it with the copy from the “QBRecovery” folder, effectively restoring your data.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can utilize QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery feature to recover your lost or corrupted data effectively. Remember to always prioritize data backup and consult with professional assistance if needed.
Disclaimer – The provided steps are intended for informational purposes only. Please exercise caution and create a backup of your data before attempting any recovery process.
Read Also : How to Create Proforma Invoice in QuickBooks?
Conclusion
The QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) feature is an invaluable tool that simplifies the process of recovering lost files and transactions within QuickBooks. By utilizing specific file types such as “.TLG,” “.QBW.adr,” and “.QBW,” you can effortlessly restore your data.
