How to Recover Deleted Data from QuickBooks

Recover Deleted QuickBooks License, Files, or Data from a Hard Drive

A hard drive is important for storing important data, but it also comes with the risk of losing everything if something goes wrong. Knowing how to recover QuickBooks data from your hard disk can make the process much easier.

You can contact QuickBooks data recovery support by calling their service number for professional assistance. However, suppose you prefer handling the issue on your own without depending on a technical expert. In that case, the D-Back Hard Disk Recovery Expert offers a reliable solution to help you recover your data with ease.

Restoring Through Company Files

You can recover lost QuickBooks transactions by using the latest Transaction Log File (.TLG) along with a duplicate company file (.QBW.adr). Follow these steps:

Step 1: Copy .TLG and .QBW.adr Files into a New Folder

1. On your desktop, create a new folder and name it QBTest.
2. Locate your company file folder on your computer. You can find this location from:
   • The company screen in QuickBooks
   • The Product Information screen
3. Copy the .TLG file and paste it into the newly created QBTest folder.
4. In the same location, find the .QBW.adr file (QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery file).
5. Copy and paste the .QBW.adr file into the QBTest folder.
6. Rename the .QBW.adr file to .QBW.

Step 2: Recover Data Through QuickBooks

1. After copying your .TLG and .QBW files, open QuickBooks.
2. Next, go to the QBTest folder and open the .TLG file.
3. Use the Account Register to double-check that all transactions have been recorded.
4. Then, run the Verify Utility option to confirm the integrity of the company file.
5. Once verification is complete, move the damaged file to another location if the company file is in good condition.
6. Finally, move the company file copy from the QBTest folder back to its original location.

Recovering via QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) File

Using the QuickBooks Data Recovery File, you can also recover your data, but you must use both the .TLG and .QBW files.

• First, create a new folder named QBTest to proceed further.
• On your computer, locate the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery file, then copy both the .TLG file and the .QBW.adr file.
• Paste them into the QBTest folder.
• Once copied, you can repair the files within the QBTest folder.

Recovering Recent Transactions Using the Original .TLG File with the .QBW.adr File

Utilize the original Transaction Log file and ADR version of the company file to recover all recent transactions.

• Create a new folder on your Desktop named QBTest.
• Open the folder where the company file is saved.
  Tip: You can check the location of the company file on the Product Information screen (press F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard) and the No Company Open window.
• Look for the .tlg file in your company file’s folder. It has the same name as your company file.
• Show file extensions
  If you cannot identify the .tlg file, follow these steps to show file extensions:
  • To open File Explorer press Windows+E on your keyboard.
  • Select Organize, then choose Folder and search options.
  • Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
  • Select Apply, then OK.
• Copy the corresponding .tlg file of your company file, and paste it into the QBTest folder on your Desktop.
• Open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder. It is located in the same place as your company file.
•  Copy the .QBW.adr file and paste it into the QBTest folder. You should now have a .QBW.adr file and a .tlg file in your QBTest folder.
• In your QBTest folder, right-click the .QBW.adr file and select Rename.
  Delete .adr at the end of the file name.
• Open QuickBooks.
• Open the company file that is saved in your QBTest folder. Use your account register to verify all transactions are there.
• Select File, then Utilities, and then Verify Data to check the data integrity of the recovered file.BTest back to the original location.

Restoring Recent Transactions with Both .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr Files

This solution uses the ADR versions of both the .QBW and .TLG files. It should recover everything except the last 12 hours of transactions.

• Create a new folder on your Desktop named QBTest.
• Open the folder where the company file is saved and look for the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder.
  Tip: You can check the location of the company file on the Product Information screen (press F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard) and the No Company Open window.
• Look for the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files. These files will have the same name as your company file.

• Show file extensions
  • If you cannot identify the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files, follow these steps to show file extensions:
    • To open File Explorer, press Windows+E on your keyboard.
    • Select Organize, then choose Folder and search options.
    • Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
    • Click Apply, then OK.
• Copy the .TLG.adr and .QBW.adr files and paste them into the QBTest folder.
• In the QBTest folder, rename the files by removing .adr from the end. You should now have a .QBW file and a .TLG file in the folder.
• Open QuickBooks.
• From the QBTest folder, open the company file. Use the account register to verify that all transactions are present.
• To confirm the integrity of the recovered file, go to the top left and select File > Utilities > Verify Data.
• If the recovered company file is good, move the damaged company file to another location and replace it with the copy from the QBTest folder.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Data Recovery Errors

Before exploring the methods to recover lost QuickBooks data, it is important to understand the common reasons behind such data loss. Below are some of the key causes:

• Upgrading company files to the latest version of QuickBooks
• Errors occurring during the upgrade process
• Glitches or malfunctioning of the software applications while in use
• Unexpected power failure or sudden system crash
• Not maintaining regular data backups
• Corrupted or damaged files
• Accidental deletion of files
• Virus or malware attacks on the system

How to Back up and Restore QuickBooks Desktop Files/Data?

Here are some useful tips you can follow to back up and restore your QuickBooks files:

• Backup QuickBooks Desktop Data: To keep your QuickBooks Company File secure, schedule regular backups. Using QuickBooks’ automatic backup feature ensures your data stays safe and minimizes the risk of file loss. Follow the steps below to set up and manage backups in QuickBooks Desktop:
  • Open the QuickBooks dashboard.
  • From the top-left menu, click File > choose your backup provider > select Create Local Backup.
  • Click Next to continue.
  • Select the folder or location where you want to save the backup.
  • Set your preferences:
    • Add date and time to the backup file name.
    • Choose the maximum number of backups to keep (recommended: 4–8).
    • Schedule a specific time for backups.
  • Enable the option to verify data before saving, ensuring your company file is accurate.
  • Confirm the save location and click Yes to proceed.
  • Choose when to back up: Save Now or Save Now and Schedule Future Backups (recommended option).
• Restore QuickBooks Data Desktop: Use the steps below to restore your QuickBooks Desktop data from a backup:
  • Open QuickBooks and select Open or Restore Company from the menu.
  • Choose Restore a Backup Copy, then click Next.
  • Select Local Backup, then click Next again.
  • Browse your computer to locate the backup file. It should look like: [YourBusinessName].qbb.
  • Choose the folder where you want to restore the company file, then click Open.
  • Click Save to complete the process.
  • If a prompt appears warning that existing data may be overwritten, select the option that best fits your needs.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Data Recovery is the process of restoring lost, corrupted, or accidentally deleted company files to ensure business continuity. Since QuickBooks stores important financial and accounting data, any loss or damage can disrupt daily operations. Common causes of data loss include system crashes, software errors, failed updates, hardware issues, or accidental file deletion.

With the help of QuickBooks’ built-in backup and restore tools, as well as reliable recovery practices, users can safeguard their data and minimize downtime. Regular backups, proper verification of files, and safe storage options make it easier to recover QuickBooks data quickly and securely.  If you still face any issue regarding this then you can contact our support team, they are available around the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions