When you’re managing critical financial records, data loss in QuickBooks can be a nightmare. Fortunately, Intuit provides a built-in feature called QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) that helps users recover lost, deleted, or damaged data files. This tool can be a lifesaver if your QuickBooks company file gets corrupted or accidentally deleted.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to use QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery tool for lost data, step-by-step methods to recover files, common errors, and tips to prevent future data loss.

What is QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery?

QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery is a built-in utility designed to restore your lost or damaged company files. It works by creating a backup copy of your QuickBooks data and the transaction log (.tlg file). Using these backups, the tool can reconstruct your company file and restore transactions.

This feature is particularly useful when:

• QuickBooks company file gets corrupted.
  
  
• You accidentally delete transactions.
  
  
• You lose data due to a system crash or malware attack.
  
  

Key Features of QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery

Here are the main benefits of using QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery:

• Automatic Backup: It automatically creates backup files of your company data.
  
  
• .QBW and .TLG Files: Uses both company and transaction log files for recovery.
  
  
• Fast Restoration: Recovers files within minutes without external software.
  
  
• Reliable Safety Net: Acts as an extra safeguard against unexpected data loss.
  
  

Methods to Use QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery

There are two main ways to restore your data using ADR:

Method 1: Using .QBW.adr and .TLG File

1. Open the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder.
   
   
2. Copy the .QBW.adr and .TLG files.
   
   
3. Paste them into a new folder.
   
   
4. Remove the “.adr” extension from the file name.
   
   
5. Open QuickBooks and verify the restored file.
   
   

Method 2: Using Only the .QBW.adr File

1. Locate the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder.
   
   
2. Copy the .QBW.adr file to a new location.
   
   
3. Remove the “.adr” extension.
   
   
4. Open QuickBooks to check if the company file works.
   
   

Step-by-Step Guide: Restore QuickBooks Company File

Follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Go to the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery folder (usually found in the same location as your company file).
  
  
• Step 2: Identify backup files with “.adr” extension.
  
  
• Step 3: Create a new folder on your desktop named “QB Restore.”
  
  
• Step 4: Copy and paste both .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr into the new folder.
  
  
• Step 5: Delete the “.adr” from file names.
  
  
• Step 6: Open QuickBooks and verify the data accuracy.
  
  

Why QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery May Fail

Sometimes ADR doesn’t work as expected. Common reasons include:

• Damaged .TLG file.
  
  
• File size exceeding QuickBooks’ limit.
  
  
• Severe corruption in the .QBW file.
  
  
• Auto Data Recovery not available in QuickBooks Pro (only in Pro Plus, Premier, and Enterprise).
  
  

Expert Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Data Loss

To minimize the risk of data corruption or loss:

• Regularly back up your company file on an external drive.
  
  
• Enable automatic backup in QuickBooks.
  
  
• Keep QuickBooks and Windows updated.
  
  
• Use strong antivirus protection.
  
  
• Avoid forced shutdowns while QuickBooks is running.
  
  

Also Recommended: QuickBooks error 557

Conclusion

QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery is one of the most reliable features to restore lost or corrupted files. Whether you use the .QBW.adr + .TLG method or only the .QBW.adr file, you can quickly get your data back without losing important financial records. However, if ADR fails, contacting QuickBooks experts at +1(866)500-0076 is the best option.

FAQs

Q1. What is QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery used for?
It is used to restore lost, deleted, or corrupted company files using backup and transaction log files.

Q2. Can I use Auto Data Recovery in QuickBooks Pro?
No, ADR is available only in QuickBooks Pro Plus, Premier, and Enterprise editions.

Q3. How long does QuickBooks keep Auto Data Recovery files?
QuickBooks usually creates ADR files every 12 hours of use.

Q4. What if QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery does not work?
If ADR fails, you should use QuickBooks backup files or contact QuickBooks support at +1(866)500-0076.

Q5. Does Auto Data Recovery restore everything?
It restores most transactions, but some recent entries might not be recovered if not saved in the backup.