Understand why QuickBooks loses its connection, how to identify whether the problem comes from your network, company file, firewall, server, or browser, and which troubleshooting steps can restore reliable access.
Introduction: When QuickBooks Stops Communicating, Find the Broken Connection First
QuickBooks connectivity issues can interrupt an ordinary accounting task without warning. A company file that opened normally yesterday may refuse to load today. An employee may be able to access QuickBooks on the office computer but receive a network-related error when trying to open the same company file from another workstation. Sometimes, QuickBooks Online loads its login page but fails when a user opens a report or saves a transaction.
These situations may look similar, but they do not necessarily have the same cause.
A connection problem can originate in the Windows network configuration, firewall permissions, server hosting, database services, company file access, browser environment, or an external internet connection. Treating every failure as an internet problem can lead to unnecessary changes and make the original issue harder to identify.
The most useful first step is to determine which connection is failing. Is QuickBooks unable to reach the internet, unable to communicate with another computer, unable to access the company file, or unable to maintain a session with an online service?
That distinction determines what should be checked next.
Data Service Team provides QuickBooks-related troubleshooting resources and technical assistance information. Visit the Data Service Team or call +1-(888)-718-7888 to ask about available assistance with QuickBooks connectivity and Desktop configuration problems.
This guide takes a diagnostic approach instead of offering a random list of fixes. It explains how to separate internet, workstation, hosting, firewall, database, and company-file problems so that you can investigate the actual source of the interruption.
1. What Does a QuickBooks Connectivity Problem Actually Mean?
QuickBooks relies on several different connections, depending on the product and how a business operates.
For example, QuickBooks Desktop installed on a single computer may primarily need access to a locally stored company file and relevant online services. A multi-user installation has additional requirements because several workstations must communicate with the computer hosting the company file.
QuickBooks Online uses a different connection model. It operates through a web browser and online infrastructure, so browser settings, internet stability, account sessions, and service availability can all affect access.
Understanding these differences prevents an important troubleshooting mistake: applying a solution designed for a multi-user Desktop network to a browser-related QuickBooks Online problem.
The five connection layers worth investigating
1. Internet connection: Determines whether the computer can reach external websites and online services.
2. Local network: Allows computers in an office to communicate with one another.
3. Hosting and database services: Help supported QuickBooks Desktop multi-user configurations access a company file over a network.
4. Security permissions: Firewall and endpoint protection settings determine which applications and network communications are allowed.
5. Application and session access: Includes QuickBooks program health, company file permissions, browser compatibility, and account authentication.
A failure at any one of these layers can produce a connection-related symptom.
2. Identify the Type of QuickBooks Connectivity Failure Before Changing Settings
Before restarting services or modifying firewall rules, compare the problem with the following situations.
What you notice | What it may indicate |
Websites also fail to load | Internet or network connectivity issue |
QuickBooks works on the host but not other computers | Local network, hosting, or permissions issue |
Only one workstation cannot open the company file | Workstation-specific configuration |
QuickBooks displays a multi-user hosting error | Database or hosting configuration |
QuickBooks Online login works but pages do not load properly | Browser, session, extension, or service issue |
Connection fails after a security update | Firewall or security policy change |
The company file opens locally but not through its network path | Shared folder or network access issue |
These are diagnostic clues, not definitive diagnoses.
A useful comparison test
If you operate QuickBooks Desktop in multi-user mode, try opening the same company file directly on the hosting computer.
Then compare the result with what happens on an affected workstation.
If the host opens the file but the workstation cannot, investigate network communication, sharing, permissions, and hosting configuration.
If neither computer can open the file, investigate the company file, QuickBooks installation, and hosting environment.
If only one workstation experiences the problem, compare its firewall, network profile, application installation, and user permissions with a working computer.
This simple comparison can narrow the investigation before you make system-wide changes.
3. Check Whether the Internet or Local Network Is Actually Failing
An internet connection and an office network connection are related, but they are not identical.
Two computers connected to the same office network may communicate locally even if the internet connection is temporarily unavailable. Conversely, a computer may browse the web normally while being unable to reach the shared computer that hosts its QuickBooks company file.
Step 1: Test ordinary internet access
Open a browser and visit a few trusted websites.
Check whether:
Pages load consistently.
Connections disconnect intermittently.
Other computers experience the same problem.
The issue occurs only when QuickBooks is running.
If multiple unrelated applications also lose internet access, investigate the network before changing QuickBooks settings.
Step 2: Check the local network
For QuickBooks Desktop multi-user environments, verify that the host and workstations are connected to the expected office network.
Check the Windows network status and confirm that the computers can identify and communicate with the host.
If your organization uses separate wired, wireless, guest, or segmented networks, make sure the workstation and hosting computer are permitted to communicate with one another.
A computer connected to a guest Wi-Fi network may have internet access but still be blocked from accessing shared office resources.
Step 3: Restart network equipment only when appropriate
If the network is unstable across multiple devices, restarting the router or switch may help.
However, avoid restarting shared equipment during active accounting work without considering other users. In managed business networks, involve the network administrator before making changes.
Diagnostic takeaway: If the internet works but QuickBooks Desktop cannot communicate with the host, investigate local network access instead of repeatedly resetting the internet connection.
4. Investigate QuickBooks Desktop Multi-User Hosting Problems
One of the most important causes of QuickBooks connectivity issues in offices is incorrect multi-user hosting configuration.
In a supported multi-user environment, one computer acts as the host for the company file. Other workstations connect to that computer to access the shared data.
If hosting is configured incorrectly, workstations may fail to establish a connection even though the computers are connected to the same network.
Understand which computer should host the company file
Before changing hosting settings, identify the computer where the company file is stored.
The hosting arrangement should be intentional and consistent. Avoid enabling hosting on multiple computers when the configuration requires a single designated host.
On the hosting computer, open QuickBooks Desktop and examine the hosting-related options under the File → Utilities menu.
Depending on your version and configuration, you may see an option to enable or stop hosting multi-user access.
On workstations, check that they are not unintentionally configured as the hosting computer.
Why incorrect hosting creates connection failures
When the hosting arrangement is inconsistent, a workstation may attempt to connect to the wrong computer or encounter conflicting network settings.
The problem can become more confusing if someone changes the company file location, switches computers, or installs another QuickBooks version without reviewing the hosting setup.
Before changing anything, record the current configuration and identify which computer should manage access to the company file.
When should you use Database Server Manager?
QuickBooks Database Server Manager is an important component of supported QuickBooks Desktop multi-user configurations.
It helps the hosting computer make company files available to other workstations over the network.
If workstations cannot access a shared company file, review the Database Server Manager installation and scanning configuration on the designated host.
A practical check includes:
Confirming that the correct QuickBooks Database Server Manager version is installed.
Identifying the folder containing the company file.
Reviewing whether that folder has been scanned or added through the supported configuration.
Checking the status of the relevant database service.
Confirming that the workstations are accessing the correct network location.
Do not repeatedly scan unrelated folders or change database settings without first identifying where the active company file is stored.
5. Examine Firewall and Antivirus Restrictions
Security software can interfere with QuickBooks connectivity when it blocks an application or network communication required by the software.
This can happen after a security update, a QuickBooks installation change, or a modification to Windows network settings.
The important distinction is that a firewall blocking legitimate QuickBooks traffic does not mean the firewall itself should be disabled.
How firewall restrictions affect QuickBooks
A firewall evaluates network communications according to its rules.
If QuickBooks Desktop or its supporting database components are not permitted to communicate as required, workstations may be unable to connect to the company file.
Antivirus and endpoint protection products can also restrict application activity or quarantine files that they consider suspicious.
Troubleshooting firewall-related connectivity
Follow these steps carefully:
Identify the QuickBooks version installed on the affected computer.
Check whether the Windows network is classified correctly, such as a private business network rather than an unintended public network.
Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for the relevant QuickBooks applications and services.
Check whether third-party endpoint protection is blocking the program or database service.
Confirm that required network permissions match the installed QuickBooks version and configuration.
Apply only the specific authorized changes required by your environment.
QuickBooks Desktop uses version-dependent networking requirements. Do not copy firewall port instructions from an unrelated QuickBooks version or from an unverified troubleshooting page.
Should you turn off antivirus protection?
No. Permanently disabling antivirus or firewall protection is not a reliable solution.
If a temporary diagnostic test is necessary, it should be controlled, authorized, and limited to the time needed to identify the issue. Restore normal protection immediately afterward.
For managed business systems, security policy changes should be reviewed by the responsible administrator.
6. Check the QuickBooks Database Service and Company File Location
A company file can be present on the network while the supporting database configuration is not functioning correctly.
This distinction matters because seeing a shared folder in File Explorer does not automatically prove that QuickBooks can access the company file through its database service.
Check the company file location
Identify the actual folder containing the active company file.
QuickBooks Desktop company files commonly use the .QBW extension.
Confirm that:
The company file exists in the expected folder.
The hosting computer can access the file.
The network path points to the correct computer.
The required users have appropriate folder permissions.
The company file is not being accessed from an unintended duplicate location.
For a network-hosted setup, a valid shared network path is generally preferable to assuming that a mapped drive will behave identically on every workstation.
Review the database service
On the designated host, use Windows Services to review the relevant QuickBooks database service.
The exact service name depends on the installed version.
Check whether the service is present and whether its status indicates that it is running. If it is stopped or repeatedly fails, investigate the service configuration and associated Windows events rather than repeatedly restarting it.
Why file permissions matter
The computer hosting the company file needs an appropriate configuration for authorized QuickBooks users to access the shared data.
If Windows permissions are too restrictive, QuickBooks may fail to read or work with the company file.
However, granting broad access to everyone is not a safe workaround. Use the minimum permissions required for the supported configuration.
7. Use Network Diagnostic Tests to Narrow Down the Failure
When the basic checks do not explain the problem, simple Windows network tests can provide useful information.
These tests help separate a general network failure from a problem involving a particular workstation or host.
Test 1: Check the host computer's network address
On the hosting computer:
Open the Windows Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt.
Open it.
Enter the following command:
ipconfig
Locate the active network adapter.
Note its IPv4 address.
Use the appropriate network address when checking connectivity from another workstation.
Test 2: Check whether the workstation can reach the host
On the affected workstation, open Command Prompt and enter:
ping HOST-IP-ADDRESS
Replace HOST-IP-ADDRESS with the actual address of the hosting computer.
For example, if the host's IPv4 address is 192.168.1.20, the command would be:
ping 192.168.1.20
Interpret the result carefully:
Replies received: Basic IP communication is working, but this does not prove that QuickBooks database communication is working.
Request timed out: The host may be unreachable, or ICMP traffic may be blocked by a firewall.
Destination host unreachable: There may be a routing, addressing, or local network problem.
A failed ping alone does not establish that the QuickBooks database service is unavailable. Some networks intentionally block ping traffic.
Test 3: Check whether the network path is accessible
If your business uses a shared company file folder, test whether the authorized workstation can access the intended network share.
For example, use the host's shared computer name or network path in File Explorer.
If the shared folder cannot be accessed, investigate Windows sharing, network discovery, permissions, and firewall configuration before troubleshooting QuickBooks itself.
Test 4: Compare a working and non-working workstation
If only one computer experiences connectivity problems, compare its:
Windows network profile.
QuickBooks version and release.
Firewall configuration.
User permissions.
Network adapter settings.
Access to the shared company file folder.
This comparison is particularly useful because it helps identify differences instead of changing settings that are already working correctly.
8. QuickBooks Online Connectivity Issues Require a Different Approach
QuickBooks Online should not be troubleshooting as if it were a network-hosted QuickBooks Desktop company file.
Because QuickBooks Online runs through a web browser, connection failures may be related to browser sessions, extensions, stored website data, DNS resolution, or service availability.
Problem: QuickBooks Online keeps loading
If a page remains stuck during loading, try these checks:
Refresh the page once and allow it to finish loading.
Open the service in a private or incognito browser window.
Check whether browser extensions are interfering.
Clear relevant browser cache and site data if necessary.
Update the browser to a supported version.
Test access using another browser.
If QuickBooks Online works in a private window but not in the normal browser, stored site data or an extension may be involved.
Problem: QuickBooks Online repeatedly signs out
Repeated sign-outs may be associated with expired sessions, browser cookie restrictions, privacy settings, or account authentication issues.
Review whether the browser blocks necessary cookies or automatically removes site data.
If the issue continues across different browsers and devices, investigate the account or service side rather than repeatedly clearing the same browser cache.
Problem: QuickBooks Online works on one network but not another
This pattern can indicate a DNS, proxy, VPN, filtering, or network-policy issue.
For example, a business network may apply security filtering that is not present on a mobile connection.
Compare access under approved network conditions and ask the network administrator to review relevant filtering rules.
Do not change corporate proxy or DNS settings without authorization.
Problem: QuickBooks Online pages load but transactions fail to save
A page loading successfully does not prove that every operation is communicating correctly.
If saving a transaction fails:
Check the browser's connection stability.
Look for an error message or session warning.
Confirm that the transaction was not already saved before submitting it again.
Avoid repeatedly clicking Save, which could lead to duplicate actions.
Check the official service status information if the problem affects multiple users.
This is particularly important when dealing with payments, invoices, or other financial records.
9. Understand How VPNs, Remote Desktop, and Network Changes Affect QuickBooks
Businesses frequently change their network arrangements as employees work remotely or offices expand.
A configuration that worked on a local office network may behave differently through a VPN or remote desktop environment.
VPN-related connection problems
A VPN can change the route through which a workstation reaches the hosting computer.
If QuickBooks Desktop multi-user access stops working after connecting to a VPN, check:
Whether the VPN permits communication with the office network.
Whether the correct host address is reachable.
Whether the VPN's routing configuration includes the required network.
Whether firewall rules permit the relevant communication.
Whether DNS resolves the hosting computer correctly.
A VPN connection showing as active does not guarantee access to every internal office resource.
Remote Desktop considerations
Remote Desktop provides access to another Windows session. It does not automatically solve a company file's hosting or database configuration.
When QuickBooks is used through Remote Desktop, determine whether the software is running on the remote host, the local computer, or both.
Avoid making changes to shared company files while another session is performing accounting operations.
What happens after a router or computer replacement?
A new router, network adapter, or hosting computer may change the network environment.
For example, the host's IP address may change, the network profile may be different, or sharing rules may no longer match the previous configuration.
After a network replacement, verify the host address, shared folder, Windows permissions, database service, and firewall rules.
Do not assume that the old network configuration has automatically carried over.
10. Common QuickBooks Connection Errors and What to Investigate
Some QuickBooks errors can appear during connectivity troubleshooting. However, an error code should be interpreted in its proper context rather than treated as proof of a single cause.
Error H202
QuickBooks Error H202 is associated with difficulties opening a company file in multi-user mode because QuickBooks cannot establish the required communication with the server.
Investigate:
Hosting configuration.
Database Server Manager.
Company file folder permissions.
Network communication.
Firewall configuration.
The error should be diagnosed in the context of the actual multi-user environment.
Error H505
Error H505 is another multi-user hosting-related error. It can occur when a workstation cannot communicate with the computer hosting the company file as required.
Review the hosting arrangement, network access, database configuration, and the relevant QuickBooks services.
Error H101 and H103
These errors can occur when QuickBooks encounters problems involving multi-user hosting or access to the company file on another computer.
Check which computer is hosting the company file and whether the workstation is configured to connect to the correct network location.
Error 6000-series messages
Not every 6000-series error means that the network is disconnected.
These errors can relate to company file access, file damage, folder permissions, or other conditions depending on the specific code and circumstances.
Record the complete error number and message before attempting a repair.
Why the complete error message matters
Two users may report that QuickBooks is not connecting, but one may be dealing with a hosting error while the other is experiencing an online sign-in problem.
The exact message, product version, operating environment, and action that triggered the error are essential diagnostic details.
Avoid applying a fix solely because another user reported the same general symptom.
11. A Safer Troubleshooting Order for QuickBooks Connectivity Problems
One reason connection troubleshooting becomes complicated is that users often change several settings simultaneously.
For example, they may restart the router, disable the firewall, reinstall QuickBooks, move the company file, and restart database services before checking whether the original problem still exists.
That makes it difficult to determine which change helped or created a new issue.
A more reliable approach is to follow a controlled sequence.
Phase 1: Establish the scope
Determine whether the problem affects:
One workstation.
Every workstation.
The hosting computer.
QuickBooks Desktop only.
QuickBooks Online only.
Other applications and websites as well.
Phase 2: Identify the affected connection
Determine whether the issue involves internet access, local network communication, database hosting, file permissions, or browser sessions.
Phase 3: Check the relevant components
For Desktop, review hosting, Database Server Manager, company file location, permissions, and firewall rules.
For Online, review browser compatibility, session data, extensions, network filtering, and service availability.
Phase 4: Make one controlled change
Change only the setting relevant to the evidence you collected.
Record the original value so you can restore it if the change does not help.
Phase 5: Retest the original task
Repeat the same action that initially failed.
For example, if the issue occurred when a workstation opened a shared company file, test that same operation again.
Phase 6: Confirm stability
A single successful opening is not always enough. Confirm that the application remains usable and that important tasks can be completed without repeated disconnections.
This method reduces guesswork and makes the troubleshooting process easier to document.
12. When Should You Stop Troubleshooting and Seek Technical Assistance?
Some connectivity problems require more than routine user-level checks.
Consider getting qualified assistance when:
Multiple workstations repeatedly lose access to the company file.
Database services stop unexpectedly.
The company file reports errors that may indicate data damage.
Firewall or network changes affect other business applications.
A VPN or remote access configuration requires administrative changes.
QuickBooks connectivity problems continue after the relevant settings have been verified.
You cannot establish which copy of the company file contains the latest transactions.
If a company file appears damaged, preserve a separate backup before attempting repair procedures.
Do not repeatedly run repair utilities or make changes to the only available copy of important accounting data.
A proper diagnosis should identify the affected computer, QuickBooks version, company file location, error message, and network configuration before recommending corrective action.
13. Practical Prevention: Reduce the Chance of Future Connectivity Failures
Preventing every connection interruption is not possible, but a consistent maintenance routine can make problems easier to detect and resolve.
Maintain a documented hosting configuration
Record which computer hosts the company file, where the file is stored, which database service is required, and which users need access.
This is particularly valuable when employees change computers or a business replaces its server.
Review security changes after updates
After a significant Windows, antivirus, or firewall update, verify that the QuickBooks applications and supporting services still have the necessary permissions.
Do not create broad firewall exceptions simply to prevent future errors.
Maintain reliable backups
Network availability and data recovery are separate concerns.
A successful connection does not guarantee that company data is protected. Keep regular backups in secure locations and periodically verify that they can be restored.
Avoid unnecessary network changes
Changes to IP addressing, router configuration, DNS, VPN routing, and shared folder permissions can affect QuickBooks access.
Document approved changes and retest the application after network maintenance.
Keep software configurations consistent
Use compatible QuickBooks Desktop versions and releases across the relevant environment. Review the requirements for your particular edition before updating or replacing computers.
14. A Realistic Diagnostic Example: Why QuickBooks Works on One Computer but Not Another
Consider a small business with three computers.
The first computer stores the QuickBooks company file and acts as the host. The other two computers access the company file over the office network.
One morning, the second workstation displays a connection error. The third workstation opens the company file normally, and the host also works.
A broad troubleshooting approach might involve restarting the entire network or reinstalling QuickBooks on every computer.
A diagnostic approach produces a more useful result.
Observation 1: The host opens the company file.
This makes a complete company-file access failure less likely, although it does not rule out every data issue.
Observation 2: The third workstation also works.
This suggests that the host is reachable from at least one other workstation.
Observation 3: Only the second workstation fails.
The investigation should now focus on differences between the second and third workstations.
The administrator compares their network profiles, firewall rules, QuickBooks releases, and access to the shared folder.
Suppose the second workstation has a different firewall rule after a recent security update. The administrator reviews the relevant application permissions and applies an authorized correction.
The workstation is then tested again using the same company file.
This example illustrates an important troubleshooting principle: when the failure is isolated to one computer, begin by comparing that computer with a working one.
It is more efficient than changing the entire network without evidence.
15. Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Connectivity Issues
Why does QuickBooks keep losing its connection?
QuickBooks may lose connectivity because of unstable internet access, local network interruptions, firewall restrictions, incorrect hosting settings, database service problems, or browser session issues. The correct cause depends on whether you use QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online and what operation fails.
Why is QuickBooks not connecting to the server?
In a QuickBooks Desktop multi-user environment, the workstation may be unable to communicate with the computer hosting the company file. Check the hosting configuration, network path, database service, folder permissions, and firewall settings.
Why does QuickBooks work on the server but not on my workstation?
This pattern suggests that the issue may be limited to the affected workstation. Compare its network connection, firewall rules, QuickBooks version, and access permissions with a workstation that works correctly.
Can antivirus software block QuickBooks connectivity?
Yes. Antivirus and endpoint security software can interfere with application or network communication if a relevant component is blocked. Review the security logs and authorized application rules rather than disabling protection permanently.
How do I know whether QuickBooks has a network problem or a company file problem?
Compare whether the company file opens on the host and whether other workstations can access it. If the host and other computers work but one workstation fails, investigate that workstation first. If every computer fails, examine the company file, hosting configuration, and shared environment.
What is the role of QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
Database Server Manager supports QuickBooks Desktop multi-user configurations by helping the hosting computer make company files available to other computers. Incorrect installation, scanning configuration, or service status can interfere with access.
Does a VPN cause QuickBooks connectivity problems?
A VPN can affect access when its routing, firewall, or network permissions prevent the workstation from communicating with the office host. An active VPN connection does not necessarily mean all internal resources are reachable.
Why does QuickBooks Online work in incognito mode but not in my regular browser?
This can indicate an issue with stored browser data, cookies, or extensions. Compare the browser configurations and investigate which setting is interfering before making broader system changes.
Should I reinstall QuickBooks to fix a connectivity issue?
Not as the first step. Reinstallation may be appropriate when there is evidence of an application installation problem, but it will not automatically correct a router issue, blocked network communication, incorrect hosting configuration, or folder permissions.
Can QuickBooks connectivity issues damage my company file?
A connection interruption does not automatically mean that a company file has been damaged. However, unexpected interruptions during active file operations deserve attention. Preserve backups, avoid repeatedly forcing access, and investigate any data-related error messages separately.
What information should I collect before contacting technical support?
Collect the QuickBooks product and version, Windows version, exact error message, affected workstation names, company file location, hosting arrangement, and the steps that reproduce the problem. Avoid sharing passwords, bank details, or unprotected financial records.
16. Related Keywords and Their Search Intent
These secondary terms support the main topic by addressing different troubleshooting needs. They should be included naturally in relevant sections rather than repeated unnecessarily.
Related keyword | Search intent | Where it fits |
QuickBooks not connecting to server | Find the cause of a server connection failure | Multi-user hosting |
QuickBooks network connection error | Troubleshoot network communication | Network diagnosis |
QuickBooks Database Server Manager | Understand database hosting | Database service section |
QuickBooks multi-user mode problems | Restore workstation access | Hosting configuration |
QuickBooks firewall settings | Investigate blocked application traffic | Security section |
QuickBooks company file network access | Access shared accounting data | File location |
QuickBooks Online connection problems | Resolve browser-based access issues | Online troubleshooting |
QuickBooks H202 error | Diagnose a multi-user connection error | Error codes |
QuickBooks remote access problems | Troubleshoot VPN and remote connections | Remote access |
QuickBooks connection keeps dropping | Identify intermittent interruptions | Prevention and diagnostics |
Conclusion: Fix the Connection That Is Actually Failing
QuickBooks connectivity issues are easier to troubleshoot when the investigation begins with evidence rather than assumptions.
An internet outage, a blocked firewall rule, a database service problem, a workstation configuration error, and a browser session failure can all prevent users from completing accounting tasks. Yet each requires a different solution.
Start by identifying who is affected, which QuickBooks product is being used, and what action triggers the failure. Then check the relevant connection layer, make one controlled change at a time, and verify the result before proceeding.
For multi-user Desktop environments, pay particular attention to hosting, Database Server Manager, network paths, and security permissions. For QuickBooks Online, investigate browser sessions, extensions, and network access.
If the problem remains unresolved, the Data Service Team provides QuickBooks-related educational resources and information about technical assistance. Visit https://dataserviceteam.com/ or call +1-(888)-718-7888 to ask about available help with QuickBooks connectivity, network configuration, and related Desktop troubleshooting.
The goal should not simply be to make QuickBooks open once. It should be to establish a reliable, properly configured connection that allows your accounting work to continue without unnecessary interruptions.
Educational disclaimer: This guide provides general troubleshooting information. QuickBooks menus, networking requirements, and supported configurations can vary by product edition, version, operating system, and business environment. Make security and network changes only when authorized, and maintain a verified company file backup before attempting data repair or major configuration changes.
