Intuit Data Protect Download & Setup | Secure Your Data

If you are wondering about the Intuit Data Protect download process to secure your data, this detailed guide is all you need.

First, Intuit Data Protect (IDP) is not an application but a built-in service that you must enable and set up to enjoy automatic, scheduled backups. There are also specific system requirements that you must meet to ensure seamless backups and secure your data.

In this detailed guide, you will learn all about Intuit Data Protect, how to set it up, how to activate the service, and, finally, how to create backups securely, both automatically and manually.

What is Intuit Data Protect?

Intuit Data Protect is an online backup service from Intuit that automatically backs up your QuickBooks Desktop company files and other important data to secure cloud storage. It runs in the background on your Windows computer, encrypts your data for security, and allows you to restore files if they’re lost, damaged, or accidentally deleted, helping protect your business from data loss and unexpected technical failures or cyber threats.

Perform the Intuit Data Protect Download 

Intuit Data Protect is a backup service that works in the background to automatically protect your important files and information. It is not a separate or standalone application, but a service that integrates with your system to provide continuous data protection. 

So, to get started with Intuit Data Protect, all you need is to set up the service, upload your file and schedule an automatic backup or create it manually so your data remains safe, secure, and easily recoverable when needed.

Learn to Set up Intuit Data Protect, Activate, and More 

Before setting up, understand the minimum system requirements of Intuit Data Protect that ensure a smooth setup and data backup. 

Intuit Data Protect System Requirements

Before setting up, understand the minimum system requirements of Intuit Data Protect that ensures smooth setup and data backup. 

• Windows 11 or a higher version is recommended.
• Make sure you have local admin rights when setting up Intuit Data Protect, as full access is required.
• Be sure you have the full version of QuickBooks Desktop installed on the server computer or on the one where you set up Intuit Data Protect.

Important: You’ll need to store files on your local area network. (We don’t support Box, Google Sheets, and OneDrive.)

• Using a local file path on your computer is recommended. IDP doesn’t support the network drives you map.
• For security reasons, make sure to update the Norton LifeLock certificate every 6 months. 
• Simply sign out and sign back in to Intuit Data Protect.
• Make sure to keep QuickBooks Desktop and Intuit Data Protect up to date with the latest release, build, and version.

Important: Note that Intuit Data Protect should be installed and used on only one computer within your network. Avoid setting it up on more than one device.

Prerequisites

Before you begin: 

• Sign up / subscribe to Intuit Data Protect (usually included with certain QuickBooks Desktop plans).
• Make sure you are logged in to Windows as an Administrator.
• Confirm QuickBooks Desktop is installed on that computer/server.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Note: If you do not know where you save your QuickBooks files, open QB Desktop and press F2 to visit the Product Information.

Activate the service

• Launch QuickBooks on your computer where you save your company file. 
• Go to the File menu. 
• Choose Back Up Company.
• Click on Set Up/Activate Online Backup.
• Sign in with your email address that you use when signing up. 
• Note: This email address may differ from your QuickBooks login.
• Finally, select Continue.

Select files to back up

• Choose your QuickBooks company file. 
• Hit Continue. 
• If you have an entire PC subscription, select the folders you want to back up, then click Continue. 
• Mark the checkbox for Back up local selected documents, then select Continue.
• Select the specific files and folders you want to back up, then click Continue. 

Schedule automatic backups

• Schedule the daily backup time and click Continue.
• Configure notification settings to receive alerts on backup status.
• Click Continue.

Result

The initial backup can take a few hours to complete, depending on how many files you have and their overall size. After that first upload, future backups should finish in just a few minutes.

Unable to Back Up with Intuit Data Protect

It is possible to encounter different error codes, warning messages, or general interruptions. In case you also failed when creating a backup, identifying the root cause and troubleshooting is crucial.

Proceed below to learn how you can resolve the common problems and ensure the data safety as well as a secure backup: 

Run the Intuit Data Protect Diagnostic tool 

The Intuit Data Protect Diagnostic tool lets you fix the common issues. It verifies your computer’s memory, Windows components, .NET Framework, and Intuit Data Protect version. 

The tool will also run the test on the backup servers’ connection. 

• Right-click on the Intuit Data Protect icon (green padlock) and choose About Intuit Data Protect. 
• On your keyboard, press the Ctrl + F2 keys to open the Intuit Data Protect Diagnostic tool.

Note: If Ctrl + F2 doesn’t respond, press Fn + Ctrl + F2 instead. If that still doesn’t solve the issue, access and use the On-Screen Keyboard as an alternative.

• Click on Run Diagnostics.
• If the tool finds an issue, an error message will appear. Review the detailed instructions provided to resolve it, and refer to the chart below for guidance on what to do next.

If you’re unable to resolve the problem, choose Create Zip File and then contact us.

Intuit Data Protect Diagnostic Tool results

	Fix
Free Physical Memory	Details: IDP requires at least 150 MB of free physical memory. This error message shows that your computer does not have enough memory available to run the IDP for backup. Fix it: Either free up memory on your computer or purchase and install additional memory.
Free Local Disk Space	Details: You need at least twice the size of the biggest File Set plus an additional 60MB of free space in C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Intuit\Intuit Data Protect to back up your company file with Intuit Data Protect successfully.  For instance, if the file or group of files you’re backing up totals 1 GB, you’ll need at least 2 GB plus an additional 60 MB of free space available. Fix it: To fix this problem, you can clear some space on your current drive. Alternatively, consider transferring the file or file set to another drive that has more available storage.
.Net	Details: IDP needs version 3.5 of .NET or higher. If you are getting NET-related errors, follow the steps below. Fix it: To fix this, check Repair or reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework.
QBIDPService	Details: IDP actively requires this service. Fix it: Check QBIDPService to fix this:  Launch the Windows Start menu.Search for “services.msc“.The Services window will open. Choose the QBIDPservice to highlight it.Click on Restart the service on the left side of the window.Run the IDP Diagnostic Tool again to ensure the issues are resolved.
IDP Version	Details: You must use only the latest version of IDP.  Fix it: To fix this, verify that you are using the latest version of IDP on Intuit.
Backup system	Details: This error usually indicates an issue with the IDP servers or a problem connecting to them from your system.Fix it: If IDP has worked for you before, wait a while and try again. If this is your first time successfully using IDP, review your security or antivirus software settings to ensure they are not preventing Intuit Data Protect services or processes from running.
Authentication system	Details: This error usually indicates an issue with the authentication servers or your connection to them.Fix it: If you’ve used IDP successfully before, wait a while and try again. If you’ve never been able to use IDP, review your security or antivirus software settings to make sure they are not blocking Intuit Data Protect services or processes.
Authentication and Entitlement	If you get an error here, contact us for next steps.
Test Sample Backup	Details: The system runs a small test by backing up a very small file to ensure that the backup is running correctly. This will test the file won’t impact your backup quota. Fix it: If you get an error here, contact us for next steps.
Analyze Logs	Details: Your computer analyzes the log files for details regarding any errors.  Fix it: If you see an error, contact us for further assistance.

Conclusion 

A secure backup is necessary for hard times like sudden data damages corruption that helps you recover it even if you lost it permanently. We have covered above about the complete Intuit Data Protect Download process, activation, and other details to ensure the data security and backup. 

If you get stuck somewhere or need professional assistance, consulting with QuickBooks professionals is recommended. Dial +1(866)500-0076 to talk to a QuickBooks ProAdvisor now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to set up Intuit Data Protect?

Set up Intuit Data Protect (IDP) in QuickBooks Desktop by navigating to File > Back Up Company > Set Up/Activate Online Backup. Sign in with your Intuit credentials, select the files to back up, and configure a backup schedule to ensure your data is automatically protected.

Where is Intuit Data Protect?

Intuit Data Protect (IDP) is a cloud-based backup service for QuickBooks Desktop, accessed via a green padlock icon in the Windows System Tray (bottom-right corner) or within the software under the File > Back Up Company menu.

How do I manually update Intuit Data Protect?

To manually update Intuit Data Protect (IDP), right-click the green padlock icon in your Windows system tray, select “About Intuit Data Protect,” and click the “Update” button. 

Is Intuit Data Protect free?

Intuit Data Protect is not generally free; it is a subscription-based backup service for QuickBooks Desktop, usually costing $9.95 per month or $99.95 annually.