If you love everything nerdy about QuickBooks Desktop, but feel like you have a lot to learn, you probably should register for at least one of the three QuickBooks Desktop-related courses I'll be teaching at Scaling New Heights in June.
Some people will say, "But QBO is the way to go, why study Desktop?" I'd like to remind you that there are still "millions of 'Desktop' users" out there, having countless numbers of problems each day, and they're looking for a few reputable Super Geeks to resolve their issues.
So, I encourage you to not give-up on desktop and work your way to official Data Detective certification or Super Geek Supreme status.
The three courses I'll be teaching, in level of their complexity, are described below:
Entry-level
Enhancing QuickBooks Desktop File Stability and Performance
Explore behind-the-scenes considerations involved in QuickBooks installations, the impact of data file size and methods to accelerate QuickBooks. Learn how certain uses of QuickBooks impact performance and best practices for troubleshooting problem issues.
The session also covers steps to take to minimize and prevent data loss, along with best practices for backing up QuickBooks files.
Here are some highlights from the class:
- File performance and stability starts by understanding QuickBooks components
- The QuickBooks Database, Your Hardware and Your Network
- How file size impacts QuickBooks Performance, and what you can do about it
- The relationship between QuickBooks and your computer (hardware)
- How RAM and hard drive functionality impact QuickBooks Performance, and what you can do about it
- The relationship between QuickBooks and your network
- Network issues impacting QuickBooks connectivity, stability and performance
- Decision-tree determinations of performance bottlenecks
- Real-world performance issues and solutions
Mid-level
QuickBooks Desktop Super Geek 101: Database Essentials
This course serves as an introduction to the QuickBooks database. In addition to providing an overview of how QuickBooks works, we'll also look at the structure of QuickBooks data and data-table relationships, as well as the concepts of Master and Target records and database indexes.
A look at QuickBooks use of RAM Cache also will be presented, along with the importance of redundancy features like the QBW.tlg (transaction log) file.
In addition, the class will examine QuickBooks Database Corruption, its forms, causes and diagnostics, along with both QuickBooks (internal) and professional repair methodologies.
Here are some highlights from the class:
- How the various database components (Company file, database server, cache memory and QB Application) work together
- Structural design and architecture of the QuickBooks database, including the concepts of ReferenceID, source, target, index and page
- The most common forms/sources of corruption, including disk fragmentation and database fragmentation
- The most common causes of database corruption
- Review the processes associated with the QuickBooks Verify and Rebuild utilities, and examine the relationship between those processes and the QBWin.log (as well as the new Verify/Rebuild reports)
- Identify specific QuickBooks errors, including, but not limited to, index errors, target errors, link errors, out-of-balance errors, transaction count errors, list errors, encryption/decryption errors and phantom or floating errors.
- Review procedures and processes for resolution of QuickBooks database corruption
Upper-level
QuickBooks Desktop Super-Geek 201: Differential Diagnosis
The quintessential Super Geek combines the skills of a data detective and a physician diagnostician. This course expands upon the principles instructed in QuickBooks Database Essentials.
You should enjoy this "the game is afoot" approach to identifying the causes of QuickBooks maladies, as we learn valuable lessons from "the game of Clue." Using case studies, we'll examine various techniques for deferentially diagnosing the causes of QuickBooks problems ranging from poor performance to scrambled data.
In addition, the course will provide an in-depth look at the QBWin.log file and the various diagnostic and error messaging the log provides. Potential resolution and repair steps for data corruptions identified in the QBWin.log file will also be discussed.
If you have an unsolved QBWin.log file, bring it for discussion during Q&A or after the session.
Here are some highlights from the class:
- Why you should treat QuickBooks problems like a crime scene
- Interpreting the clues of QuickBooks problems
- Deferentially diagnosing QuickBooks issues
- Interpreting the QBWin.log, not only errors, but the key indicators and timing
- Identify specific ways to resuscitate your QuickBooks data file
In at least one of these classes, you'll have the opportunity to "stump" the Data Detective himself. Who knows, you might just leave Scaling New Heights as my official "Super Geek Replacement."