FAQs

Here's where you will find answers to commonly asked questions about choosing, upgrading, and using QuickBooks software.

If you need more information before making your purchase decision, please call us at (877) 300-7345.

General FAQs about Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0

Q: How does the Accountant's Copy work in Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0?
A:
A client using Enterprise Solutions 9.0 sets a dividing date that determines prior and current periods and then creates and transfers an Accountant's Copy (.QBX). The client continues working on their QuickBooks file, and is restricted from changing the prior period. You receive the Accountant's Copy from the client and convert it to a working Accountant's Copy (.QBA). You can add, edit, and delete most transactions to complete and correct the client's prior period accounting. You cannot edit transactions in the current period, but can add transactions. There are some restrictions in what you can edit. For example, you cannot add, edit, or delete payroll transactions and you can complete a reconciliation but not return it. Once you have completed your changes, you can review the change summary, add a client note, and export the changes (.QBY). Your client can review the changes and then automatically import them into their working copy of QuickBooks. After import, the dividing date is removed and the client is prompted to "Set closing date" in their file to password protect and preserve your changes.

Q: Can I send my changes back to my client who is using an older version of QuickBooks using Accountant's Copy?
A:
No, you cannot. Only Enterprise Solutions 9.0 allows the client to create an Accountant's Copy that can be opened in Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0. If a client creates an Accountant's Copy using an older version of QuickBooks, the accountant will not be able to open this file directly as an Accountant's Copy in Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0. The accountant can upgrade the file to an Enterprise Solutions 9.0 format, but the file will be converted to a regular working copy (.QBW) and not an Accountant's Copy.

Q: What's involved in upgrading from an earlier version, or from QuickBooks for Windows or Quicken?
A:
Upgrading from an earlier version of QuickBooks Pro for Mac is easy. You can automatically transfer data from QuickBooks Pro for Mac 4.0 (M12), 5.0, 6.0, 2005, 2006, and 2007 (U.S. versions). You can also easily convert your data from QuickBooks for Windows 2008 and 2009 (Simple Start, Pro and Premier versions). If converting from QuickBooks for Windows, you'll need to save a copy your QuickBooks backup file (.QBB file) to a CD, USB drive or other storage device to transfer the file to the Mac. Then simply open the file on QuickBooks 2009 for Mac.

Q: Can I open an Accountant's Copy in a version of Enterprise Solutions 9.0 other than the Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0?
A:
No, you cannot. Accountant's Copy files created by your client in Enterprise Solutions 9.0 can only be opened in Enterprise Solutions: Accountant Edition 9.0. If you are using a version of Enterprise Solutions 9.0 other than the Accountant Edition you can either convert the file to a regular QuickBooks file (.QBW) or ask your client to send a backup or portable file for you to review. The Accountant Edition in Accountant Edition 2008 is designed for accountants to efficiently manage their client files, and includes enhanced reporting, journal entries, trial balance, remote access, and other accountant-specific modules that help support clients.

Q: How do I convert an Accountant's Copy to a regular QuickBooks file?
A:
To convert an Accountant's Copy file to a regular QuickBooks company file, go to the File menu, click Utilities, and then click Convert Accountant's Copy to Company File (.QBW). If the file is from an older version of QuickBooks then you will be prompted to upgrade the company file during the conversion. Once the file is converted your client will NOT be able to import your changes into their file automatically.

Version: Understanding options and choosing QuickBooks products

Q: How do I know which edition of QuickBooks I need?
A:
QuickBooks offers a range of standard accounting and business planning tools designed to help small businesses organize their finances with ease. QuickBooks offers a range of financial software products designed to meet the needs of various types of businesses. Because every business is unique, only you can decide which edition is best for you, but we make it easy by letting you try QuickBooks for up to 60 days at no risk 1 . Here's a general overview of QuickBooks editions. Click any product name to read more about it.
QuicBooks Simple Start
Just the Essentials
  • Simplest way to track sales and expenses
QuickBooks Pro
Standard Business Tools
  • Organize business finances with ease
  • Quickly create invoices and reports
QuickBooks Premier
Industry-specific Tools
  • Monitor business performance
  • Easily manage customer, vendor, and employee information
  • Tailored to your business type
QuickBooks Online Edition
The freedom to access financial data and the power to connect with colleagues anytime, anywhere.
For businesses that need access to books from multiple places, for multiple people
  • Manage finances from anywhere with any Internet-connected PC
  • Work together on the same file from different locations
  • Control who can access your data
  • Schedule automatic daily data backups
  • Get help and support at no extra charge
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions
Comprehensive Tools
  • Meet industry-specific and unique business needs
  • Advanced accounting and inventory
  • Added list capacity
  • Multi-user controls
In addition, you can save time and boost your efficiency with additional products made to work alone or together with the QuickBooks financial software products mentioned above. These include QuickBooks Point of Sale for retail stores, QuickBooks Payroll for businesses with employees, and third-party products.


Q: What if I decided QuickBooks isn't right for me?
A:
Try QuickBooks for up to 60 days at no risk. If you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, please call customer service within 60 days of purchase at 1-800-446-8848 to request a refund. To process your request, the agent will need the product license number located on the CD.

Upgrading: Choosing the right upgrade option for your business

Q: How is Enterprise Solutions 9.0 different from my earlier edition?
A:
Enterprise Solutions 9.0 simplifies your day-to-day business tasks, so it's even easier to stay on top of your books.

With Enterprise Solutions 9.0:

  • Your critical tasks are right at hand, with the simpler to navigate Home Page.
  • You have easier access to Customer, Vendor, and Employee information with simple at-a-glance screens.
  • Shipping is easier than ever with third-party billing, multi-parcel shipping and more.
  • We help you make your payroll easier and more accurate with automatic calculations, the latest tax tables and forms, and at-a-glance screens to manage activities.*
  • We've improved data backup with an added wizard and enhanced online backup services.*
  • We've improved forms customization with an auto-preview feature that shows you how things look before you print it.
  • And we've improved importing and exporting, so you don't have to re-enter data.
* Additional fees apply



Q: How long does it take to upgrade?
A:
In most cases, QuickBooks can upgrade your data automatically in under an hour 2 . Many files take even less time. Your previous preferences are transferred at the same time.

Q: Why is it important to upgrade?
A:
Upgrading now will you give you the enhanced power of Enterprise Solutions 9.0, which makes it even easier to complete everyday financial tasks, giving you more time for business. If you are using either QuickBooks 2006 for Windows or QuickBooks Pro 6.0 for Mac or earlier versions, it is essential that you upgrade before May 31, 2009, to ensure the continuation of key services, such as live technical support and add-on business services such as QuickBooks Payroll. For customers who are using QuickBooks 2005 for Windows or QuickBooks Pro 5.0 for Mac or earlier versions, these services have already been discontinued. To reinstate these services, simply upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks today. For more information, see Intuit's Service Discontinuation Policy.

Q: Will I lose my data from previous QuickBooks versions if I upgrade to Enterprise Solutions 9.0?
A:
When you install Enterprise Solutions 9.0, the new software will find the older version of QuickBooks on your computer, and import your company file and preferences for you.

Q: Why are you no longer offering Pro 5 User Edition?
A:
We have learned that most Pro 5 User Edition customers have 3 or fewer employees working on QuickBooks. In response to customer needs, we are offering a Pro 3 User Edition product instead of Pro 5 User Edition. Pro 3 User Edition 2008 will have all the features of the Pro 5 User Edition, but will allow 3 users to work on your QuickBooks Pro program at the same time.

Q: How do I upgrade my Pro 5 User Edition?
A:
If you own a previous version of Pro 5 and need more than 3 user access, you can easily purchase a Pro 3 User Edition 2008 and two separate Pro Edition 2008 single user licenses or our Premier 5 User Edition 2008 product.

Q: What if I plan to upgrade my operating system to Windows Vista?
A:
Enterprise Solutions 9.0 will be compatible with Windows Vista as well as Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, and Windows XP Home (not recommended). In addition, Enterprise Solutions 9.0 will work with Windows 2000 and 2003 server.

For a full list of our system requirements and other compatible programs, please see our system requirements documentation.



General: Getting started and growing with QuickBooks

Q: Will I outgrow QuickBooks?
A:
QuickBooks offers a wide range of solutions for virtually every business, from those just starting out to those which have grown bigger and more complex. As your business needs change, you can upgrade to other QuickBooks products with more features or more capacity easily and painlessly—all of your data goes with you.

With Enterprise Solutions 9.0:

QuickBooks Pro or Premier: Pro and Premier can be used by up to 5 people simultaneously over your company network. You can buy additional licenses as you need them, or save money with the Pro 3 User pack. In QuickBooks, go to the Help Menu, click on "Manage My License" to purchase additional licenses.
QuickBooks Online Edition: QuickBooks: Online Edition can be used by up to 20 people. It's easy to add users — there's never any new software to purchase, install, or configure.
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: When you need 5 or more users or you approach the 15,000-item limit of QuickBooks customer, vendor, and item lists, you can upgrade to QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions. It offers the best performance of any QuickBooks product and twice the capacity for customers, vendors, and list items, plus advanced features for managing larger, growing businesses. It's flexible and easier to use than other software products for companies of similar size. And it's priced at tens of thousands of dollars less than those other products, making it by far one of the most cost-effective solutions available for growing businesses.



Q: Can Quicken do the same thing as QuickBooks?
A:
Quicken is specifically designed to handle personal finances, while QuickBooks handles small business finances. Each product is tailored (features, reports, and workflows) to meet the needs of those specific audiences. If you prefer to track personal and business income and expenses in the same place, pay your personal bills and business expenses from the same account, and run a small, home-based, Schedule C filing business with no employees, then Quicken Premier Home & Business might be the right solution for you.

Support: How to find assistance with QuickBooks

Q: Where can I get help with QuickBooks?
A:
Enterprise Solutions 9.0 comes with excellent in-product Help and a built-in Learning Center with short video tutorials that help you quickly master basic or advanced features. If you need personalized help, you can talk directly to a QuickBooks support expert at no charge for 30 days following registration of your Enterprise Solutions 9.0 software 3 . They can answer your QuickBooks questions on setup, upgrading, and how to use QuickBooks tasks and features. Submit your question conveniently via our online form, and receive a phone response, or you can call our toll-free hotline directly. You'll find access information conveniently located within the Enterprise Solutions 9.0 software. If you need additional support, QuickBooks offers a variety of excellent, cost-effective support plans. To learn more on all these help resources, click here.



Q: Is there specific QuickBooks training available?
A:
Yes. There is a wide variety of QuickBooks specific training available to help new users get started, learn and confidently use QuickBooks. Visit www.quickbooks.com/training to learn about QuickBooks training that is right for your business.

Q: What is a ProAdvisor®? Can they help me set up QuickBooks?
A:
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, computer consultants, and trainers who work with small businesses. They are considered QuickBooks experts because they have successfully completed comprehensive and rigorous QuickBooks training developed by Intuit.

ProAdvisors help businesses like yours get started, and can customize QuickBooks for your unique needs to help you get the most out of the software. They understand the challenges you face and can offer guidance on everything from complex accounting questions to mastering advanced QuickBooks features.

Q: Where can I find guidance and tips from other QuickBooks users?
A:
Connectwith other QuickBooks Accountant Edition users, Accountants and experts to ask questions and share advice.Go to the Accountant Community.

Q: How do I find my computer system configurations?
A:
To find your computer system configurations:
Processor and RAM
  1. Click on Start button (located on bottom left hand corner on desktop)
  2. Select Settings → Control Panel.
  3. Click on System
The Processor and RAM is listed on the bottom right of this screen.
Disk space
Double-click on My Computer on the Desktop. The free space of the disk is listed there.


Add-ons: Using other services that work with QuickBooks

Q: Can I use QuickBooks to run my payroll? Is payroll included?
A:
Yes, you can fully integrate your payroll with QuickBooks Pro and Premier. We have a QuickBooks Payroll service that is right for you—activation just requires a paid subscription. (Please go to payroll.com or call 800-316-1365 for more information.) QuickBooks Payroll services help you make your payroll easier and more accurate through automatic calculations, the latest tax tables and forms, at-a-glance screens to manage activities, and built-in Direct Deposit*. QuickBooks Online Edition also has a range of paid-subscription payroll options.

*Activation required. Transaction fees apply.

Q: What other business products and services work with QuickBooks?
A:
We offer a full range of products and services that integrate with QuickBooks to streamline your work. Are you looking for ways to manage your business more efficiently? The QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace offers software applications that integrate seamlessly with your QuickBooks. Eliminate data reentry and save time, so you can focus on more important things. Developed by industry experts, these software applications help solve the business needs for those in construction, retail, manufacturing, legal, non-profit, and other industries.

View the over 400 products and services available at our online QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace. Some of our additional products and services include:
  • Checks, Forms & Supplies
  • Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service (Credit Card Processing)
  • Employee and Human Resource Services and Tools


Q: Can QuickBooks handle credit card payments?
A:
Yes. You can accept all major credit and debit cards right in QuickBooks—with Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service, the only credit card processing solution that's completely integrated into QuickBooks. Process credit cards with the click of a button as you enter your data into QuickBooks. There is no need for additional hardware or software, saving you money and making your job easier. Furthermore, QuickBooks helps you keep more accurate records by telling you which payments have been deposited to your bank account, and by allowing you to download your merchant fees directly into QuickBooks. Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service is sold separately. Additional fees, conditions, and terms apply.

Q: Is there an easier way to accept check payments?
A:
Now Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service provides the ability to accept check payments electronically and have the funds deposited to your bank account quickly without filling out deposit slips or making trips to the bank.

Integration: Find specialized products that help you work even better

Q: Does my 3rd-party software integrate with QuickBooks?
A:
Save time and work more efficiently using one of the over 300 QuickBooks-integrated software solutions. These business applications, available for manufacturing, construction, retail, legal, nonprofit, and other industries, are developed by experts in these fields. Visit our complete online resource at QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace to see if your particular software integrates with QuickBooks.

Q: What is Remote Access (through WebEx)?
A:
Remote Access through WebEx is a third party service. With Remote Access through WebEx, you can access your computer remotely from another location. For example, if you go on a business trip with your laptop, and need to access your company file on your desktop PC, you can access the desktop PC through the WebEx service. Since you are accessing your company file through WebEx, (and you are the only user), you don't have to have QuickBooks installed onto your laptop. Of course, you'll have to leave your desktop computer on and running while you're away to be able to access that computer through WebEx. Internet access is required for both the desktop computer and the laptop. When you buy QuickBooks Premier Editions 2008 software, you get Remote Access through WebEx at no additional charge for 12 months. 4

Import: Bringing your information into QuickBooks

Q: Can I import my data from Quicken®?
A:
Yes, you can with QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions. You can directly convert data from Quicken and Quicken Home and Business Editions '98 through 2006 (older editions require some additional steps). QuickBooks provides detailed step-by-step instructions for the entire conversion process.

Q: Can I import my Peachtree data to QuickBooks?
A:
Yes, you can easily import your Peachtree business data into QuickBooks with the Peachtree-to-QuickBooks Conversion Tool.

Multi-User: Flexible options for using QuickBooks

Q: How can more than one person work on QuickBooks at the same time?
A:
The Multi-user mode in QuickBooks Pro and Premier allows up to five users to collaborate on the same company file at the same time. All users must be networked and must each have their own QuickBooks license.

To enable multi-user mode, go to the File menu in QuickBooks and choose "Multi-User Mode."

If you need more than five users to access QuickBooks at the same time, please see our QuickBooks Online Edition or QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions products.

Q: What are the benefits of Multi-User Mode?
A:
Multi-user mode enables more than one person to work on a company file at one time, increasing collaboration and productivity. It ensures that all users are working on the most up-to-date data and allows you to set individual user access levels. New multi-user improvements in Enterprise Solutions 9.0 also allow you to back-up, run reports, and enter transactions - without forcing other users out of the data file.

Q: When do I need an additional license?
A:
Our standard license agreement requires separate QuickBooks licenses for each person who uses QuickBooks software. However, if you have both a laptop and desktop PC, and you're the only person using QuickBooks, you only need one license. You need to get additional licenses when additional people need to use QuickBooks on their computers. For full details on our license agreement, please go to: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/fragments/quickbooks/common/legal.

Q: What are some common situations in which businesses need to buy additional licenses?
A:
The most common scenario is when more than one person in the business needs to use QuickBooks, even if only for certain specific tasks. For example, a business owner may want to have a copy of QuickBooks solely for running reports, doing payroll and printing checks, but his office manager needs to use QuickBooks to enter sales orders and receipts. Accordingly, the business needs two licenses.

Q: What if I print out reports from my QuickBooks software for another person? Would I need to get an additional license for this person?
A:
If another person is solely reviewing printed reports that you generate yourself in QuickBooks, she doesn't need to get her own QuickBooks license. However, if she installs and/or uses QuickBooks, then she will need a separate license.

Q: Can I run QuickBooks both at the office and at home on a single-user license or do I need to purchase separate licenses for both machines? If so, how do I do that?
A:
Under the single-user license, you can install QuickBooks on both your work and home machines, as long as you're the only person using QuickBooks on both machines. Also, only one person at a time can access the company file with one single-user license.

Q: How do I purchase another license for QuickBooks?
A:
Currently, there are two methods to purchase additional licenses for QuickBooks:
  1. You can buy another box of QuickBooks, which has a unique license number. This will allow a user to access the company file at the same time as another user with a different license number in Multi-User Mode.
  2. Go to the Help menu, click on "Manage My License," and purchase additional seats to your license. You will see a web page that allows you to select "Add seat by phone" or "Add seat by web." If you choose to purchase additional seats by phone, you will be given a phone number to call and a representative can assist you in adding a seat to your license. If you choose to purchase additional seats over the Internet, you will be directed to the QuickBooks e-Store.


Q: Must I purchase the Pro 3 User Edition or can I purchase just what I need?
A:
You can purchase just what you need. You may choose from single user or three-user editions available online or at your preferred retailer. Another option is to buy an additional license through the "Manage My License" functionality in the Help Menu in the product. Adding a license or buying an additional QuickBooks box is entirely up to you—the result is the same.

For other options for multiple user access, please see the general multiple user page.

Q: Can I run multiple companies from one copy of QuickBooks?
A:
Yes. You can run as many companies as you want from one copy of QuickBooks. Of course, you'll still need a separate license for each user of QuickBooks if you have multiple users.

Q: Can I create accounts in QuickBooks to give specific people certain permissions?
A:
You can create "users" to access the company file. When creating the users, you will be able to set up permissions for areas that a particular user has access to based upon a number of user access profiles. However, because a user is "restricted" in one company file, it does not mean that the same user will have the same restrictions in another file. They could create a separate company file and have full access. So rights are restricted based on which company file you open, not the application. There's no feature that allows someone to restrict areas based on the installation on the system.

Q: What should I know before installing multiple licenses in a multiple user environment?
A:
All users must be networked in order to take advantage of Multi-User Mode. The company file is a true SQL database, so you can either install QuickBooks on a server and have all users access it there, or users can access the file from a designated user's computer. In Enterprise Solutions 9.0, the installation interview will guide you through the process of setting up QuickBooks based on your network configuration.

Q: What is the maximum number of simultaneous users for a QuickBooks company file?
A:
The maximum number of simultaneous users (users in the file at the same time) for QuickBooks Pro and Premier Editions is five users. A server does not count as a user if no one works on QuickBooks on the server itself. Our Enterprise Solutions and Online Edition products offer the ability for more users to work in the file at the same time.

Q: Can I install a copy of QuickBooks on my network server? Do I need an additional license?
A:
You do not need a separate license if you install QuickBooks on a server for other users to access, but no one directly uses QuickBooks on that server. By choosing the Server Installation during the Installation Interview, QuickBooks will install a version that is appropriate for server access but not for regular QuickBooks use.

If you install QuickBooks on your server, you still must have a license for every user of the program. Only certain configurations involving shared company data files are allowed.

Q: What server platform can my Enterprise Solutions 9.0 run on?
A:
You can install an Enterprise Solutions 9.0 on a Windows server platform or on a Linux server, and only in compliance with the End User License Agreement ("EULA"), which prohibits networking or serving QuickBooks on an "application service provider" or ASP basis.

Q: What if I don't have a server and want to share my company file with another person?
A:
If you want to share the company file with another person, one of you will have to install the company file on his computer. During the Installation Interview, Enterprise Solutions 9.0 will ask you about your network configuration and direct you to the correct installation types. You will need to choose the Multi-User Host installation for the computer that stores the company file and the standard installation for all other users. You must share the folder which contains your company file across your network (see your operating system's documentation for more information on sharing files).

Please note that the designated computer where the company file is placed must be running for clients to access the file. Also, if you want the same computer to host the company file each time QuickBooks is used, that computer either needs to run QuickBooks all the time or be the first computer to log into the company file each day. This will prevent users from accessing the wrong company file. Please see our additional information on multiple users set-up.

Q: When should I consider QuickBooks Online Edition?
A:
QuickBooks Online Edition is ideal for you if you would like to access your books from any place with an Internet connection, home, office, or on the road. It also provides the flexibility for up to 20 people to work on your books at one time. With QuickBooks Online Edition you can grant access to three users as well as a free accountant user--you can control what they see and how much they can do. Learn more about Online Edition at http://oe.quickbooks.com/.

Q: When should I consider QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions?
A:
Move up to QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions when you're at the point where you need to handle larger amounts of data (resulting from having more customers, vendors, inventory, and transaction volume) and multiple users with ease. With Enterprise Solutions, you get twice the list capacity of QuickBooks Pro and Premier Editions, and you can scale up to 30 simultaneous users with 200 percent faster performance. The software also offers in-depth security features with different levels of access to more than 115 individual reports. And it includes 13 predefined user roles to make new user set-up fast and easy.

Important disclaimers, disclosures and FAQs Notes
1 QuickBooks 60-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not satisfied, return the software within 60 days with your dated receipt for a full refund of your purchase price.
2 Transfers data from QuickBooks 5.0 through QuickBooks 2006 for Windows, and QuickBooks 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 2006 for Mac.
3 30 consecutive days of QuickBooks business accounting software support included from the date you register your software. Registration must be completed 90 days from software purchase; U.S. only. Internet access required for callback support. Terms and Conditions
4 Internet access required. One single-user subscription (12 months of service) included at no charge, valid for customers who purchase and install QuickBooks Premier 2008 software before 12/31/2008. Remote Access subscription begins at the time of first installation.