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D_Perkins_23
February 26, 2023
Solved

Migrating Quickbooks For Mac 2019 To New Computer

  • February 26, 2023
  • 8 replies
  • 36 views

HI, my old Imac crashed and I was able to get my files, including company QB files, saved to an external hard drive.

I downloaded a version of QB 2019 For Mac on a new computer, but I cannot get QB to open my company files. I have then in a folder on the desktop, when I go to QB/file/opencompany/browse I can locate the folder of back up files I've migrated over from the hard drive, but the files are grayed out. How can I get QB on the new computer to open import and open my files? Thanks:-)

Best answer by DivinaMercy_N

Hi there, @D_Perkins_23. I'm here to help you restore your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac company files.

 

Thanks for sharing the details of your concern. To resolve this, let's first ensure that your QBDT program is updated to the latest release. This will provide you with the latest components and fixes.

 

Once done, restore the backup. QBDT Mac backup file is in a .dmg format and restoring it directly is unavailable. You'll have to double-click the file to mount it. Once done, drag it from the open window to your documents folder. From QuickBooks, use the file open company and navigate to the file. 

 

Please know that the name of your backup company file also shows the year version of the QuickBooks you're using. For instance, since you use QBDT for Mac 2016, the backup company should be "Your business name.qb2016".

 

For reference, please check this article: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

You might also want to visit this helpful guide to browse topics that can assist you in doing your QuickBooks tasks. To get started head to the QuickBooks for Mac user's guide. 

 

I'm always here ready to lend a hand if you have any other concerns about managing your company file in QBDT. Keep safe and have a great day ahead. 

8 replies

DivinaMercy_N
DivinaMercy_NModeratorAnswer
Moderator
February 26, 2023

Hi there, @D_Perkins_23. I'm here to help you restore your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac company files.

 

Thanks for sharing the details of your concern. To resolve this, let's first ensure that your QBDT program is updated to the latest release. This will provide you with the latest components and fixes.

 

Once done, restore the backup. QBDT Mac backup file is in a .dmg format and restoring it directly is unavailable. You'll have to double-click the file to mount it. Once done, drag it from the open window to your documents folder. From QuickBooks, use the file open company and navigate to the file. 

 

Please know that the name of your backup company file also shows the year version of the QuickBooks you're using. For instance, since you use QBDT for Mac 2016, the backup company should be "Your business name.qb2016".

 

For reference, please check this article: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

You might also want to visit this helpful guide to browse topics that can assist you in doing your QuickBooks tasks. To get started head to the QuickBooks for Mac user's guide. 

 

I'm always here ready to lend a hand if you have any other concerns about managing your company file in QBDT. Keep safe and have a great day ahead. 

    D
    D_Perkins_23Author
    February 27, 2023

    Thank you. The part I didn't understand was the need to double click the file before dragging it in to docs. Thank you!!!

     

    D
    D_Perkins_23Author
    September 8, 2023

    Hi thanks for your help in past on this issue. I again can no longer get my newer computer to open my QBMac2019 files. I've tried double clicking the back up file so that it creates a .qb2019 file and dragging that file into the folder where my QB docs are stored. This just does the same thing, I get a grayed out "chart of accounts" in Lists when I try to open my file. 

    I can control for the files by taking the harddrive to my old computer and QB files open just fine there. 


    I am on the current version of QB and am following the directions. Thank you. 

    S
    Stuffed
    August 5, 2025

    Having pretty much the same problem. Old Mac died. I have all my companies info on a flash drive. I can't find my Mac Desktop 2019 disk to install it on my new Mac (MacBook Air 2025) so even though I have all the data I need, I do not have the program to open it. I bought Desktop for Mac in 2019 but I cannot find my installation disc. Can Intuit help me here?

    SIAB
    SIAB
    Level 2
    August 5, 2025

    @Stuffed 

    Can you login to CAMPS and find your license code there?

    https://camps.intuit.com

     

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