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nimj
New Member
July 25, 2026
Question

moving company files to another computer using QB 2019 desktop

  • July 25, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 104 views

I recently sold my business and have 2 business accounts on my QB 2019 desktop version on my old office computer/server. I need to move the company files to my home computer. I downloaded QB 2019 desktop onto my home computer, created a QB backup for both companies, and am able to access my newer company (started in 2020) but not my other (started in 2002). It states “unrecoverable error”. I have read other threads and have tried the options suggested without success. I have been having a problem with the backup file based on the fact that my accountant has not been able to open it on his end for the past 2 tax years, so we have been sending him the specific reports he needs as opposed to him being able to access the company via the .qbb file. His IT people have tried to figure out the issue without success. Any suggestions? I am trying to avoid buying the online version due to the high monthly subscription fees, especially since I will be using QB very minimally moving forward.

Thank you

2 replies

SIAB
SIAB
Level 2
July 25, 2026

Install the trial version of QB Desktop 2020 or later. Did you encounter the same problem?

JayCaeRQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
July 25, 2026

The unrecoverable error is directly caused by data damage within your company file. To fix this, you’ll need to repair the original .qbw file on your old computer before creating a new backup. This will also resolve the issue your accountant has been experiencing when trying to open the backup file.

 

To repair the file, open QuickBooks Desktop 2019  on your old computer and open the older company’s .qbw file directly. Then, use the Rebuild Data tool to fix the damage. For the detailed steps, please check this article: Unrecoverable Error in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Another way to resolve this is to move your company file to a new folder. Here's how:

 

  1. Right-click anywhere on your Desktop, select New, and then select Folder. Name the folder QBTEST.
  2. Open the folder where the company file is saved.
  3. Right-click the file, then select Copy.
  4. Paste the company file in the QBTEST folder that you created.
  5. Open the company file from the QBTEST folder.

 

 For further fixes, please see: Troubleshoot Unrecoverable Error XXXXX XXXXX.

 

If you have other concerns about QuickBooks, leave your reply below.

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