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Fix errors when you move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online

SOLVEDby QuickBooks16Updated January 17, 2024

Learn how to fix errors when you move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

We've made the move experience as seamless as possible, but there are some errors you may see during or after the move. Here’s a list of common errors and how to fix them.

No errors, but still can't move your company file? Check out these quick troubleshooting steps.



ErrorWhy is this happening?How do I fix it?
Please delete all employees already entered in QuickBooks OnlineQuickBooks Online can't replace employees when you move data because they're linked to payroll items, year-to-date history, and other payroll setup.QuickBooks Online won't let you delete employees with paycheques or pay history. You'll need to create a new QuickBooks Online company without payroll setup to move your data.
Your file is too big to exportYour QuickBooks Desktop file can't have more targets than the following limits:

QuickBooks Desktop Pro/Premier 2020 latest release and newer: 750,000 targets

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise: 350,000 targets
In QuickBooks Desktop, use F2 or Ctrl+1 on your keyboard to open Product Info. Then check the number of targets.
There was a problem checking this company for import eligibilityYou'll see this if:
• You're not a primary admin, company admin, or accountant in the QuickBooks Online company.
• There's an issue with QuickBooks Online Payroll account services.
• You didn’t sign in to your Online account before you imported data.
• You didn’t complete the setup interview in QuickBooks Online.
• You tried to move your data more than 60 days after your subscription start date.
To fix this:
1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company and complete the setup interview questions.
2. Sign in as a primary or company admin to move your data from QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Save your company address again.

If you still receive the error, the easiest way to fix this is to create a new Online account. Make sure to cancel your old subscription first.
We can't export your data. It may be on a network driveYou'll see this if your Desktop company is located on a drive other than your local C-drive, or it's open in multi-user mode.To fix this:
1. In QuickBooks, locate your company data file.
2. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Copy your company file to your local C-drive.
4. Open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the new location.
5. Select File, then select Switch to Single-user mode.
6. Select Company then select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online.
Export QBDT data to QBO: ERRORYou'll see this if the path to your company file is more than 4 folders deep. Example, C:\My Stuff\QuickBooks files\My Company\2016\Work Files\data.qbw.To fix this:
1. In QuickBooks, locate your company data file.
2. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Copy your company file to a new folder on your local C-drive. Example: c:\new folder\mycompany.qbw.
4. Open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the new location.
5. Select Company, then select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online.


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