I want to backup only 5 years on Quickbooks Desktop

Hello there, kelper62. Unfortunately, you can’t back up a specific date range in QuickBooks Desktop Canada (QBDT CA), because the software uses a continuous database where all transactions are linked. 
 

If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

Well that's not what I wanted to hear.  What about if I move to QB Online which I plan to do in 2027.  Can I move just files from 2020 to current?  The reason I ask is from 2006-2017 there are thousands of errors that were before my time that I cannot fix.

Hello there, @kelper62. I get why that’s disappointing to hear. When you’ve worked hard to keep things clean since 2020, the last thing you want is the previous errors tagging along. In terms of how the programs work, the migration process transfers your entire history, not just a few years.

With that in mind, you can skip the automated process and opt for a manual export instead. Just keep in mind that this route is much more hands-on. Since Desktop only allows you to export specific lists and transaction types, you’ll need to save those as individual files and import them into QuickBooks Online (QBO). But keep in mind that QBO also has its own file type limitations. If you export a list that QBO doesn't support, you’ll have to enter those records manually to ensure your books are accurate.

We're here if you have more questions about how that works.

@kelper62 

QB Desktop Canadian doesn't provide the condense data utility like US version does. You should contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA directly via email and they'll offer to condense your data by deleting 2019 and earlier. Then, you can convert your data to QB Online or another accounting program next year. Alternatively, they'll offer to convert your data directly from 2020. Then, you can use the trial version to permanently access your historical data.