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Plowmana
Level 2

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Hi,

 

We are thinking of converting from Desktop to Online and have noted that the attachments can't be converted.

Has anyone come up with a work around for this as we don't have the paper copies now? I've seen where the files are saved but they are all in individual folders that are titled with a random series of letters and numbers so it's not like we can say what they are without going into each folder. Is there anywhere on Desktop this folder info is stored that we could export to create a mapping of what is where?

 

Thanks

14 REPLIES 14
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Do you need to migrate data from QB Desktop UK version to QB Online UK version?

https://quickbooks.grsm.io/UK

 

Plowmana
Level 2

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Yes

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

You have to migrate the attachment files manually. Otherwise, consider purchasing a 3rd party conversion service. You can request to migrate the attachment files as the additional work. Contact us in private for details.

 

I would recommend you are keep using QB Desktop. If you are running an outdated QB Desktop version on Win 8.1 or 10, consider upgrading to QB Desktop 2019 with a one time license to save your cost. Deploy a private cloud to access your file by internet.

Ashleigh1
QuickBooks Team

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Hello Plowmana, so unfortunately it is not possible, the files are all stored in a folder which Desktop links each transaction, you can see which attachments are linked to each in the Company>Documents>doc center but there is no way to export this list out. You could have that open at the same time you are re-attaching things in the online version.  Please dont listen to Fiat Lux and dont buy anything though them as you dont need to. 

Steve G
Level 2

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

I stuck with Desktop for several years with a paid Intuit backup because online could not migrate my contracts and receipt attachments.  I have nearly 3000 at this writing.

I was told recently by [email address removed] that this was now possible so I went ahead with licensing your product only to discover that this is not possible and that you can recommend no 3rd party migration service to take the files and map them to the online version.

I just spent 4 hours trying to get through to support during implementation.  Please advise your sales people (and your website which hides this information) to be more forrthcoming.I'm really stuck.now.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

@Steve G 

You can purchase a 3rd party service to convert data with attachments from QB Desktop to QB Online.

AlcaeusF
Moderator

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Hello there, Steve G.

 

I appreciate you using QuickBooks for so many years. I would also feel the same about the issue of transitioning to QuickBooks Online and bringing over data without any hassle.

 

I know the importance of having a feature to help existing users migrate information. I agree with your feedback, and I believe it would increase awareness regarding the limitations.

 

Also, I encourage you to send your suggestions through QuickBooks to increase the number of users requesting the feature. We make changes and improvements based on user feedback.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Click the Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
  2. Select Feedback under Profile.
  3. Share your feedback.
  4. Hit Next to submit.

 

There are times you'll encounter trouble importing company files into QuickBooks Online. I've added a link you can check out to easily resolve any issues you encounter in the process: How to resolve issues when importing from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows to QuickBooks Online.

 

We're always available anytime you have concerns about migrating data or entering information. Click the Reply button, and we'll be sure to get back to you. Take care always.

Steve G
Level 2

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

I am afraid I am not easily able to resolve this issue and while the current iteration of your site has stopped admitting that this problem exists and representatives of intuit have assured me that attachments can be exported from desktop for import to online this is simply NOT THE CASE.  What I need to do to continue accounting practices is either transfer 3000 files manually, continue using deprecated software or find some other solution.  This is a major let down and I think its really problematic of intuit to continue to try and upsell me product that won't work and then today try to sell another license for desktop.  We have a limited budget as a small nonprofit and misrepresentations like "easily resolve" and advice given by phone and sending me to solutions FAQs that don't help is really frustrating.

Matchbox1
Level 1

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

On the phone to them now. We have the exact same issues as the posters above mention.

 

Being told they are closing Qbooks desktop access on 30 June 2023.

No view option for the purchase invoices and all the attachments we have going back years.

 

How is everyone else getting around this? It's absolutely crazy?!

Beyond farcical.

 

I can just about deal with the attachment not migrating over, but not being able to view them is boggling?!

Ashleigh1
QuickBooks Team

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Hello Matchbox1, thanks for posting on this thread, so your right they are not viewable in the data export took, the attachments are all stored in the same location as the Company file. The attachments are located in the attach folder which is in the same location as your company file. This article here tells you more. 

Prop Co
Level 1

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

Thanks for the link Asheligh. I know where the attachments are saved locally.

 

The difficulty is however then trying to marry up the attachments to the original entry. Quickbooks Desktop produces individual folders with a transaction/system generated code which bares no relevance to any data within the Desktop system.

 

The only one work around is to hope and pray that the attachments uploaded include suppliers reference numbers as then I can search the attachment folder for that very same reference.

 

I suspect quickbooks have lost many customers because of this. I can't quite get my head around why quickbooks doesn't just make the desktop version "read only" so users could still play around with the historic data. Barmy!

Steve G
Level 2

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

My solution to this problem was to license QB Premiere desktop 2021 and hope that Intuit works on a way of migrating these attachments before completely retiring Desktop.  Does anyone have any experience migrating with a service that does this type of migration? Fiat Lux - ASIA what service did you use?

Prop Co
Level 1

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

I’m under the impression that desktop is being retired next week? 30 June.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Transferring attachments from Desktop to Online

@Steve G 

We can help to convert data with attachments to QB Online or other programs. Contact me in private for details.

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