QB Desktop End-of-life

Hello fmiers

Thanks for joining the Community. 

Our Data Export Tool is the only solution to viewing Desktop data post discontinuation on the 30th June 2023, read-only versions of the software will not be available. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this. 

I have today had to upload my data FIVE times before it was accessible.  Then I was told that I will have to go through this incompetent, amateur, inefficient, incomprehensible process EVERY time I need to access previous years' data.  I cannot believe for one moment that QB is the world's number 1 accounting software provider. Unless all other providers are using abacuses.  

@fmiers 

I would say for your case the best option is to secure your backup file before the end of June and use the Data Export tool for the time being. You should be able to purchase a 3rd party service to convert your old backup file to another program in the future if required.

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've already converted my accounts to Xero. The conversion, though, missed certain data like individual pension contributions, so I'd like to be able to look at historical data with the original QB app, or one like it.

Regards

Francis. 

I'd like to request and unsupported, perpetual read-only licence please. This would be for viewing historical data. Your data upload tool seems designed for migrations and does not meet my requirements. I need something that will enable me to look back on my QB accounts 30 from now.

I'd like to request an unsupported, perpetual read-only licence please. This would be for viewing historical data. Your data upload tool seems designed for migrations and does not meet my requirements. I need something that will enable me to look back on my QB accounts 30 years or more from now.

I note that QB doesn't have a 'dislike' button.

The lack of planning in the change from QB Desktop to QB Online is breathtaking.

As is the response 'sorry for the inconvenience' - inconvenience doesn't BEGIN to cover it

Hello Fmiers, the only way to be able to access your desktop data is through the data export tool after the 30 June 2023, there is no other way you will be able to. The program will stop working but the data export tool will give them access to ALL data stored on the company file for the next 7 years. The data export tool will be available for the next 7yrs so that if there is an audit, that you have that data available to you. 

What if I need to look at my data 8 years from now? People have pensions and can ask for contribution data that is decades old. Surely QB can provide a read-only version of its desktop software that can look at old files. Is it really necessary to completely disable the desktop software after 30th June? Could it not go into read-only mode after that?

Hi fmiers, there's no read-only mode for QuickBooks Desktop. Our Data Export Tool is the only solution to view data after the discontinuation if you haven't migrated to a different software. For your given scenario, it's be recommended to contact the Pension Provider for information after this point. 

Why do you keep saying the end of June?

Mine has stopped as of today! We can't open our company files due to "expiration"

Hello SaraEl, can you ring the desktop support team on  0808 168 9535 so they can look into this more for you as the official end date is the 30th June 2023.

I'd like to submit a formal request for Quickbooks to supply a version of QB Desktop to allow former customers to access their historical data, I completely understand that QB's commercial priority is to migrate its customers to new products, ideally Quickbooks Cloud, for ongoing accounting, and the Data Export tool facilitates that. That said, the Data Export tool is insufficient for checking historical records. The seven year time limit is too short, and it is dependent on the continued existence of Quickbooks as an organisation. There is a requirement for something permanent, which will work in perpetuity. It should not be too expensive for Quickbooks to provide a perpetual read-only licence of the latest version of QB Desktop to enable customers and former customers to access old data. 

Hello Fmiers, thanks for sharing this with us, we have passed all this on to the team on your behalf.

Hi Sara,

Close QB

Set your system clock back a week

Restart your system

QB works ..... but only until system date =  licence expire date

I have to say the way Quickbooks has handled this end of life situation is incredible, unbelievable, narrow-minded and lazy.  This will create a multitude of issues for existing Clients in the years to come. Even the data migration 3rd party tool was not up to scratch either. I would expect much better.

Are the governing body of this aware of this scam that quickbooks is pulling ?  I feel Ive been missold an accounting system on the pretense that it was as functional as the desktop version that I am being forced to stop using. I was not fully aware this new software is lacking most features that I rely on a day to day basis to operate my business.  Everyday I find something more I cannot do or even access.

The amount of stress this is causing me as no estimating, inventory or anything else was transfered over, I have customers pestering for thier costs that I can no longer access and this new system is not fit for purpose.

I am now in such a difficult situation its unreal and I just dont know where to even start.