Help accessing old data

I'm here to help you access the data, Mike.

You can log in to QuickBooks Desktop any time to access the data. The version access doesn't expire even you no longer have a subscription. As long as you have a backup of the file, you can restore it and open it in QuickBooks.

Let me share the articles to help you create a backup and restore it:

• Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file
• Restore a backup of your company file

Get back to us if you need more help. We're one comment away. Take care!

@KCMike 

Just to clarify your question. What do you mean that you need to access the data? Do your client just need to open the file on the same QB Desktop 2017 for the time being? Or do they need to give the file to someone else (e.g IRS)? Or else?

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@Kristine Mae wrote:

I'm here to help you access the data, Mike.

 

You can log in to QuickBooks Desktop any time to access the data. The version access doesn't expire even you no longer have a subscription.

 

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Kristine,

When I try to open the company file I get the popup stating that the subscription has expired.  As a result I can't open the company file.  How do I work around this?  Phone support told me yesterday that I would need an access license, which is true?

Thanks,

Mike

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@Fiat Lux - ASIA wrote:

@KCMike 

Just to clarify your question. What do you mean that you need to access the data? Do your client just need to open the file on the same QB Desktop 2017 for the time being? Or do they need to give the file to someone else (e.g IRS)? Or else?

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Right now they just need to be able to open the company file and access the data.

Thanks,

Mike

Also I cannot back up the file using QuickBooks as I can't open the program.

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@KCMike 

Right now they just need to be able to open the company file and access the data.

Contact us in private and we may share the trial version for QBD 2017 Enterprise.

Hi there, @KCMike. I can share troubleshooting steps to help you access your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) file. 

Let's start with running the Quick Fix my Program feature from the QuickBooks Tools Hub. Let me guide you how:

1. First is to download and install the QuickBooks Tools Hub most recent version (1.5.0.0)

2. Once finished, from the tool hub, select Program Problems.

3. Choose Quick Fix my Program.
4. When done, start QuickBooks Desktop and open your company file.

If you can't still open the QBDT program, there may be damage to your company file. To isolate the issue, you can suppress the QBDT application. Here's how:

1. Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
2. Next, double-click the QBDT icon. Important: Unless QuickBooks freezes or gives you an error, don't let go of the Ctrl key until you see the "No Company Open" window.
3. Then, select a company file and choose Open.

If the issue persists, you can proceed in performing Solutions 3 to 5 of this article: QuickBooks Desktop doesn't start or won't open.

Also, I've added this helpful link for the detailed instructions on how you can fix the popup stating that your QBDT subscription has expired: Fix subscription has lapsed error in QuickBooks Desktop.

You can also visit our Help page to check guides and articles that will help your QBDT navigation. From here, you'll find a number of help articles and even video tutorials based on the QBDT feature you've searched. You can also bookmark them in your browser for easy access and use them as your future reference.

Fill me in if there's anything else I can do to help you access your QBDT file. Simply click the reply button below to add your response. Have a good one. 

I tried these with no success.  Do you really believe that items 3 through 5 might get me past the expired subscription messages?

I've read other messages where people have had to either renew their subscription or purchase an access license, whatever that may be.

Thank you.

Items 3 and 4 did not work.  I'm leery of installing the latest version as there's no license for it.  What's next?

How do I go about contacting you in private?

@KCMike 

Click the icon on the top right menu next to the US flag to send a private message.

Mike, 

have you ever got into the file? i am in the same boat as you!

Hi there, @nw08!

Before we can accomplish your goal for today, can you tell more about your inquiry upon joining this thread? May I ask for a version of your QuickBooks desktop and when was the last time you remember creating a backup copy of the company data?
 

Keep me updated in the comments below. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and stay safe!

@nw08 

Are you using QBD 2017 Enterprise?

I have a similar question.  We back all our QB (and network) files nightly to the cloud using a 3rd party backup service.  I need to look at an older version, which was just a few days older, of our data for one of our QB's files.  The backup I have is a .qbw not .qbb.  I renamed the file so I would know it was an older version of the current company file and saved it into Documents in the c: drive instead of the network.  When I tried to open the older version, QB's gave me a message that the file was opened by someone else; this is true as someone in my office was in the current file, but not the older backed up version.  I asked that person to close the file, which has been done.  I don't want the old version to somehow save over the new version.  What should I do?  Should I just download a trial of the new QB's to see the data on this older file?  I saw that answer on a different post.  We are using QB 2018.  Thank you!!!

Thanks for using QuickBooks in tracking your business transactions, kads. I know how important it is to view your old data. I'm here to help you with that.

Yes, you can view your old backup using the QuickBooks trial version. Before proceeding, make sure that the file is compatible and your computer meets the system requirements. This helps avoid any issues and errors.

For the complete instructions on how to download the trial version, kindly check out this article: Use a Trial of QuickBooks Desktop.

Once done, you can now restore the file. Here's how:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Select the File menu, then click Open or Restore Company.
3. Restore the file based on its file type.

For more details, please see this article: Restore your File.

Also, you can save your old file on a flash drive. Then, restore it on the program if you'd like to view the data.

Additionally, I encourage visiting our Help page to check guides and articles that'll help your navigation. From there, you'll find helpful resources and tutorials based on the topic you've searched. You can also bookmark them in your browser for easy access in the future.

Please fill me in if there's anything else I can do to help you access your backup file, kads. You can click the reply button below to add your response. Keep safe always!

Thank you!   I will try opening it with the trial version and follow your instructions.