Has anyone ever started a new QBO subscription by exporting data, canceling current subscription, rebuild company files, and import into new subsc.? How difficult is it?

Thanks for becoming a part of the Community, pwagner1. I can share some helpful information about migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to QBO.
 

First, you'll need to prepare your file to be imported in the online environment. This can be done by making sure your software is up-to-date, then checking if your company data is too big to export or not. If the file can't be used given it's current size, you can condense it.
 

Next, you can upload your company file to the new platform. The exact steps will depend on what type of subscription you're using. Processes for Pro, Premier, and Enterprise can be found in our Move your QBDT file to QBO resource.

A rebuild isn't necessary before or after completing the process, but can be performed if you'd like to check for any known issues within your data.

I've included a few resources below which may come in handy once you've completed the transfer:

• Set up Bank Feeds
• Enter, track, and pay bills
• Creating & sending invoices
• How to Use Features & Functions in QuickBooks Online

I'll still be here to assist if there's any questions. Have a good day!

Earlier this year, I bought a 1 year QB ONLINE subscription. I had used DESKTOP since 2012.

After a hiatus of 8 months, I now have time to "catch up" with updating prior years, including important corrections.

Upon opening, I see two companies. Alas, the "company" I want belongs to a "trial" version that expired as I bought my new1 year QB Online sub.  THAT is the company whose files hold all my data from the prior 8 years!

HOW DO I IMPORT THAT 8 YEARS OF DATA:

1) Would be EASIEST using QB Online... trsf from "Expired" Trial Version to my PAID UP version. I can't find how to do that.

2) I hope I do not have to go back to my Desktop program and export from there. The desktop is slower than molasses and it would take HOURS to export/import!!!!

The screen shot of the ACCOUNT LIST shows the actual prior years' data that is in the "expired" version. My existing QB Online "company" shows only the standard "default" account list.

PLEASE HELP!!! 

I thank you for sharing complete details about your concern, @ThomasRP59.

Deciding which QuickBooks subscription to use depends on what works best for you. If you choose to use your existing paid subscription, you'd still have to re-activate the expired trial account. This way, you can export your 8-years worth of QuickBooks Desktop data. 

Here's how:

1. Login to your expired account.
2. Go to the Gear icon.
3. Choose Accounts and Settings. 
4. Select the Billing & Subscription from the left menu. 
5. Under the QuickBooks section, click Resubscribe. 

Once activated, you can review your data to make sure that it is still intact. Then, you can now start exporting your data. Here's how to export your data:

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Under Tools, select Export Data.
3. From the Reports and Lists tab, select the items you want to export
4. Click on the Export to Excel button.

Then, import it to your paid QuickBooks Online by following these steps:

1. Log in to your new account, and then click on the Gear icon.
2. Under Tools, choose Import Data.
3. Select the type of data you want to import.
4. Click the Browse button and select the file you exported.
5. Hit on the Next button.
6. Map the field and click the Next button.
7. Make sure to check the information and click on the Import button.

On the other hand, if you choose to use your expired account, just the steps I've shared in reactivating the account. Then, make sure to cancel the other paid subscription. By doing so, you'll not be billed for two QuickBooks Online account. Here's how: 

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Choose Account and Settings.
3. Select the Billing & Subscription tab.
4. In the QuickBooks section, click Cancel Subscription or Cancel Online.
5. Select Continue to cancel.
6. Follow the next steps.
7. Click Submit and cancel subscription.
8. Hit Got it.

Once completed, you'd received an email notification that contains your account's cancellation details. 

Also, I've added these articles for more detailed information about exporting and importing data to QuickBooks Online:

• Export reports, lists, and more
• Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online
• Import bank transactions using Excel CSV files

Leave a post below if you have other questions about managing your QuickBooks data. I'm just a few clicks away.