Error: Before you can import this data, you must sign in to QBO and delete all employees.

I know a way on how to get past this error message so you can convert your company file to QuickBooks Online (QBO), st-johns-srvs.

You'll encounter this error when QBO detects that you activated payroll features like Billing Hold, Direct Deposit Enrollment, and E-Services Enrollment. It could be also your payroll is off in Desktop while it’s activated in your Online version. 

To fix this error, we can turn on the payroll in Desktop. Here's how:

1. Click Edit on the top menu.
2. Choose Preference.
3. Select Payroll & Employees.
4. From Company Preferences, hit Full Payroll or Online Payroll.

For other troubleshooting steps option, check out this article: How to fix errors when converting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. Then, go to Error: Please delete all employees already entered in the QuickBooks Online section. 

Once done, try importing your company file to QBO again. Just refer to this article for the steps and details: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

To learn more about the things you should do after converting to the Online version, refer to this article: What to do after converting from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows or Mac to QuickBooks Online.

I've got a link here that provides you with articles about running your business in QBO: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/get-started/07?product=QuickBooks%20Online.

Feel free to go back to this post if you need a hand with running transactions or any QBO related. I'll be here to help. Keep safe and healthy.

This does not work.  I also DO NOT HAVE PAYROLL in the QBO yet.  Nothing can be imported because of this error message.  I have also tried making all of the employees inactive and tried to import from QB desktop to QBO, still nothing.....

I admire you for going through the steps above and for sharing additional details of your concern, @GeneratorsHawaii.

Let me point you to the right support available so this gets addressed right away. I propose contacting our Support team. They'll be able to look into your account and check the reason for the error.

To reach out to them, you can follow these steps: 

1. Log in to your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account.
2. Go to the (?) Help icon.
3. Select the Search tab.
4. Click Contact Us.
5. Enter a brief discussion of your concern and proceed with Continue.
6. Select either Chat with us (if you preferred messaging) or Give us a call.

You can also see this link for more details and ensure to review their Support hours to know when agents are available: QuickBooks Online Support.

Once everything is settled, you'll want to utilize these articles for reference. This contains details on how to import your data and knowing your ways around QBO.

• Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online. 
• What to expect when you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online
• Video tutorials for QuickBooks Online

Do you have other follow-up questions about importing data to QBO? You can leave the details in your reply and I'll answer them for you. I can also help you with other concerns you may have. Stay safe!