How to Subdivide QuickBooks Register?

Make a back up of the file and save it to a folder where it will not get overwritten in the future

then use file/utilities to make a clean copy of the file

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@Rustler wrote:

then use file/utilities to make a clean copy of the file

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What happens when I make a clean copy?  In terms of my bank balance, does the software know where the previous file left off?

Bump.

I still need help with this.  I am using QB 2008.  None of the dropdown menus (e.g., File), show a "Utilities" option.  Can you share more feedback?

Thank you for getting back to the thread, @m_ridzon. I can guide you how to back up your company file manually.

Since you are using an old version of QuickBooks Desktop, you may use different steps and just select how to create the back up.

You can also refer to the steps provide below:
 

1. Select File on the menu bar and click Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. Return to the File menu again and hover over Backup Company and select Create Local Backup.
3. Choose Local Backup then Next.
4. From the Local Backup Only section, select Browse. Choose where you want to save your backup company file and set the number of backups (optional).
5. A test will run to make sure backup is correct.
6. Once ready, select Ok.
7. Then select Save it now and Next.
    

When it's done, you'll get a confirmation message. You can also click on this article for more details.

In case you want to restore your company file in QuickBooks Desktop, you can check out this article: Restore a backup of your company file.

Keep me posted if you need anything else or if you have further clarification on how to subdivide QuickBooks register. I'll be glad to assist you. Have a good one!

Thank you for the feedback, but I'm not interested in how to create a backup.  I'm interested in how to split my QB file.  My QB file is nearly 100Mb in my computer with 12yrs of data.  I can't let it continue to grow like this.  I need to know how I can demarcate the file at some chosen point.  In other words, can I somehow split out my register to two files, from 2010-2015, and then from 2016-present?  I'll put the former in a protected location so it won't be deleted.

I appreciate you for getting back to us, m_ridzon.

I know a way how you can separate the data on your file.

If you're using the QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise version, you can create a new company file from the existing one. From there, you can copy and use accounts, lists, templates, and preferences from an existing company file to get started.

I've added these references for the detailed steps of the process:  Create new company files from existing ones in QuickBooks Desktop.

If you use a different version, you'll have to add a new file from scratch. Here's how:

1. Restart your QuickBooks Desktop.
2. In the No Company Open window, select Create a new company.
3. Select Express Start or Start Setup, then fill out your business information and click Create Company File.
4. Follow the onscreen instruction to finish the setup.
5. Click Start Working.

I've also counted this guide on when to start a new company file to replace my old file that I'm sure you'll find helpful. It contains recommendations and information on when to create a new company.

Feel free to visit our Help Articles page for tips in managing your QuickBooks Desktop file.

That should do it, m_ridzon. Please know that you can always count on me when you need help with QuickBooks. I've got your back!

@Adrian_A , your instructions are for QuickBooks Desktop.  But as mentioned in my initial post, I'm running QuickBooks 2008 Simple Start.  The menu selections that you mentioned do not exist in QB2008.  So it is unclear to me how to wipe out old transactions after restoring from a backup.  Can you clarify how to do that?

@m_ridzon 

You can open a new company file and utilize a migration tool as a workaround to split split your data.

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd