I need to import my old data to my new online account, but Quickbooks desktop won't open, so I can't export it. What do I do?

Install the trial license of QBD 2021 to upgrade your file and migrate to QBO.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

Thank you for that suggestion, Fiat. However, it won't work because the trial versions don't have the export feature. Also, your links were only for the mobile app, but I (eventually) found the desktop trial app for Mac (buried deep).

Well, I found the option to export (FILE > EXPORT > TO QUICKBOOKS ONLINE). It wasn't where the tutorial said it was. However, when I try to export the data, I get this error:

Good day, @monstordh,

All our program have specific system requirements to ensure it functions properly. This is the reason why some versions won't download because of the operating system of the computer.

If you want to convert a 2016 Mac file into QuickBooks Online, follow the steps below:

1. Click the QuickBooks menu on the taskbar on top.
2. Select Check for QuickBooks Updates and update to the latest version.
3. When the update is done, restart QuickBooks Mac Desktop.
4. Go to File menu and select Export then To QuickBooks Online.
5. After we successfully copy and import your data, we'll send you an email.
6. From the email, sign in to see your data.

If you're getting some issues with the conversion, our representatives can help you further with this. The can initiate a viewing session and guide you further with the steps.

To contact our support, click this link to initiate a live session: QuickBooks Desktop for Mac chat

I'm leaving some links about the full conversion process for your reference:

• Convert a QuickBooks Mac Desktop file to QuickBooks Online
• Converting a Desktop for Mac file to Online

Let me know how it goes. I want to keep track of this conversion topic and make sure it gets taken care of. I'm also here if you ever need further help with any other things in QuickBooks Mac. Have a good one!

Jen_D - While I appreciate the thorough information, if you would have read my original post you would see that I can't open Quickbooks 2016 anymore after upgradin OS X to Big Sur.

@monstordh 

Make sure your Total Targets < 350K prior to migrate to QBO. Run the Condense Data utility if required.

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@Fiat Lux - ASIA wrote:

@monstordh 

Make sure your Total Targets < 350K prior to migrate to QBO. Run the Condense Data utility if required.

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I have no idea what any of that means. Quickbooks 2016 won't run at all and The Quickbooks 2021 Trial version fails when exporting.

Hi monstordh!

I understand that you need to convert your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac file to QuickBooks Online. I'm joining this thread so I can help you.

Before you export the file, make sure you're using the latest version. Select QuickBooks on the taskbar and choose Check for QuickBooks Updates. Then, restart it.

Once done, let's run the rebuild tool. This fixes data issues which causes you to unable to export the file. Here's how:

1. From the File menu, select Utilities then, choose Rebuild Data.
2. Select OK if you receive a prompt to back up your company file.
3. Click OK again when you get the message Rebuild has completed.
4. Go back to the File menu, select Utilities, then choose Verify Data.
5. Tap Rebuild Now.

In addition, it's best to reach out to our Support Team so they can assist you further in converting the data if you keep on receiving the error. If you still can't open QuickBooks Desktop, click this link to chat with them: QuickBooks Desktop for Mac chat.

You can also check this link: Converting a Desktop for Mac file to Online. This will explain the things you need to remember before exporting the data.

Need more help? Please comment again below and we'll respond as soon as we can.

Thanks, AlexV. Still didn't work. Same error as before after rebuilding and verifying my data. Waiting for chat to open.

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@monstordh 

Make sure your Total Targets < 350K prior to migrate to QBO. Run the Condense Data utility if required.

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I have no idea what any of that means. Quickbooks 2016 won't run at all and The Quickbooks 2021 Trial version fails when exporting.

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@monstordh 

Open your file on QBD 2021 and hit Command + 1

A product information window will appear and check your Total Targets.

Thanks for the info. Total Targets are barely over 10K.

Next step, try open the sample company file or create a dummy one, then migrate it to QBO. It if works, your current company file is damaged. Keep in mind, you are unable to purge QBO Simple Start. You may open a trial account to run the migration for this scenario.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

I haven't seen an answer here.  My QB Mac Desktop 2016 won't open because I upgraded my computer to Big Sur.  It won't open, so how can I export the data to anything?

@dewheel 

I have mentioned this in the earlier post. Install the trial license of QBD 2021 on your BigSur to upgrade your file and try migrating it to QBO.

I just spent 2 hours on QB chat, unsuccessfully trying to find a way to get the trial QBD 2021.  Eventually, I was told to set up my on-line version and then contact Support to help me transfer the files.  None of the people I chatted with seemed to understand that my old files will not open.

@dewheel 

Prepare your blank QBO account

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

then utilize this trial version to upgrade your file and migrate it to QBO.

https:// http-download.intuit.com/http.intuit/Downloads/2021/Latest/QuickBooksMac2021Trial.dmg