Upgrade to QuickBooks Enterprise from Desktop Pro/Premier

Learn how to move to QuickBooks Enterprise from Desktop Pro/Premier.

If you have a medium sized business and you’re ready to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, it’s best to do it after-hours or over the weekend. This way, you’ll have the least disruption to your normal work hours.

 If you need help with a network, get help from an IT professional. If you need help with your company file, get help from an accountant. You can choose to work with a  ProAdvisor or QuickBooks Solutions Provider.

Step 1: Make sure your computers and server can run QuickBooks Enterprise

Check the system requirements for QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise. If you need help with your network setup contact an IT professional.

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Enterprise

Check out how to install QuickBooks Enterprise for the first time.

Step 3: Move your data from Pro or Premier to Enterprise

Before you move your data to Enterprise, make sure to back up your company file. Once you move your file to Enterprise, you can't open it in QuickBooks Pro or Premier.

Step 1: Back up your company file

Back up your company file before you continue:

1. Select File and then select Create Backup.
2. Select a safe location for your file, like a different computer or server.

Step 2: Update your company file

Now that you have a backup of your current file, it's time to update your company file to work with QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, then open your company file.
2. Enter the Admin password, then select OK.
3. Check I understand that my company file will be updated to this new version of QuickBooks, and then select Update Now.
4. Select OK to back up your data and follow the onscreen prompts to back up your company file.
5. Select Yes to update your file.

Fix update problems

If you get an error or run into any problems when you update, we're here to help.

Fix QuickBooks Enterprise errors

1. Select File, Utilities, and then select Restore Backup For Earlier QuickBooks Version.
2. Select the three dots ... next to the Backup filename field.
3. Find and select the QuickBooks backup made during the update process, then select Open. The default location is where you last saved backup company files.
4. Select the three dots ...  next to the Restored filename field.
5. In the Save In list, select the folder where you want to save the restored company file. We recommend saving it to your desktop.
6. Enter a unique name for the restored file in the File Name field. This is so you don’t overwrite an existing company file, then select Save.
7. Select Ok

Fix errors in your previous version of QuickBooks

1. Go to the File menu, then select Open or Restore Company, then choose Open a company file.
2. Open the restored file.
3. Go to the File menu, then Utilities and select then Rebuild Data and follow the onscreen prompts. Note: The Rebuild Data Utility has you create another backup. Enter a new file name (for example, pre-update12.qbb). Don’t overwrite any existing backups.
4. After the rebuild is complete (which may take a long time depending on the size of your company file), exit your previous version of QuickBooks.
5. In QuickBooks Enterprise, Select File and then Open or Restore Company.
6. Select the newly rebuilt company file on your desktop and select OK.

Step 3: Set permission list

QuickBooks Enterprise has the same look, feel, and the same features as your previous version of QuickBooks. You'll work in a familiar environment.

Configure lists and user permissions

Your lists (vendors, items, customers, etc.) will transfer to Enterprise. You won't have the same limits on your data.

For example, QuickBooks Pro and Premier only allow storage of 14,500 names and list items. The would be customers, vendors, employees, and other names combined. These limits don’t apply to Enterprise.

You can also change the permissions you grant to each user, with up to 30 simultaneous users.

Step 4: Activate QuickBooks

When you activate QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, you can take advantage many benefits like technical support. Learn how to Activate QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.