Can I use a copy of my Desktop QB file to evaluate QBO?

Hello there, deanr73.

Yes, you can create a backup of your company file and use it to evaluate QuickBooks Online. Or, you'll want to take a test drive of QuickBooks Online by using our sample company demo.

Here's how you can move your data with an online tool:

1. Sign in to your QBO account and go to the Gear icon.
2. Under the Tools column, select Import Desktop Data.
3. Click the online migration tool link.
4. Select the Get Started button.
5. Upload QuickBooks Desktop company file (.qbw, .qbb, or .qbm file.)
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
7. On the next screen, select Export all your company data and hit Continue.

Once done, you can delete your data and start over in QuickBooks Online. Deleting your company data can only be done if your books are less than 60 days old. Otherwise, you'll have to cancel it and start a new subscription.

Once you have banks or third-party apps connected, purging your company can permanently damage these connections. Thus, make sure to disconnect any bank account and apps connected to your QBO account before purging your QBO account. 

Here's how to start QBO company from scratch: 

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online account as an admin.
2. Once you're signed in, open this link. Alternatively, you can go to the following web address: https://app.qbo.intuit.com/app/purgecompany
3. To confirm you want to delete your company data, enter Yes, then select OK.

When you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, you may notice differences in how your books appear. Check this article for more information: Features and data move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

Stay in touch if you have more concerns while navigating and doing tasks in  QuickBooks Online. I'll be around to help. 

Thanks for getting back, Dean. I'm here to provide additional information.

Purging a QBO account can disrupt the connection between QBO and the linked bank accounts because it removes the historical data and settings that enable these connections.

When you migrate to QBO, bank feed setup doesn't move to QuickBooks Online. Once manually connect your account in the bank feed, make sure to disconnect any bank account and apps connected to your QBO account before purging your QBO account. That way, you can start your QBO account from scratch seamlessly. 

You can visit our help articles page to learn about setting up advanced reporting, online banking, managing reconciliation, and transactions, and importing and exporting data lists.

Let me know if you have more concerns while doing tasks in QuickBooks Online. I'm always here to help and provide the information you need.