how do I import a company file from QB for MAC 2016 to QB desktop for MAC 2020

hh603 · ‎November 18, 2019

how do I import a company file from QB for MAC 2016 to QB desktop for MAC 2020. When I installed QB desktop for MAC 2020 only one of my two company files was imported.

Rose-A · ‎November 18, 2019

Sending good vibes to you, hh603.

To import your company file from QuickBooks for Mac 2016 to 2020, you can create a backup copy of your data and restore it.

To create a backup of your company file, here's how:

From the File menu, select Back Up.
On the following dialog window, select the folder where you want to store your backup file (.dmg). NOTE: It's a good idea to save backups somewhere other than your main local drive in case of a system failure. If you have a file hosting service (such as DropBox), flash drive or other removable media, you may want to select it here.
When you have chosen, click Start Backup. The name of the backup will be your QuickBooks filename with the date and time the backup completed. You have the option to view the file in Finder.

After that, let's restore the company file:

Double click the .dmg file. A new window opens the "Ghost" drive.
Note: The "Ghost" drive displays the back up of your company file along with your attachments (if applicable).
Drag the company file (with .qbXXXX extension) to the folder where you want to store the company file.
Drag the Attached Documents Library folder (if applicable) to the same folder as the QuickBooks company file.
Click the copy of the company file saved on the desired location or go to File > Open Company.

Once the company file is restored, QuickBooks will ask you to update the file. Just click the Update button. The following articles are good references for importing and restoring company data:

For more QuickBooks concerns, don't hesitate to drop a reply below. Have a good one.

View solution in original post

Rose-A · ‎November 18, 2019

Sending good vibes to you, hh603.

To import your company file from QuickBooks for Mac 2016 to 2020, you can create a backup copy of your data and restore it.

To create a backup of your company file, here's how:

From the File menu, select Back Up.
On the following dialog window, select the folder where you want to store your backup file (.dmg). NOTE: It's a good idea to save backups somewhere other than your main local drive in case of a system failure. If you have a file hosting service (such as DropBox), flash drive or other removable media, you may want to select it here.
When you have chosen, click Start Backup. The name of the backup will be your QuickBooks filename with the date and time the backup completed. You have the option to view the file in Finder.

After that, let's restore the company file:

Double click the .dmg file. A new window opens the "Ghost" drive.
Note: The "Ghost" drive displays the back up of your company file along with your attachments (if applicable).
Drag the company file (with .qbXXXX extension) to the folder where you want to store the company file.
Drag the Attached Documents Library folder (if applicable) to the same folder as the QuickBooks company file.
Click the copy of the company file saved on the desired location or go to File > Open Company.

Once the company file is restored, QuickBooks will ask you to update the file. Just click the Update button. The following articles are good references for importing and restoring company data:

For more QuickBooks concerns, don't hesitate to drop a reply below. Have a good one.

hh603 · ‎November 21, 2019

Thank you for your wonderful help. I successfully imported the company file to my QB for MAC 2020. Your help was invaluable.

Rose-A · ‎November 21, 2019

Hello, hh603.

I'm glad to hear you've successfully imported your company file. For tips and other resources, you can visit this article for further guidelines: https://qblittlesquare.com/2019/09/quickbooks-mac-2020-users-guide/.

I'll be more than willing to lend you a hand if you ever need assistance again in the future. You have a wonderful day.

Electrician · ‎December 26, 2019

Will the attachment library also transfer?

Is there anything else that I need to do when switching from 2016 to 2020?

GarlynGay · ‎December 26, 2019

Hi there, Electrician.

The attachment library will be carried if you'll switch to QuickBooks for Mac 2020 on the same computer.

We have an article for more information about the QuickBooks Document Center: FAQs and common issues. Please click on the hyperlink.

On another note, here's an article for you to learn more about the latest updates in QuickBooks for Mac 2020. Please check it out here.

Let us know if you have any questions about the Document Center. We are here to help.

Electrician · ‎December 26, 2019

Thank you, I got it to work. But now I have some questions. However, I cant find any button or link to open a new topic. I have been here for years, but things have changed and no matter where I look I can't find out how to start a new thread lol.

I am wondering how to keep the toolbar open at all times. I like to keep it in the corner of my screen, I have been doing that for years. But now with QB 2020 as soon as I click to something else it disappears. There is no option to leave it active always:

Michael K · ‎December 26, 2019

Hey there, @Electrician. Thanks for reaching back out.

No worries, I can help you find where to start a new thread. It may have moved a little since you last used it, but it's just a short trip. Click on the Start a discussion button in the top-right of any board. I've included an animation below showing you how to find the button.

On to your toolbar question, the ability to make the toolbar persistent hasn't been implemented yet. I'll be submitting your request to the Product Development Team. In the meantime, I recommend checking out our release notes for QuickBooks for Mac 2020 for information on the latest updates.

If you have any other QuickBooks questions, feel free to reach back out to me. Have a great day!

Electrician · ‎December 26, 2019

Thank you for the information.

As for the toolbar, having it stay open all the time was really great, I hope the development team puts that option back.

EDIT: This is actually really bad, much worse as I use it more. I am trying to enter receipts for purchases as checks an credit card purchases and when I simply click a PDF window to bring it up into view the entire Quickbooks toolbar disappears. I have to keep going down to the MAC Dock to re-open Quickbooks each and every time.

Tori B · ‎December 26, 2019

Hello, @Electrician.

I appreciate your attention to this matter. As mentioned by my colleague above, we have submitted your request to the Product Development Team. This way the suggestion could be considered in future updates.

I recommend checking out our Firm of the Future blog to track updates in the product.

Thank you for your feedback, as it helps us improve and grow. I hope you have a great rest of your day. Take care!

bunnss2020 · ‎September 19, 2020

When I open the new QB 2020 Desktop for MAC & try to initiate a transfer of data from DQ 2016, I am not able to obtain a OPEN box to select file to backup. I have saved a copy of file from Flash Drive onto Desktop & I cannot get QB 2020 to recognize either Flash Drive or Desktop copy of backup from QB 2016.

ReymondO · ‎September 19, 2020

Hi there, @bunnss2020.

Let me provide you some possible reasons why your Flash Drive isn't recognized by QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac 2020.

One of them is that you may be using a USB or external hard drive that has been formatted using a very old disk format. Typically this happens with a USB key formatted for MS-DOS. However, this format is too old for the data to store in QuickBooks. It would be best to use HFS+ formatting on your driver and USB sticks.

It's also possible that your external hard drive is corrupted. You can create another backup of your company file and save it on another flash drive or use an external cloud "drive" like iCloud. This way, your data isn't just on your fallible hard drive but also stored on Apple's servers.

Once done, transfer your data again from QuickBooks Dek2016 to your QuickBooks 2020 Desktop for MAC.

If you're still getting the same issue, I recommend reaching out to our customer support. This way, they can help you transfer your data for you. Here's how:

Go to this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact
Select QuickBooks Mac Desktop.
Choose a topic.
Scroll down to the bottom section and click Start a Message.

Please know that our doors are always open to help you with any QuickBooks-related concern. Take care and enjoy the day!

MacDowell · ‎September 22, 2020

How do I restore my company file in QB2019? I have tried all of the steps listed, but still get error message "unable to open".

Last night I closed each application prior to doing a "restart" for the iMac to install some upgrades. Now, I can't open my QB company file for my main business. I CAN open another company file just fine.

Despite trying all of these standard steps, and even trying to open a previously backed up version from a few days ago, I can't access the company file.

Also, I've seen it mentioned in several places to go to "Restore" under the File Menu. But I don't have a "restore" option.

MacDowell · ‎September 22, 2020

how do I restore my company file in QB2019? After closing my applications one by one, and then doing a restart on my MAC for upgrade installations, I can no longer access my QB company file. I have tried all of the steps listed, but still get the error message that it is unable to open. What can I do?

Catherine_B · ‎September 22, 2020

I do appreciate the steps you've done to get rid of the error, MacDowell.

I'd want to route you to the right support who can further assist you in restoring your company file. Our Customer Support Care has the resources to perform advanced troubleshooting steps.

I'll be providing the steps my colleague provided on how to contact us:

Click this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
Select QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
Click Company file in the first section.
Scroll down to the second section to see and select the Start a message button.

You can also look into our support hours and types so we can immediately assist your with your concern.

Always know that the Community is available 24/7 to assist you if your have other questions. You take care and stay safe!

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how do I import a company file from QB for MAC 2016 to QB desktop for MAC 2020