How do I upgrade 2014 QB desktop for mac to 2020?

Hi there, tepgail.

The 2014 version of QuickBooks is not already supported by Catalina. This version is recommenced by the old OS and that's the reason you're unable to open your QuickBooks 2014. That said, I'd suggest checking or integrating a third-party app that will allow you to open your company file.

Then, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2020 is compatible with macOS 10.14 (Mohave). Before you upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2020, I'd recommend verifying the compatibility and requirements of the program. This is to ensure the system will work and perform at its best. Kindly visit the QuickBooks for Mac 2020 section in this article for the detailed information: System requirements for QuickBooks 2020.

Then, you can now update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release by following the steps in this article: Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

I have a link here that provides you with different articles about managing your account in QuickBooks for Mac: Account management.

Keep me in the loop if you need a hand with running your business in the software or any Quickbooks related. Wishing you and your business continued success. Keep safe always.

Hello, I really appreciate the reply.  It gives me some hope!  However I have not found any 3rd party apps to help open the old 2014 file.  Do you happen to know any?  or where I could go to look? 

One new major problem I have run into is the Time Machine backup file system for Catalina...is APFS which is different from the older backups of HFS that have my 2014 QB application on them.  So its not a simple solution of just opening the old backup.  It wont open!  They say there are several approaches...which all sound scary.  Best one is to erase the hard drive on my computer completely and then go back to the Time machine backup I have two months ago that runs El Capitan which opens my @2014 OB app to allow me to upgrade. However it would delete all my computer emails and data etc for the last two months unless I can figure out how to get it from the ASFS file system once I have gone through the rigorous motion of upgrading (probably to 2016 then to  2020?). 

One other is to have two different bootable operating systems...the one I have now CATALINA and the one I had before EL CAPITAN.  Frankly that sound incredibly over my head...The others also turn my brain to mush.

Or one other option is to throw in the towel and recreate my entire company file. Not a good one mind you.

So if you have any 3rd party app ideas...I am happy to pay whatever.  Or other ideas in general!

One last thought...Think real hard before you upgrade your MAC.  

Thank you.