I've had QB Desktop Pro for years, backing it up on dvd weekly. When i installed 2020, it erased 2019 and won't allow me to "restore" from 2019 backup. What do I do?

Did you copy your backup file (i.e QBB) to local machine and restore it from there? Did you encounter any error message?

Welcome to the Community, @gwnolley.

Let me share some information about why you’re having an issue restoring your company file.

When installing a new version of QuickBooks Desktop, it’s part of the process to restore your file from an old version. If you’re having an issue restoring your company file, the list below are the possible causes:

• The backup is being restored over an existing company file.
• The company file name includes special characters.
• The backup is being restored from a USB flash drive or a network drive.
• The file being restored isn’t an actual QuickBooks backup file.
• The company file is damaged or corrupted. 

To fix the problem, you can use this article to try one of the following solutions: Error: Restore failed. 

You might also consider restoring a different of your backup file.

Let me know if you need further assistance. I am always here to help. 

I've tried "7 ways to Sunday" before posting this issue. 

I tried to restore a different (one week older) backup from QB Desktop Pro 2019.  It says its extension is "QBW.ADR".

No luck.  Received following message:  "Error: -6000, -83).

Good Morning, @gwnolley. 

I can walk you through a few steps to help resolve the error you're receiving while restoring your company file. No worries. It only takes a few easy steps. 

Here's how: 

Solution 1: Check your backup filename

Ensure there aren't any symbols, spaces, or special characters in your backup company filename or the folder holding it. 

1. Go to the Windows Start menu. 
2. Open the File Explorer. Note: You can type it into the search bar. 
3. Locate and open the folder with your backup file. 
4. Right-click the file (.qbb at the end) and press Rename. 
5. Remove any special characters, symbols, or spaces from the filename.
6. Right-click the folder holding the QBB file and select Rename. Remove any special characters, symbols, or spaces.
7. Follow the instructions to restore your company file. 

Go to solution 2 if you still see the error. 

Solution 2: Create a portable company file

Go back and open the company file you created the backup from if you can't restore your QBB file. 

1. Follow the instructions to make a portable company file (QBM). 
2. Use the portable file to restore your company file. 

Read more about what to do when you receive Error -6000,-83 when restoring your company file through this guide. 

Should you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always here to lend a helping hand. Wishing you and your business continued success. 

@gwnolley 

Last resorts:

1. Contact Intuit Data Service to fix it

2. Purchase a 3rd party file recovery service.