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Joy19
Level 1

Installation Help

My company has used Quickbooks for years but there are a lot of issues with things like users not being able to find the company file, freezing, saying we are still logged in when we logged out the day before and we get errors a lot.  We think that when the QB was installed originally it may have been done incorrectly maybe or just got moved and cluttered. 

 

We don't know what's wrong and have tried everything we read when searching QB support, but since we need to upgrade anyway, we would like to do a clean install and start fresh.  Our question is can we pick and choose from our existing company file what to export into the new version we install?  We would like to keep active customer's histories, if possible, but there is a lot of info there we don't need.  If we start a new company file, can we choose what to transfer into it from the existing company file or would we have to take all the info or none?  Our existing company file passes diagnostics but we are hoping to start fresh since we don't know what is causing our issues?  

 

I would appreciate any help or guidance we get.  

 

 

7 Comments 7
Ryan_M
Moderator

Installation Help

Hi @Joy19,

 

I got your back with this query. I suggest using Condense Data utility. 

 

As you mentioned, this tool allows you to choose portions of your company file on which to include or exclude. 

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the File menu, highlight Utilities, then select Condense Data.
  2. Tap the Remove the transactions you select from your company file option.
  3. Press Next to proceed.

In case you encounter any data issues with your company file, view this article for steps: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

 

Place your additional questions in the comments below. I'll be sure to get back to you. 

Joy19
Level 1

Installation Help

Thank you for your response.   So if we condense the company file, we could then use that existing file after we do clean reinstall and there will be less data.  I get that and it is a good idea so thank you.  We are just worried about cleaning Quickbooks from our computers entirely to get rid of our constant problems but when we reinstall and use the existing company file, somehow the problems appear again.  

 

I guess a good question is have company files caused problems with freezing and shutting down QB?  Or are those problems more an installation issue so the customer file shouldn't matter one way or another?   One option we are thinking of is doing the clean installation with creating a NEW company file where we can import customer information somehow OR should we just do the clean reinstall and use our current company file?  

 

 

SarahannC
Moderator

Installation Help

I'm glad to have you here and be the one to continue helping you with your concern, Joy19.

 

What you have mentioned above are possible reasons why these things happen. Data damage in company files may cause QuickBooks to shut down or freeze out. Also, damage installation files can be caused by issues.

 

That's a good option to clean install of QuickBooks Desktop to fix company file issues. Here's an article that can surely help you out when doing this process: Clean install.

 

Then, let's see if everything works well. If not, creating a new company file can better help you out with this.

 

Just virtually tap me on the shoulder in case you have follow-up questions. I hope you're well. Take care!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Installation Help

I would recommend these steps:

1. Do a clean install or a super clean install

2. Open a new company file

3. Setup COA and create opening balance of each account

4. Migrate Customer/Vendor/Product/Employee List

5. Migrate any outstanding transaction as option. Don't forget to adjust the begining balance.

 

Just my 2 cents.

Joy19
Level 1

Installation Help

Thank you! I'll do the clean install and go from there.

Joy19
Level 1

Installation Help

Thank you. We were thinking about doing that but we're worried about losing customer and vendor information.  If we can export it before starting the clean install and new company file and import it back to Quickbooks, that would work though. 

Angelyn_T
QuickBooks Team

Installation Help

Thank you for getting back to us here on the Community page, @Joy19.

 

Doing the clean install process won't lose your customer and vendor information since your company file and everything it holds isn't  involved in it. However, you can create a back up of your file if you wish to save a copy of it before the clean install procedure.

 

Here's how to back up your company file manually:

 

  1. Be sure that you are in a single-user mode. If not, go to the File menu and select Switch to Single-user Mode.
  2. Go back to the File menu, then select Back up Company from the drop-down so you can select Create Local Back up.
  3. In the pop-up window choose Local backup, then tap Next.
  4. In the Local Backup Only section, select Browse and select where you want to save your backup company file. Then set the number of backups you want to keep.
  5. This runs a test to make sure your backup file is in good shape before you save.
  6. When you're ready, select OK.
  7. Select Save it now and Next.

Here are the lists of articles you can read through about backing up and restoring company file in QuickBooks Desktop:

 

 

Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm always here to help however I can. Wishing you a good one!

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