Migration tool to transfer quickbooks to new computer - move.quickbooks.bat file not working

Hi, @dschwid.

I'll help you ensure you're able to transfer all the QuickBooks data from your old computer to the new one.

You'll need to manually locate and copy the files from the restored backup file on your new computer.

Here's how:

1. Go to the restored backup file on the new computer.
2. Search for the folder called Restored_CompanyName_Files.
3. Copy the file manually you wish to restore, then paste to the appropriate location.

Here are some of the correct locations when doing the manual copies for each file:

• QuickBooks Letters and Templates - C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\QuickBooks Letter Templates
• Printer Setting (PrintEng.ini, wpr.ini, and QBPrint.qbp) - C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
• Financial Statement Designer (FSD clients) - C:\Program Data\Intuit\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\FSD\Clients
• Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) - [Company Name].qbw

For more information about the appropriate locations, you can read through the "Restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup" section using this article: Move your company file to another computer.

Keep me posted if you have other questions. I'm always here to help.

The migration tool is not working for me either.

There’s another way of transferring your QuickBooks file from one computer to another, croche.

Just a heads up, this process involves creating a backup from an old computer and restoring it to the new one.

I've added this article for the detailed steps on how to transfer the file: Move your company files to another computer.

Also, I'll be sending a bug report to our engineers so they can investigate why the migration tool isn't working.

There you have it, croche. Feel free to tag my name in your Reply if you need help. Have a good day!

I'm confused. This has been an issue for at least several months from the messages on this forum. It is always the same answer about sending it to dev and nothing happens. Intuit is not a small start-up. Why is this still a problem? It appears the tool has never worked. Either remove it or fix it...it is not hard.

Is it possible to move files under a Quickbook version 2020 to another computer with Quickbooks version 2018?

Hey there mara31. 

Thanks for stopping by the Community, unfortunately, you can't transfer files from a QBDT2020 version to a QBDT2018 version. Once you upgrade, you can't go back, the only way is if you have a backup from prior to the update. 

I'm attaching a troubleshooting file transfer article below, that you can see common errors and issues you may encounter. 

• File transfer troubleshooting. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to post them here. Thank you for your time and have a nice afternoon. 

Tool not working for me either. Just get "Downloading Quickbooks Installer setup failer"

Tried it twice still no luck. I do not have a disc to reinstall the base Quickbooks either. HELP!

Let me help you get around your concern, JWestlake.

You don't need a disc to reinstall QuickBooks. Just as long as you have the license and product codes handy, you can visit our website and download the software. When you're on the Downloads & Updates page, click standard setup so you can select the QuickBooks version.

Once done installing, you can already move your company files to another computer manually.

Get back to this thread if you have other questions. We're just around to address them.

I must have done something wrong.  I downloaded QB to my new computer...then when I went to create backup files on my old computer QB wouldn't even open.  Any idea what I might have done wrong?

Hi there, dalehash.

Thank you for posting your concern to QuickBooks Community. May I ask if you receive any error messages while opening your company file? I appreciate any further details so I can provide accurate details.

For now, I suggest performing the troubleshooting steps below to resolve this issue. Before doing so, you'll have to make sure that your QuickBooks is updated to the latest release.

Here's how:

1. In the QuickBooks Help menu, select Update QuickBooks.
2. On the Update QuickBooks window, go to the Update Now tab. You can ignore the table because you don't need to change anything.
3. (Optional) Put a check mark in the box Reset Update box to erase all previous update downloads. (Note: This may increase the amount of time needed for the update.)
4. Select Get Updates.
5. Restart QuickBooks. When prompted, accept the option to install the new release.

Once done, check the file you’re opening. There are a lot of file types in QuickBooks Desktop. You'll have to open a company file (QBW) with a .qbw extension at the end of the filename. Please note that you're unable to open other file types, like backups (QBB) and portable files (QBM), the same way.

After that, you'll have to figure out if your company file or the QuickBooks program itself is causing the issue. Please follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Type “File Explorer” into the search. Then, open File Explorer.
3. Search for and find the QuickBooks.exe file. It’s usually in your QuickBooks folder.
4. Hold down CTRL on your keyboard and double-click QuickBooks.exe. Don’t let go of CTRL until QuickBooks opens.

After the QuickBooks system opens, open your company file. However, if QuickBooks or the sample file won't open, or you see a specific error, the program is causing the issue. It's probably not your company file. You can click this article to see the instructions on how to fix this: QuickBooks Desktop doesn't start or won't open.

If the sample file opens normally, you can refer to this article to see the steps on how to finish the process to fix the company file that won't open and start following step four: What to do if you can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

You can also visit our Help articles page to learn some tips and tricks on managing your QBDT software.

Should you have other concerns or questions with your QBDT software, you can always get back to us anytime. 

Mine keeps asking for a final disc. I downloaded the original and my new computer doesn't have a disc drive 

Hi there, DonPC.

I'll help you in moving your company files.

Please know that you can reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to your new computer without a disc. You can visit our website to download the installation file. Once you're in, just enter the appropriate QuickBooks version and region to download the file.

Then, follow the steps below to install QuickBooks Desktop. Before diving in, please have your product and license numbers handy. Also, make sure that your new computer meets the system requirements.

1. Open the file QuickBooks.exe.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions and accept the software license agreement
3. Enter your product and license numbers, then hit Next.
4. Select Express and then Next.
5. Click Install.
6. When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

When you're done, QuickBooks will ask you to activate and update it. Feel free to read this article to be guided in doing it: Activating QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. Once you're all set up and ready, you can now start moving your company files by restoring the backups or using the migrator tool.

After transferring the data, do you need some reference in setting up your account or managing your books? You can browse our Help Articles page for more resources

If you have any other concerns, feel free to them to this thread for your questions. I'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

You have to delete or uninstall the QuickBooks desktop from the old computer. I recommend you to visit this article, "Conditions for Transferring QuickBooks to a New Computer." It will help you!

When i transfer quickbooks on usb to new computer file name move_quickbooks.exe appears and new computer cant find. quick books says it should say move_quickbooks.bat file. any help would be appreciated

I'm here to help share how you're able to move QuickBooks from one to a new computer, @jr1030.

Transferring your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the old to a new computer requires a certain file format. This is the reason why a prompt message is asking for a move_quickbooks.bat file to begin the migration.

I'm adding this article to learn more about how the migration tool works: Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

However, saying your file is in a move_quickbooks.exe file format, may I ask how did you create this file? Since it has the .exe file extension, I'm assuming you're still in the process of moving and installing the QuickBooks software.

Therefore, I've here the steps on how you can install QuickBooks to your new computer: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

You may also consider reading this reference with the steps needed that'll help you move other file locations from one to the other: Move your Company File in QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

It'll always be my pleasure to help if you've got other questions other than this migration concern. Use the Reply button below and I'll surely be around ready to assist you. Have a good one!

In order to use the migration tool, do I have to have Quickbooks already installed on my new device? Or can the migration tool transfer both the application itself as well as the company files? Thanks

I recognize how important it is to migrate your files, Coco90. I'm here to share some insights about the process.

When you use the Migrator Tool in transferring your file, it'll automatically download, install and activate QuickBooks Desktop.

For the detailed steps about the process, please see this article: Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

Once your files are transferred, I encourage setting up Intuit Data Protect. This backup your data every day to avoid any losses.

I'm only a few clicks away if you need assistance migrating your files, Coco90. It's always my pleasure to help you out again.

When copying to new computer, the file on the USB says Move_QuickBooks

The file does not have .bat extension so when I double click it, it says Windows cannot find ‘Move_QuickBooks.exe’

Dpumphrey, I appreciate you participating in this thread.

Let's start by making sure you've installed QuickBooks on the new computer. Then, make a backup copy of your file and restore it to the new one. This will allow you to save your data and associated files.

Here's how to restore the file:
 

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Restore a backup copy and then Next.
3. Select Local Backup and then Next.
4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select Open. Please be reminded that If you open the backup in the same folder as your existing company file, you may overwrite your data. To avoid overwriting anything, you can rename your existing company file or the backup so the names are unique. Or you can save the backup in a completely separate folder.
6. When you're ready, select Save. If you see any messages about possibly overwriting your data, select the option that best fits your needs. Don't overwrite anything unless you know you want to.

We can look at this article for more information on troubleshooting: Move your company files to another computer. 

Please get back to me if you continue to get the same results so I can look further into this. I want to make sure this is taken care of. Have a good one, Dpumphrey.