I appreciate the screenshot and the details of your QuickBooks Mac version, Tom. Allow me to join this thread and ensure you can update your software smoothly.
To begin with, please be aware that the error message you've encountered suggests that QuickBooks is operating from its initial download location (the Downloads folder) rather than being installed in the Applications folder. This issue can occur if the program isn't completely transferred during the installation process.
I've outlined the steps below on how we can resolve your concern.
Step 1. Quit QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:
- Go to the QuickBooks menu and select Quit QuickBooks Desktop to close the program.
Step 2. Verify the Installation Location:
- Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
- Verify that QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is in this folder.
- If it's not there, drag the QuickBooks app from its current location (e.g., Downloads) into the Applications folder.
Step 3. Relaunch QuickBooks from Applications:
- Open QuickBooks from the Applications folder and attempt the update again by selecting QuickBooks, then Check for Updates.
If you've already installed QuickBooks in the Applications folder and the issue persists, consider a clean uninstall and then a clean install. This process can help you resolve errors, allowing for a smooth setup. Before proceeding, please make a backup copy of your file to avoid data loss.
Additionally, you might want to check out this article to learn how to find the most common data issues in a company file and fix them: Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
Let me know how it goes or if you'd like further guidance, Tom. I'm here to help you get back to business without interruption.