Quickbooks online from desktop process is a nightmare.

TaylorT · ‎March 13, 2019

Today an older computer running windows 7 and quickbooks pro 2014 died. Only using windows 7 because thats what quickbooks 2014 requires.

So the salesperson suggested the online version. I ask VERY SPECIFICALLY if I can upload my company backup file to create an online version of Quickbooks. I am told YES, you can, no problem. So I pay for a year subscription, go through the entire process, get to the point where I have to upload my company info except the option to upload a backup file is not there. In fact you have to have your current dekstop version be the latest version and you have to have it up and working . YOU CAN NOT MIGRATE TO ONLINE VERSION FROM A BACKUP COMPANY FILE.

I have been using Intuit software and/or quickbooks since I started my business almost 20 years ago. I spent an entire day trying to get this resolved and am nowhere near having it resolved. If this is the customer service experience I should expect with online version of quickbooks. no thanks. I am now looking for a totally different program, I can't waste an entire day and get nowhere

john-pero · ‎March 13, 2019

It is sad when support does not even know the procedures but in a nutshell, you can only upload to online from a supported edition - which means any version at this point of 2016 or newer. Your 2014 version has been out of support and updates for 2 years and 10 months. Tghat is why they provide a FREE TRIAL of desktop 2019 just for this purpose.

Before I show you how to convert your 2014 to 2019 and then upload consider if you really need the multi-user and remote access of online. And ask yourself if you use Class Tracking and have more than 40 classes - with the new usage level restrictions QBO Plus is limited to 40 classes and locations and only 250, I believe accounts in your COA. If they talked you into Advanced, honestly they stole your money. You can buy 2019 Desktop version for not much more than $200 and it will be fully supported until May 31, 2022 before you would evenhave to think about spending the next $200

Now, that aside, read through these instructions, download the free trial, restore your backup into the 2019 program, then follow the steps inside 2019 to export to your new online account.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Help-Articles/Convert-QuickBooks-Desktop-file-to-QuickBooks-...

Moving your file from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get it done.

If you are using QuickBooks for Mac, refer instead to Convert QuickBooks Desktop for Mac file to QuickBooks Online .

We also have a video tutorial for exporting your Desktop company file:

Step 1: Review some critical information before converting your file

Wondering if you should convert from QuickBooks Desktop? You may want to review this Guide to Converting QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online before your start.

You can only import QuickBooks Desktop data within the first 60 days of your QuickBooks Online company start date. When you import, your Desktop file will replace your Online file and overwrite any existing information.
We suggest you keep your data file in QuickBooks Desktop and maintain your transactions on both sets of books until you determine QuickBooks Online is right for your business.
Some information may not be imported when you move your file.
Make sure you're aware of the import limitations and feature differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.
If you are using a QuickBooks Desktop version older than 2016, download and install an updated trial, restore your company file, then use it for conversion.
You must be logged in as the administrator in both your QuickBooks Desktop file and your QuickBooks Online account.
Start the conversion process from your QuickBooks Desktop company file, not from QuickBooks Online.
If you've already turned on Payroll in QuickBooks Online, don't attempt to convert your file.
Make sure all of your sales tax filings are current before migrating. You may need to make adjustment entries to sales tax filings after conversion.
To be converted successfully, your QuickBooks file must not be over the target limit of 350, 000. To check, press Ctrl+1 on your keyboard, then look for Total Targets.
If the file is over the target limit, you'll only be given the option to import your lists and/or balances when exporting. You can condense your file to reduce the total targets.
If you receive any errors while importing, you can fix errors when converting to QuickBooks Online.

Step 2: Export your QuickBooks Desktop company data

Select your QuickBooks Desktop version to see the instructions.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro/Premier files

Open the file you want to export.
Go to Company > Export Company File to QuickBooks Online.
Follow the prompts to connect to QuickBooks Online.

Don't see the option to export? Update your QuickBooks Desktop. Here's how:

Go to Help > Update QuickBooks.
Select all updates in the "Update Now" window, then Get Updates.
Once the updates are complete, select Close, then File > Exit.
Start QuickBooks again and finish installing the updates when prompted. These updates may take 15 minutes or more to install, depending on when QuickBooks was last updated.

Important: If the updates are not downloaded and installed completely, the export company link may not appear. If you're unable to complete the updates, here are the steps to fixing QuickBooks Desktop update errors.

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise files

Are you an active user of the advanced features in QuickBooks Enterprise?

If you are, we do not recommend moving your data from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online, because data loss is likely to occur.

Before converting, make sure QuickBooks Online is the right fit for you:

Take a test drive! Try QuickBooks Online using our sample companies.
To determine if QuickBooks Online offers the features and functionalities you need, review the limitations of converting from Desktop to Online.
Looking for online connectivity, but want to keep the advanced features of Enterprise? Consider hosting your QuickBooks Enterprise.

Open your company file.
On your keyboard, press Ctrl+1 to open the "Product Information" window.
Press and hold Ctrl, then press B+Q.
Select OK to close the Product Information.
Follow the prompts to connect to QuickBooks Online.
Note: If the sign-in window doesn't appear after closing Product Information, repeat steps 1-4.

Step 3: Connect to QuickBooks Online and import your data

Enter your QuickBooks Online login (your user ID is usually the email address you used to sign up), agree to the Terms of Service, and select Sign in.
If you have inventory in your file and are importing from QuickBooks Desktop 2016 or later, you will see this screen, otherwise skip to step 3.

Importing inventory? You'll need the Plus or Advanced edition of QuickBooks Online. Simple Start and Essentials don't have inventory-tracking functionality. If you have extensive inventory, you can track your product items' quantity on hand in Plus or Advanced.
Select the QuickBooks Online company you want to import your data into, or create a new one.
Already created a QuickBooks Online company? Don't create a new company. Just choose the one you created from the drop-down.
Select OK, got it.

You’ll receive an email confirmation once the import is done. Note that it can take up to 24 hours.

Rustler · ‎March 14, 2019

@ taylor

an before you make the jump, check this to insure the functions you rely on in desktop, even exist in QBO. a non partisan comparison of QBO vs QB desktop
http://onsale-apparel.com/Rustler/qbo-or-qbdt
(cost comparisons are at the end of the article)

Desktop hosing is available from various vendors if you need multi-location access, compare those costs plus the one time cost of deskop to the subscription

john-pero · ‎March 14, 2019

@Rustler wrote:

Desktop hosing is available from various vendors if you need multi-location access, compare those costs plus the one time cost of deskop to the subscription

You do not need to go anywhere else than Intuit to get hosed, LOL

Ruruby · ‎August 05, 2020

Hello Taylor, I was told the exact same thing as you. The frustrating part is that I cannot speak to a live agent as before! We have also used intuit/QB since the start of our company 2002. The worst part of all is not getting accurate assistance as many of the "experts" don't know MAC systems. I too am looking elsewhere!

Glad to know I'm not the only one going thru this nightmare process!

Angelyn_T · ‎August 05, 2020

Hello, @Ruruby.

I understand where you're coming from and I will let our Customer Team know about this to ensure you won't go through this kind of experience again. In QuickBooks, we strive to provide excellent service and deliver customer satisfaction at all times. If you find any difficulties in reaching to our Support Team, you can reach out to them by following these steps:

Open this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
Select your QuickBooks product (QuickBooks Mac Desktop).
Tap on Search for something else and type in a short description of your concern.
Hit Search.
Choose a way to connect with a representative.

As always, you feel free to share your concern if there's any here on the Community page so we can address and answer them for you immediately.

Get back to me if you have any other questions. I'm always here to help. Keep safe!

Fiat Lux - ASIA · ‎August 05, 2020

@Ruruby

If you are using an outdated version of QBD Mac, open your company file on the trial license of QBD Mac 2019 or 2020 prior to migrating to QBO.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

a4nier · ‎December 28, 2020

I'm having the same issues. I'm ready to kiss QB good bye. Any recommendations for alternative accounting software?

Fiat Lux - ASIA · ‎December 28, 2020

@a4nier

It depends on your budget and needs. There are many options in the market. Contact us should you need to purchase a 3rd party conversion service 8)

donglenn · ‎February 19, 2021

Thanks for all your detailed steps. I have exported my Desktop version and have one company file on the On-line version. I am logged in and have the screen which shows a button for "Bring in your data". But when I push it, all that shows is an instruction page. Nothing is clickable except how to export. Got any ideas to try?

Rose-A · ‎February 19, 2021

I appreciate you joining in this thread, donglenn.

Allow me to step in and help you with moving your QuickBooks Desktop file to the online version.

As an initial step, I'd suggest logging out and logged back into your QuickBooks Online account. This will help prepare the system for the conversion process.

If you're still getting the same result, we can perform some basic troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue. Let's start by pressing F5 on your keyboard to refresh the page. If you're still getting the same result, you can open your QuickBooks Online account in a private window. Here's how:

Google Chrome: press Ctrl + Shift + N
Mozilla Firefox: press Ctrl + Shift + P
Safari: press Command + Shift + N

Once signed in, bring in your data from there. If you're able to import the file using the private window, let's clear the browser's cache on your regular web portal or you can press CTRL+Shift and Delete key on your keyboard altogether. You may also try accessing your account using another supported browser.

I recommend visiting this link: What to expect when you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. It contains more details on what are the information that will convert with changes.

If you still need help with the conversion process, please let me know. I want to make sure your concern is fully addressed and I'm here to provide further assistance whenever you need it. Have a great rest of the week!

afereos · ‎November 22, 2021

After trying to do the migration joke procedure from desktop to online and lost a day trying I realized that the only reason this stupid company still has customers is because all of them are trapped in their software. It is obvious that if there was an easy way to replace this stupid software all customers would have already done it. Instead they are falling in their trap believing that they can "migrate" to the online version. Not a single export list from the desktop software is normal. You have to spend hours trying to fix the list manually in excel and after you do it you just find out that online version does not use the same information and most of your data will need to be entered again. Let me not waste more of your time here. Cutting this long story short the outcome is this. You will need hours and hours to fix your company in online version. There is no migration process or anything like that. The export and import process will leave at least 50% of your data missing or in the wrong places. That means you will need to pass through everything for verification. So my advice to you is just stop using this silly software which doesnt even have a receipt template after 38 years ! ). Simply buy a local software in your country from people who really care and do your job. Support your local countries until a serious software comes around at a reasonable price. The more you feed quickbooks the more it will take for it to bankrupt. Something that is inevitable.

Fiat Lux - ASIA · ‎November 22, 2021

@afereos

For your case, don't migrate to QB Online. Keep using your QB Desktop or purchase a new one time license of QB Desktop 2020 or 2021. Then setup a simple private cloud solution if you need to access your data by internet as well.

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Quickbooks online from desktop process is a nightmare.