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klikins
Level 1

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

Up until today I've been able to simultaneously open QB Desktop Pro 2018 AND QB Desktop Pro 2019.  Yesterday I only opened Desktop Pro 2019 and was prompted to install an update.  Now today I cannot open both 2018 and 2109 at the same time.  Is anyone else having this problem?  Is there a fix?  I'm hoping someone has a suggestion.  This will be a huge negative game changer in regards to efficiency and functionality.

5 Comments 5
JenoP
Moderator

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

QuickBooks Pro and Premier versions use the same installation files, klikins.

 

Because of this, we're unable to install the same version of Pro and Premier in the same computer. Although, you're able to open them simultaneously before, the update might have triggered and activated the restriction. 

 

A an alternative option,  install and open different versions at the same time. For example, use Pro 2018 and Premier 2019. Please see this article that discusses this a little further: Install Multiple QuickBooks Desktop Versions On One Computer.

 

Don't hesitate to let me know or revisit us if you need anything else. The QuickBooks Team is always here to help you.

klikins
Level 1

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

Thanks for your response. 

 

So you think if I upgrade the 2018 Pro to 2020 Premier, I would then be able to open the 2020 Premier and 2019 Pro simultaneously?  Another possibility would be to switch to QB Online - although I've never worked with the online version. Not sure what negatives there are with online vs desktop.

 

This is so disappointing.  Not what I planned on figuring out today.  Thanks for your insight on this topic.

JenoP
Moderator

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

That is correct, klikins.

 

Getting a different version will allow you to use and open the programs simultaneously. 

 

This article also shares details with the differences between QuickBooks Online and the Desktop version: Comparing Quickbooks Online to the QuickBooks Desktop versions.

 

I'll share your feedback with our engineers about the limitations. They review customer's feedback and suggestions when designing updates.

 

I'll be around if you have other questions. We'll make sure you're able to sort it out.

 

 

LJH2019
Level 2

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

This is hugely disappointing, as I've always kept my company file on the latest version and used the timer while I worked on client books on a separate version.  I've been doing this for 13 years and now Intuit has decided to "fix" a non-existent problem. 

ShallyMarR
QuickBooks Team

Cannot open two company files simultaneously

Hello there, @LJH2019.

 

When using multiple QuickBooks Desktop versions on one computer, you can still use the same version if you use the Accountant edition.

 

However, you are unable to install the same version of Pro and Premier on the same computer. As an option, you can install a different version. This means you can only install on one particular edition of QuickBooks Desktop version. For example, you can choose QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018 Retail or Premier 2018 Contractor.

 

Check out this article for more important thing to consider when installing multiple QuickBooks Desktop: Install multiple QuickBooks Desktop versions on one computer.

 

You might need this article for future reference in case you want to learn more multiple company file reporting: Combine reports from multiple company files.

 

You can always get back to us here in the Community if you have other questions. I'm just a few clicks away.

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