install upgrade

I purchased an updated version with license and product numbers.

What QB Desktop year version? 2024?

Can you login to CAMPS and your license code there?

https://camps.intuit.com

Hi there, Lafayette.

You can uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to fix login pop-up issues caused by corrupted files, outdated components during the upgrade process, or an incomplete installation. This will reset the software, update it, and properly configure your license for full functionality.

Before initiating the process, confirm that you have the following items prepared:

• License and Product numbers 
• Installer for QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 
• Backup of your company file 

After you finish getting everything ready, you can uninstall the program. First, make sure you are logged in as an administrator or a user with admin rights.

Here's how to uninstall your QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Control Panel. 
2. Then, launch Control Panel. 
3. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program. 
4. From the program list, locate your version of QuickBooks Desktop. 
5. Click Uninstall/Change, then select Remove and press Next. 
6. Note: The exact steps may vary depending on your computer's operating system version. 

Here's how to reinstall your QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Search for “File Explorer”, then open File Explorer.
2. Find and open the folder that holds your QuickBooks company files. This is usually your QuickBooks folder. It's usually in one of these locations:
   1. C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
   2. C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
   3. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
   4. 64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
3. Right-click the folder and select Rename.
4. Add the word "old" at the end of the folder name. This prevents QuickBooks from opening it when you reinstall.

For your complete guidance, refer to this article: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

You can return here whenever you need assistance.

I do not have a current back-up.  Last back-up dated 1/5/2025.  I could install new but did not want to recreate the past year. I was looking for a work around for the Intuit login "every xx days" and use the menu option to upgrade without losing current data.  I have logged into Intuit but that did not "reset" the counter which would enable me to use the menu option to upgrade.

Hello there, Jeff. Thanks for giving us an update.

It seems that you are attempting to log in using your 2021 version, which is causing difficulties in connecting to the modern login screen due to its outdated nature.

The best and safest way to get you up and running isn't to fix the old version, but to jump straight into the new one. Since you already have your new license and product numbers, you can install the updated version directly and enter them there.

Before installing the new version, we need to manually back up your file first by following these steps in this article: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

No worries, because installing the new or updated version will not make you recreate or delete your data once you already have the backup file.

For complete guidance, follow the instructions provided in this article to install QuickBooks Desktop: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

If you have any follow-up questions or any other concerns, please reach out to us in the Community forum using the Reply button.

I'm unable to open my current version of Quickbooks therefore I can't create a current backup or portable company file.  I just found two files with current dates QBW.ADR 34,672kb dated 12/5/2025 and a QBW.TLG.ADR which is the last time I worked in QB.  Are these the files I need to restore my data after the new install?  I need the financial data, vendor and chart of account files.  The vendor and chart of accounts has not been updated recently.

Thank you 

Thank you for reconnecting with us, Lafayette-8550! To restore QuickBooks Desktop data after a new installation, you need primarily your .QBB backup file (or .QBW company file) and potentially associated files like the .TLG (Transaction Log), .ND (Network Data), and custom templates/logos, ensuring you restore the .QBB to create a new .QBW file via the File> Open or Restore Company menu in QB, choosing "Restore a backup copy," and saving it to your local drive. 

Let me know if you need additional assistance. My team and I are here to help!

@Lafayette-8550 

Can't you find any QBW files, only ADR files?

Yes I have other files - QBW, TLG, ADR and ND. 

is there a doc on the restore process and files needed?  Does it matter the order the files are restored?  

Thank you for your helpful information.

Reinstall your QB Desktop program and try opening that *.QBW file.

If you encounter any error, it is possible your file is corrupted. You can contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA directly via email and they can help to fix your file.

I downloaded and installed the Quickbooks Desktop Premier 2021.  On the final step I selected my prior QBW file, clicked open.  Then came to the Activate Quickbooks Premier 2021.  Clicked Begin Activation - nothing happens - just "circles".  I can login into my intuit account.  I'm thinking the license is not on file in intuit since the product was purchased through TechSoup and therefore does not have a license to validate.  I’m able to login to CAMPS but my new purchase is not listed, and I don’t know how to add.  I talked with Quickbooks and that can’t help since purchased through a second party.    Is it possible to add the TechSoup purchase to my intuit account or some other workaround?

Thank you

Hello there, Lafa.

Please know that QuickBooks Desktop 2021 is a discontinued version and no longer supported. Since the product was purchased from TechSoup, it can't directly added to your Intuit account. I recommend reaching out to them for assistance in activation. Furthermore, when you purchase software from third-party vendors, the product package includes a CD along with the product and license numbers.

As you're unable to obtain a backup, you can directly open your .QBW file on the newer version. This way, you can get back to work. For more info, check out this article: Update your company files to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop.

If you’d like to explore this option, just let us know. We’re here to help.

@Lafayette-8550 

You can contact Fiat Lux and ask them if they can still provide a QB Desktop 2021 with non subscription license.

Who is Fiat Lux?  This was purchased through TechSoup?  Do you have a website or email?  What is their connection?

Thank you