Migrating QuickBooks 2014 To New PC Or Reinstalling Without License Code From Install CD Sticker

Hi LyleWright,

This pandemic have caused so much. Nevertheless, I can help walk you through installing QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) on another computer and how to fix the error.

First, let's check the date and time settings of your new computer. Here's how:

1. Close your QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Right-click the time display on the Windows taskbar, then select Adjust Date/Time.
3. Check if your date and time settings are correct. If they are, move on to the next solution. If not, continue with the steps 4 to 8.
4. Select the Date & Time tab, then set the date for the current year.
5. Select Apply, then OK.
6. Open your QuickBooks Desktop, then go to Help.
7. Select Activate QuickBooks, then Begin Activation.
8. Enter the validation code, then select Next.

Second, if the same thing happens, we can create a new Windows admin:

1. Add a Windows user with admin rights.
2. After creating the new user, sign out of Windows and sign back in as the new user.
3. Install and activate your QuickBooks Desktop.

If the solutions above didn't fix the error, you can do a clean install of QuickBooks. This won't your accounting data since your company file and everything it holds isn't involved at all.

Let me know how it works on your end. I want to ensure that this gets resolved. Keep safe!

Thank you for your reply and suggestions on how to fix things. However, I think my problem is that I do NOT have the original install CD which had an activation code printed on a yellow sticker on the packaging, so therefore I can not do a clean install on a new computer or activate it. It is currently working on an old computer and when I press F2 to get the License number and Product number, when I try to enter those during the clean install, it does not work, so I think I need another code that I don't have, or some way to transfer the installed software to a new compute and keep all the license information intact. I have been able to back up the company files to a USB flash drive, but am afraid that one day this old computer just won't start up and I will be out of luck. Suggestions for how to proceed? I can provide the details of my license number if needed.

I've got you covered, LyleWright.

I'm here to ensure you're able to continue with the migration process. With this, I'd suggest reaching out to our QuickBooks Support Team. They're equipped with tools to generate an activation code. Also, they'll be able to verify if the product information matches what you have. 

Here's how:

1. From the Help menu, select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. In the Have a Question window, scroll down to click the Contact us link.
3. This will display the Contact Us screen.
4. Go to the Tell us more about your question section and type in I need an activation key for the migration process.
5. Click the Search button to display the Start a Message button.
   

Just a heads up, QuickBooks Desktop 2014 is an unsupported version. Migrating it to a new computer might cause some technical issues.

Additionally, I've added these articles that'll help you in accessing QuickBooks and restoring your company file. 

• Activate QuickBooks Desktop for Windows
• Fix Activation, License, and Product Numbers Errors

• Restore a Backup of your Company File

Please keep us posted on your progress in migrating the software to your new computer, LyleWright. I'm determined to get this resolved.

@LyleWright 

Have you tried download the installer file for QBD 2014 directly? Hit the f2 key on your old machine and make sure which your edition is (i.e Pro, Premier, or Enterprise).

https://downloads.quickbooks.com/app/qbdt/products

Thank you for this information to help me download the installer again. I think I have the file already but will probably download a fresh copy from the link you provided. My issue is that I don't have the activation code that was printed on the original packaging and have tried to contact support via the online chat but have not received any response.

Thank you for your insights and suggestions but when I do that, I get to the chat box to enter my question but never get a response from a support agent, so remain stuck without an activation code to allow me to migrate and reinstall on a new computer.

Hi there, @LyleWright.

Thanks for getting back to us. 

I'm happy to help you get in touch with one of agents so you can grab your activation code. I've shared the direct link to chat support, along with the link to set up a call back below. This way, you can bypass the ask a question part. 

• QuickBooks Desktop Chat Support
• QuickBooks Desktop Phone Support

Please let me know if you have any issues connecting with an agent. Take care and have a great day ahead!

Have just moved programs from damaged Toshiba computer to new Dell laptop.  Had 2014 QB program in old computer and need to backup the info so I can restore the info/use QB (need to get a newer simple household version) on my new computer.  Getting an error message on old computer saying 'the file 'C:\Program files (x86)\Intuit/QuickBooks2014\components\PConfig' is not a valid installation package for the product QB.  

Need someone to walk me thru the process.  Have I actually lost the ability to backup my QB files on the old computer?

Hi there, chrism901.

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community. I appreciate you for sharing detailed information about your concern. With this, I'll ensure to provide details and instructions so you're able to fix the invalid installation error.

Sometimes you might run into trouble when you install QuickBooks Desktop, or when you open it. Then, there are general troubleshooting steps to fix any issues about installation errors. To start with, I recommend downloading the QuickBooks Tool Hub. This Tool Hub helps fix common errors. For the best action, I suggest using Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

Here's how:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab. The version will be on the bottom.
3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub when the install finished.

Once done, use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. To see steps on how to perform the process, you can click this article: Fix QuickBooks Desktop install errors. This also provides another step that needs to complete to finally fix the problem.

Furthermore, you can now download again the QuickBooks Desktop 2014 through our website. Then, prepare your license and product number after installation so you're able to continue the process smoothly.

You may refer to this article to view information on how to find your company file or most recent backup in QBDT: Locating Backups and Company Data Files.

Should you need anything else about installing QBDT or to back up your data, please let me know. I'm always glad to help.

@chrism901 

If you are still unable to open your QBD on your old machine, find any file of .qbw , .qbb , and .qbm. Copy and open the file on your new machine.

How did you figure out how to get the quickbooks from one laptop to another?  I don't know how to do that.

thanks !!

I'd be happy to share with you the guidelines on how successfully to move your QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.

To utilize the Migrator Tool, you'll need to be the Company Admin. If you're a single user employing a US version of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or a newer version, you have the option to utilize the Migrator Tool for transferring QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer. Here's how the Migrator Tool functions:

• Create a complex password to unlock all the data being copied to the new computer. Make sure to write down the password to avoid forgetting it. This password will only be needed once, specifically for the migrator tool.
• The tool will copy the last three opened company files, along with all their supporting files, to a USB flash drive.
• You'll use the USB flash drive to move the files, while the Migrator Tool handles all the technical operations.
• The tool will download the appropriate version of QuickBooks Desktop to the new computer and set it up with your files.
• Importantly, the tool will not format your drive or erase any of your other files.

Here's a guide on setting up and using the Migrator Tool:

Step 1: On the old computer

1. Access the File menu in QuickBooks, select Utilities, and choose Move QuickBooks to another computer.
2. Opt for I'm Ready and create a unique password.
3. Follow the instructions to select the USB flash drive you'll be using and wait for the files to be copied.

Step 2: On the new computer

1. Insert the USB flash drive. Keep in mind the Migrator Tool won't automatically open due to Windows security restrictions.
2. Open the flash drive to view its files and double-click the file named Move_QuickBooks.bat to initiate the migrator.
3. Enter the password you created, and click Let's Go.
4. Wait for the Migrator Tool to complete the process.

For detailed information, refer to this article: Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.

Also, you can set up QuickBooks Database Server Manager in QBDT to share your company files with other computers over your network. You may want to check out this article to learn more about this process: Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

For additional QuickBooks-related concerns, don't hesitate to post them here in the Community. We're always available and willing to lend a hand to your queries. Have a great day ahead.