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dschwid
March 28, 2020
Question

Migration tool to transfer quickbooks to new computer - move.quickbooks.bat file not working

  • March 28, 2020
  • 28 replies
  • 124 views
No text available

28 replies

M
Maybelle_SQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
March 28, 2020

Hi, @dschwid.

 

I'll help you ensure you're able to transfer all the QuickBooks data from your old computer to the new one.

 

You'll need to manually locate and copy the files from the restored backup file on your new computer.

 

Here's how:

  1. Go to the restored backup file on the new computer.
  2. Search for the folder called Restored_CompanyName_Files.
  3. Copy the file manually you wish to restore, then paste to the appropriate location.

Here are some of the correct locations when doing the manual copies for each file:

  • QuickBooks Letters and Templates - C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\QuickBooks Letter Templates
  • Printer Setting (PrintEng.ini, wpr.ini, and QBPrint.qbp) - C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
  • Financial Statement Designer (FSD clients) - C:\Program Data\Intuit\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\FSD\Clients
  • Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) - [Company Name].qbw

 

For more information about the appropriate locations, you can read through the "Restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup" section using this article: Move your company file to another computer.

 

Keep me posted if you have other questions. I'm always here to help.

C
croche
June 6, 2020

The migration tool is not working for me either.

B
Beryl
March 28, 2025

There’s another way of transferring your QuickBooks file from one computer to another, croche.

 

Just a heads up, this process involves creating a backup from an old computer and restoring it to the new one.

 

I've added this article for the detailed steps on how to transfer the file: Move your company files to another computer.

 

Also, I'll be sending a bug report to our engineers so they can investigate why the migration tool isn't working.

 

There you have it, croche. Feel free to tag my name in your Reply if you need help. Have a good day!


I have the same issue as everyone else and the article you wrote doesn't really explain why the migration tool 

file>utilities etc. which creates as .bat on my external/portable drive, does not work in any way that I can see.

Following multiple instructions available from Intuit it appears it works something like this and trips where indicated:

1. I use the tool in QB on the old computer.

2. I save it with a unique password onto my portable drive. I unplug the portable drive.

3. I load QB 2018 from intuit because my new computer doesn't have a CD Drive (and I only have the CD).

That's fine. Now it's time to open that .bat file and populate the program with all my juicy company data right?

WRONG. 

4. Instructions to the contrary, if I click on the .bat file on the portable drive nothing happens. If I double click I have several options. I use "Move_quickbooks" a .bat file running as administrator (per instructions). Nothing happens. THe windows command window opens and an error message appears "Windows cannot find "Move_Quickbooks.exe" Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." Of course there is no "move_quickbooks.exe." only the batch file. 

The instructions clearly state that once Quickbooks the program is loaded on my new computer I should be able to double click on the .bat file and initiate a process that transfers my company data.

I KNOW another option is to open QB on the fresh install on the new computer and restore from a backup file. But that doesn't change that  the migration process was clearly laid out and doesn't work.

What is the purpose of the .bat file and where would the .exe Windows is seeking even exists?

Extraneous info: the new computer doesn't have a CD drive but the old one did. I own Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2018 on CD. Intuit advised I download the program from the intuit site using my License and Product key which I did. Nothing, however, changes the fact that windows will not open the batch file without an executable. 

I have looked at dozens of websites, Intuit forum posts, even Reddit and while tons of folks have this issue, no one has an answer.

Please help. 

In the meantime I will restore from a backup but I will not know what the .bat file contained or even did and if I need it.

J
JWestlake
November 9, 2020

Tool not working for me either. Just get "Downloading Quickbooks Installer setup failer"

Tried it twice still no luck. I do not have a disc to reinstall the base Quickbooks either. HELP!

Kristine Mae
Kristine MaeModerator
Moderator
November 10, 2020

Let me help you get around your concern, JWestlake.

 

You don't need a disc to reinstall QuickBooks. Just as long as you have the license and product codes handy, you can visit our website and download the software. When you're on the Downloads & Updates page, click standard setup so you can select the QuickBooks version.

 

Once done installing, you can already move your company files to another computer manually.

 

Get back to this thread if you have other questions. We're just around to address them.

D
dalehash
February 16, 2021

I must have done something wrong.  I downloaded QB to my new computer...then when I went to create backup files on my old computer QB wouldn't even open.  Any idea what I might have done wrong?

J
john24645white
June 25, 2021

You have to delete or uninstall the QuickBooks desktop from the old computer. I recommend you to visit this article, "Conditions for Transferring QuickBooks to a New Computer." It will help you!

J
jr1030
October 16, 2021

When i transfer quickbooks on usb to new computer file name move_quickbooks.exe appears and new computer cant find. quick books says it should say move_quickbooks.bat file. any help would be appreciated

J
JonpriL
Level 9
October 16, 2021

I'm here to help share how you're able to move QuickBooks from one to a new computer, @jr1030.

 

Transferring your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the old to a new computer requires a certain file format. This is the reason why a prompt message is asking for a move_quickbooks.bat file to begin the migration.

 

I'm adding this article to learn more about how the migration tool works: Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

 

However, saying your file is in a move_quickbooks.exe file format, may I ask how did you create this file? Since it has the .exe file extension, I'm assuming you're still in the process of moving and installing the QuickBooks software.

 

Therefore, I've here the steps on how you can install QuickBooks to your new computer: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

You may also consider reading this reference with the steps needed that'll help you move other file locations from one to the other: Move your Company File in QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

 

It'll always be my pleasure to help if you've got other questions other than this migration concern. Use the Reply button below and I'll surely be around ready to assist you. Have a good one!

C
Coco90
January 14, 2022

In order to use the migration tool, do I have to have Quickbooks already installed on my new device? Or can the migration tool transfer both the application itself as well as the company files? Thanks

C
CharleneMaeFQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
January 14, 2022

I recognize how important it is to migrate your files, Coco90. I'm here to share some insights about the process.

 

 

When you use the Migrator Tool in transferring your file, it'll automatically download, install and activate QuickBooks Desktop.

 

For the detailed steps about the process, please see this article: Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer.

 

Once your files are transferred, I encourage setting up Intuit Data Protect. This backup your data every day to avoid any losses.

 

I'm only a few clicks away if you need assistance migrating your files, Coco90. It's always my pleasure to help you out again.

D
Dpumphrey
December 6, 2022

When copying to new computer, the file on the USB says Move_QuickBooks

 

The file does not have .bat extension so when I double click it, it says Windows cannot find ‘Move_QuickBooks.exe’

Rose-A
Rose-A
Level 10
December 6, 2022

Dpumphrey, I appreciate you participating in this thread.

 

Let's start by making sure you've installed QuickBooks on the new computer. Then, make a backup copy of your file and restore it to the new one. This will allow you to save your data and associated files.

 

Here's how to restore the file:
 

  1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
  2. Select Restore a backup copy and then Next.
  3. Select Local Backup and then Next.
  4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
  5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select Open. Please be reminded that If you open the backup in the same folder as your existing company file, you may overwrite your data. To avoid overwriting anything, you can rename your existing company file or the backup so the names are unique. Or you can save the backup in a completely separate folder.
  6. When you're ready, select Save. If you see any messages about possibly overwriting your data, select the option that best fits your needs. Don't overwrite anything unless you know you want to.

 

We can look at this article for more information on troubleshooting: Move your company files to another computer. 

 

Please get back to me if you continue to get the same results so I can look further into this. I want to make sure this is taken care of. Have a good one, Dpumphrey.

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