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Sbickers
New Member

Reinstalling on new computer

When using the migration method does my new computer have to have quickbooks installed to complete?

2 Comments 2
ZackE
Moderator

Reinstalling on new computer

Welcome to the Community, Sbickers.

 

When using the Migrator Tool to move QuickBooks to another computer, you won't need QuickBooks installed on the new computer. The tool moves QuickBooks to your new computer after completing the process.

 

You'll have to be using a US version of QuickBooks 2018 or newer as a single user. This allows you to move QuickBooks and up to three company files to your new computer.

 

Here's how the Migrator Tool works:
 

  • The tool won’t reformat your drive or erase any of your other files.
  • The tool will download the correct version of QuickBooks to your new computer and set it up with your files.
  • You’ll use the USB flash drive to move the files, but the Migrator Tool does all the technical work.
  • The tool will copy up to the last three company files opened (and all supporting files) to a USB flash drive.
  • You’ll create a complex password to unlock everything that is copied to your new computer. Write the password down so you don’t forget it. You’ll only need this password once and only for the migrator tool.

 

Your new computer will need to be connected to the internet. You'll also need a USB flash drive with enough free space to hold your QuickBooks files. The Migrator Tool will tell you how much free space you need. Most people need between 150 and 250 MB.

 

Here's how to set up the Migrator Tool:
 

  1. On your old computer, in QuickBooks, go to File, Utilities, then Move QuickBooks to another computer. You'll need to be signed in as the Company Admin.
  2. Click I'm Ready and create a one-time password.
  3. Follow the instructions to choose a USB flash drive you'll use. Wait for your files to be copied.

 

Here's how to use it on the new computer:
 

  1. Insert your USB flash drive. Due to Windows security restrictions, the Migrator Tool won't automatically open.
  2. Open your flash drive to view its files and double-click its Move_QuickBooks.bat file to start the migrator.
  3. Enter your password, then select Let's go.
  4. Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish. The timeframe will depend on the speed of your computer and internet, as well as the size of your company file(s).

 

You can learn more about using the Migrator Tool by reviewing our Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer article.

 

Please don't hesitate to send a reply if there's any additional questions. Have a great Friday!

SIAB
Level 7

Reinstalling on new computer

@Sbickers 

What QB Desktop year version do you have?

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