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Chelsdem
Level 2

Transfer Backup

Small company, that was run by an accounting firm. We have purchased our own quickbooks desktop with new license and want to do in house accounting. What’s the best way to have the old accountant give me everything I need for my new quickbooks desktop account. I requested an exported file, this did not give me everything I need.  

6 Comments 6
FILEREPAIR
Level 3

Transfer Backup

Have your accountant create a Portable file and either email it to you or upload it to his/her dropbox and send you a link.

 

Instructions to create/restore a portable file:

https://bit.ly/3EuXERg

Chelsdem
Level 2

Transfer Backup

Will it matter that it will be from another quickbooks license number and user? Will it prevent me from opening the file. 

Chelsdem
Level 2

Transfer Backup

Once I receive the file from the old accountant, will there be any restrictions from opening the file due to the difference of license numbers? I do not have access to their login and I’m pretty sure they won’t give it to me. 

RCV
QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team

Transfer Backup

Thanks for coming back, Chelsdem. 

 

We can access the company file if both of you use the same version or year of QuickBooks Desktop (regardless of your license number). However, QuickBooks asks you to upgrade your company file for the first time if you open it on a newer version. Keep in mind, you won't be able to open your company file in your original version of QuickBooks after you upgrade it. We'll need to prepare your company file first by following the steps below:

  1. Open your original version of QuickBooks. Then open the company file you want to upgrade.
  2. Press F2 to open the Product Information window.
  3. Look in the File Information section. Note where you save your company file on your computer.
  4. Run the Rebuild Tool for your company file. This preps it for the upgrade.

 

Then, follow the instruction in Step 3: Upgrade your company file section in the Upgrade your company files after you switch to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop article to finish the process. To open a portable version of your company file: 

  1. Open QuickBooks and log in as an admin.
  2. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
  3. Tap Restore a portable file, then select Next.
  4. Select your portable company file. It should look like this: [Unique company file name].qbm. Then select Open.
  5. Read the notes on the Where do you want to restore the file page, then select Next.
  6. When you're ready to open your file, press Save.

 

If you're having trouble opening your company file in QuickBooks, just follow the steps and details in the What to do if you can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop article to troubleshoot the issue. 

 

Feel free to visit our Bring in your data page for more insights about importing your data on your software.

 

I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you, please let me know how it goes or if you have any other issues or concerns. Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you. Take care always. 

FILEREPAIR
Level 3

Transfer Backup

You will also need to ask them for the Admin password to your data file. If they don't give it to you, you can reset the password. One step at a time :)

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Transfer Backup

@Chelsdem 

Your first priority is to get the business file from your former accountant.  

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