Access to 2018 Company file.

I can help you with this, gafwillow.

Opening a company file using a newer version of QuickBooks can't be open using an older version. However, if you created a backup of the company file before upgrading it, you can restore it by following these steps:

1. Click the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
2. Choose Restore a backup copy then press Next.
3. Select Local Backup then click Next.
4. From the Look In the drop-down, choose the backup file location.
5. Locate the backup file from the folder. The file name should appear as [Company Name].qbb.
6. Select Open then click Next.
7. From the Save in the drop-down, choose the location to save the restored file.
8. Type a new file name in the File name field then click Save. 

Here are some extensions you need to know:

• QBW - Working Files
• QBB - Back Up Files
• QBA - Accountants Copy Files
• QBX - Accountants Transfer Files
• QBY - Accountants Change Files

You can learn more about locating and identifying QuickBooks files in this article: Company file is missing or cannot be found.

Fill me in if you have any other questions. I'll be glad to help.

@gafwillow 

Login to your CAMPS and make sure which license you have in there. Another option, you can install the trial license for QBD 2019 to open your file.

Thank you for the advice.  I have a license for QBD2018 but I'm guessing there must have been a service update which updated the file format which I cannot get because of end of support for 2018.  I want to keep access to the data in the future, but I no longer am actively using QB.  Access is purely for Tax or other possible needs to see my QB transactions.

You mention a trial version of 2019. Now where would I get that?

Welcome back to the thread, gafwillow. I'll share details about the discontinuation of the 2018 version. Then, make sure you'll be routed to the right support to assist you further to get a specific link.

To get the QBDT 2019 trial link, I recommend contacting our QuickBook Desktop Support. Then, they'll be able to pull up your contact information and send the download link to you with the license and account number.

On the other hand, QuickBooks 2018 is a discontinued version. With the QuickBooks Desktop Service Discontinuation Policy, older versions will no longer receive product updates and access to online services. With this, you'll have to upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version. That way, you can continue using all features and keep access to the data so you can run your business smoothly.

Lastly, you may refer to this article to view different ways how you can track customer transactions in QuickBooks Desktop and how it works: Get started with customer transaction workflows in QuickBooks Desktop.

Please get back to me if you need clarifications with transferring data in QBDT. Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you.

@gafwillow 

Contact us in private and we may share the trial codes