Accessing Quickbooks Desktop data from old computer on new computer

I'll be glad to help you access QuickBooks Desktop to the new computer, @troy6171century1.

If you move your company file to another computer, make sure you install QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer. Then restore the backup copy.

Here's how: 

1. Double-click the backup file. This opens a new window that shows a copy of your company file. 
2. Drag the copy of your company file to the folder where you keep your QuickBooks company. 
3. Open your QuickBooks for Mac.
4. Click Browse, then go to the folder where you saved the copy file.
5. Choose the company file, then Open.
6. A prompt lets you know that you are opening a backup file. Select Continue.
7. Enter a name for the company file, then Save.
8. Select OK.

I've also added this resource to guide you more with QuickBooks Desktop for Mac: QuickBooks Desktop Mac 2020 User’s Guide.

Just add a reply if you have other concerns. I'll make sure to address them all. Keep safe always.

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@troy6171century1 wrote:

I don't need to see the data in Quickbooks, just be able to access the data from it, somehow, if necessary.

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@troy6171century1 

I am confused with your line. Are both computers not at the same site?

Yes. they are both at the same site but I want to be able to access the data from the old computer that's saved on a hard drive,on my new computer, that doesn't have desktop Quickbooks.  Is that possible?

Hi there, troy6171century1.

You'll need to install QuickBooks first in the new computer before you can open backup or see your data. You can follow the steps in the articles that are shared in the previous response on how to install QuickBooks and restore the backup copy. 

Let me know if you need anything else. 

@troy6171century1 

You may setup a Remote Desktop Connection for LAN access on your Windows for free. You don't need to install QB Desktop on the second machine. If you don't have a LAN at your site, utilize a remote desktop app to connect it by internet. 

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

Hello,

We recently upgraded our computers and we have QB however, how can I access our account now? We did back up a file before changing computers. Do I need to reinstall QB?

@warren312 

What kind of upgrade did you do? Upgrade your RAM, Operating System, or moving to a new machine with a new OS? Which QBD edition and year version do you have?

Hi warren312!

Yes, you need to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to the new computer. Let me show you.

One way to install or move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer is by using the migrator tool. You'll just need a USB flash drive where we'll store the data. Please follow these steps:

On the old computer:

1. Go to the File menu, hover over Utilities, and then select Move QuickBooks to another computer.
2. Select I'm Ready, then create a one-time password.
3. Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you’ll use. Then wait for the files to be copied.

On the new computer

1. Insert the USB flash drive and open it. Double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to start the migrator.
2. Enter the password you created, then select Let's go.
3. Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish.

You can also check these links for the detailed steps: 

• Move your company files to another computer

• Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer

If you're using QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, you may check these links on how to do it:

• Install and set up QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

• Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

Need more help? Just reply again to this post. Thanks!

can I speak with technician?

Thanks for reaching out to the Community, Hankook1201.

Can you provide details on what issues you're having with QuickBooks? This way, the Community team, and other users might be able to help you out.

Although, we have another go at helping you over the phone and chat, too. You can follow the steps below to get in touch with us:

1. Go to this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
2. Select your product.
3. Enter a short description of your concern.
4. Then, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process. You'll then be connected to our specialist.

I'm looking for your reply, @Hankook1201. Take care always and Keep safe!

My computer with Quickbooks Desktop crashed.  Quickbooks Desktop and Payroll were previously downloaded to this computer.  How do I download the programs to my new computer?  I have the backup data to load on the new computer.  (I cannot use the migrate tool.)  Thank you for your input.

Hi there, @quarterbarge.

Thanks for joining this conversation. Allow me to chime in and help move your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) data to your new computer.

If you can't access your old computer as well as the Migratol Tool, here's how to move your QBDT installation:

1. Have your product and license info available.
2. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
3. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would.

Once done, here's how to transfer your files to the newly installed QBDT:

1. Follow the steps to restore the backup on your new computer. Remember, it should have a unique file name.
2. If you use payroll, download the latest tax table after you move your file.

To learn more about transferring your QBDT and company files to another computer, consider checking out these articles:

• Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.
• Move your company files to another computer.

For tips and other resources, I recommend visiting our website for reference: QBDT self-help articles.

Feel free to post again or leave a comment if you have further questions about the process or anything else QuickBooks. I'm always here to help. Stay safe.

Hello,  Just wanted to ask in migrating my QB from my Mac Parallels to my PC will I have access to use on my old computer if something goes wrong after?  Will any set up passwords for payroll also transfer over?

Hi @Kwilson928.

Let me share some insights about accessing your QuickBooks Desktop to your Mac Parallels after QuickBooks for Windows migration.

You won't be able able to access your QuickBooks company file in Mac Parallels since this version has a separate license with QuickBooks Desktop for PC. Please see this article for more details: License and product numbers. You'll want to back up your company file before the conversion in case you find it better to use the previous version.

On the other hand, passwords for payroll will be transferred to the new version (QuickBooks for PC) since this retains the previous setups you made from the previous version (Mac Parallels). Here are the things that you'll have to look at in the migration process: Convert a QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.

Additionally, if you encounter any errors during the conversion process, you can use this article as a reference to resolve it: Error: QuickBooks is not able to convert your Mac file to a Windows file. The Intuit File conversion service can also assist you with the process. You can check this article to learn how to send your file to our Data Services team: QuickBooks Data Services FAQ.

Please tag me if you have other questions or concerns about managing your company file. I'm always here to help. Take care always.