Hi there, @Kenriqu2.

For audit and security reasons, the option to remove the audit trail history is not possible. If you have a large file and performance is slower than expected, you can reduce file size instead. Here's how

1. On the top menu, click File.
2. Choose Utilities.
3. Click Condense Data.
4. Select the Remove the transactions you select from your company file radio-button and click Next.
5. Choose Transactions before a specific date radio-button and enter 12/31/2017.
6. Click Next.
7. Continue the prompts on how you wish to condense and remove your data.
8. Click Begin Condense.

For additional reference, you can refer to this link: Use the Condense Data utility.

If you need to optimize your server and workstations to help minimize the issue. For the detailed process, you may check it out here:  Resolve QuickBooks Desktop performance issues - Manage your computers.

Keep in touch if you need any more assistance with this, or if there's something else I can do for you. I've got your back. Have a good day and stay safe.

@Kenriqu2  

You need to purchase a 3rd party service to do so. Removing the audit trail brings down the file size of a data file and speeds up QuickBooks. This will reduce the files size of the data file by as much as 30-50% and considerably speed up the data file. You can also request to delete entries in the Voiced/Deleted Transactions Summary and Detail reports. It is often required to remove the audit trail when handing over data files to government or other agencies such as the CRA and IRS in cases of data audits. Contact us in private for assistance.

But why does my option to keep transactions but remove audit trail appear grayed out? And the audit trail is completely full. 

Did you ever receive an answer to this question?  I would like to remove only the audit trail, but starting about 5 years ago just in case.  As you mentioned, this doesn't seem to be an option for the "audit trail only" condense option unless I am missing something.

I would also like to know which is the best option to do before condensing the file, as I am not 100% sure about the difference between all of these:

• create backup copy
• create a copy of the file
• create a portable company file.

@ireneybeenie 

Secure a backup file is the best one for your archive, not the portable file.

https:// quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/back-data/create-open-portable-company-files-quickbooks/L2NDPWLvm_US_en_US?uid=l61q0hpm

Hi there, ireneybeenie.

There are two Condense features available in QuickBooks Desktop. The updated Condense feature provides an option to remove the audit trail which reduces your file size but leaves all the detailed transactions.

The traditional File Condense feature which removes transaction detail and creates a consolidated journal entry for data before the selected date. This is also a much faster method than the standard File Condense. 

You can choose the Keep all transactions, but remove audit trail info to date option for your version when condensing the file.

About creating a copy o the file, you can either choose the Backup copy or Portable company file.

If you select Backup copy, QuickBooks creates a copy of everything that you have on the company file. While the Portable company file doesn't contain letters, logos, images, or templates. 

You can email or simply save a portable file if you want to, for example, send it through email. I'm adding these articles for more details about this.

• Create a QuickBooks Desktop company file
• Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

Keep me posted if there's anything else you need about condensing your company file. I'll be right here to provide the information that you need.

How long does the condensing/consolidating "usually" take?  (I know that's a loaded question!). 

My file is big -- 700MB  (20 years).

I'm starting very very small, just trying to condense the first two years of transactions.   The window is on Pass 1 of 2, and the bar has been stuck at about 25% for 1/2 hour. I'm trying to decide if the program is hung up, or really taking that long. (when I checked the Force Quit Applications window, there's no sign that it's stuck....)  Any advice?

I'm using QB for Mac Desktop 2020.

Thanks

In the past, I have used the Archive feature, and it worked very well.  Now I can't find an archive feature, why is that? This condense process troubles me because we are on a cash basis and use class codes.  Any suggestions?

Hi there, jac49.I can see how this option would be useful to you.

Currently, archiving your data in QuickBooks Desktop is unavailable. You can reduce your file size by using the Condense Data utility. This process still keeps your data and minimizes the risk of data damage. Please keep in mind condensing data in your account is irreversible.

To learn more about this process, feel free to read through this article: Use the Condense Data utility.

I've also included some articles in case you need some ideas about creating a backup, as well as modifying reports to acquire the data you need:

• Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

• Create and open portable company files in QuickBooks Desktop.

• Customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

Feel free to comment below if you need further assistance or have additional QuickBooks-related concerns. The Community space is open 24/7, and we'll be here to help you again. Take care, and have a good one!