I am a CPA and have a new client who just sent me an Accountant's Copy (QBX) of her QuickBooks. How do I access/open it for the first time?

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Reports-and-accounting/Convert-the-accountant-s-copy-to-an-a...

A warm welcome to the Community, Roger H.

Let me help you access the accountant's copy via QuickBooks Desktop.

In QuickBooks Desktop Accountant editions, you can convert an Accountant's Copy (.QBX) to a regular QuickBooks Desktop company file (.QBW). Before proceeding, make sure to back up the file.

Here's how:

1. Open the appropriate file (.QBX or .QBA).
2. Go to the File menu, then select Send Company File > Accountant's Copy.
3. Select Convert Accountant’s Copy to Company File/QBW, then OK.
4. Choose the location where you want to save the converted .QBW file, then select Save.
5. Select OK.

You can check out these recommended articles for more details:

• Convert the accountant's copy to an accountant's working file.
• Export accountant's changes.

If you'd like someone to be with you as you go through these steps. Our contact details can be found here along with our opening hours:

1. Go to: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
2. Choose your QuickBooks Product.
3. Select your QuickBooks version.
4. On the Contact Us page, click a topic.
5. Click on the Get Phone Number button to see the support number.

Feel free to leave a comment below to keep me posted if this works for you. I'll zip right back to help you out. Have a good one.

@Roger H

I don't see where anyone has asked if you want to Convert it to a working file, or you asked them for this Specific type of file because you will Not be Converting it to a working file. They cannot Import your Changes, if you convert that to a .qbw file.

You want to use the .qba, as in this article:

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Reports-and-accounting/Use-the-Accountant-s-Copy/m-p/203725

Let's review:

The .qbx is a Special filetype called Divided File. This places some restriction on your client's .qbw file while you use the .qbx, with the QB Desktop Accountant Edition of the same Year as the client is using, or yours can be one year newer. Also, if your client has Enterprise, you must be using Enterprise Accountant. If your client has Pro/Premier, you can be using Accountant or Accountant Enterprise.

Your use of this .qbx  file will convert it to .qba.

@Rose-A

Not .qbw. Please note this is the Most Significant fact to pay attention to, when using these tools.

Once you have the file opened in QB Accountant it is now .qba. You work on it and then you use the function to Export Changes File. This makes a .qby filetype.

This .qby filetype is sent to the client which allows them to use the Import Changes function.

If you convert an Accountant's .qbx file to a .qbw file, you might as well tell the client to Remove the Restrictions on their file, because you broke any link between the Client File and the Accountant File. There is no way to send back and import a Changes file, in this case.

There are cases where you must convert to a working file.  Sending payroll reports, really any payroll related adjustment or fix.  I tell clients to send me a portable copy for this purpose, but they NEVER listen.

Also, I've noticed the past couple times I've sent the file back to the client the import either, a.) didn't work, or b.) screwed up the data in the working copy of their file.  One client contacted Intuit on his own and was told there are errors in the accountant's copy program, but the focus is not on fixing the program at this time!

Thanks for reaching out to the Community, @dso0216. 

I'd love to help you with your issue.
 
For me to provide the resolution, could you tell me more details to address your concern?

In the meantime, let me share some resources that you can browse and use as a reference: 

•  Use an Accountant's Copy working file.
•  Use the Accountant's Copy. 

I'll be looking forward to hearing back from you. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure your concerns are addressed. Take care.