I recently took a remote tax preparer job. I cannot log onto her 2020 QBD even though she has assigned me a user ID and password

Let's get past the error you've encountered while logging into QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), @drevell3. This way, you're able to continue your job and help manage your client's account accordingly.

The error you've encountered occurs when QBDT isn't run as an administrator, and there are pending updates that need attention. To fix this, you'll first have to ensure you run QBDT as an administrator. To do that, right-click on the QuickBooks icon and then select Run as administrator. 

Then, enter the correct login credentials when accessing your company file. If you're still unable to do so, you can reset your password manually. Otherwise, you can use our Automated password reset Tool.

Once done, you can manually update your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. This way, you'll have the system's latest features and fixes. Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu.
2. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Click the Options tab.
4. Select Mark All and then click Save. 
5. Go to the Update Now tab.
6. Select the Reset Update checkbox.
7. When you're ready, select Get Updates. 

When the update finishes, close and then reopen QBDT. Then, restart your computer to refresh the program and apply all the patches.

Also, to further guide you in managing your login credentials and client's account in QBDT, I'd recommend checking out this article: Manage your QuickBooks Account. It as well includes topics about data security and user management, to name a few.

Let me know if you have other login concerns and questions about updating QBDT. Please don't hesitate to comment below, and I'll gladly help. Take care, and I wish you continued success, @drevell3.

Thank you for your reply.  I would think the owner of the company or one of the full time bookkeepers would update QBD rather than me.  The QBD is Premier and there are 3 QBD icons on the desktop.   Year 2017, 2020 and 2022.  I have downloaded newer versions to  my personal QBD Pro and have only one icon.  Is she purposely not upgrading her QBD so everytime I login there are updates?  Or is QBD Premier made to keep different years separate?  Thanks for your help.  I really appreciate  it!

Thank you for the additional information, @drevell3.

Yes, you'll have to get the software updated so you can log in. Only the admin can update QuickBooks to its latest release. 

With regards to your other concern, it depends on what option you select when you install QuickBooks. Express install overrides your old QuickBooks version with the new one. Custom installation, on the other hand, allows you to choose specific options when installing the software. You can find more information in this article: Install multiple QuickBooks Desktop versions on one computer.

Please let me know if you have further questions. I'm always here to help. 

@drevell3 

Which QB Desktop year version do they use? 

Which QB Desktop year version do you have?

They have 2017, 2020 and 2022.  I was trying to work in 2020.

I have 2019.

You can upgrade and open QBD 2017 file on QBD 2019 or 2020. Once you upgraded file, QBD 2017 won't be able to open it again.

You can open QBD 2020 file on your QBD 2020. Then you can send the file back to them and open it on their QBD 2020.

Your option is very limited to open their QBD 2022 file. If they are using QBD 2022 Pro/Premier edition, you can utilize the trial version for QBD 2022 Enterprise. But you can not send the file back to them unless one of you purchase the downgrade service. Second option, you purchase a new subscription license for QBD 2022 Pro Plus/Premier Plus. Last option, you can purchase a one time license for QBD 2022 Accountant edition. You will be able to open QBD 2021 and 2022 files later.