Is there a way to export from Desktop 2021 Trial Version to Online version? Keep getting error message: Error: Error unable to process data

Welcome to the Community forum, pamweaverphoto-g. 

I'm here to help you get past the error you're receiving when migrating from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to QuickBooks Online (QBO). 

We can fix the error message by updating your QBDT trial to the latest release.

Here's how to manually update your software:

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

For more details about this process, see this article: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

To give you more steps in resolving common errors when converting data from QBDT to QBO, visit this link: How to fix errors when converting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

After that, continue the conversion process. Take a look at this resource for your guide: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

Please let me know if you need anything or have questions. I'll be more than happy to assist. Have a great day.

There isn't an option to update the TRIAL version of Desktop Quickbooks 2021. See photo

I'm here to help you sorted this out, @pamweaverphoto-g.

I appreciate you for checking the Update options in your account.

Let's get the error message and update tab fix by running the Verify and Rebuild tools. This tool scans your company file for issues and resolve them right away. 

Here's how: 

1. Go to the File menu, then choose Utilities.
2. Click Verify Data.
3. If you see specific errors, tap the Rebuild data under Utilities. 
4. Click OK when you get Rebuild has completed. 

 You can also check this article for more detailed steps: Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop.

Once done, go back to the Help button to verify if it's already working adequately. If that works, you can now update your account and export date. You click the article provided by MirriamM above. After that, please run the Profit and Loss report on an accrual basis for both Desktop and Online, then compare the data. This way, we can make sure that your book is accurate. 

If the issue persists, I'd recommend contacting our technical support team. They have proper tools to check the main cause of the problem and help you export the data seamlessly. 

Here's how: 

1. Go to this QBDT help link. 
2. Select your product and click Continue. 
3. Enter your concern in the box and tap Continue. 
4. Choose either Chat with us or Have us call you.  
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Ensure to check our support hours to know their availability. 

If everything is good, you can now start managing the data to your new account. For the complete steps, check out this article: Getting Started With QuickBooks Online.

Additionally, feel free to click these links below on how to fix some issues and to get answers to frequently asked questions about converting process. 

• Fix errors about converting accounts
• FAQs about conversion

I'm just a post away if you need more help regarding exporting. I'll be sure to help. Keep safe. 

@pamweaverphoto-g 

There is no photo. Are using the trial license of QBD 2021 US Pro or the trial version of QBD Enterprise 2021 US? Make sure your Total Targets < 350K prior to migrating to QBO.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

Neither. I have a Mac so used the QuickBooks 2021 Trial for Mac. I have worked with support and verified and rebuilt the data and nothing seems to work. 

@pamweaverphoto-g 

How big is your Total Target? Run the Condense Data utility to compress it. As for the last resort, consider purchasing a 3rd party conversion service.

Tried condensing and it still fails. I've tried rebuilding and verifying. I receive all messages that everything is fine until it actually tries to export. I am fairly certain the Quick Books 2021 for Mac Trial Version is unable to export to Online but can't get anyone to acknowledge that fact. I've worked with two different people in Support for over 2 hours and they are unable to get it to work too. I just keep getting the canned answers like Miriam's above. Want to make sure others are aware of this before they purchase and have the same issue. 

Create a dummy file or open the sample one, then try migrating to QBO.

Not even sure how I would go about doing that when I can't even generate the first one. 

Hi pamweaverphoto-g!

I understand that you need to convert the file to QuickBooks Online. Allow me to help you.

Before you convert the data, there are things you need to remember. One of those is that you can only convert your QuickBooks Desktop file within the first 60 days of your QuickBooks Online company start date. This could be the reason why you're getting the "Error: Error unable to process data." message.

If so, you'll want to cancel your current QuickBooks Online subscription. Then, create a new company file where you'll export the data from QuickBooks Desktop.

Here are some of the articles you'll want to check. These will show you what are things you should consider and what happens once converted:

• Converting a Desktop for Mac file to Online

• What to do after converting from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows or Mac to QuickBooks Online

Note that it can take up to 24 hours for the conversion to be successful depending on the file size. Check your email for the update.

Visit our Account management page for more references in managing your company and personal info.

Leave a comment again here if you need anything else. Take care!

You may try migrating a dummy file or the sample one to QBO to isolate the issue. If you are able to do so, your primary file is damaged. 

I started my subscription on May 17 (yesterday) so the 60 day issue does not apply.

I have spent over 3 hours on the phone with technical support and no one is able to resolve the issue. The amount of time I have spent trying to get it to migrate, I could have spent just setting up a new company and going from there. Thank you for your willingness to help but I am giving up as all I receive are canned answers and no solutions. So disappointing. 

Hello, pamweaverphoto.

I appreciate your time and patience in letting us know the results of the steps you've done.
I'll make sure that you can export the file from the Dekstop trial version to QuickBooks Online.

Can we try to verify your concern to found out if the error comes up to QuickBooks file or QuickBooks software.

You may create a dummy file or sample file and migrate the file to QuickBooks Online. If you are able to migrate the file, meaning the original file has the problem or if you are getting the same error it has a problem with the software.


I recommend you contact our support team to further investigate your concern.

Let me know if you have other concerns in managing your files. I'm one post away.