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forestqueen
Level 2

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

I was subscribed to Plus a couple of years ago and the subscription ended last year. It appears I had a grace period to continue using the software although I didn't know it. I thought I could simply unsubscribe and use the desktop version without any online features, but clearly I was wrong. Now I'm locked out of my account with the last backup file being created in January of this year. I'm a small business (more of a micro business) so it wouldn't take long to re-add invoices if I needed to.

 

My question.... I subscribed to Simple Start thinking that would give me access again, but was wrong again. However, can I migrate my business to Simple Start and pick up where I left off? I'm not thrilled with losing desktop, I prefer total privacy and independence. I can't spend the $600+ annually for Plus, this would eat too much of my profits. I need a cheap option. Honestly, if I could access the desktop software long enough to back it all up, I'd import that into my 2018 desktop software. I don't need latest and greatest or any bells and whistles. If that's an option, then that's plan A. I'd appreciate input!

Solved
Best answer October 29, 2023

Best Answers
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

You can install the trial version of QB Desktop 2022 to open your company file and convert it to QBO. You can also use the trial version to access your historical data for good if required.

View solution in original post

11 Comments 11
Adrian_A
Moderator

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

Hello forestqueen,

 

I'm here to answer your query about the QuickBooks subscription.

 

The moment you unsubscribe to QuickBooks Online (QBO), you have read-only access to the account for a whole year. Beyond that, you can no longer access it.

 

Moreover, yes, you can continue working on the Simple Start version and bring in your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) data. Since your QBDT is 2018, you can move your data to QuickBooks Online with an online tool.

 

Furthermore, I've added these articles that have detailed information on what you should do after migrating to QBO:

 

 

Keep me posted whenever you have concerns about migrating your data.

forestqueen
Level 2

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

I have Quickbooks 2022 currently, but can't open it to export files because I'm locked out. Can I import from there to the Simple online?

 

2nd question... can I reinstall 2018 and use it instead of online? I'd like to export everything from 2022 to the 2018 software. 

DHeraV
Moderator

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

Hello there, @forestqueen. Let me join this thread and provide you with some insights about your QuickBooks queries.

 

I know some steps you can perform that can help you retrieve your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) data and import it into QuickBooks Online (QBO). 


Before anything else, make sure that:
 

  1. Your chart of accounts balances are up to date and accurate.
  2. Your balance sheet with your latest tax return.
  3. Reconcile your bank and credit statements.
  4. Pay any outstanding invoices.
  5. Finish any outstanding payroll runs or payroll tax payments.


Let me walk you through the steps for a seamless process:
 

Step 1: Open the online tool.

 

  1. Select the link for your QuickBooks version:
    a. QuickBooks Pro/Premier
    b. QuickBooks Enterprise
    c. QuickBooks for Mac

    i. Convert your QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows before you use the tool.
     
  2. Select Get Started, then sign in with your Intuit Account.

 

Step 2: Upload your company file.

 

Follow these steps to upload your company file.

 

  1. Select Select File then browse to the supported QuickBooks Desktop file you want to move.
    Note: You can only upload one file at a time.
  2. Select Open to upload the file.
    a. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your QuickBooks Desktop file to upload it.
  3. Once your file is uploaded, we’ll auto-update it to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop. Next, you'll see an option to move to QuickBooks Online.
  4. Next, you'll see an option to move to QuickBooks Online.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to guide you through the move to QuickBooks Online.
  6. If your books fail to update to QuickBooks Desktop or move to QuickBooks Online, contact customer support.


For detailed information, kindly visit: Move your books to QuickBooks Online with an online tool.
 

Furthermore, I understand the convenience of using QBDT 2018 and importing files from QBDT 2022. However, it is not possible to open higher-version files in a lower version of QuickBooks.

 

Additionally, you may also want to explore this link to watch step-by-step videos to learn your way around QuickBooks: How-to-videos in QuickBooks Online.

 

Feel free to leave a comment below if you require further assistance or have any additional QuickBooks queries. I'll be sure to get back to you with the necessary help.

forestqueen
Level 2

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

This this an AI responding to me? I can't even open my 2022 Quickbooks Pro desktop because I'm locked out. That's the original problem so I can't even make a backup to import to the online version.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

@forestqueen 

You were using QBD 2022 Pro Plus for a single user, correct?

Contact me in private and we can offer a few options to secure your historical data.

Rubielyn_J
QuickBooks Team

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

I see you're currently experiencing difficulties accessing your 2022 QuickBooks Pro desktop and are unable to make a backup for importing into the online version, @forestqueen.

 

I can imagine how frustrating and inconvenient this situation must be for you. Please know that I'm here to assist and help you get you back on track.

 

It seems that you were locked out of the QuickBooks 2022 program, possibly due to an expired license. To rectify this, I suggest renewing your subscription to continue using the program. Otherwise, you can utilize a free trial version

 

Once you have accessed your company file, you can begin the process of importing your data into your QuickBooks Online account. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to this article: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

 

Moving forward, it's important to ensure that you have a backup copy of your file, as you are unable to open it on a higher version and revert back to a lower version. You can use this reference to guide you: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

 

In addition, the QuickBooks Community support is comprised of real people who have extensive expertise and understanding of the product, as opposed to being AI-based.

 

To provide you with further guidance on the necessary steps after migrating your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online, we have a resource available for you to reference. This resource will help ensure that your data is prepared and ready for use: What to do after you move from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows or Mac to QuickBooks Online.

 

Tag my name if you need additional help. Please know that I'm here always and will do my best to assist you in resolving any QuickBooks concerns. Let's work together to find a solution and get you back on track with your QuickBooks software.

forestqueen
Level 2

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

Once I do the free trial, will I be able to backup and import my company into the Simple Start online?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

You can install the trial version of QB Desktop 2022 to open your company file and convert it to QBO. You can also use the trial version to access your historical data for good if required.

ccliff06
Level 2

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

I’m in the same boat! This is extortion!!!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

@ccliff06 

Contact me in private for a workaround.

chattyk
Level 1

Locked out of QB until I resubscribe, I need other options.

The problem is that Intuit is insatiably greedy

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