Migrating QBO to QB Desktop Pro

@Nancy2235  It may have to do with the QB Desktop year you're working with; past a certain point, they don't deal with prior year versions.

That being said, I suppose they weren't really supporting it in the first place; I've never done it myself, but this community is rife with stories about losing several aspects of their data during the migration.

There is a group on the community who'll probably reach out to you sometime today with alternative routes to move your data.

@Nancy2235 

How many years of data do you need to convert from QB Online? Just the last 2 years or so?

Chrea, I was hoping to migrate at least 4 years (back to 2020) because I'm still awaiting a refund on my ERC (Employee Retention Credit) and my CPA told me that when that $$ arrives, she'll need to edit some tax returns from those years.

You said your license will expire in April next month. The renewal fee will be $999 + tax. If you buy the conversion service from export my book, you will spend more than $200 for 4 years. That means you need to pay more than $1,200 to keep your historical data. I would recommend contacting @Fiat Lux - ASIA  and they will offer you a lower fee to preserve your historical data.

Hello there, Nancy. Data migration from online to the desktop version is still supported within the program. I'm here to provide you with detailed guidance on this matter.

When converting QuickBooks Online data to QBDT, you'll have to download the migration tool to help export your file. However, please know that the QuickBooks Desktop Pro version has already been discontinued.

With this, you may consider utilizing the free 30-day trial version of QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to help you convert the online file to QBDT. Whenever you're ready, here's how to download the migration tool in QBO:

1. Sign in to QuickBooks Online and go to the Export Overview page.
2. Click Get Started and select the Download tool.
3. Install the migration tool, then hit Next.
4. Read and accept the terms in the license agreement, and click Next.
5. Then select Install, and Finish.

Once done, you can now export your online data. Here's how:

1. From Step 1: Prepare to export page, click Continue.
2. Select the QuickBooks Online data you want to export, and select Continue.
3. In Step 3: Request your data page, tap Continue.
4. Fill in the Name and Email address fields, then Continue.
5. Once done, go to the Export Overview page.
6. Under Step 1: Prepare to export page, follow the instructions for online migration. Then, Continue.
7. In the Exporting from QuickBooks Online page, select Continue to Download, and choose Download QBXML file.
8. Save the file to your desktop, and select Continue.

Then, refer to Step 3: Run the QuickBooks Desktop migration tool outlined in this article to guide you in converting your file: Move data from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop.

Moreover, you can check out these references to help you more during the migration process:

• Learn how data moves from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop
• QuickBooks Desktop Migration Tool FAQ

With this information, you can now utilize your file in QBDT and continue managing your account. If there are any additional questions, please let me know on this thread. Keep safe.

Thanks, @Chrea, I will look into your suggestion to contact Fiat Lux - Asia  

Hi, FateCandylanT

You suggested that I use the QBDT Enterprise version for the migration as QBDT Pro has been discontinued. Since I’m now retired, I have no new transactions in the company in the QBO version, but I want to have access to the company’s data or history. I don’t need the functionality of QBO. And I’m not interested in the Enterprise version because I don’t want to incur more subscription fees.

So my question is if I discontinue the $65/mo QBO subscription fee, will I still have access to the program but with no support? I’m OK with that.

Am I missing something here?

We appreciate your continued use of QuickBooks as you transition into retirement, Nancy. I want to assure you that, yes, you'll still have access to your data, but it will be in a read-only format. Let me clarify this further.

After canceling your subscription, you'll have access to your historical company data for one year. During this time, while you won’t be able to enter new transactions, you'll be able to view your reports and records. For more information about what to expect after you end your QuickBooks Online subscription, please check out this article: What happens to my QuickBooks Online data after I cancel?

On the other hand, you'll want to Export data, such as your reports and lists, as Excel files to retain access to your important information beyond one year.

If you wish to resubscribe in the future, you may easily do so. For detailed steps and further information, please refer to this article: Resubscribe to or reactivate QuickBooks Online.

Please let us know if you have other concerns or if you're ready to proceed with the cancellation process. The Community is here to lend you a helping hand.

@Nancy2235 

Which QB Desktop year version did you use?

I am currently using Desktop Pro 2024. And have been a QBDT (or earlier versions) user since about 2000. I used the Desktop version before QB Online was available and put my company on QBO at my CPA's suggestion. But I have since sold that company and retired. I don't need QBO for any new transactions; just for the history.

When did you convert data from QB Desktop to QB Online?

Do you still have the last backup file before switching to QB Online?