old backups

You need to purchase a third party service to convert the file. Then you will restore the file on the trial version for QB Desktop for Mac later. You will open the file separately and will not interfere with your QB Online account.

I recognize the importance of accessing your past transactions and accounts, @chrislayhe. I’ll guide you in converting your company file to Mac so you can use it accordingly.

The QBB file is a backup file used in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). Right now, there is no direct way of opening and importing this into your existing QuickBooks Online (QBO) account. You'll need to open the file in the Desktop version, then import it to QBO.

If you no longer have the QBDT software, you can use our trial links to open the backup file, then export the file from there. Otherwise, update QuickBooks for Desktop for Windows to the latest release. After that, you’ll need to open the file as the administrator.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities. Select Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, then follow the onscreen instructions. QuickBooks will create a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
2. You’ll see a message that says "It looks like ‘QuickBooks for Windows’ might be a better fit for your company," Make sure to check what data isn’t converted from Windows. If you want to continue, select Yes.
3. Go to the folder you want to save the file in. Name the file, and select Save. Make sure to not use special characters in the file name.
4. Move the file to your Mac by using any storage device such as USB flash drive, etc.

Once done, let’s restore the MAC.qbb backup on your Mac. I’ll show you how:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release.
2. Close QuickBooks.
3. Copy the backup to the Documents folder on your Mac.
4. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File, then select Open Company.
5. Select the MAC.qbb file, then select Open.
6. Select OK when asked if you want to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
7. Enter a name for the restored file, and then select Save.

You can also check out this article for the list of the data converted, unsupported, reports, unsupported report filters, and the features and data you’re unable to convert from Windows to Mac: Convert a QuickBooks for Windows file to QuickBooks for Mac.

As per Fiat, you can also consider using a third party app that suits your need. See this link to search and compare the programs that you can integrate with QuickBooks: QuickBooks Apps.

I'm still up and running for more setting up data concerns you may have. Feel free to add your reply in the comment section below. I'll be here to help you.