2009 QB

You've got me here, @Mila W.

The possible reason why you're unable to upgrade your QuickBooks 2009 is due to system requirements. Also, the unsupported version can cause issues while using online functions like migration to QBO. (Note that Intuit doesn't offer a download for an unsupported version like an update for the latest release).

So, what we're going to do is to open your file to different versions. This way, you can open it to QuickBooks 2018. We'll start to open and upgrade your file to the 2012 version, then 2015, and 2018. I'll share the link on where you can download these versions.

Make sure to restore the backup file created until you can restore and open it to QuickBooks 2018. Once done you can know now upgrade your company file. I'll show you how:

1. Make sure all users are logged out of your company file.
2. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
4. Click Restore a backup copy and then click Local backup. 
5. Browse your computer for your company file. You wrote down the file location in Step 1. Select it and then click Open. 
6. Sign in to your company file as an admin user.
7. Before you upgrade, QuickBooks automatically creates a backup of your existing company file. You can select Change this default location to save the backup in a specific folder.
8. Choose Update Now to start the upgrade.
9. Click Done.

For more information, see Step 3 through this article: Upgrade Your Company Files. 

Once everything is done, you can now migrate your QBDT file to QBO. To learn more about it as well the limitations during the migration, check out these articles for your references:

• Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online
• What to expect when you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online

Reach out to me if there's anything else you need. I'll be here to keep helping. Take good care.

@Mila W 

You may have 2 options:

1. Utilize the trial license of QB 2011 and 2015 prior to 2020. 

2. Purchase a 3rd party conversion service.

Thanks, do I have to purchase 2012, 2015 & 2018 versions ?

Thanks, can you recommend legit 3rd party conversation company  . Does QB  offer this kind of service?

Hello there, Mila W,

If you have purchased support with your QuickBooks Desktop 2009, we can help convert the file for you. Simply chat our live support team through this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en/contact.

You can also contact us inside your company file. Let me show you how:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Select Contact Us.
4. Give a brief description of your issue, then select Let's talk.
5. We’ll provide you a few support options. Availability may be limited. Select which one is best for you.

Check our support hours to learn when to contact us at a time convenient to you.

If you haven't purchased a support, you can visit this store: QuickBooks Desktop app. And, look for an app to help convert the file.

Let me know if you need additional information, and I'm always right here to help migrate your data.

@Mila W 

Check our profile name and send your business email address in a private message to us.

You may want to consider a 3rd part conversion service. Send me a PM if you need any recommendations.