Error Importing iff file

Hi there, ScottE10956.

I'm here to help you get rid of the error message when importing IIF file in QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020. As you've mentioned, you've just upgraded to QuickBooks 2020. We also have an improved Import IIF Tool. It removes the possibility of importing bad data by scanning your files from errors. 

Here's how to import .IIF files:

1. From the File menu, select Utilities then Import then IIF Files.
2. Select Import IIF.
3. Locate the file, then select OK. Note: We don't recommend the option Import it for me. I'll fix it later. Since this option bypasses data review, some of the info may not be correct or complete for your books. It also requires that you switch to a single user.
4. Once done, click Done.

Please refer to this article for more details: Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later.

Keep me posted if you have other questions about the improved IIF tool in QuickBooks. I'll be here to help.

Unfortunately, selecting the blue, "Import IFF" button doesn't work.  I get the dialogue box and error I mentioned in my original post.  I can't proceed other than clicking "OK" and leaving the import.  It doesn't take me to the error checking tool (see screenshots)

Selecting the "Import it for me.  I'll fix it later" does import the file, but obviously there's no way to have quicken cross check for errors. 

The import process worked under our QB Desktop 2018 software.     

Hello there @ScottE10956,

Let me help you fix this error in importing the IIF file. You can use QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer, it helps you fix an error in QuickBooks Desktop. Here's how:

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub file. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it.
3. Open the file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

Once done downloading the application, visit this article for more details: Fix common problems and errors with the QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub.

To learn more about reconciling your account, reports, income and expense, inventory tracking, and many more, visit QuickBooks Desktop Help Article.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to leave a message in the comment section. I'll be happier to help you get back to business. Have a nice day!

Hi, I do have similar problem. I did everything you listed in your previous reply. I am trying to import IFF files from one company to another (employee list, item list etc) but it gives me the same error as described by the person originated this inquiry. I also have another message saying "We weren't able to import your file".  Can you suggest what may be wrong?

Hello, @Nat17. 

Thank you for reaching out to the Community. I'm here to help you sort this out. We can fix this by performing the Rebuild utility tools in QuickBooks Desktop. This way, it'll return to its default order and automatically fixes minor company file data issues. Though, you need to back up your data first before performing these steps below to save your company data if file damage occurs.   

Let me show you how:   

1. Click the File tab at the top. 
2. Select Utilities from the drop-down option. 
3. Choose Rebuild Data. 
4. Click Ok on Rebuild has completed.   

When the rebuilding data finished, we can close and reopen your file to revamp it. Or restart your computer to refresh your QuickBooks data. Then we can try to import your IFF file to double-check it.    

However, if the issue persists after doing the steps above, I suggest run the repair tool. This tool can help fix common errors right away. We'll help you use it, so you can get back to your business. For more details about the repair tool, you can read through this helpful article: Repair your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. 

If all steps failed provided above, you can reboot the computer this help resolve many issues such as Internet connectivity problems, slow browser response, and software issues. 

Lastly, if you're getting the same results, I highly recommend contacting our QuickBooks Desktop Support Team. They can further investigate why you're unable to import the IFF files. 

Before doing so, please check out our support hours to ensure that we address your concerns on time. Here's how to connect with our Customer teams: 

1. Sign in to your company account, then click Help.
2. Choose QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Hit Contact Us. 
4. Enter the question in the description field, then click Search. 
5. Select either Message Us or Call Us.     

Just a heads up, we have limited staffing and have reduced our support hours to 6 AM-6 PM PT Monday-Friday due to COVID-19. We will resume normal hours as soon as possible.

Feel free to see if you have the latest available release for your version through this link: Update QuickBooks Desktop.

Let me know how everything goes by leaving a comment below or if there's anything else I can help you. I'm always around to help you out. Take care!