How to upgrade Company File from Older Version?

I have a 2012 version database. I want to go to 2019. Will I have a problem??

Hello there, @kennaas.

There will be no problem in upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop 2012 to 2019 version. I'd be glad to walk you through the steps on how to upgrade.

First off, we'll need to create a backup file to make sure that the data will be saved before upgrading. To get started, let's perform the following steps to back up your company file: 

1. Go to the File menu, choose Back Up Company, then select Create Local Backup.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Click Options.
4. In the Tell us where to save your backup copies field, select Browse and select the location in which to save the backup copy.
5. Hit OK.
6. In the Create Backup window, specify whether to back up automatically, and select Options to set options for automatic backups.
7. Select New to set a backup schedule in the Schedule Backups dialog.
8. Click Finish.

I've got you an article for your reference: Create a Backup of your Company File.

Once done, you can now upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop 2012 to 2019 version. For your reference, you can check out this article for the detailed steps and information: Upgrade to a New QuickBooks Desktop Version.

In case you need tips and related articles in the future, visit our QuickBooks Community help website for reference: QBDT Self-help. 

Feel free to go back to this thread if you have more questions. The Community team is here to help you move forward.

How does this process change if I'm doing it on new hardware? I have 2012 on a Windows 7 machine and have just purchased a Windows 10 computer. I'm also going 2012 to 2019.

You've got me here, @dfloyd8717. 

You'll first have to move your company file from your Windows 7 to your Windows 10 computer. Before moving it, make sure that you have already installed QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer. It's also important to know the system requirements for the 2019 version. This ensures that the software is compatible with your new computer to get the best experience in using QuickBooks. 

Then, rename your file on the old computer to avoid using the incorrect file. This can be done by creating a backup and restoring your file by performing the steps below: 

1. Create a backup of your file on your Windows 7 computer. 
2. Copy the backup file to your Windows 10 computer using either a flash drive or through a network if the computers are connected. 
3. Restore the backup on your new computer. 

For more details, see Solution 1 through this article: Move Your Company Files To Another Computer. 

Once transferred, you can start the upgrade process. As Qbteachmt referenced above, QuickBooks Desktop has a 3-year lifecycle. You would need to go from 2012 to 2015/2016 to 2019. Then, restore the file in between. 

To upgrade your company file: 

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. 

After that, update QuickBooks so you have the latest software release. 

I'd suggest visiting this website: User Guides. You can get do-it-yourself articles, training, and pro advice that will help you get familiar with QuickBooks Desktop. 

I'll be right here to help if you need further assistance. Have a great day, @dfloyd8717. 

Thanks for the reply. Let me make sure I understand. I first have to install 2016 on my new hardware, covert the files and then install 2019?

Thanks for the quick reply. Let me make sure I understand. I have to install 2016 on my new hardware first, convert the files and then install 2019?

@dfloyd8717 

Which version (year) do you have? You said 2012 in the first post, but 2016 in the last post.

Let me clarify things out for you, @dfloyd8717. 

Yes, you'll first have to install the 2016 version on your Windows 7 computer.  Then, convert the files by performing the upgrade process I provided above. After that, install the 2019 version. 

I'd still suggest checking out this website: Upgrade Your Company Files after Switching to a New Version of QuickBooks Desktop. This link provides you the detailed steps on how to complete the upgrade process. 

In case you see any errors when installing the software, visit this article: Fix QuickBooks Desktop Install Errors. You'll find links and steps on how to fix them.

I'm looking forward to the success of the file upgrade, @dfloyd8717.

Please know that I'm always available to help if there's anything else you need. Take care always.

I have 2012 on the old computer. The reference to 2016 was in response to the reply I received  where 2016 had to be the first step.

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@dfloyd8717 wrote:

I have 2012 on the old computer. The reference to 2016 was in response to the reply I received  where 2016 had to be the first step.

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Oh I see. Yes, you have to upgrade your file gradually. If you don't have any license of QuickBooks 2016, it would be a problem. You may try call Intuit Data Service to convert your file directly to 2019 or 2020 version. Otherwise, you have to purchase a 3rd party conversion service. I notice their cost starts from $225.

Actually, I ended up purchasing 2020 and QuickB

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@plung wrote:

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@dfloyd8717 wrote:

I have 2012 on the old computer. The reference to 2016 was in response to the reply I received  where 2016 had to be the first step.

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Oh I see. Yes, you have to upgrade your file gradually. If you don't have any license of QuickBooks 2016, it would be a problem. You may try call Intuit Data Service to convert your file directly to 2019 or 2020 version. Otherwise, you have to purchase a 3rd party conversion service. I notice their cost starts from $225.

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ooks did the conversion for free. No intermediate steps taken.

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@dfloyd8717 wrote:

Actually, I ended up purchasing 2020 and QuickB

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@plung wrote:

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@dfloyd8717 wrote:

I have 2012 on the old computer. The reference to 2016 was in response to the reply I received  where 2016 had to be the first step.

---

Oh I see. Yes, you have to upgrade your file gradually. If you don't have any license of QuickBooks 2016, it would be a problem. You may try call Intuit Data Service to convert your file directly to 2019 or 2020 version. Otherwise, you have to purchase a 3rd party conversion service. I notice their cost starts from $225.

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ooks did the conversion for free. No intermediate steps taken.

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Did you simply open your QBW of 2012 on 2020 and it is converted without any error message? 

QuickBooks took control of my computer and did it for me. It did not appear she did anything but import the files directly but I can't say for sure.

Will there be a problem going from the 2014 to the 2020 version?

Hi there, @annacatcarter.

Thank you for posting here in the Community. I've already checked our reports if there's an ongoing issue about upgrading a Company File for the 2014 to 2020 version of QuickBooks Desktop. However, there is no reported investigation at this time.

If you want to get help updating to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop, I'd suggest contacting our Customer Care Team. They have the tools to convert the file without any issues.

Here's how to contact them:

1. Choose Help, hit Contact Us.
2. Type your concern, then tap Let's talk.
3. Select either Get a callback or Start messaging.
4. Complete the information and Confirm my call or Send message.

Once you already have the latest version,  you'll need to upgrade your company files so you can keep using them in your newer version. For more details, you can check this article: Upgrade your company files after switching to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop.

I'll be here if you any further concerns. Thanks for dropping by, annacatcarter.

@annacatcarter ,

Open your data file on the trial license of Pro 2020. If it is converted completely without any error message, you may purchase the license later. Otherwise, call and ask IDS to convert your data file for free.

Good luck!

I have a 2004 qbb file with a lost password. Can Intuit get it open and converted?

I have a 2004 qbb file with a lost password. Can Intuit get the file open and converted?

@Bth109 

Your file is too old but you should try to call and ask IDS to convert it. Another option, consider purchasing a 3rd party conversion service. They can reset your password and convert it for sure.

I want to upgrade from my 2011 QB Pro Destop version to the 2020 Desktop Pro 2020 version.  Your comment says that I can.  However, I have seen other posts from Quickbooks team members suggesting that we would have to upgrade twice or more to go from 2012-2020 QB versions (2012-2013 and then 2013- 2016, etc.).  Do I really have to do it multiple times to get to a working 2020Desktop Pro version??? If so, WTH???

Let's get the latest QuickBooks Desktop, @Jshuco.

If you have a 2011 version of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, you'll need to upgrade to the closer version before 2020 to avoid file damage. You can do this by getting the trial versions of 2014, 2017, and 2020. 

Then, you'll need to create a backup file to make sure that the data will be saved before upgrading. To get started, let's perform the following steps to back up your company file: 

1. First, switch to single user mode by going to File at the top and select Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. Go back to the File menu, and select Backup Company.
3. Choose Create Local Backup.
4. On the Create Backup window, select Local Backup and click on the Options button.
5. Choose the Browse button and select where you want to save the file.
6. Click on OK.
7. Run through the Backup Options window and select the appropriate action, and click on OK.
8. In the Create Backup window, click on Next.
9. Choose whether to save your backup now, schedule future backups, or both.
10. When you’re done, click on Finish.

QuickBooks will now start to upgrade. Once completed, click Done. You can now open your existing company file in your new version of QuickBooks Desktop. Here's an article for your reference: Upgrade your company files after switching to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop.

You can also read through our help article: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. This will guide you on how you can update your QuickBooks to its latest release. 

I'm adding this article to know the new feature in QuickBooks Desktop: What’s new in QuickBooks Desktop 2020.

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

@Jshuco 

Last month we have upgraded our client's Premier 2013 to Premier 2020 easily. We just open the QBW file of 2013 version on new installed 2020.  It was converted completely and works fine. For your QBW file of 2011, you should try converting it to any version between 2013-2019 prior to open on 2020. Should you need any help, send a private message to us.