Migrating from QB on Line to desktop version

We're glad to have you here, mcknway155.

I can definitely help you migrate your  from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

You don't need to create a backup of your QBO file since it's a web based program. Instead, you can export data from QBO to QBDT.

Before we begin, you'd like to know more about the export limitations when exporting files from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop: Export limitations - QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop.

To start with, you can configure the Internet Explorer's security to successfully export file. 

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. From the Menu Bar, select Tools then Internet Options.
3. From Internet Options, select Security.
4. Add .intuit.com to trusted sites.
5. Uncheck Enable Protected Mode.
6. Select Apply.
7. Click Okay. Once done, Close Internet Mode.

Once done, let's proceed to running the program as the Administrator. You must be a Master Administrator, Company Administrator, or invited accountant in order to use the export feature. To do this, just locate the program from a desktop shortcut, or through the programs in the Start menu and right-click on the program to select Run as administrator.

Now that you're logged in as the admin, you start exporting your data. I've got you an article that provides a detailed steps on how to export data: Export data file from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

Please get in touch with me if you have any other questions while migrating data from QBO to QuickBooks Desktop. I'm always here to help you sort things out.

How do I migrate from QB Online to QB Desktop for Mac?

Hi @LaurieRCSmith,

Let me take care of this query for you. You'll still need a Windows computer since the first step you need to do is follow the steps provided by my colleague, @Charies_M. 

Once your QuickBooks Online (QBO) company has been converted to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), you need to convert it to Mac.

Here's how:

1. Open the company file in QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.
2. Re-sort lists.
3. Rebuild and verify your data file.
4. From the File menu, select Utilities and then Copy Company File for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
5. Save the file in your desired location. This creates a file with the extension MAC.qbb.
6. Copy the file to a removable storage device.
7. Restore the file in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
   • In the No Company Open window, select Browse, then locate the file you want to restore. Note: If your QuickBooks Windows file is on an external drive, save it locally by dragging it to the desired location before restoring it to avoid data corruption.
   • Select OK when you get the prompt asking if you want to restore a QuickBooks Desktop for Windows file.
   • Enter a name for the restored file then select Save.

More details on this process can be found in this article: Export data file from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks for Mac. You'll see a list of reminders before you start the conversion process. 

Place your questions in the comments below, in case you have any. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 

@LaurieRCSmith 

For your case, your best option is purchasing a 3rd party migration service.