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October 7, 2020
Question

QB 2020, Merge Classes & Warning Message

  • October 7, 2020
  • 12 replies
  • 59 views

I am running QB Desktop 2020 for Mac, and would like to merge some classes.  I understand from other posts that I can change the name of one class to match the other to initiate the merge process.

 

I have tried this process using my Items list, and it works.  However, when I tried the same for Class list, a warning message pops up saying, "This name is already in use. Please use another name."

 

I would love to merge classes.  Has anyone experienced similar warning message, and know a way around it?  TIA!

12 replies

QuickBooks Team
October 7, 2020

I appreciate you for upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest version. Let's perform some steps to merge your classes, BDGmic.

 

I've checked here on our records and there's no reported case about this error message when merging classes. You can merge two classes through editing the second class and make the name identical to the first class. The system will detect an existing class with the same name you're trying enter then will ask you two merge these classes instead.

 

However, we can't combine more than two items at a time. Also, the option to combine items if both have sub-items is unavailable. We'll need to first remove the sub-items from the items you want to remove. Once done, identify which Class name you want to keep and which one you want to combine. Just follow the steps below to merge them: 

 

  1. Go to Lists on the top menu. 
  2. Choose the Class List.
  3. Select a class, then change the Class name with the same class that you want to merge.
  4. There will be a prompt message, just tap Yes.

To check if the two classes are merged, just right-click the class and choose QuickReport. Once you merge two items, we can't reverse it and all transactions (even in closed periods) will be under one item. It may also affect previous financial reports and the data associated with the merged item is removed from your records along with the item itself.

 

To learn more about how to add, edit, and delete items in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, see Add, edit, and delete items article for more details.

 

If the same thing happens, there may be a damaged data on the company file you've been working with. We can run the Rebuild Data tool is built-in to fix any company file data issues.  Just follow the steps and detail in his article: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

 

I'd like to know how you get on after trying the steps, as I want to ensure this is resolved for you. Feel free to reply to this post and I'll get back to you. Take care always.

BDGmicAuthor
October 7, 2020

Hi RCV - first, thank you for your detailed response.

 

Second, you are correct - I can and have only merged 2 names from Items List at a time.  Merging can occur when the name and subitem fields match.  I usually get a pop-up window stating "Merge.  This name is already being used.  Would you like to merge them?"  I have the option to click yes or no.

 

 

You are further correct in stating that once merged, it can't be reversed.

 

However, I am unable to merge names from Class List.  I followed your steps, and my number 4 step shows a prompt message that says "Warning.  This name is already in use.  Please use another name."

 

 

I've periodically ran "verifying" and "rebuilding" data, and QB has not found any damages or issues.  It's a curious case.  Any other ideas?  I appreciate your feedback!

AlcaeusF
Level 14
February 12, 2023

I have the same problem. I have previously been able to merge classes but now continually get the message: 

"Warning, This name is already in use. Please use another name."  I am running QB Desktop Mac 2021 version. Can anyone help with this?? I am downsizing all the classes and need to merge.


Hello @SJG123,

 

Welcome to the Community. I can clarify things about merging list entries in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

There are limitations when using the Merge feature in the Desktop version. You can only merge list entries for Chart of Accounts, Item, Customer: Jobs, Vendor, Employee, and Other Name.

 

You can refer to our QuickBooks Desktop for Mac user guide for more information. It contains details and step-by-step instructions to guide you further.

 

I agree it would be beneficial to have this option to streamline the process. Our engineers might be working to bring this feature over to this platform in the future.

 

As we assess this, I recommend sending your feedback directly to our product engineers. We continue to improve the features, and this option might be available in the future.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Click the Help tab at the top menu bar.
  3. Hover your cursor to Send Feedback Online, then select Product Suggestion or Help System Suggestion.

 

Our product also has Verify and Rebuild tools to find the most common data issues in a company file and fix them. I've added a link you can check out to resolve data issues in QuickBooks: Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Fill me in if you have more questions about managing list entries or the features. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.