Quickbooks Pro 2020 Desktop does not recall last transaction information. Why?

I'll share some steps to help you sort it out, Von G.

Let's reset the QuickBooks update that can resolve unexpected results when working or creating transactions in the program. Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Proceed to the Update Now tab.
3. Check the Reset Update.
4. Click Get Updates.

Wait for the confirmation that the update is complete. Then, close and reopen QuickBooks and install the update. 

Once done, go back to creating a sales receipt and check if the details are already automatically populated.

Please keep us posted or post another question if you need more help when creating transactions. We're always here to guide you through.

Followed your instructions.  No change.  Still does not recall the full transaction.  Just the address and check number, that's it. 

Hello again, Von G.

Have you tried opening a sample company? If not, let's do that to isolate the issue and check if the problem is only happening to a specific file and not the program itself.

Here's how:

1. Close the current company by clicking File > Close Company/Logoff.
2. From the No Company Open window, select Open a sample file drop-down.
3. Choose any sample file on the list.

Then, make sure to set the preferences to Automatically recall last transaction for this name and try to create a transaction. If it works, go back and open your company file. 

You can also open the file from a different location to check if the problem might be coming from a damaged folder. To copy the company file to a different location, you can follow these steps:

1. Right-click anywhere on your computer desktop and select New > Folder. Then, name the folder QBTEST.
2. Open the folder where your company file is saved.
3. Right-click the file, and select Copy.
4. Paste the company file in the QBTEST folder that you just created.
5. Open the company file from the QBTEST folder.

If you're getting the same result, there might be a damaged data in your software. I've got this article to further troubleshoot the issue: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file. You can also repair QuickBooks Desktop to fix any damaged components in the software.

Once done, create a sales receipt again and check to see if the information is populated automatically.

Reach out to me if you have additional questions. Thanks.

I just upgraded to QB 2020, so this is a new installation.  I did not upgrade my old company file as this has always been problematic in the past when I have upgraded. I just exported my chart of accounts from my old company to an IFF file and created a new Company fille in 2020, and then imported my chart of accounts.  So there is not much room for corruption to have occurred, but I will attempt the steps you have suggested and get back to you. 

I followed your instructions and opened a sample company.  I set the setting to Recall last transaction for this name.  I entered a sales receipt for a new customer and created the new customer profile.  I finished out the receipt and saved it.  I created a new sales receipt for the same customer, but QB did not recall any of the information from the previous transaction but the customer address and check number, the same as it does on my real company file.

Okay. 

1. I ran the Sample File test. No change.  Does the same thing my real company file does. 

2. Ran the File Doctor tool. No errors with the Company file. 

3. Ran the Quickbooks Program Diagnostic Tool.  No problems found.

4. Ran windows update.  No updates to install.

5. Ran Quickbooks update service.  No Updates to install.

Good work for doing the necessary troubleshooting steps, Von G.

We'll need to take a better look at your company file. I'd suggest reaching out to our customer care support so an agent can further check your issue. Here's how:

1. Click Help inside QuickBooks.
2. Go to QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. Enter "QB does not recall last transaction information" in the description field, then click Continue.
5. Select either Message an Agent or Talk to a Specialist. 

Visit the Community if you have other concerns. We'll be here for you. 

I think we can logically eliminate that the company file has any problems because the program does that same thing with a Sample Company that Intuit themselves created. Since I got the same results while using the Sample File, this is a clear indicator that my company file is not what is causing the problem, so further investigation down that road would just be a waste of time and resources.  Don't you agree?

Thanks for keeping me updated about this, @Von G.

The ability to auto-recall all the entries information when turning on the Automatically recall last transaction for this name applies to vendors' transactions like bills and checks. For sales receipts and invoices, this will only retain the customer's address and last check number.

To give you complete details of the restrictions on this functionality, you may key in Automatically recall last transaction for this name from the Help search box. (Please see the screenshot attached for reference)

I can see the convenience of having the customers' details ready when entering sales transactions in QuickBooks Desktop. I'll do my part and personally submit this feedback to our developers, so they can assess the preference and put it under consideration.

To be updated with our program news, improvements, and road-maps, I encourage you to visit our Firm of the Future site. 

I got your back if you have any other concerns. I'll make sure you're all set. Have a good night!

Hum...?  Okay.  I guess, but that causes me to question all the troubleshooting steps I have spent hours doing according to the instructions given by @Kristine Mae , @RenjolynC , and  @JenoP .  Why would they have me do all of this if the option was not available to begin with?  They are part of the QB team, are the not?  Why would they send me on a wild goose chase?

On a side note, I just upgrade from 2016 to 2020.  I can tell you for certain that in 2016, the PAYMENT TYPE choice was recalled from the transaction history.  I would like to reenable this if nothing else.