Quickbooks Pro2009 needs Windows Explorer 6.0

Thanks for coming into the Community forum, @Areaman. I have information here explaining why QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2009 suddenly needs Windows Explorer 6.0 to operate. 

Please know that QBDT Pro 2009 was discontinued on March 31, 2011. As a result, an error can occur anytime, including the one you encountered.

Moreover, discontinued versions won't receive the latest critical security patches, updates, and Intuit services. Feel free to visit this article to learn more about the service discontinuation: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

To access your file, you can utilize the trial version of QBDT Pro 2024 since the 2009 version is no longer available to restore your file there. Here's how:

1. Select Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
   
2. Choose Restore a backup copy and Next.
   
3. Pick Local Backup, then Next.
   
4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select Open. If you open the backup in the same folder as your existing company file, you may overwrite your data.
6. When you're ready, select Save. If you open the backup in the same folder as your existing company file, you will overwrite your data.

After restoring and updating the file, certain data can't be accessed and opened in QBDT Pro 2009.

If you wish to upgrade to a higher version, you can read this article: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Pro.

I'll also add this article to learn what your computer needs to experience QBDT at its best: System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2024.

Don't forget to comment below if you have additional questions about accessing your company's data or want to continue discussing QBDT Pro accessibility requirements. We'll be willing to help. Keep safe, and have a good one.

@Areaman 

Which Windows OS do you run? You should be able to run it on Win 11 with minor issues.

I run Windows 10 and have never used Windows Explorer.  Until Windows updated in August '24, I've never had any problems with QuickBooks Pro 2009.  I even liked it.  It now sits on my computer unused with tons of info about my business that I cannot access.  I've backed it up (QB Pro 2009) frequently, but cannot access the backups, of course, because I cannot open the software.

You are in a dilemma. You can try reinstalling it but I'm not sure you can reactivate your license. The best option is to buy a newer version (e.g 2016) to upgrade your version. You can still find an old version on the marketplace. Another option, you can contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA for assistance. They are very familiar with problems like this.