cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Kevin B1
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I am converting from QB Desktop to QBO and have trouble deleting projects that were already inactive.  I eliminate all unbilled expenses and time.  But I still get the following error message.  I run reports and don't see any transactions thare have not been billed.  What am I doing wrong.

 

 

 

 

To delete this project, please ensure there are no time entries linked to it first.

Solved
Best answer May 26, 2021

Best Answers
SarahannC
Moderator

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

Thanks for trying the recommendation shared by my colleague, @Kevin B1.

 

If you need to delete an active project that has a balance, you'll have to move the transactions to another project, sub-customer, or customer first. First, open the project to change the details. Follow the steps below for a guide:

 

  1. Go to Projects on the left panel.
  2. Select the project, then go to the Transactions tab.
  3. Select the transaction, then change it to the accurate project.
  4. Once done, click Save and close to reflect the changes.


 

Afterward, you can proceed with deleting the project. Still, within the Project menu, look for the project you want to eliminate. Click the Options on the project you would like to delete and select Delete.

 

Also, there are a few steps that you can follow to generate the Unbilled Time and Expenses report in your QuickBooks Online account. In case you want to run it soon, just follow these steps:

 

  1. Go to Projects on the left panel.
  2. Select what project you want to pull up.
  3. In the Project reports, click Unbilled Time and Expenses.

If the same thing happens, we can perform some troubleshooting steps:

 

Step 1: Use an incognito window.

 

It's likely a result of a browser error. This private window prevents your browser from storing additional cache files. It's also a good way to check issues caused by a full cache.

 

Step 2: Delete cache and temporary internet files

 

When Step 1 works, it's recommended to clear cache and temporary internet files to optimize the browser's performance. This will also help delete the information stored in the cache. You can also use other supported browsers in QBO.

 

Please refer to these articles for more information: 

 

 

Let me know how these steps work. I'm always here if you need more help.

View solution in original post

12 Comments 12
Rea_M
Moderator

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

You're on the right track in verifying your unbilled project transactions in QuickBooks Online (QBO), @Kevin B1. I'll make sure you're able to delete a project so you can manage your job cost accordingly.

 

The message indicates that there are still unbilled (time) entries linked to the project you want to delete. To check this, I'd recommend pulling up the Unbilled Time and Expenses report again. Then, make sure to set the Report period to All Dates

80.PNG

 

Once the entry is located and taken care of, follow these steps below to delete your project.

  1. Go to the Projects menu.
  2. Find the project you want to delete and select the Delete option under the Actions menu.
  3. Choose Yes to confirm.

 

I've attached a screenshot below for your reference.

 

Also, to answer the most commonly asked questions about Projects in QBO, you can check out this article: Projects FAQ.

 

Please keep me posted on how it goes. If you have other project concerns or inquiries about managing your transactions in QBO, I'll be glad to help. Take care and stay safe.

Kevin B1
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I was not able to find the exact report you show, but I used a report called unbilled time and unbilled charges.  In both cases, I selected all dates and nothing shows up for the project.  I try and delete the project and again it gives the same response.  On one project, I got the message and just tried to delete it again and it did the second time.  I went back to others and tried to delete it more than once but got the same message.  Any other ideas.

Kevin B1
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I am not sure what happened, but I tried it again today and it seems to be working.  It appears that after you make all the necessary elimination of unbilled items, it took a day or so for QBO to realize they were gone.  Maybe like it is posted or pending on one day and eliminated the next.  Maybe just a quirk of the software.

SarahannC
Moderator

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

Thanks for trying the recommendation shared by my colleague, @Kevin B1.

 

If you need to delete an active project that has a balance, you'll have to move the transactions to another project, sub-customer, or customer first. First, open the project to change the details. Follow the steps below for a guide:

 

  1. Go to Projects on the left panel.
  2. Select the project, then go to the Transactions tab.
  3. Select the transaction, then change it to the accurate project.
  4. Once done, click Save and close to reflect the changes.


 

Afterward, you can proceed with deleting the project. Still, within the Project menu, look for the project you want to eliminate. Click the Options on the project you would like to delete and select Delete.

 

Also, there are a few steps that you can follow to generate the Unbilled Time and Expenses report in your QuickBooks Online account. In case you want to run it soon, just follow these steps:

 

  1. Go to Projects on the left panel.
  2. Select what project you want to pull up.
  3. In the Project reports, click Unbilled Time and Expenses.

If the same thing happens, we can perform some troubleshooting steps:

 

Step 1: Use an incognito window.

 

It's likely a result of a browser error. This private window prevents your browser from storing additional cache files. It's also a good way to check issues caused by a full cache.

 

Step 2: Delete cache and temporary internet files

 

When Step 1 works, it's recommended to clear cache and temporary internet files to optimize the browser's performance. This will also help delete the information stored in the cache. You can also use other supported browsers in QBO.

 

Please refer to these articles for more information: 

 

 

Let me know how these steps work. I'm always here if you need more help.

betsy12
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I have the same problem with the project not being allowed to be deleted. I have run the unbilled time/costs report and there are no outstanding items. The message I get says "To delete this project, please ensure there are no time entries linked to it first.". I can't really believe that QBO expects me to delete all the time that has ever been applied to this project just because I'm finished with the project and or the client. I also tried using the incognito window with no change. Please help!

MadelynC
Moderator

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I'll make sure this deleting project concern will be taken care of, Betsy.


If you’ve already performed the recommendations above before using incognito, then it would be best to contact our support team. They can check the issue further and help you find more solutions.


Here’s how:

 

  1. Select the Help (?) menu.
  2. In the Assistant window, type in “Talk to a human” in the field.
  3. Enter “Project issue,” then go to the Contact option.
  4. Choose a way to connect with us:
    • Start a chat with a support expert
    • Get a callback from the next available expert


Check out this article to learn more about projects: Projects FAQ.


Also, you can visit our Support page anytime if you need resources, video tutorials, and tips to manage your company. I’m sure you’ll find it helpful.


Don’t hesitate to drop a comment if you have any other questions or concerns besides deleting projects. The Community is always here to help. Take care!

ndamo
Level 4

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

We can't delete this project yet

Remove any time entries linked to the project and try again.
ndamo
Level 4

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

There are no unbilled billable time entries, and I have 15 projects that I can't delete.  None of the suggestions work; I've tried them all.  

ShyMae
QuickBooks Team

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

Hello there, ndamo. I know how essential it is to have a smooth process when deleting your project. I see all your efforts to get this fixed. 

 

We've received similar reports from customers who have encountered an error message, "We can’t delete this project yet. Remove any time entries linked to the project and try again." To be added to the list of affected users, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks support. 

 

Here's how you can reach them:

 

  1. Go to the Help menu and press the Search tab.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Choose a specific topic or Ask about something else, and type in a short description in the box provided.
  4. Select Continue, then choose the Chat or Callback option.

Sample.PNG

Moreover, you can generate a report to obtain an overview of all the projects created and their profitability summary.

 

I'll be here to assist you further with your projects. You can return here anytime you need me. 

russellm608
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I think it's kind of funny that on a tech support forum about a specific problem a tech support person directs us to call tech support.  This is why we are on this forum!

 

We have the same problem, have followed all of the suggestions with no success.  I have also called tech support and spent SEVERAL HOURS on the phone with Theresa who finally admitted that they can't fix this problem.

 

We are a construction contractor that does 100's of jobs each year.  Not having the ability to make a project inactive/deleted will create huge problems and unruly customer list.

 

For what we are paying for the QBO service I believe we should be getting a product that works correctly.  

 

QBO-please fix this problem!!

russellm608
Level 1

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

I think it's kind of funny that on a tech support forum about a specific problem a tech support person directs us to call tech support.  This is why we are on this forum!

 

We have the same problem, have followed all of the suggestions with no success.  I have also called tech support and spent SEVERAL HOURS on the phone with Theresa who finally admitted that they can't fix this problem.

 

We are a construction contractor that does 100's of jobs each year.  Not having the ability to make a project inactive/deleted will create huge problems and unruly customer list.

 

For what we are paying for the QBO service I believe we should be getting a product that works correctly.  

 

QBO-please fix this problem!!

ndamo
Level 4

Trouble deleting a project in QBO

First, click on the settings gear, then click on "subscription and billing," then click on "cancel subscription."  See what they offer you to stay.  I got $200 off for 3 months, just for making a few clicks!

Sign in for expert help
Ask questions, post replies & join our community of QuickBooks users.

Need to get in touch?

Contact us