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Foote Construction
Level 1

upgrading

I currently have QB Desktop Pro 2018.  I need QB for Contractors 2018 or 2019.  How do I upgrade? Do I have to re-purchase? Thank you! 

30 Comments 30
qbteachmt
Level 15

upgrading

Yes, since you are purchasing, buy QB 2019 now. Then, update your file.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Hello

Excuse me if this is not the proper place for my question, but I could not find or figure out how or where to start a thread like the bulletin boards I am used to.

I have been a basic QB user since 2002.
I currently use QB Pro 2014 and have four small companies to track basic income and expenses.
Furthermore, they are scattered in various locations on my desktop file structure.
I mention this because I would like to upgrade from 20214 to 2019 version and want to be sure
there will be little to no interruption in my using of these four companies.

Is an upgrade like this risky, or straightforward for the most part?


Thanks for any help or ideas

Bob

 

SophiaAnnL
Moderator

upgrading

You're on the perfect place to ask this question, Bob. I'll be your guide today in upgrading your QuickBooks.

 

Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version is seamless as long as your computer meets the system requirements. To ensure that your company data stays just the way it is, create a backup copy and use it in the new version. 

 

Now that you know all of the necessary requirements, you can proceed with the upgrade process. You can visit our website to compare the Desktop plans and choose which one fits your business needs: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/. You can also check out the new enhancements in the latest version before you decide which plan to use. Then, refer to this article for the visual guide to install QuickBooks.

 

The last step is to upgrade the company file, which you saved earlier, so it'll work on the new version.

 

I've just shared the basics of upgrading QuickBooks. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to leave a reply and I'll get right back to you.

 

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Sophia,

 

Thank you for the prompt response.

After reading through the various links, I have a few more questions I'm hoping you can

help me with.

It's a bit daunting to me, hopefully not for you.

 

In this link,

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Account-management/Update-to-the-latest-release-of-QuickBook...

 

There are mentions of patching.

Do I need to patch and update before upgrading?

I'm a little fuzzy on that.

My 2014 version of QB is not even listed in the patch version listing.

I cannot use the help function or the internet connection function since my version is

so old.

 

So, am I upgrading my current 2014 version to the latest version, or just buying and installing

a completely new 2019 version and installing that?

 

Thanks for any help

Bob

 

AldrinS
QuickBooks Team

upgrading

Greetings, bob_nj.

 

It's a pleasure to hear from you again. On behalf of my colleague SophiaAnnL, I'd be happy to answer your question and provide you the clarification you're looking for.

 

You don't need to patch your current 2014 version. All you've got to do is acquire the QuickBooks Desktop 2019 version and install it on your computer. Just a heads up, make sure to back up your QuickBooks 2014 company file before installing the new version.

 

To give you an overview, allow me to summarize everything that needs to be done to make sure everything goes smoothly:

If you need more help with this, you can always get in touch with our Customer Care Team. They can initiate a screen sharing session in a safe environment and guide you through the entire process. Here's how you can reach them:

  1. Click this link to go to the Official Contact Us page.
  2. Choose QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Pick the version that you're using.
  4. Select QuickBooks Setup & Navigation, then Activate QuickBooks.
  5. In section 2, Here's how to connect with a QuickBooks expert, click Get Phone Number.

Please know that I'm only a post away if there's anything else I can help you with. I'm always here to provide help and answer any questions that you may have. Wishing you and your business all the best!

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

You guys are the best!

Your customer service is amazing, thank you.

 

I just purchased QB Pro 2019 Desktop and got the download link.

I am on the road right now and will be home in a few days to get the process going.

One thing I'm wondering is what happens to the 2014 company currently on my pc?

Does it get over-written, or just sit there?

qbteachmt
Level 15

upgrading

@SophiaAnnL

 

Please Learn from thisn input. This is Not the best guidance: "To ensure that your company data stays just the way it is, create a backup copy and use it in the new version."

 

Because the program will consider that Changed. If Bob has attachments, Payroll e-file and e-pay records, Loan Manager, letter Templates, etc, the Restore from a Backup is the hardest way to update, because the user needs to relink things that are unlinked, especially if the restore file is renamed.

 

@bob_nj

 

"Do I need to patch and update before upgrading?"

 

Your QB 2014 reached End of Life in May 2017. There are no Update patches for an unsupported program. If you had it set for Automatic Updates and you had all Options selected, it likely updated itself through its 3 years of support; you would occasionally see, when first launching the program, a pop up regarding an update to install now. Also, launch the program and then use F2. You see the Top Row of info is QB 2014 Pro or Premier, then R## such as Maintenance Release 14.

 

"So, am I upgrading my current 2014 version to the latest version, or just buying and installing

a completely new 2019 version and installing that?"

 

New Program. Install it, selecting Custom, not Replace my existing program.

 

Make Backups of the data files, as you should be doing after each working session.

 

It is easier now to use the New Program, use the button to Open/Restore an Existing File, then open each Existing .QBW. Keep the Backups for safekeeping in case the Update of the existing files doesn't go well. Do Not Use that to Restore from Backup. Use the new program to open the existing files, and you are warned this will need to Update them.

qbteachmt
Level 15

upgrading

@AldrinS

 

Please Learn from the input here.

 

@bob_nj

 

"One thing I'm wondering is what happens to the 2014 company currently on my pc?

Does it get over-written, or just sit there?"

 

Leave it there, while you work with the new program and the updated data file. Once you know everything is Fine, you can Uninstall the old QB program.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

SophiaAnn

 

I guess I'm a little thick on this post.

Can you clarify it a little for me?


 

 

Please Learn from thisn input. This is Not the best guidance: "To ensure that your company data stays just the way it is, create a backup copy and use it in the new version."

(Are you saying a backup copy is Not the best guidance here?")

 

Because the program will consider that Changed.

(What is "that", and what is Changed?)

 

If Bob has attachments, Payroll e-file and e-pay records, Loan Manager, letter Templates, etc, the Restore from a Backup is the hardest way to update, because the user needs to relink things that are unlinked, especially if the restore file is renamed.

AldrinS
QuickBooks Team

upgrading

Hello again, bob_nj.

 

I'd be delighted to provide additional clarification regarding this matter.

 

To better answer your question, let me share a few more things about upgrading QuickBooks first. We've actually got a couple of ways to do this.

 

The first method is to create a copy of your company file from the old version of QuickBooks before you open it on the new version. This is generally recommended. Because, not only can you open and update it on the latest version, but you can also save it for safekeeping in case the update doesn't go well, as qbteachmt mentioned.

 

The second method is to use the option to replace your existing QuickBooks program with the new one, during the installation. With this, you won't need to go through the restoration process. Instead, you just need to open the new QuickBooks program, then your company file, and it'll automatically update your file.

 

Lastly, based from the explanation, it seems like "that" is referring to the company file from your old version of QuickBooks, which will be updated (changed) to the latest version when you open it.

 

I hope I've cleared things up. As always, don't hesitate to keep in touch with me if there's anything else I can help you with.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Thanks again for the attention, and the detail.

I have to admit it's a bit overwhelming for a neophyte such as myself to sort all of this out

from the thread.

 

How about this;

I'll explain my situation again, and based on that explanation you make a recommendation as to which method of updating I should use.

 

As with most every user, my data is precious to me.

I keep four very small, very basic and very simple companies on my desktop pc.

They are primarily personal and not businesses, and just track income and expenses.

 

With that being said, what is the easiest and safest way for me to go from QB Pro 2014 to QB Pro 2019?

 

After you make that recommendation, can you point me to a link, document, tutorial, video etc.

that can walk me through that single process from cradle to grave.

 

Thank you all again

Bob

FritzF
Moderator

upgrading

Hi there, @bob_nj.

 

Thanks for getting back to us here in the Community. Allow me to chime in for a moment and share the links/articles with the detailed steps that can help walk you through upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

 

To start off, there are two ways to do this. The first option is to upgrade your QBDT version directly, and we call this the Easy Upgrade. This will save your time going through a lot of steps to download, install, and register your QuickBooks.

 

Here's the link/article: Use Easy Upgrade for QuickBooks.

 

While the second option only applies if you have to update additional company files.

 

Here's the link/article: Upgrade to a new QuickBooks Desktop version.

 

That should point you in the right direction. Please let me know how it goes by leaving a comment on this thread. I'm always here if you have any follow-up questions about the process. Take care and have a good one.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Thanks Fritz

 

In this Easy Upgrade link,

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Getting-Started/Use-Easy-Upgrade-for-QuickBooks/m-p/203368

 

It requires an internet connection.

My version is 2014 and will not connect to the internet.

What I have is a link to my recently purchased QB Pro 2019 download.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks

Bob

qbteachmt
Level 15

upgrading

@AldrinS

 

Please learn from this input. No, you don't Copy the .qbw. You forgot about the associated Utility files. So this is Not the recommended method: "The first method is to create a copy of your company file from the old version of QuickBooks before you open it on the new version. This is generally recommended."

 

@bob_nj

 

This is your Computer Filing system. You have a Company data file as a .qbw filetype and you are familiar with this concept if you use Microsoft Word for Letters. The Letters are data files, filetype .doc or .docx.

 

If you install the new QB program and allow it to Replace your existing program, and you have trouble with it, there is no Fallback position while you address any issues. That's why you Install QB 2019 and select the Custom option, not the Express Option, so that it will not Replace the existing program that you have and you use and it works.

 

And you make a backup for Safekeeping, as after every working session. That's in case the Update to the existing file doesn't go well.

 

And you Update the existing Working File, not restoring from the Backup at first, because the way Intuit wrote the routines, the Update process is now preferable to "restore from backup" because the associated files and folders, subfolders, etc, that are used to manage this relational database, are all linked right now. Launching the new program and then using the Open Existing File button leaves everything where it is and named what it is. @bob_nj You are the one that stated multiple files in Various locations.

 

Right here: "Furthermore, they are scattered in various locations on my desktop file structure.
I mention this because I would like to upgrade from 20214 to 2019 version and want to be sure
there will be little to no interruption in my using of these four companies"

 

That is why I pointed out how to do this with the least interruption.

 

1. It is Recommended to make a backup as you always do after any work session.

2. It used to be recommend to use that QBB file and the Restore function to move to a Newer QB Program. That is no longer the preference because of all the Linked and Attached functions, such as Payroll and Templates and Loan Manager and Banking Downloads.

3. It was never a good idea to let the new program install itself by Replacing what you are using that works, in case the installation doesn't go well, because you cannot use the old program while you are trying to resolve the issues with the new program. I get paid by a lot of people to help them when this happens. You would rather have the Old Program to use while you get the time and perhaps the help to get the new program working, checking that it works by opening one of the Sample Files that it comes with, before updating your own company files. Play Safely.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

I suppose I could use some clarification since I'm new here.

Are Aldrin and Sophia users, or company representatives?

I could have used one of several methods recommended in this thread and possibly gotten

into trouble.

 

Can you elaborate on this statement a little,

"And you Update the existing Working File, not restoring from the Backup at first"

So I'll politely ask again,

How do I "update" the existing Working File, and is there a link to doing your method?

I'm guessing I will download the new file from the QB site, run it, choose Custom, and then what?

 

"You would rather have the Old Program to use while you get the time and perhaps the help to get the new program working, checking that it works by opening one of the Sample Files that it comes with, before updating your own company files."

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the new program SHOULD work with one of the Sample Files I would think.  I'm thinking we're concentrating on getting my previous files to work with the new program, yes?

Is there any reason, or have others had difficulty converting to newer versions and that's the reason for the caveat?

 

Thank you for your patience

Bob

 

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

This is getting frustrating.

I posted a long reply and now am not sure it went through...  )--:

BettyJaneB
QuickBooks Team

upgrading

Hello there, @bob_nj.

 

Allow me to join this conversation and provide some clarifications to get this issue sorted out.

 

Yes, Aldrin and Sophia are representatives from QuickBooks. 

 

About the "And you Update the existing Working File, not restoring from the Backup at first" that you've mentioned this simply means that you'll need to update the existing file that you have which is the .QBW file. You'll only use the file that you've restored in case of data loss.

 

On the other hand, the new version should work once your company file is updated successfully. Opening a sample file is just optional in case you wanted to test out a new process in QuickBooks. Since the desktop versions are loaded with several industry-based sample companies you can use to test new transactions. Each sample company file already contains customers, invoices and other transactions so whatever you test will have no impact on your own company’s data.

 

This amount of information should get you moving today.

 

Please know that the Community has your back and is here should you have additional questions. Have a most pleasant day.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Thanks Betty Jane

Since you are here now, let me get your take on this.

 

I will download the new file from the QB site

Run it,

Choose Custom Installation,

and then what?

What would I do next?

 

I've followed many links suggested by three different people.

I'm guessing the "Easy Upgrade" is not the for me.

So, can you pick up where I left off at "Choose Custom Installation"  with a link, video,

tutorial or article?

You guys know in your head what's right and what isn't, I do not.

 

Also, since I'm on the road until the weekend, I have two questions about my recent purchase.

 

I have a link to a file.

Can I download that file while I'm travelling and keep it on a portable hard drive until I get to

my home PC?

 

I don't remember how long my support is for the new purchase, or when it starts.

Does it start the day I purchased it?

 

Sorry for the 20 questions, but I'd like to do the right thing the first time.

 

As always, thanks for any help and ideas.

 

Bob

 

Anonymous
Not applicable

upgrading

Let me help fill in some of your questions, bob_nj.

 

Yes, you can download the software even when you're traveling. Instead of using the Easy Upgrade option in installing your QuickBooks, let me share with you an article that has steps on how to manually download and install it. Please check it out: Download and Install QuickBooks Desktop

 

You can also view the video in this article on how to install QuickBooks: Installing QuickBooks Desktop.

 

The QuickBooks Care Plan depends on your subscription type. You can check out this article to see your support plan details: Care Plans for QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Mac.

 

Let us know if you need anything else. We'll be right here to help. 

 

 

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

Well, maybe I've been duped as to the support.

The person that sold me the product on "Chat" gave me a phone number and told me that I

had 30 days support to sort through any issues.

I don't see that information on my order confirmation, or download link page.

Oh well...

 

In the link you posted it ays,

 

"Custom and Network Options: If you'll be using multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop on the computer. Also, a good option if you'll use QuickBooks to share data with other users on a network"

 

Other here offered upgrade/install options where I would choose "Custom" as the installation

method, converting .qbw files, leaving my original installation AND installing the new product etc.

 

I'm so confused right now.

Before I totally give up, what is YOUR recommendation on using "Express" or "Custom" and why?

 

 

 

 

 

"Custom and Network Options: If you'll be using multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop on the computer. Also, a good option if you'll use QuickBooks to share data with other users on a network"

 

 

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

I won't be sharing data.

So by choosing "Custom" I can run the old 2014 version while getting used to the new 2019 version?

 

 

IamjuViel
QuickBooks Team

upgrading

Let me help ease your confusion, @bob_nj.

 

You're already on the right track! Allow me to share additional information on how to successfully install the new version of QuickBooks you've purchased.

 

In installing QuickBooks to your computer, you're given two installation types to choose from depending on what suits your needs best.

 

 

If you choose the Express installation, the QuickBooks Installer will look into how was your old version of QuickBooks was installed in your computer and follow it. While if you choose Custom and Network Options, you will  have the option to choose whether to install the new QuickBooks on the same drive or location with the old one. 

 

If you need further help with the installation process, I’d recommend reaching out to our Technical Support Team. A specialist will be able to access your account in a secured environment and further assist you via secured remote access session.

 

Here's how to contact us:

  1. Visit: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
  2. Choose your QuickBooks Product.
  3. Select your QuickBooks Version.
  4. On the Contact Us page, click a topic.
  5. Click on the Get Phone Number button to see the support number.

Stay in touch with me and let me know how it works on your end. I'm always here to help you in making sure you're able to successfully install QuickBooks in your computer.

bob_nj
Level 1

upgrading

"you have the option to choose whether to install the new QuickBooks on the same drive or location with the old one. "

 

In your statement above, if I change the location what happens?

Does the old company stay intact, and I can use both old and new QB versions?

What advantages are there to changing locations?

Are there places I should or should not change the location to?

If I do change the location of the new 2019 version of QB Pro, are my previous four company locations for the QB Pro 2014 .qbw files ok where they are?

 

I'm trying to get a sense for where the actual program is, and if it has any bearing on where

the .qbw files are located.

 

Thanks for your time and patience

Bob

Kristine Mae
Moderator

upgrading

Let's get your questions drilled down, Bob_nj.

 

If you change the file location, nothing really happens. Your company file will stay in the same folder you've saved it. There are no specific advantages when you change your location. It doesn't matter where you saved the copy, just as long as the file from the old QuickBooks is different from the new one. Once you convert your old file and open it in QuickBooks 2019, you're unable to open it in QuickBooks 2014. Make sure to create a backup copy from the old QuickBooks, then restore it to the new one. 

 

Let us know if you have more questions. We'd be happy to answer them. 

 

Need to get in touch?

Contact us