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C
cphomes
August 15, 2020
Question

Windows to Mac

  • August 15, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 25 views

I am not computer savvy at all so bare with me.  I have worked QB since probably 2003 just basic stuff.  Every time I have upgraded I have downloaded the digital.  So only 1 actual disc.  Over the years I have lost it.  I am currently working on Windows and have the Desktop Pro 2017 version.  I have added a Mac and would absolutely love to be able to sit on the couch and work when needed instead on coming in the office. But I still need it to be compatible with Windows. 

 

1. Is this even possible?

2. If so, how do I get QB on my Mac? I have read where you have to save it a certain way from Windows which I did but I cannot figure out how to restore it on the Mac since it has never even had QB downloaded to it.

3. IMPORTANT *** My sister in law that helps me works off of Windows so if I am unable to backup/restore from her Windows to my Mac, what in the world do I do??

 

Thanks in advance for any help!!

2 replies

R
ReymondOModerator
Moderator
August 16, 2020

Yes, it's possible to convert your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2017 to QuickBooks for Mac, @cphomes.

Before we start, I just wanted to let you know that the version you're using isn't supported anymore when converting files. However, we can use some workaround to move your data files to QuickBooks for Mac.

 

First, create a back up of your company file. Then, restore it in a trial version QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020 version.

 

Once done, you can now convert your company file to Mac. Here's how:

 

  1. Open the file as the administrator.
  2. Go to the File menu, then click Utilities.
  3. Select Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, then follow the onscreen instructions. QuickBooks will create a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
  4. You’ll see a message that says "It looks like ‘QuickBooks for Windows’ might be a better fit for your company," Make sure to check what data isn’t converted from Windows. If you want to continue, click Yes.
  5. Go to the folder you want to save the file in. Name the file, and select Save. 
  6. Move the file to your Mac by using any storage device such as USB flash drive, etc.

 

After this, let's restore the MAC.qbb backup on your Mac. Just follow these steps: 
 

  1. Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release.
  2. Close QuickBooks.
  3. Copy the backup to the Documents folder on your Mac.
  4. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File.
  5. Select Open Company.
  6. Click the MAC.qbb file, then click Open.
  7. Select OK.
  8. Enter a name for the restored file, and then click Save.

 

Also, here are some things you should know to get the experience in QuickBooks for Mac: System requirements for QuickBooks for Mac 2019.
 

I'm always here to help if you have any other concerns or questions. Just tag my name in the comment section and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 14
August 16, 2020

@cphomes 

You can run QB Desktop Windows version on your Mac by installing it on Parallels and Windows OS. Another option, put your license and company files on a QB cloud hosting.

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