Recovering old QB Desktop data

Just to clarify your question. Do you wish to open your file for only a limited time (i.e < 30 days) or switch using QB Desktop? 

Let me address your concern, Vinson.

You can use our test drive to access your 2019 data.

Let's ensure you've saved a backup copy of your company file so you can restore it in QuickBooks test drive. 

Reach out to us if you have other concerns. We're right here to help you. Take care!

Just for less than thirty days, we really just need to export the data.

Yes-just to access data so we can export it  <30 days is acceptable 

Utilize the trial license of QBD 2021 for free

https:// quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/new-subscriptions/download-a-trial-of-quickbooks-desktop/01/185974#M3533

You can utilize it migrating your data to a new blank QBO account if required.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US
https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo

Hi @Vinson,

You can log into QuickBooks Desktop anytime to access your data. Desktop version access doesn’t expire. As long as you have access to the computer the software is installed on, you can open and download lists, reports, etc.

Have you tried to open and log into the program?

Let me know if you need help with logging in. I’m here for you!

That may have been true in 2021, but it is NOT true in 2023.

It is a LIE that you can access old QB Pro desktop data if you no longer have a QB account, especially for free!!

Look at my numerous posts AND for my questions about QB holding customers data hostage.

Has this changed? We don't have to PAY a fee to view data we own? Or buy a subscription for $800.00?

Really?

@amhaas65 

You can use the trial version of QB Desktop for good to open your files if required.

I recognize the significance of being able to access your data in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), amhaas65.

Yes, you're right. QuickBooks Desktop 2023 operates on a subscription basis, which means you're unable to open the company file without a QuickBooks account.

Please note your data will remain on your device. However, if you've canceled your QuickBooks subscription and want to open or view the data again, we'll need to reactivate your subscription or purchase an outright license. With that, it would be best to restore a backup copy of your company file. We can use this article for guidance: Restore a backup of your company file. 

Furthermore, Fiat Lux - ASIA is correct. You can utilize the trial version to open your data. However, the trial version we provide on our website is specifically for QuickBooks Desktop 2023. For older versions, I suggest looking outside of QuickBooks or contacting our Customer Care Team to request QuickBooks trial links and licenses for the mentioned versions.

I'm all ears if you have other concerns about managing your account. Take care!

I have QB 21 files and need to open a back up for the accountant. I have QB 21 still on my computer but will not let me open the back up file no matter how much I sign in and try. keeps telling me subscription has expired. Just so wrong I have to spend this much time and energy for a product I used for 20+ years. The online version SUCKS! such a lie the data is always yours. How do I open a 21 QB back up file? Anyone out there thinking a class action is in line?

It isn't the experience we want you to have when using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), @pmrsapple.

Please be aware that one-time purchase products are no longer available, and users will need to subscribe or at least have an active subscription to get a hold of their data when using QBDT. In this situation, it's best to get in touch with our Customer Care Team so they can provide other ways to access your company data for the QBDT 2021 version. You can refer to this article to know more about the support availability and the contact information: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

Moreover, we recommend checking this page to learn more about the discontinuation of QBDT 2021: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

In case you have any follow-up questions about accessing backup files or any additional queries about QuickBooks. Feel free to post here in the Community or comment below. We'll get back to you right away. Keep safe.

@pmrsapple 

Login to your CAMPS and check your license status there. Is it Active or Cancelled?

If it is Cancelled, you have QB Desktop 2021 Pro Plus and your license is expired. You can use the trial version to access your historical data for good if required.

Yes of course the 21 version has expired, QB left us all hung out to dry. We were always assured we could access our data, not the case. Where do you get a trial version that will open a QB 21 back up file with out spending  $800 to get a report? Still say we need some attorneys looking into this. I paid for years for this software and can not open a file I own on software I bought. 

@pmrsapple 

You can contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA and they can share the trial version of QB Desktop 2021.

I think the point is being missed. I HAVE full paid version of QB21 pro on my computer with a QBB file of an old project I need to pull a report from. QB always touts you own your data. Which is obviously not true. In previous versions (I have been using QB since 2000) you could open your old file if your 3 years or in 21 2 years file after expiration but of course would lose all your online stuff and features, but could pull a report. The trial version is yet another download and only good for 30 days I think it is. What do I do when I need something later? QB has violated the publicized user agreement. Why anyone would then use the online version is insanity. It can not be legal to hold captive financial data for effectively ransom. Lots of us have old files previous to the online version, what is the long term solution? You can not even get a QBB file to the lame online system even if you are willing to pay the ransom.

I am not finding the link you noted anything about QB21 file for download.

I HAVE full paid version of QB21 pro on my computer with a QBB file of an old project I need to pull a report from. QB always touts you own your data.

They introduced QB Desktop 2021 Pro Plus at that time and also offered QB Desktop 2021 Pro with non subscription licenses. They offered QB Desktop 2021 Pro Plus at a lower price but many buyers didn't seem to realize that they were buying a subscription license.

The trial version is yet another download and only good for 30 days I think it is. What do I do when I need something later?

Have you contacted Fiat Lux? As I said, you can use the trial version to access your historical data for good if required.

QB has violated the publicized user agreement.

We did not find any violations in their EULA. Unless you can help us point out specific clauses.

QB is denying access to user owned files. Your own TV ads state you own your information. By you denying me access to my financial files is breach of contract. This was not the case before QB21 version. I could still open a file and print a report. This is wrong and has effected lots of users serious financial harm.

QB Desktop 2021 is their transitional product. Previously, they offered QB Desktop Pro/Premier with a non-subscription license. As of QB Desktop 2022, they only offer subscription licenses.

your just repeating the same info with no solution. Note to anyone going to the online version and you need your info years down the road, good luck. So sad after 20+ years as a user Intuit has lost me as a customer once I solve this problem.

@pmrsapple 

I have shared the solution and I am not part of the Intuit team. I don't blame you if you're just ignorant. I am just a community member like you.