software update

Hi there, @blackangus.

To resolve the problem, you can start by uninstalling and reinstalling your QuickBooks. Let me show you how to do it:

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Mac Desktop

Before you uninstall QuickBooks, have your QBDT download file (or installation CD) and license numbers ready.

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Go to the Finder menu, then select Applications.
3. Drag the QuickBooks icon to the Trash.

Step 2: Remove QuickBooks PLIST files

Preference files that store registration and any preferences set within QuickBooks shows .plist as the file extension.

User PLIST

1. Go to the Finder menu.
2. Hold down the Option key, then click Library.
3. Open the Preferences folder.
4. Find PLIST files that contain com. intuit.QuickBooks20XX (XX is the QuickBooks version you’re using).
5. Move them to the Trash.
6. Empty the trash.

System PLIST

1. From a new Finder window, open the Macintosh HD.
2. Go to Library, then Preferences folder.
3. Find PLIST files that contain com. intuit.QuickBooks20XX, then move them to the Trash.
4. Empty the trash.

Step 3: Restart your computer.

Step 4: Reinstall the latest version of QuickBooks.

In case you have any other QuickBooks concerns in the future, you can read our help articles: Help articles for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Stay posted if you have any other questions. I'm always here to help!

That sounds like it would leave all my data in the trash, unless there is a way to restore my company data after the new install,  I do have everything backed up on both flash drive and hard drive if there is a way to restore data from a back up,  Your thoughts?

I appreciate the option you've suggested above about opening your company file after updating QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac, @blackangus. 

When you're unable to access your company file after making any updates in the program, your data may be slightly damaged. I won't suggest restoring your Mac with a time machine to pre-software updates yet. This is because there's no guarantee that the issue will be eliminated from reoccurring from doing so. With this, I'd suggest contacting our QuickBooks Desktop for Mac Support team. They can securely pull up your account and guide you with a fix. This way, you're able to get back to business in no time.

In the meantime, you can message us through chat when you're unable to get into the product. You can check out this article's How to message us outside of the product section: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

I'm also adding this article to further guide you in managing your business using QBDT for Mac: QuickBooks Desktop Mac 2020 User’s Guide. It includes topics about lists, items, and banking to name a few.

Please know that you're welcome to comment below if you have other concerns or follow-up inquiries about updating your QBDT for Mac software. I'm just around to help. Take care always.