Upgrading to enterprise 2021 from enterprise 18

Thanks for visiting the Community, Dhughes1272.

I’m here to help ensure you can seamlessly upgrade QuickBooks Enterprise 18 to 2021.

May I know the specific error or issue you encounter? This is to ensure I can provide a timely solution to your concern.

Before upgrading to a newer QB version, check your computer and make sure it meets the system requirements. This will ensure the application is compatible with your setup and will help avoid problems when installing it. Check out this article for detailed information: System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2021.

If the device is compatible, create a backup of the company file to keep a copy of your transactions. Let me help and guide you through the steps.

1. Tap the File menu to choose Back Up Company and Create Local Backup.
2. Tick the radio-button for Local Backup and hit the Options button.
3. In the Tell us where to save your backup copies field, select Browse and pick the location where you wish to keep the copy.
4. Hit OK.
5. Follow the instructions on how to finish the backup process.

When you’re ready, you can now upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop 2018 to 2021. For your reference, see the following guide for the complete instructions: Upgrade to a New QuickBooks Desktop.

I’m adding a link that provides detailed information about company file compatibility. It contains tips to avoid having any issues when upgrading the desktop program.

Feel free to go back to this thread if you have other QuickBooks concerns.  I’m always ready to help you move forward. Have a good one.

I have not started the upgrade process.  Just was trying to get feed back an those who have upgraded and it they had any issues.

Thanks

@Dhughes1272 

We didn't see any critical issue in the community for the last 3 months. 

Have you already upgraded now?  We are getting ready to do the same (from 18 to 21) and am hoping for a successful upgrade.  Our company files are stored on a server and it looks like we have to move them to the computer's local hard drive and then move them back after upgrading to the newer version.

@tcagle 

Consider to install QBD 2021 and not to replace/uninstall QBD 2018 for the time being. You may run them at the same time on the same machine. 

I ended up not upgrading, until now.  Is there a reason why you had to  move database to your computer then back to server?

Did you get an answer on this or did you have any trouble doing the upgrade? In the same boat, looking to upgrade enterprise 2018 server to 2021 and i just was curious if there are any special considerations that need to be made when upgrading.

@Blong07 

My last post in Feb and we have yet to find any critical issue in this community.

YES! Once we upgraded, the new version keeps saying to activate/register. we have done this and no luck. Been on hold for two hours on phone and in chat! We have lost an entire day of work. No QB rep will help! 

This isn't the kind of service I want you to experience, Missy1890.

Let me make it up to you by making sure you're able to access the company file after the upgrade.

You can clean install QuickBooks Desktop to fix company file issues. The server may have detected a different activation code. And, that's why you need to re-send the information.

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, make sure you create a backup copy of your company file.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Remove QuickBooks

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Search for “Control Panel”, then open Control Panel.
2. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
3. From the list of programs, select your version of the QuickBooks Desktop you want to uninstall.
4. Select Uninstall/Change and then Remove. Select Next.  If you don’t see this option, sign out and sign back into Windows as an admin (or a user with admin rights).

Step 2: Download the installer for your version of QuickBooks.

1. Gather your QuickBooks product info.
2. Have your license number handy. It should be on the original package or in the purchase confirmation email if you bought a digital version.
3. Write down your product year and version.

Step 3: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop and restore the file.

If you're getting the same results, I recommend getting back in touch with our Live Support Team. I know you've already contacted them. However, they can pull up your account and create a case to further investigate the issue.

Please refer to this link for the contact details: QuickBooks Desktop support.

Let me know how the contact goes by commenting below. I'll be around until you're able to access your company file.