restoring a company file

It's nice to see you here, @tosaWILaw,

When you restore a back up file (.QBB file), any data from the date backed up should be visible on the new company file. Regarding this, I need more information about your company file and the process you tried.

What year is the trial version did you first restore the QBB file to? Can you also share what desktop versions do you have? Any information will help me sort out the problem.

Also, it looks like you're using an outdated version of QuickBooks. To make sure the data will show properly, have it restored on the same version and edition as the original file. For example, a back up from QuickBooks Pro 2015 should be restored to the same edition and year.

You can also upgrade the back up to the current QuickBooks version, but you need to jump 3 versions. For example, you can restore a 2015 back up to a 2018 version.

For the steps, use the one listed on this article: Restore a backup of your company file

Once done, let me know the result so I can check on it further. I'll also wait for any details you can share about the problem. Have a good one!

Thanks for the reply Jen, I hope you find your self well today.

the files are .qbw  and "quickbooks company file" folders

I have a pc with QB pro 2021 loaded and the original laptop with QB pro 2015 - Both desktop editions

I have tried double clicking on the file and loading the file through the QB program. both routes work in that the program processes for 10-15 seconds and then opens a window with company information listed in many fields. all numeric values, however, are zero. Ive run reports and adjusted for dates but always zeros throughout.

... these are the additional details, i will try using the step listed in the article youve linked to but i dont think the actual load is the issue but ill give it a whirl

Thanks for your help

@tosaWILaw 

Just to clarify, if you open your company file on QBD 2015, are you able to see all data? 

No, there is some non- numerical data but all numerical fields are empty or are zero

I thank you for the additional details you've shared, @tosaWILaw.

When restoring a backup copy of your company files, you'd want to open to use the one that has the .qbb on it. .qbw is a working already open in your QuickBooks. Let me guide you on how to create a backup from your QuickBooks Pro 2015 version.

1. Go to the File menu.
2. Hover over Back up Company.
3. Select Create Local Backup.
4. In the window, select Local Backup and then Next.
5. In the Local Backup Only section, select Browse and select where you want to save your backup company file.
6. Set the number of backups you want to keep. This is optional.
7. This runs a test to make sure your backup file is in good shape before you save.
8. When you're ready, select OK.
9. Click Save it now and Next.

Now, we can restore it using a 2018 version first as suggested by my colleague, @ Jen_D. From here, you can restore it to the most latest version, QuickBooks Pro 2021. You can download and install a QuickBooks Pro 2018 trial version. Here's how:

1. Go to: QuickBooks Pro 2018 30-day trial.
2. Choose your Product and Version.
3. Hit Search.
4. Click Download.

Once completed, follow these steps on how to install QuickBooks:

1. Run your downloaded QuickBooks 2018.
2. Click Yes pop-up messages.
3. Select Next to begin the installation.
4. Click the I accept the terms in the license agreement box and click Next.
5. Enter your License and Product numbers, then select Next.
6. Continue the prompts.

Now, you can use your backup company file and restore it to restore your company file in QuickBooks Desktop. You can follow this article for more detailed steps: Restore a backup of your company file.

Get back to us here if you have other questions about managing your company file. I'm always here to help.

@tosaWILaw 

Your QBD 2015 file may be damaged. How big is the file size?

Have you try running the Verify/Rebuild Data utility on your QBD 2015?

If that were the case what do you suppose would be the problem

Our experience is that Pro and Premier data files start to take a long time to run reports at the 150-200 MB  size. In addition, Pro and Premier become more susceptible to data corruption and other funky issues if they get to be too large. You may run the Condense Data utility to downsize the file if required.