Hello Shakui, Thanks for reaching out to the Community. Could you attach a screenshot of the message you receive when you install the 2004 version on the other pc?

Have you contacted their Helpline on 0808 168 9535? 

Another option, contact them on Twitter or Facebook with a PM/DM. Prepare your license number.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/QuickBooksUK

Twitter - https://twitter.com/QuickBooksUK

Hi, I have a 2004 Quickbooks running on my old computer with a license that's valid till 2029. I still have the original disc so everything is the same, and I am trying to install it on a new computer as the other one giving trouble, but when I put in the license number it does not accept it. How do I fix this?

Your QuickBooks Desktop 2004 license is still valid until 2029? It is new to me.

How do you know?

Hi, when I go to help and about it gives me all info on my current licence. I just can’t get the same one to work when I reinstall the same vd on the new computer. It’s loaded etc, had to copy all the updates over into folders on new computer ( which still runs windows 7) but even though I have a valid license and put it in it says I still need to activate it.. I can’t even use the new quickbooks as they can’t covert such old 2004 files. I would have to get at least a 2012 UK quickbooks (which I can’t) upload backup to there then ask them to convert. So I’m at a dead end… no one in quickbooks can help me. All come with solutions that don’t work. How I’m supposed to carry on running my business when it finally crashes?? 

Thanks for following this thread, @shakui. I'm here to guide you in resolving the conversion issue.

First off, you'll have to move your company file from your Windows 7 to your Windows 10 computer. Ensure that you have already installed QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer. 

It's also necessary to know the system requirements to ensure the software is compatible with your new computer to get the best experience in using QuickBooks. 

Then, rename your file on the old computer to avoid using the incorrect file. To do this, create a backup and restore your file by performing the steps below: 

1. Create a backup of your file on your Windows 7 computer. 
2. Copy the backup file to your Windows 10 computer using either a flash drive or through a network if the computers are connected. 
3. Restore the backup on your new computer. 

For more details, see Solution 1 through this article: Move Your Company Files To Another Computer. 

Once transferred, you can begin the upgrade process. Please know that QuickBooks Desktop has a 3-year lifecycle. You would need to go from 2004 to 2007/2010 to 2012 or 2013. 

Once done, restore the file in between. 

To upgrade your company file: 

1. Make sure all users are logged out of your company file.
2. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
4. Click Restore a backup copy and then click Local backup. 
5. Browse your computer for your company file. You wrote down the file location in Step 1. Select it and then click Open. 
6. Sign in to your company file as an admin user.
7. Before you upgrade, QuickBooks automatically creates a backup of your existing company file. You can select Change this default location to save the backup in a specific folder.
8. Choose Update Now to start the upgrade.
9. Click Done.

For more information, see Step 3 through this article: Upgrade Your Company Files. 

After that, update QuickBooks so you have the latest software release. 

Visit us again if you have additional concerns. We're always around to assist you more.

---

@shakui wrote:

I would have to get at least a 2012 UK quickbooks (which I can’t) upload backup to there then ask them to convert.  

---

@shakui 

Who are "them"? Do you need to convert your data to QB Online or else?

Hi Katherine,

I tried what you suggested, but I cannot purchase an desktop version anymore, cannot even get a UK trial version. I tried the Quickbooks desktop file restoration tool which gave me a 2021 desktop version but it is a US version and mine is a UK version ( I reside in South Africa) so it would not accept my file.

I have subsequently bought the SA online version, but I still need to do a conversion from my 2004 Quickbooks.

I have 18 years of data. The online chat and telephone number do not work properly and I have not been able to contact anyone.

Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Sharon

I need to convert to Online. 'Them' are the companies that charge for conversions, but too expensive.  I cannot even get a UK trial version to do a desktop conversion first then move online.

@shakui1 

Do you need to migrate data from QB Desktop UK version to QB Online South Africa version? You may have 2 ways to do so:

1. Utilize a migration tool. i.e TPExporter for Desktop and TPImporter for Online.

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbo

2. Purchase a 3rd party conversion service.

Contact us in private for details.