How to I transfer from QB Desktop Pro 2012 to QB Online?

Thanks for using QuickBooks, primrose.

I'd be delighted to help transfer your data from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to QuicKBooks Online (QBO).

Since your version of QBDT 2012 is outdated, you may need to use an upgraded version of the software. But no worries, you can download a free trial version and use it in transferring your files to QBO.

Before we start, let's secure a backup copy of your QuickBooks Desktop company file to make sure that the data will be saved before upgrading. I'll show you how below:

1. Go to the File menu, choose Back Up Company, then select Create Local Backup.
   
2. Select Local Backup. Then, click Options.
3. In the Tell us where to save your backup copies field, select Browse and select the location in which to save the backup copy.
4. Hit OK.
   
5. In the Create Backup window, specify whether to back up automatically, and select Options to set options for automatic backups.
6. Select New to set a backup schedule in the Schedule Backups dialog.
7. Click Finish.

I've got you an article for your reference on how to create a back up company file: Create a Backup of your Company File.

Once done, you can download the free trial and most updated version of QBDT and then open the back up company file from there.

For the complete instructions on how download the trial version, kindly check out this link: Download a trial of QuickBooks Desktop.

Finally, you can start migrating your data from QBDT to QBO. Let me share the instructions below:

1. Log in as an admin to the company file you need to import.
2. Go to the File menu, select Utilities, then choose Copy Company File for QuickBooks Online.
   
3. Save the exported file. Click Start your export.
4. Sign in as an admin to your QuickBooks Online company.
5. Follow the on screen prompt.
6. Select the Choose online company drop-down, and choose the QuickBooks Online company you want to be replaced by your company file.
7. Click Continue.
8. Enter Agree in the text field, then select Replace.
9. Select Yes, go ahead and replace the data, then select Replace.

Here's an article that will guide you through the whole process of moving your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

Get back to me if you have other questions. I'm always happy to help you further. Keep safe and have a great rest of the day!

@primrose 

Just to clarify, we have 2 questions:

1. Which QB Desktop version do you have? US, UK, CA, or else?

2. Where is your company located?

Hi, I have the UK version and am in mainland Europe. If that makes a difference...??? :-) 

QBD UK version can only migrate to QBO UK version. If your company is not located in the UK, you are using QBO EU verson.

https://quickbooks.grsm.io/EU

You will need using a 3rd party migration tool. i.e TP Exporter for Desktop, TP Importer for Online

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd

Another option, migrate to QBD US version with a one time license. For QBD 2020 US Pro 1 user license, you may purchase it for $300 directly, or around $200 thru a partner/reseller. Should you need to convert your data file from UK to US, you may purchase a 3rd party conversion service.

Hi, I tried this, downloaded the desktop trial (Pro version) and attempted to open the company file. Whereupon, the system told me that I hadn't saved the file from a US version of desktop.  I have the UK version so where can I download the UK version of Desktop Pro trial and how do I delete the US version from my laptop?

Thanks

@primrose 

Try this link

https://globalsmallbusiness.intuit.com/downloads/UK/QuickBooks/2020/dls/cveofqqkrsr1/QuickBooksUK202...

Then open a QBO UK version

https://quickbooks.grsm.io/UK

Update: Miracle of miracles, I managed to download the UK version of QB Desktop 2020 and I have even managed to import my company file ( with some shenanigans, but... hey ho). 

Could you tell me how I can ensure that everything has been imported ok i.e. everything is the same as it was on my QB Desktop Pro 2012? I don't want to try and covert everything to QB Online until I can be sure that no data was corrupted during this transfer.

Thanks

I thank you for sharing the troubleshooting steps you've performed, @primrose.

Let's first run the Profit and Loss report and the Balance Sheet report to review your data in QuickBooks Online. Then, compare it with the report coming from your QuickBooks Desktop.

Here's how to view the Profit and Loss report:

1. Go to the Reports menu.
2. Select ”Profit & Loss“ from the list.
   
3. Make sure All Dates and Accrual are selected at the top.
4. Click the Run Report button.
5. Repeat the same steps for the Balance Sheet report.
   

With these reports side-by-side, check each section and match the totals. On the Balance Sheet, check your Accounts Receivable (A/R) and Undeposited Funds balances.

If there are missing accounts, let's review the “Expected Report Discrepancies” section in “What to do after completing an import to QuickBooks Online“ to troubleshoot.

Also, you can read through this article to learn more about the things you should know when converting your company file: What to expect when you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

Know that I'm just a post away if you have any other questions. Have a great day ahead.