Frequently asked questions about installing QuickBooks

Your data from an earlier version of QuickBooks will update automatically the first time you open the company file in a new version of QuickBooks. Updating your data includes backing up the company file in its current version format so you can revert back to the previous version of QuickBooks if you need to.

QuickBooks company files cannot be merged or combined.

To move QuickBooks from one computer to another:

1. Install and register QuickBooks on the new computer.
2. Back up the company file on the old computer.
3. Restore the backup on the new computer.

If you installed a newer version of QuickBooks on the new computer, the company file will be updated automatically the first time you open it.

System requirements for QuickBooks

The location where QuickBooks automatically stores your company data files depends on your operating system and QuickBooks version:

Operating System	QuickBooks Version	Default Company File Location
Windows 8, 7 or Vista	Enterprise Solutions 7.0 or later Pro or Premier 2007 or later Simple Start 2007 or later	C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
Windows XP	Enterprise Solutions 7.0 or later Pro or Premier 2007 or later Simple Start 2007 or later	C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
Windows XP or 2000	Enterprise Solutions 6.0 or earlier Pro or Premier 2006 or earlier	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Version]

If you upgraded from an earlier version to QuickBooks 2007 or later, your data file might have been moved to the default company file location for your new version.

If you have QuickBooks 2006 or earlier versions, your company data file is in the same folder where it was located prior to installing QuickBooks.

If you cannot find your company data file, search your hard drive for *.qbw files and try to find it that way. Make sure to include hidden files and folders in your search criteria.

If you have been using Document Management or Attached Documents, ensure that the attach folder and your company file are in the same location prior to upgrading your company file to the new version of QuickBooks. If the attach folder is not in the same loaction as your company file, the links within your company file will be broken and you will need to re-attach any documents you previously used.

Refer to the following resources for information about installing QuickBooks in a multi-user environment:

• Network/Multi-User Set Up
• Setting up a network or multi-user environment

Download QuickBooks Products

Prepare to install QuickBooks

A Linux computer can only be used as a database server to store shared company data files. For more information, refer to Run QuickBooks on Linux and Preparing to install Linux Database Server Manager.

To install QuickBooks on a Macintosh, refer to Installing or reinstalling QuickBooks on a Macintosh.