Update your company file to a new version of QuickBooks

After installing a new version of QuickBooks, your company file must be updated to work in the new version.

Information about updating company data files:

• Once a company file is updated to a new version of QuickBooks, it cannot be opened in the previous version.

• Backups made of the company file before it is updated can be restored in the previous version.

• In the new version, you can either open your company file (.qbw) or restore your backup (.qbb) to start the update process.

• Follow the steps below to update company files (or backups) from QuickBooks 5.0 and later.

To do this task

Step 1: Install the new version of QuickBooks on all computers where you intend to run QuickBooks.

Step 2: If necessary: Copy the company file to a computer where the new version of QuickBooks is installed.

If your company file (or backup) is located on a computer that doesn't have the new version of QuickBooks installed, you will need to copy the file to a computer where the new version is installed. converting data from other programs, . It's not recommended that you update a company file across a network connection as it may result in damage to the file.

(Skip this step if your company file is already on a computer that has the new version installed.)

1. On a computer where the new version of QuickBooks is installed, right-click the Windows Start button and then click Explore.

2. Browse to the computer where the company file is located and then browse to the folder where the company file is.

3. Copy and paste your company file (.qbw) and the transaction log file (.tlg) (2006 version data files and newer).

   Note: If the extensions of your files are not displayed, right-click the file in question and click Properties. converting data from other programs, . Note the type of file listed on the General tab. converting data from other programs, . A Company file is listed as QuickBooks Company File and a transaction log file is listed as QuickBooks Transaction Log File.

   1. Right-click the company file and then click Copy.

   2. Browse to a location on the local computer where you will temporarily store the file during the update process and click Paste.

   3. 2006 company files and newer only: Right-click the transaction log file and click Copy. converting data from other programs, . The transaction log file has the same name as your company file but uses the .tlg extension.

   4. Browse to the same location where you pasted the company file, right-click the location, and then click Paste.

Step 3: Open the company file or restore the backup in the new version of QuickBooks.

1. Open the new version of QuickBooks.

2. Go to the File menu and click Open or Restore Company.

3. Open the company file or restore the backup:

   If you're using a company file (.qbw):

   1. Click Open a company file (.QBW or .QBA) and then click Next.

   2. Browse to the location of the company file to be updated, click to select the file, and then click Open.

   3. In the Update Company File for New Version window, click to select the I understand that my company file will be updated to this new version of QuickBooks checkbox.

   4. When prompted to make a backup of the file before it's updated, click OK.

      Important: This backup is what you use in case there are data issues during the update process. converting data from other programs, . Be sure to save this backup until you are sure your company file works in the new version.

   5. Click Browse to select a location for this backup and then click OK.

   6. Click Yes when prompted to confirm the file update.

   If you're using a backup (.qbb):

   1. Click Restore a backup copy (.QBB) and then click Next.

   2. Click Local backup and then click Next.

   3. Browse to the location of the backup file, select it, and then click Open.

   4. Click Next to select a location for the company file that will be created by restoring this backup file.

   5. Browse to a location to save the company file. converting data from other programs, . If you'd like to change the name of the file being created, type it in the File name field. converting data from other programs, . Otherwise, click Save.

   6. When prompted to verify that you want to update the file to work in the new version, type yes to confirm.

   7. Click Yes when prompted to confirm again.

4. If you copied your company file to another computer to update it, be sure to copy the updated company file (.qbw) back to the original location.

After the update is complete, you are ready to use your company file in the new version of QuickBooks.