Updating (converting) your company file to a newer version of QuickBooks

After installing a new version of QuickBooks, update your company data file by opening it in the new version. . This process updates company files from any older version of QuickBooks to a newer one.

Do not update over a network. Be sure the company data file is stored on the same computer you are using to update it. . You might need to copy the file from another computer, and then copy it back after you finish updating it.

Only the Admin user can update the file (QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise only). . If you never created other users and roles in QuickBooks, you are automatically the Admin user. . If you see the message, "The company file needs to be updated. . Please ask your QuickBooks administrator to update the file," you are not logged in to your data file as the Admin user.

After updating your data file, it does not open in previous versions of QuickBooks. This is why QuickBooks automatically backs up your data file before updating it. . if you need to go back, you can always restore the backup to your old version of QuickBooks. . Also, if you need to start the update again, you can restore the backup to your new version of QuickBooks.

You cannot convert QuickBooks Enterprise data to QuickBooks Simple Start, Pro, or Premier. Enterprise data files only work in Enterprise editions of QuickBooks.

QuickBooks Pro or Premier files cannot be converted to a later version of QuickBooks Simple Start. For example, a QuickBooks Pro 2008 file will not convert to Simple Start 2009. . Data and products that will update or convert to QuickBooks Simple Start provides more information.

Verify your company file after you finish. Make sure the updated data file is in good shape by running the Verify Data utility.

If you installed QuickBooks 2007 or later, the data file from your earlier version of QuickBooks may have been moved to a new folder:

• Windows Vista: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
• Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files

If you cannot find your data file in its original location, and if it is not in one of the folders listed above, search your hard drive for *.qbw files and try to find it that way. . Be sure you include hidden files and folders in your search criteria.

1. Open the new version of QuickBooks.
2. Click File >Open or Restore Company.
3. Click Open a company file and click Next.
4. Browse to your data file, select it, and click Open.
5. If QuickBooks displays the Move Company File window, read and follow the instructions shown there.
6. Read the information in the Update Company File for New Version window, check the box to show you understand, and click Update Now.
7. Follow the instructions to back up the company file and make a note of where you put it, in case you need to refer to it later.
8. When the message, "You are about to open a company file using a newer version of QuickBooks...Do you want to continue?" appears, click Yes.
9. (Recommended) After the company file is updated:
   • Store the backup you created in step 7 in a safe place until you know you will not need it again.
   • If you copied the data file from another computer to update it, copy it back again.

If this solution does not resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free or you can contact a technical support agent for additional guidance. . Fees may apply.