Preparing a file for conversion from QuickBooks for Macintosh to QuickBooks for Windows

The following versions of QuickBooks for Macintosh will convert to QuickBooks for Windows:

Mac 2010 will convert to Windows 2010

Mac 2009 will convert to Windows 2009

Mac 2007 will convert to Windows 2007 and 2008

Mac 2006 will convert to Windows 2006 and 2007

Mac 2005 will convert to Windows 2005, 2006 and 2007

Mac 6.0 will convert to Windows 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006

Mac 5.0 will convert to Windows 2003, 2004 and 2005

Due to the differences between the operating systems, converting a file from QuickBooks for Macintosh to QuickBooks for Windows requires some file preparation.

Preparing the file:

1. Copy the company file on the Desktop.
2. Check for any special characters in the file name, such as !@#$%^&*. . If there are any, rename the file and remove the special characters.
3. Open the file in QuickBooks and delete all memorized transactions and memorized reports.
4. Rebuild the company file.
5. Run the Custom Transaction Detail Report, changing the date range to All and enabling the Memo Column:
   1. Select the Reports menu and select Custom Transaction Detail Report. The Modify Report window opens.
   2. Click the Dates drop-down arrow and select All.
   3. Under Columns, click to select the Memo column. . A checkmark appears when the column is selected.
   4. Click OK to run the report.
6. Check for any memos with names that are longer than 50 characters or that contain special characters.
7. If any are found, edit the transactions and remove the memos. . Rebuild the file again.

Converting the file:

1. With the company file open in QuickBooks for Macintosh, select the File menu and select Backup to QuickBooks for Windows (it is also possible to click the Windows Backup icon on the far right side of the iconbar).
2. In the Save As field, type a name for this file or accept the default provided by the program. . In the Where field, it is best to simply save this file to your Desktop.
3. Click Save and allow the backup process to run. . You will receive notification when the process is complete at which time an instructional PDF file is offered for printing. . It's a good idea to print this for the QuickBooks Windows user to refer to when restoring the file.
4. The file has been automatically appended with the required .QBB extension necessary for restoring into QuickBooks for Windows. .

   Note: This file can now be transported via CD-ROM, Thumb-drive, flash or other USB device. . Intuit does not recommend emailing these files as there is the potential for unseen damage to the file.

5. In QuickBooks for Windows, click the File menu and select Restore. . Locate the .QBB file provided by the Mac user. . (It is recommended that the .QBB file be copied from the transport device to the computer desktop for easy location)
6. In the restore window, select the .QBB file (from the desktop) choose a location on your computer where you would like the file to be restored to and click Restore.
7. You will be prompted to convert the file, at which point you must type the word yes to continue. . At the conclusion of the conversion process the file will be open in QuickBooks for Windows and ready for review.

Returning the same file to QuickBooks for Mac:

1. Select the File menu and select Utilities > Copy Company File for QuickBooks for Mac. . The file will again be saved as a .QBB file with the word "MAC" appended to the file name.
2. Choose a location in which to save this file - Intuit recommends saving to the desktop for easier location.
3. At the conclusion of the backup process the .QBB file is now ready to be moved to any transport device named in the Note above.