Upgrading your QuickBooks Company File

Applies to: All version and editions of QuickBooks.
Prerequisites: None.

Here’s how to upgrade your older company file to work in a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 1: Prep your company file

1. Open your original version of QuickBooks. Then open the company file you want to upgrade.
   You must open the company file as the Admin User and in Single-User Mode.
   
2. Complete a backup with Complete verification. This preps it for the upgrade.
   Select File, Back Up Company > Create Local Backup
   
   
3. On the next screen, you will select 'Options' to select a location for the backup.
   
   
4. On this window, select Browse to select a folder to store the backup.  Ensure Complete verification is selected, and click OK to proceed.
   
   Ignore any messages about remote computer or machine
   
   
5. Select Finish to start the backup.
   
   
6. The backup process with verify the data in you company file.
   
   
7. Once completed, you will see a message confirming the backup is complete.
8. Once the backup is complete, select File > then Exit QuickBooks. 

Step 2: Upgrade your company file

1. Make sure all users are logged out of your company file.
2. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Select Open or Restore Company. You can also go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
4. Browse to the location of your company file. Select it and then select Open.
5. Sign in to your company file as an Admin user.
6. Select Update Now to start the upgrade.
   
   
7. When QuickBooks is finished, select Done.