Moving QuickBooks Desktop to another computer can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right tools and guidance, it can be a seamless process. In this article, you will learn how to move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer, including how to use the Migrator Tool and what you'll need to get started.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer with ease
- Use the Migrator Tool to transfer your QuickBooks files
- Ensure you have the necessary tools and information before beginning the process
Move QuickBooks Desktop using the Migrator Tool
To move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer, users can utilize the Migrator Tool. This tool is available for US versions of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or newer as a single user. It allows users to move QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer. To use the Migrator Tool, users must be the Company Admin.
Here are the steps to move QuickBooks Desktop using the Migrator Tool:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and navigate to the File menu.
- Select Utilities and then select Move QuickBooks to another computer.
- Select I'm Ready, then create a one-time password.
- Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you'll use.
- Wait for the files to be copied.
- On the new computer, insert the USB flash drive and open the files.
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
It is important to note that if users have multiple users or use a network, they should contact a QuickBooks expert for assistance with moving QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.
How the Migrator Tool Works
The Migrator Tool is a built-in feature in QuickBooks Desktop that allows users to move their QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer. To use the Migrator Tool, the user must be the Company Admin.
The process is simple: the user creates a complex password to unlock everything that is copied to the new computer. This password is only needed once and only for the migrator tool. The tool will then copy up to the last three company files opened (and all supporting files) to a USB flash drive.
The user will then use the USB flash drive to move the files, but the Migrator Tool does all the technical work. The tool will download the correct version of QuickBooks Desktop to the new computer and set it up with the user's files. It's important to note that the tool won't reformat the drive or erase any other files.
Overall, the Migrator Tool is an easy and efficient way to move QuickBooks Desktop and company files to a new computer.
What You'll Need
To move QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer, you will need to have the following:
- A new computer connected to the internet.
- A USB flash drive with enough free space to hold your QuickBooks files. The Migrator Tool will tell you how much free space you need. Most people need between 150 and 250 MB.
Ensure that you have these two things before proceeding with the migration process.
How to Set Up and Use the Migrator Tool
QuickBooks Desktop offers a Migrator Tool that allows users to move their QuickBooks data from one computer to another. This tool is useful for users who have recently upgraded their computer or need to transfer their QuickBooks data to a new computer. The following steps outline how to set up and use the Migrator Tool.
Step 1: On the Old Computer
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Open QuickBooks and navigate to the File menu.
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Select Utilities and then select Move QuickBooks to another computer.
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Click I'm Ready and create a one-time password.
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Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you will use.
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Wait for the files to be copied.
Step 2: On the New Computer
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Insert the USB flash drive into the new computer.
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Open the flash drive to view its files and double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to start the migrator.
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Enter the password you created and select Let's go.
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Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish. Note that the speed of your computer and internet, as well as the size of your company file(s), will affect the time it takes to complete the migration.
If the migrator does not open after selecting and running the file, it may be necessary to update the version of Windows 10.
It is important to note that the Migrator Tool automatically removes QuickBooks files from the USB flash drive when the migration is complete. To avoid using the wrong file, it is recommended to change the name of the file(s) on the old computer.
What to Do Next
After using the QuickBooks Desktop Migration tool to transfer your data to a new computer, there are a few additional steps you may need to take to ensure that everything is up and running smoothly.
Firstly, you may need to sign in to your payroll and payment services again. This is because these services are not included in the data that the migration tool copies over. Similarly, if you use Intuit Data Protect to back up your QuickBooks files, you will need to sign in again and set up your backup schedule on the new computer.
If you have any additional company files that were not copied over during the migration process, you will need to move these manually to the new computer. It is also recommended that you create a backup file of your company file on the new computer, as an extra precaution.
The QuickBooks Desktop Migration tool will copy a wide range of data over to your new computer, including QuickBooks Desktop details, recent company files, related files, custom templates and forms, QuickBooks letters and templates, scheduled and memorized reports, local attachments, printer settings, spell checker, financial statement designer, cash flow projector, business planner, loan manager, statement writer, and advanced reports. However, there are a few things that the tool will not copy over.
For instance, if you use QuickBooks Desktop in a multi-user setup, the configuration will not be copied over to the new computer. Similarly, if you have payroll or payments services set up on your old computer, you will need to sign in again on the new computer to ensure that your data is protected. Intuit Data Protect will also need to be uninstalled on the old computer and set up again on the new computer.
Any older company files that you have not recently opened will not be copied over by the migration tool. QuickBooks Desktop only copies the three most recently opened company files. Any other files will need to be moved manually or restored from Intuit Data Protect. Finally, any manual backups that you created will not be copied over by the migration tool.
To reinstall or move your QuickBooks Desktop installation, you will need to have your product and license information available. It is also recommended that you uninstall the existing QuickBooks application before attempting a reinstall. Once you have done this, you can download the installation files or insert the CD on the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed and install it as you normally would.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your QuickBooks data is fully transferred to your new computer and that you can continue to use the software without any issues.
