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capnomo
February 17, 2022
Question

Need to downgrade an updated QB (2020) file to work with older version (2018)

  • February 17, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 38 views

Hi all, last year I updated my long running QB 2018 ent. because certain features stopped working. My company is winding down and the subscription fee is just too much. I need to go back to my QB2018 and revert my file to work with this version. The only solution I have been able to find was saving the file in portable format and importing it into the 2018 version, which I tried and it didn't work, giving me a similar error. Any help will be appreciated.

3 replies

JasroV
JasroV
Level 8
February 17, 2022

I admire you for taking the time in telling us about your concern, @capnomo.

 

The process of upgrading your company file in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) is irreversible. Thus, it isn't possible to downgrade your file.

 

As a way around, you can look for a third-party app that lets you revert your 2020 file back to the 2018 file. Simply hover to the App Center in your QBDT or visit our Apps for QuickBooks Desktop page for reference. 

 

Moving forward, you'll want to create a backup copy of your company file before you upgrade it to a newer version of QBDT. This way, you can still access your file in your older version of QBDT.

 

Furthermore, I'm attaching this article that you can utilize in case you need to import some data to your QBDT: Import and export data in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

You can always count on me if you need more help with your company files or with QBDT. Keep me posted by tagging me in your reply. Keep safe and have a good one!

C
capnomoAuthor
February 18, 2022

Thanks @JasroV ! I now realize that I cannot downgrade my file to be readable by 2018 but I do have 2018 backup except it is from last year just before upgrading to 2020. I now have installed 2018 and restored the file from last year but now I'm missing all last year's transactions. Is there a way to export last year's transactions from the 2020 file and import them into the 2018 file? The link you included talks about import/export of customers and vendors but not the transactions.

Thanks!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 14
February 18, 2022

@capnomo 

You may have 2 options:

1. If you prefer to use QBD 2018 Enterprise, you will have to migrate your data with a 3rd party tool.

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd

 

2. If you are concerned about the subscription license, you can still purchase a one-time license for QBD 2021 Pro/Premier. You can purchase a 3rd party service to downgrade your Enterprise file. Contact us in private for details.

    E
    ECSailingPVS
    March 29, 2022

    What's a one time license for 2021?

      Fiat Lux - ASIA
      Fiat Lux - ASIA
      Level 14
      March 29, 2022
      @ECSailingPVS 
      Contact us in private for assistance. We can help to provide a legit one time license for QBD 2021 Pro/Premier/Accountant edition .
      L
      LeizylMQuickBooks Team
      QuickBooks Team
      February 18, 2022

      Hi there, capnomo.

       

      I'd be glad to provide some information about importing data from QuickBooks Desktop 2020 to QuickBooks 2018.
       

      Downgrading company file is unavailable with QuickBooks. Although we can open QuickBooks 2018 to QuickBooks 2020 version, not the other way around. 

       

      Also, I agree with Fiat Lux - ASIA's suggestion to look for third-party applications in our marketplace to incorporate with QuickBooks that can help you import or downgrade the file. Here's where you can check for a supported app that can successfully integrate with QuickBooks Desktop: Apps for QuickBooks Desktop.

       

      Additionally, I've included an article that'll help you learn more about the new and improved features the latest version offers. This helps you manage the features that can benefit your business: What’s New in QuickBooks Desktop 2022.

       

      You can always get back to me in this thread if you have other follow-up questions or concerns about importing process. I’ll be around ready to help you. Stay safe!

      C
      capnomoAuthor
      February 18, 2022

      @LeizylM  I am sorry but your answer has nothing to do with what I said in my post, did you read my post or is this an automated answer?

      J
      JonpriL
      Level 9
      February 18, 2022

      Hi @capnomo, I'll help share details about your transactions.

       

      Yes, you can generate a report showing a list of 2020 transactions directly from your bank account website. Then, import the file to the 2018 restored back up copy of your company data.

       

      Use this link to read and learn more about downloading transactions from your bank: Import Web Connect (.qbo) File of Bank Transactions in QuickBooks Desktop.

       

      You may also read this article in case an error message prompt occur while importing your transactions: How to Fix (.qbo) File Import Issues in QuickBooks Desktop?

       

      I've got you covered if you have question about your bank account and transactions in QuickBooks. Use the Reply option below and leave a comment. Take care always!

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