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PetraFischer
May 30, 2020
Question

Open Back up file

  • May 30, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 3 views

I just recently bought a new MacBook. I did a back up on my old Computer. Quickbooks 2019. Transferred that file to my new one, installed QB 2019 on the new computer. Now I am unable to open that file. I did saved the file in my documents. When I try to open it, it gives me the message "the document could not be open" . Not sure what to do .Thanks for your help.

Petra

1 reply

R
ReymondOModerator
Moderator
May 30, 2020

I'll help you convert your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Windows file to QBDT for Mac, @PetraFischer.

It could be that the file extension is incorrect. This is the reason why you're getting the error when converting your file. No worries, I can provide the steps on how you can properly move company files. Here's how:

 

Step 1: On your Windows computer

 

  1. Update QBDT for Windows to the latest release.
  2. Open the file as the administrator.
  3. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities. Click Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, then follow the onscreen instructions. QuickBooks will create a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
  4. You’ll see a message that says "It looks like ‘QuickBooks for Windows’ might be a better fit for your company," Make sure to check what data isn’t converted from Windows. If you want to continue, click Yes.
  5. Go to the folder you want to save the file in. Name the file, and select Save. Make sure to not use special characters in the file name.
  6. Move the file to your Mac by using any storage device such as USB flash drive, etc.

 

Step 2: Restore the MAC.qbb backup on your Mac. This file is a copy of a QBDT company file that you can restore in QuickBooks for Mac. Here’s how:

 

  1. Update QBDT for Mac to the latest release.
  2. Close QuickBooks.
  3. Copy the backup to the Documents folder on your Mac.
  4. Reopen QBDT for Mac, then select File, then select Open Company.
  5. Click the MAC.qbb file, then select Open.
  6. Click OK when asked if you want to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
  7. Enter a name for the restored file, and then select Save.

 

Also, here are the list of data that can and can't be converted from Windows to QBDT for Mac.

Don't hesitate to tag my name in the comment section below if you have other concerns or questions. I'm always ready to help.

P
PetraFischerAuthor
May 30, 2020

Thank you for your answer. Both of my computers are MacBooks.

Any other ideas?

Thank you

Petra

J
JonpriL
Level 9
May 30, 2020

Hello there, @PetraFischer!

 

Let''s open the backup copy of your company file directly from the QuickBooks app so you access it without any errors.

  1. Go to File.
  2. Select Open or Restore Company.
  3. Click Restore a Backup File.
  4. Select Local backup.
  5. Find and open the backup copy of your company file.
  6. Select the location where you’d like to save the restored file.
  7. Click Save.

In addition, I've got you this helpful article you can read to learn more: Company file is missing or cannot be found.

 

Lastly, here's a few articles you can read for ideas about managing your account and related transactions: Help Articles for QuickBooks Desktop for MAC.

 

If there's anything else that I can help you with, please let me know in the c=comment section down below I'll be always around ready to help.

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