How to Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version?

When trying to Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version, you may not pass. This is because Intuit may not offer any features or services to change QuickBooks files to an old version.

But for any technical reason or emergency, if you are still thinking about how to open a particular company file to a previous version of QuickBooks, this article will be of great help. In today’s article, we will talk about different ways to open your company file with the help of an old version of QuickBooks Desktop.

How to Prepare QuickBooks Desktop Company Files Before Converting or Downgrading?

Before accessing any third-party service or application to downgrade your QuickBooks desktop file, you must ensure the protection and security of your particular company data.

Also, it is important to have an old QuickBooks version with its subscription to have perfect computability with the particular company file. So let us go ahead with the section below and complete the required preparation to downgrade with ease.

Install QuickBooks Desktop on both versions.

First, you need to select an old QuickBooks Desktop version to which you want to change and install it with the latest QuickBooks version. Also, check the version in use is not old or discontinued.

Take a backup of your Company File.

In order to open your company file in an old version, you need to take QuickBooks company file data backup and save it in a place where both the QuickBooks versions can be used easily. This also makes sure that the company file version can be restored whenever required.

Buy or install the Old QuickBooks Desktop version.

Once you have the old QuickBooks version, make sure that the product license of the last version is active. In case it is not, you must buy the product license or acquire a trial version to activate the particular program.

Here are the steps to activate your older QuickBooks Desktop version:

Launch QuickBooks Desktop of an old version.
Navigate to the help tab.
Now press on Manage my License.
Now enter the right License plus the Product number and then activate the program.

How to Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version?

It is not possible to retrieve an old backup file via the regular approach mentioned below:

File > Restore Company > Restore a backup function.

This is because different QuickBooks versions utilize a dissimilar process of compressing backup files.

Find the file that needs to be restored. Ideally, the file may be on a hard disk, USB, or external hard drive. Insert that into the computer.
Start QuickBooks.
Drag the File menu down and then select the option “ Open or Restore Company”
Choose the “ Restore a backup copy” option and then select “ Next”
Click “Local backup” and select “ Next”
Select the specific backup file (.QBB) that is required to be restored from the particular “ Open Backup Copy” window. Additionally, you can also opt for the “ Look in” feature to find out your file.
Select “ Open” and click “ Next” (When it comes to restoring a backup file from a removable media, it is imperative to inform QuickBooks where the restored file will be saved. This can be done by selecting the “Save in” arrow and locating the right folder to save the data.)
If required, select the Save in drop-down arrow and go to the location where you want to restore the specific backup file.
Choose the backup file, select Save, and reply to any messages QuickBooks might show.

What are the situations when you are required to change the Company file to a Previous Version?

Either you need to perform some changes in your payroll data or keep moving ahead with the old version of your particular company file, there can be scenarios when you may be required to convert or downgrade the data file:

You may transfer QuickBooks from one system to a different one, where an old version of QuickBooks is installed.
You may be required to sign in to a previous version of the company file to alter some of your specific transactions, any other payroll data, and customer vendors.
For technical reasons or to repair some irregularities.

See this: QuickBooks Error Unable to Open Company File

What services does QuickBooks offer to Downgrade/Convert Company Files?

Intuit does not offer any services or options for opening your company file in an older version of QuickBooks Desktop.

With the help of Intuit services, you can upgrade your company file version to a higher one. However, you cannot downgrade to an old version.

However, as a different alternative, certain third-party applications will assist you in changing your present version of the company to the last one. To do it, you need to go to the QuickBooks Desktop App Center and find the various conversions present there.

Apart from this, you can also get assistance from third-party downgrading services to open the previous version of QuickBooks company files swiftly.

But prior to that, you need to create the file and download or buy the old version of QuickBooks Desktop.

Also read this: How to QuickBooks Copy Company File with No Transactions?

What are the Impacts of Downgrading/Converting Your QuickBooks Company File?

In case your previous QuickBooks Subscription was not costly, and you wish to downgrade the present version to a previous one, it is possible to get it back. However, some of the improved features and data may be lost in the process:

Here are the types of features and data you can miss when downloading:

Recurring transactions: When using the downgraded QuickBooks desktop version, it is not possible to use recurring transactions which is one of the key features.
Inventory tracking: Do not forget that you will not be able to monitor your inventories in the downgraded version.
Third-party apps: With the help of the third-party integrated application, several benefits can be reaped and several tasks can be automated too. However, such benefits cannot be experienced when downgrading the company file or the version of QuickBooks.
Multi-Currency: This feature assists you in developing your business with foreign clients while getting paid easily and getting money in home currencies. However, the feature will not be present when using the previous QuickBooks version.

Note: While opening a company file in an older version, some of the transaction types may get erased. Hence, before converting to a previous version, make sure you do not forget the important points mentioned above and then begin with the downgrading.

How to Upgrade or Convert QuickBooks Company File?

First, you need to install the current version of QuickBooks Desktop software to upgrade or convert your company file.

Only Admin users are allowed to upgrade or convert company files in QuickBooks.

In case you are the only user of the company file, then you are the administrator too and you will be required to log in to the Admin user to move ahead with these steps.
In case you are not an admin and you wish to upgrade your particular QuickBooks Company file, then you will get the message, The Company File needs to be updated.
Please request your QuickBooks Administrator to update the company file.

Do not Update Company Files of QuickBooks over a Network.

It is crucial to update the company file, stored in a mapped drive or network. This will make conversion unprotected. It also makes the file vulnerable and prone to corruption.
The QuickBooks Desktop Company File should be saved locally on the desktop from where you are using it.

Upgraded QuickBooks Data File Failed to open in last versions

When you change the QuickBooks Company file to a current version, then the older version of QuickBooks will not be able to open it.
Before updating it, QuickBooks Desktop will back up your data file automatically. If you wish to get back to the older version, it is possible to restore this backup with the last QuickBooks version.
In case the transfer procedure is disturbed for some reason, then the backup can be restored with the current QuickBooks Desktop version in order to reboot the upgrade.

Enterprise Company File only works in QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise versions.

If you want to use the old version to the current version for converting or updating the company file, then implement the steps given below:

Recover and confirm your company data file.
In case the verification procedure fails, then you need to use the qbwin.log file to categorize and resolve error commands.
Once the upgrade is over, ensure that the modified data file is in perfect condition by running the verify data utility. In case the steps do not work out, repeat the steps performed before.

Read this: How to Repair QuickBooks Company File?

How to Switch QuickBooks Online From QuickBooks Desktop?

Upgrade or Downgrade Your QuickBooks Online Edition

We aim to assist you in discovering the optimal accounting tools tailored to your business needs. QuickBooks seamlessly scales alongside your business expansion. As your requirements evolve, you have the flexibility to enhance your subscription, unlocking additional features. If your current subscription doesn't align with your needs, we're here to guide you through a smooth transition to a more suitable plan.

You can upgrade or downgrade your QuickBooks Online subscription here.

Notes

If you're an accountant, discover the process of upgrading or downgrading your clients' QuickBooks Online subscription.
It's important to note that QuickBooks Online editions cannot be downgraded to QuickBooks Ledger.

Upgrade Your Edition

Step 1: Choose a New Plan

See which subscription level is right for you by checking out the available pricing plans.

Step 2: Upgrade your Subscription

Log in to QuickBooks Online as the primary or company administrator.
Navigate to Settings ⚙ and click on Subscriptions and Billing.
Ensure that your payment information is current.
In the QuickBooks Online section, click on Upgrade your plan.
Examine the available plans and then click on Choose plan.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process of upgrading your plan.

Note: Learn how to upgrade from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online.

Downgrade Your Edition

Before opting to downgrade, ensure that you won't lose any crucial features. Additionally, be mindful that the act of downgrading removes any discounts applied to your existing plan.

Step 1: Choose a new plan

To find out what subscription level is right for you, take a look at the available pricing plans.

Step 2: Turn Off Features in Your Current Plan

To downgrade, you may need to turn off certain features. If you use any of these features, follow the steps below:

Recurring transaction templates can be paused

If you intend to transition to QuickBooks Online Simple Start, deactivate your recurring transaction templates first, as this plan does not accommodate recurring transactions:

Navigate to Settings ⚙ and choose Recurring transactions.
Pick a template, then click on the Edit ▼ dropdown.
Choose Pause, and confirm by selecting Pause again.

Remove Extra Users

Users may need to be removed depending on the plan you downgrade to. Read more about user limits.

Learn More About Multicurrency

QuickBooks Online Simple Start does not offer support for multi-currency. If you currently have the multicurrency feature activated, transitioning to QuickBooks Simple Start will not be possible.

Turn Off Inventory

If you plan to transition to QuickBooks Online Simple Start or Essentials, deactivate your inventory items. These subscription tiers do not support inventory tracking. Only QuickBooks Online Plus allows you to monitor inventory.

Step 1: Save Your Financial Reports

To keep track of your current quantities, run a report of all your products or services:

Navigate to Reports.
Look for and open the Product/Service List report.
Click on Customize.
Choose the Filter section.
In the Deleted dropdown, opt for All.
Click on Run Report.
Print or export your report.

Step 2: Deactivate Your Inventory

Your inventory items' quantities reset to zero when you downgrade. Your items stay in QuickBooks, but you cannot track their quantity:

Head to Settings and choose Products & services.
Click on the Filter icon.
In the Status dropdown, choose All.
In the Type dropdown, opt for Non-inventory.
Click on Apply. This displays all your non-inventory items and conceals the Service items you intend to retain.
Tick the checkbox beside the Name column to select all inventory items on the list.
Open the Batch actions dropdown and choose to make inactive.
Confirm by selecting Yes.

Step 3: Downgrade Your Plan

Log in to QuickBooks Online as the primary or company administrator.
Click on Settings, then choose Subscriptions and Billing.
Ensure your payment information is current.
In the QuickBooks Online section, click on Downgrade your plan.

Note: If you're downgrading from QuickBooks Online Advanced, you'll be directed to contact us for assistance with the process.

Review the available plans and then click on Choose plan.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the downgrade process.

Switch Back to Your Previous Edition

If you choose to revert to your previous subscription level, be sure to re-enable features manually. Your inventory and recurring transaction templates won't be activated automatically.
If you decide to return to your previous subscription level, remember to turn the features back on. Your inventory, recurring transaction templates, and apps won't activate automatically.

Final Words

We hope that after reading this article, you now have learned how to convert or upgrade the company files to a new QuickBooks Desktop version.

Still, if you experience any kind of issue or need assistance in dealing with this issue, you can get in touch with our team of QuickBooks experts. Give us a call at +1800-961-4963.

Need Professional Help?

If you get stuck anywhere in the process, feel free to get in touch with SMB experts via email or live chat, Which is available 24/7 on smbaccountants.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: When “Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version” is Required?

Ans: Sometimes upgraded editions are unable to fit your business requirements. So, the user is required to downgrade to run the business function correctly. Converting QuickBooks Files into an older version is easy, you just need to restore the older version from the saved files.

Q 2: How Can I Convert a QuickBooks File into an Older Version?

Ans: Go to the “Select the Backup file from you to want to restore” and enter your backup file name from your QuickBooks. Hit the ellipse (...) button to view the backup file. Enter your next click on the “Where you want to save the restored files” and enter the File name which you want to restore. Wait until the restoration program is completed, and hit the save button when it appears.

Q 3: How Can I Access the Data While Converting QuickBooks Files into an Older Version?

Ans: Once you restore your selected edition, then open the File menu. From the available options, click on “Restore Company” and hit “Restore a backup copy” Then locate and open the Backup copy of your company data and hit the Open button and you are all done with this process.

Q 4: Can Newer Versions of QuickBooks Open Older Versions?

Ans: In the wake of updating the company file, it is unimaginable to expect to open the company file in older renditions of QuickBooks. On the off chance that you want to utilize your past QuickBooks form, you want to enter the exchanges from the new file to the bygone one physically.

Q 5: Restore QuickBooks Backup to Older Version

Ans: For the restoration of the backup of your company file, you need to follow the below steps in the same order: First of all, Select File >> Open or restore company >> and then restore a backup copy. After restoring the backup of the company file, you need to click on Next >> local Backup >> then Next again.

Q 6: How Do I Rollback a QuickBooks Version?

Ans: To downgrade your QuickBooks Online plan, follow these steps:

Go to the QuickBooks Online section and select "Downgrade your plan."
If you're downgrading from QuickBooks Online Advanced, you may be prompted to call customer support for assistance.
Review the available plans and select "Choose a plan."
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the plan downgrade process.

Q 7: Can I Downgrade my QuickBooks version?

Ans: Sign in to QuickBooks Online as a primary or company admin. , then Subscriptions and billing. Make sure your payment info is up to date. In the QuickBooks Online section, select Downgrade your plan.

Q 8: How do I switch back to old QuickBooks?

Ans: Then click the +New button. Under the Customers column, select Invoice. In the upper-right corner, click the Old Layout button.

Q 9: How do I convert a QB file?

Ans: Convert Your Company File: Open QuickBooks Pro and navigate to “File” > “Open or Restore Company.” Select “Convert an Accountant's Copy Transfer File,” and then choose your Enterprise data file (with a . QBX extension). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the conversion.

How to Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version

How to Prepare QuickBooks Desktop Company Files Before Converting or Downgrading?