Move QuickBooks to a New Computer with a Complete Roadmap

Moving QuickBooks to a new computer is itself a hectic task for users of QuickBooks accounting software. The roadmap to move QuickBooks may be clear, but it requires keen attention, software awareness, and a bit of technical knowledge to successfully conduct the task of moving QuickBooks to a new computer.

In this dedicated guide on the topic of moving QuickBooks to a new computer, we have covered A-Z steps to finish the task with 100% efficiency. Walk through this guide and move your QuickBooks to your new PC.

Call a Senior QuickBooks Specialist +1(866)500-0076 if:

• You do not want to risk your QuickBooks data and company files.
• You do not have enough technical knowledge to conduct this task successfully.
• Hectic task to perform, and you can outsource it to a senior QuickBooks specialist.
• Not sure how to perform the task and confused about decision-making about self-attempt or taking from a senior QuickBooks specialist.
• Dial +1(866)500-0076 if you want to outsource to move QuickBooks to a new computer.

What to do before you start?

• Take a fresh backup of your company files.
• Walk through this guide and confirm if you can perform the technical steps below. 
• Keep handy your license and product number to register QuickBooks on your new PC. 

Learn to move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.

Move your QuickBooks Desktop using the Migrator Tool

How the Migrator Tool Works

• Create a complex password to unlock all the details that are copied to your new PC.
• Ensure to write down the password since the password is complex. This password is only usable once and only in the case of the migrator tool.
• The Migrator tool can copy the last three company files that you opened to a USB flash drive. 
• You are required to use the USB flash drive to move the files with all the technical work performed via the Migrator tool.
• The Migrator tool would download QuickBooks Desktop version to your new PC and perform the setup function with your files.
• The tool would not format your drive.

What will you need while performing these functions?

• Keep a stable internet connection with your new PC.
• You must have a USB flash drive with free space that is enough to hold your QB files.

Note:- The Migrator tool will notify you regarding the free space you need to get things done. Usually, it is between 150 and 250 MB.

Learn to set up and use the Migrator tool

In this section, we will learn to set up the migrator tool and use it for our purpose.

Step 1: On your Current PC

In QuickBooks:

• Click on the File and choose Utilities.
• Click on Move QuickBooks to another computer.
• Finally, click on the ” I’m Ready option and create a one-time password.

• Now, carry on with the on-screen instructions and choose the USB flash drive that you would use.
• Simply wait for a while and let the files get copied.

Step 2: On your New PC.

• Insert your USB flash drive, and to let you know, the Migrator tool will not open automatically. The reason is Windows security restrictions.
• Now, open the flash drive to view the files in it.
• Double-click on the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to start the migrator.
• Enter your password that was created and click on Let’s go.

• Simply hold on for a while and let the Migrator Tool finish its function.

Note:- Your system’s hardware, the size of your company’s file, and disk space are responsible for finishing the above task in a timely manner.

What needs to be done Next?

It is a fact that the tool does not copy some of the information, so you need to take a few more steps to set up everything.

You may need to:

• Log in to your payroll and payment services and to your Intuit Data Protect.
• Set up your backup schedule.
• From your old PC to your new PC, you may need to move over any additional company files.
• Create a backup of your company file.

What can the Migrator Tool copy from your old PC?

The tool will copy:

• QuickBooks Desktop details that include the version and other details needed to install QB Desktop on your new PC.

What would the Migrator Tool not copy to your new computer?

• Multi-user setup: The configuration to set up multi-user mode would not get copied, and you need to set up a fresh multi-user environment.
• Payroll and Payment setup: You need to set up your payroll and payment setup again since it won’t be copied to protect your data.
• Intuit Data Protect: The first step in this case is that you need to uninstall it on your old PC and then sign in again to the application and complete the setup process.
• Older Company Files: The company files that you have not opened recently would not be copied. To let you know, QuickBooks copies only the three recently opened company files. For any other files, you are required to move them manually or restore from your Intuit Data Protect.
• Backup Files: Manual backups would not be copied.

Move your company file to another computer

To be Noted:- Moving the company file to another computer would not affect your QuickBooks product license.

• The first step is to ensure that you install the QuickBooks Desktop application on your new PC.
• Proceed with the steps to create a backup company file on your previous PC.
• Give your backup file a unique name so that you can easily identify it. Additionally, this prevents accidental overwrites.
• Save the backup file at an easy-to-reach location like your Desktop.

• Now, move your QuickBooks backup file to your new PC, and you can put your backup either on a flash drive or an external drive.
• Restore the backup on your new computer and ensure that you have a unique file name.

• You need to download the latest Payroll tax table if you use payroll.

Move your company file to another location on the same computer.

• Create a backup of the company file.
• Give this file a unique name while saving the application. It would help you to easily identify it and prevent accidental overwrites.
• Now, save the backup data at an easy-to-reach location like your Windows Desktop screen.

Note:- In case your company file is hosted on a network, you need to save the backup on your PC’s local hard drive.

• Simply restore the backup to the new folder and ensure to give it a unique name.

Once you restore the backup, use it as your main company file. We recommend that you rename your existing company file with the extension .old.

How to manually move or reinstall your QuickBooks without the use of the Migrator Tool?

• Reinstall or move your QuickBooks Desktop application:
• Keep handy your product and license information.

• Uninstall your current QB application before you try to reinstall the latest QuickBooks application.
• Download the installation files or insert the QuickBooks software CD into the PC where you want to install the QB Desktop application.
• Finally, install the QuickBooks Desktop.

Learn to find the migration tool to go back to desktop?

• Log in to your QuickBooks Online.
• In the URL, replace anything after /app/ with exportqbodataoqbdt.

• It should look like: https://app.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt. 
• Click on Get Started in the Export overview tab.
• Finally, click on the Download tool to download the QuickBooks migration tool. 

• Once the download completes, launch the installer and run it.
• Proceed with the on-screen instructions and get the installation done. 

Conclusion

In short, to move QuickBooks to a new computer, you are required to first install the QuickBooks application on your new PC and then use the Migrator tool using the steps File > Utilities > Move QuickBooks to new computer.

We shared the concrete steps with you to get your task done with a 100% success rate. Since the solution and steps are inclined towards their technical nature. In case you find it hard to apply the steps, do not hesitate to contact a senior QuickBooks specialist at +1(866)500-0076. 

Users of QuickBooks have some common questions about reinstalling or moving an existing QuickBooks installation. 

To clear your doubts, if you have all the details that are needed to install QuickBooks, but you do not have the installation file, then you are required to download your QuickBooks version file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have my license and product numbers?

In case you are unable to find your license and product number, contact a QuickBooks specialist or your vendor to get the information. 

Do I need to register again after I reinstall or move QuickBooks?

• Yes, you need to register again for the QuickBooks application.
• Click on the Help in the QuickBooks application.
• Click on Register QuickBooks and start the process.
• Once you enter all the required information, Intuit will recognize the registration status of the copy of your QuickBooks and will also record the information for your new PC.

What about my company files while moving or reinstalling the QB application?

This is one of the most important data in the form of company files that would not get copied for the reason of data security. If you are reinstalling QuickBooks and overwriting your existing QB application, it will not affect your company files. You can simply open your company files as you usually do.

Where can I find the migration tool to go back to the desktop?

• Log in to your QuickBooks Online.
• In the URL, replace anything after /app/ with exportqbodataoqbdt.
• It should look like: https://app.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt. 
• Click on Get Started in the Export overview tab.
• Finally, click on the Download tool to download the migration tool. 
• Once the download completes, launch the installer and run it.
• Proceed with the on-screen instructions and get the installation done.