Transfer QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer: Complete Guide

Transfer QuickBooks Desktop to another computer is itself a hectic task for users of QuickBooks. Tons of data would shift from one computer to another and require critical attention. Losing a single file could cost a lot.

You will need to use the Migrator tool in doing so. However, users of QuickBooks chose a senior QuickBooks specialist to complete such a task. 

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

• Looking to outsource the task 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.
• Fear of losing your QuickBooks data and company files.
• There is a gap in technical expertise to successfully conduct the task.
• Dial +1(866)500-0076 if you want to outsource the task of transferring QuickBooks to another 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.
• Make sure you know the proper use of the Migrator tool.

Learn to transfer QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.

How the Migrator Tool Works

• Create a complex password to unlock all the details that are copied to your new PC.
• Make sure to note down the password since it 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 need 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 to 250 MB.

Learn More – Update QuickBooks Desktop

Learn to set up and use the QB 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 > 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, 
• To let you know, the Migrator tool will not open automatically, and the reason is Windows security restrictions.
• Now, to view the files in it, open the flash drive.
• 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.
• You may need to move over any additional company files from your old PC to your new PC.
• Create a backup of your company file.

Details that 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.

Details that Migrator Tool does not copy to another computer

• Intuit Data Protect: 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.
• 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.
• Backup Files: Manual backups would not be copied.

Also See – Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop

Transfer your company file to another computer

Note:- 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 tax table if you use payroll. 

Move or reinstall your QuickBooks manually without using 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 the desktop?

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

• It must be in the format: 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. 

Read More – QuickBooks Migration Tool

Conclusion

In this guide, we showed how you can transfer QuickBooks Desktop to another computer. To do so, you must first install the QuickBooks application on your new PC and then use the Migrator tool.

We would like to thank you for being with us! You can bookmark this guide for your future reference. Transferring QuickBooks to another computer is not easy to do, and if you find the matter complicated, do not hesitate to contact a senior QuickBooks specialist at +1(866)500-0076.

Frequently Asked Questions

I do not have my QuickBooks license and product numbers. What do I do?

In case you forget or lose your license and product number, you should contact either your vendor from where you purchased the software, or you can contact our senior QuickBooks specialist at +1(866)500-0076. 

What are the challenges that I could encounter while transferring QuickBooks Desktop to another computer? 

There are certainly a few challenges that you could face while transferring QuickBooks Desktop to another computer. Challenges include data size, damaged data, data security, and privacy. These are certain challenges that require your critical attention. 

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 due to data security concerns. 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. 

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

• Yes, you need to register again for QuickBooks.
• Click on the Help menu 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.

How long does it take to transfer QuickBooks data to another computer?

If you are transferring data by yourself, it may take up to 72 hours to transfer QuickBooks Desktop. In case you outsource this task to our senior QuickBooks specialist, it would hardly take a few hours to complete the transfer.

How can I register QuickBooks on a new computer?

Registering QuickBooks on a new computer is an easy process.

• Go to the Help menu.
• Click on Register QuickBooks.

Finally, enter your login details that would include your phonenumber, licensenumber, and productnumber, etc.