Moving company data file from old computer to new computer

QB Issue Resolution:

There will come a time when you need to move your company data file from your old computer to a new computer. You will need to take several steps:

Back up your data file on your old computer.
Copy the back up from your old computer to your new computer.
Install QuickBooks on the new computer.
Restore the back up on the new computer.
Uninstall QuickBooks from the old computer.
This process does not affect your QuickBooks license.

Caveats
Important:

Be sure you either move or rename the file on the old computer so you don’t accidentally work in the wrong file.

These instructions are for moving your data from one computer to another. If you need to share your company file over a network, you can read more about how to host QuickBooks data files in multi-user mode

If you use QuickBooks to do your payroll, be sure to download the latest payroll tax table after moving your company file.

Never restore a company file without renaming it first because you might overwrite your existing company file. If you do, you will lose all data in your existing company file.

How to fix it

Solution 1: Back up and restore your company file.

Install QuickBooks on the new computer.
Create a backup of your company file on the old computer.
Copy the backup to your new computer:
Via a flash drive or other removable storage device.
Through your network if the computers are connected.

Copy the file from your CD, USB flash drive, or other removable storage device to the new computer.
Restore it on the new computer.
Uninstall QuickBooks from the old computer.
The QuickBooks backup function in QuickBooks saves everything you need to re-create your company file and QuickBooks environment in a new location. QuickBooks also has other add-on program options that, if used, would need to be moved along with the company file. These related files are not automatically restored to prevent the possibility of overwriting other existing related files that you may want to keep. Refer to restore other files not included with a restored company file backup for more information on howe to bring these files into the restored company file.

Solution 2: Restore an Intuit Data Protect (IDP) to your new computer.

Use the same process as in Solution 1, but restore files saved via IDP. IDP will not back up ancillary files so you must IDP to back up folder containing these files:

Files that are in the QuickBooks data folder:

Logos and images files.
Transaction log (.tlg) file
Network data (.nd) file.
Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) file.
Business Planner (.bpw)file. QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Enterprise only.
Loan Manager (.lmr) file.

Files that are in other locations:

QuickBooks letters and templates.
Printer setting: These files will be recreated by QuickBooks.
Spell checker.
QuickBooks Statement Writer QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions only.
Fixed Asset Manager.

Solution 3: Move the entire QuickBooks Data Folder.

You can move your Company File from one computer to another without using the Backup function. Moving the Company File (.QBW) will have no effect on your data, but there are a few things that do not come over when moving the Company File (.QBW) without using the backup function. Refer to restore other files not included when moving a company file for more information on howe to bring these files into the restored company file.

First, be sure you know the current location of your Company Folder.
If you are already in your company file (.QBW), hit F2 or CTRL + 1 on your keyboard and make a note of the path.
If your data file (.QBW)is not open, start QuickBooks. In the No Company Open window, note the path of the file you are moving.

Navigate to the folder. Right-click on the folder and choose Copy.
Navigate to where you want to move the folder (USB drive, network drive, external hard drive, etc) right click and choose Paste.
Move the portable drive to the new computer and copy the folder to the hard drive.
Now you can start QuickBooks and open the company file from the new location.
Files not stored in the QuickBooks Data folder (see above) will not be moved.

If these solutions don’t resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free. You can contact an agent for additional guidance. Fees may apply.