QBO: "We're Sorry, But We Can't Export Your Data"
How to resolve the QuickBooks Online error that prevents data export, typically caused by existing employee records.
Overview
If you see the error message "We're sorry, but we can't export your data" in QuickBooks Online, it usually means there is a conflict in your QBO company that is blocking the export or import process. The most common cause is existing employee records that need to be removed before the operation can proceed.
The Error Message
The full message typically reads something like: "Before you can import this data, you must sign in to QBO and delete all employees." This indicates that employee records in the target QuickBooks Online company are conflicting with the data you are trying to export or import.
How to Fix It
Step 1: Sign in to QuickBooks Online
Log into the QuickBooks Online company where the error is occurring.
Step 2: Remove Employee Records
Navigate to the Employees or Payroll section and delete all employee records from the company. This clears the conflict that is blocking the data transfer.
Step 3: Purge and Reset (If Needed)
In some cases, you may need to perform a full company purge/reset to clear all existing data before importing. This is common when setting up a fresh QBO company for data migration from QuickBooks Desktop.
To reset your QBO company:
- Go to Settings (Gear icon) > Account and Settings.
- Look for the option to purge or reset the company data.
- Follow the prompts to clear the data.
Step 4: Retry the Export/Import
After clearing the employee records (and purging if necessary), retry the export or import process. The error should no longer appear.
Important Notes
- Purging a QBO company deletes all existing data. Only do this if you are certain you want to start fresh.
- Back up any data you need before purging.
- If you are migrating from QuickBooks Desktop, make sure the QBO company is clean before starting the migration.