Moving your company files to another computer

Created OnSeptember 24, 2018

byBruce Gillingham

Did you know that you can quickly move your QuickBooks Desktop company file from one computer to another? This process may come in handy in cases of a system crash, or if you want to upgrade your desktop computer or move your files. Note that migrating your company file to another computer does not affect your QuickBooks Desktop license.

If you’re using the US version of QuickBooks Desktop for a single user and you need to move both your product and company file, see the Migrator Tool section on Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer.

Important

Before moving your files, make sure that you have already installed QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer.
Rename your company file on the old computer to avoid using the wrong file
It is not recommended to overwrite a company file. It is best to rename it before you restore a copy since overwriting your file with the incorrect copy means losing your data.
If you are using payroll, download the latest tax table after you move your file.
If you have attached documents, the files will be unavailable until you manually move it to the correct location.

Solution 1: Backup and restore your file

Create a back up of your file on the old computer.
Copy the backup file to your new computer:
- using a flash drive or other external device; or
- through a network, if the computers are connected.
Restore the backup on your new computer.

Restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup

Data from add-ons, such as Loan Manager, may be excluded from the backup depending on their original location. You can restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup separately. To do this:

On the system where you restored the backup file, search for a folder called Restored_CompanyName_Files.
Note: This folder should be located in the same directory as your restored .qbw file.
Copy the file or files you wish to restore, then paste it to the appropriate location. The Restored_[Company Name]_Files folder can contain any of the following files that need to be copied manually:

File	Copy To
QuickBooks Letters and Templates	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\QuickBooks Letter Templates
Printer Setting (PrintEng.ini, wpr.ini, and QBPrint.qbp)	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
Spell Checker (spell.ini and UserDictionary.tlx)	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
Financial Statement Designer (FSD clients)	C:\Program Data\Intuit\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\FSD\Clients Note: For Windows 7, the path is C:\Program Data\Intuit\
Financial Statement Designer (FSD data)	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\Components\FSD\Data
Cash Flow Projector (.cfp)	[Company Name].qbw
Business Planner (.bpw)	[Company Name].qbw
Loan Manager (.lmr)	[Company Name].qbw

Solution 2: Restore using Intuit Data Protect (the US only)

Note: Depending on your Intuit Data Protect (IDP) plan (single file or entire PC), some non-QuickBooks files may not be backed up. Visit Intuit App Center for more information about your IDP subscriptions.

Create a back up of your company file on the old computer.
Sign in to IDP on your new computer.
Restore the backup file using IDP.

The following files are transferred and restored:

Files inside QuickBooks data folder:

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

Files (and add-ons) from other locations:

QuickBooks letters and templates
Spell checker
Fixed Asset Manager
Printer setting (These files can be recreated by QuickBooks)
QuickBooks Statement Writer (Premier Accountant and Enterprise only)

Solution 3: Move the entire QuickBooks data folder

You can move your file even if you don’t back it up. Moving the entire folder won’t affect your data, but if some files are not carried over, you can just restore them.

Identify the file location.
- If the file is open: Press F2 (or Ctrl+1) on your keyboard. Check the location from the File Information section.
- If the file is closed: Open QuickBooks Desktop. You will see the file path in the No Company Open window.
Navigate to the folder.
Right-click the folder, then select Copy.
Paste the folder in your external device (flash drive, hard drive, thumb drive, etc.).
Plug in the device to your new computer, then Copy the files to the local drive.
Launch QuickBooks Desktop, then open your file.

Moving your company files to another computer - Cepheus Solutions Inc.

Knowledge Base Help Center

Moving your company files to another computer

Solution 1: Backup and restore your file

Restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup

Solution 2: Restore using Intuit Data Protect (the US only)

Solution 3: Move the entire QuickBooks data folder

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