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e314_2
February 27, 2025
Question

Downgrading from Desktop 2024 to Desktop 2020- Help with restoring company files

  • February 27, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

Want to go back to my lifetime license on Desktop 2020 instead of my subscription on Desktop 2024.

 

I installed Desktop 2020 on different PC with and activated new install with old license. No problem.

 

Transferred company QBB files (which were backed up from Desktop 2024) to new the PC downloads folder but when I attempt to use QB 2020 to "restore back up of company file", it doesn't even recognize that there are any QBB files in the folder where they are.

 

I attempted also copy the actual QBW file to the new PC and simply open the company but again it doesn't even "see" the file.

I assume when 2024 "rebuilds" the company file it changes it so 2020 doesn't recognize it anymore???

How to I migrate the company files back to 2020?

    3 replies

    FishingForAnswers
    FishingForAnswers
    February 27, 2025

    @e314_2  I don't know why exactly your program won't see the file, but I suppose it doesn't matter.

     

    Once you open a company file with a particular year of QB (2024), you can't open that same company file with earlier years of QB (2023 and back).

     

    I don't know if there are any tech wizards here who know a way to undo the update, but if you can't find some backdoor like that, or are willing to lose however many years of data in your file since you last used 2020 by restoring (presumably really old) back-up, you're pretty well stuck; it's working as designed.

    R
    rvrfrf
    February 27, 2025

    Thanks for reaching out to the Community, e3. I appreciate your detailed information.

     

    After a company file has been upgraded to a newer version, it won't be able to be downgraded to an older version of QuickBooks. As a workaround, you can create a new company file.

     

    Here's how:
     

    1. Open QuickBooks.
    2. In the No Company Open window, click Create a new company.
    3. Choose Express Start or Start Setup if you want to get started right away. You only need to enter your business name, industry, and business type, then hit Create Company File. Pick Detailed Start if you want to do a complete set up so all of your information is entered from the start.
    4. Follow your on-screen steps to finish the setup. If you have an existing company file in QuickBooks, give your new one a unique name. This prevents QuickBooks from accidentally overwriting data.
    5. Select Start Working.

     

    Now you'll be able to begin using the new company file in your older version of QuickBooks. If necessary, you can review our Import & export data article for detailed steps on exporting/importing data from company files.

     

    Another option you have is checking our QuickBooks Desktop Marketplace for apps which may be able to help you achieve what you're looking to accomplish.

     

    Moving forward, I'd recommend always creating a backup of company files before upgrading them to a newer version. This way, you can still access the file in your older version of QuickBooks.

     

    Please don't hesitate to send a reply if there's any additional questions. Have a wonderful Thursday!

      C
      Chrea
      February 28, 2025

      @e314_2 

      This might work if you have QB Desktop 2020 Mac or QB Desktop 2021 Pro/Premier. Otherwise, you can use the QB Desktop 2024 Enterprise trial version as a workaround.

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