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userhiring
February 23, 2021
Question

How can I open a QBX file in QBO without having access to QB Desktop?

  • February 23, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views
I had a falling out with my bookkeepers and they sent over my records in a QBX file. I can't seem to figure out how to get that into my QBO account. The instructions I have found want me to convert the file in QB Desktop, but I don't have access to QB Desktop. I don't want to talk to my old bookkeepers unless I absolutely have to. Is there another way?

1 reply

MarsStephanieL
MarsStephanieL
February 23, 2021

Hello there, @userhiring.

 

The QBX file is a client's accountant's copy that needs to be converted into a working file (.QBW) through QuickBooks Desktop Accountant before you can export it to your QuickBooks Online company.

 

You'll need to use the QuickBooks Desktop Accountant. If not, you won't be able to work with the file.

 

Here's how to do it in  QuickBooks Desktop Accountant:

 

1.Go to the File menu.
2. Pick Send Company File and Accountant's Copy.
3. Click Convert Accountant’s Copy to Company File/QBW, then OK.
4. Choose a location where you want to save it, then select Save.
5. Select OK.

 

You can refer to this link to know more about the process of file transfer feature: Use the Accountant's Copy.

 

I've added an article for your future task about importing it to QuickBooks Online: Convert QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

 

I'll be here if you need further assistance or other questions. Feel free to let me know in the comment section. Take care,

A
admin - SDM
July 18, 2022

I can't open my accountants copy to import into my file. The qbx transfer file that you mention is not on my QB 2022. I have my accountants copy (qbx) on a jump drive and my computer can't open it. and there is not transfer file option that you speak of. 

J
JamaicaA
July 18, 2022

Thank you for reaching out to the Community and joining in this thread, @Admin11_2 – SDM. I've got additional clarification and steps to ensure you can covert and use your QBX file for work.

 

When trying to open the file from your jump drive, have you encountered an error message? If so, you can add them below to help us narrow things down.

 

As mentioned above, QBX file is an accountant’s transfer copy of a QuickBooks company file. We’re unable to use this file to migrate data to QBO, unless you can open it on QB Desktop Accountant version. 

 

I’d also like to know more about the transfer file option being unavailable on your end. If you’re using other QuickBooks versions, you’re unable to see this option since only Accountant versions have the capability to convert an Accountant's Copy transfer file (.QBX) to a working file. 

 

This means you’ll need to convert it into a regular company file (.QBW) using an accountant version before you can import it to your QBO company. Before proceeding, let’s ensure to use the same QuickBooks version used to create the file. This way, you can make any changes to your books.

 

Let's start by switching to QuickBooks’ Accountant Edition:

 

  1. From the File menu, select Toggle to Another Edition.
  2. Premier (or Enterprise Solutions) Accountant Edition - Home should be grayed out. If not, select its radio button.
  3. Select Next, then Toggle. You can toggle back to your preferred edition once you’re done.

 

Then, convert the accountant’s copy to a working file. Here's how:

 

  1. From the File menu, select Open and Restore Company.
  2. Select Convert an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File, then Next.
  3. Read through the Overview, then Next. Do the same with the Can and Can’t Dos and select Next.
  4. Find and open the accountant’s copy (.QBX).
  5. Confirm you want to convert the file.
  6. Rename the file, then select Save.

 

Once done, you can now move the file to your QuickBooks Online account.

 

If you want to know more about the accountant's copy and its limitations in QBDT, kindly visit this article: Use the Accountant's Copy.

 

Lastly, I've added an article that'll help you set up, do things efficiently, and keep your books running smoothly in QuickBooks Online: Getting Started.

 

I'm always around to lend a hand if you've got more data file conversion concerns. If you need assistance with setting up your QBO account, feel free to leave a reply below. I’ll be glad to help you.  

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