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HO-14
June 10, 2020
Question

QBO Excel reports have dates that are not usable as dates

  • June 10, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

When downloading QBO reports, I like to rely on using dates to find exchange rates associated with that date. Typically will use a vlookup function that uses the date as a key.

 

All reports I download from QBO render the associated dates as something that cannot be modified within Excel in a way that gets Excle to interpret it as an actual date. I ahve tried everything, from formatting the date cells, to using text-to-columns, to copy/paste in gsheets and re-download. Nothing works here. Meanwhile, if I type out the date, Excel recognizes that as a date easily.

 

Could this be due to use of a dated Excel version? Using Microsoft Office 2010.

1 reply

AddieC
AddieC
June 10, 2020

Hello HO-14, 

 

Exporting reports to Excel is an awesome benefit when using an online platform like QuickBooks Online. Many small businesses rely on spreadsheets to organize and store data outside of the QuickBooks environment, and I want to make sure things are running smoothly for you. I'd be happy to offer some advice on how to resolve this issue. 

 

You're on the right track with your troubleshooting, and great job giving those steps a try. Reformatting date cells, using text-to-columns, and copying and pasting in Google Sheets are all great ideas. If you haven't been able to resolve the issue using those methods, I'd recommend updating your Excel program.

 

As you mentioned, this could be caused by an outdated Excel program, and the compatibility requirements may not be sustained by that version. 

 

If you need any assistance updating Excel, I'd encourage you to reach out to the Microsoft support team.


Once that's been completed, try exporting your reports from QBO. If you still happen to be experiencing problems with the dates, make sure Macros are enabled. 

 

You can enable macros by following these steps.

  1. In Excel, select File, choose Options, select Trust Centre, then choose Trust Centre Settings,  then select Macros Settings.
  2. Select Disable all macros except digitally signed macros.
  3. Select Ok.
  4. Re-export your report from QuickBooks Online to Excel.

You may still get a notification about Macros when exporting; if so, accept the Macros.

 

I hope this helps get you back on track. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our tech support team directly. 


Cheers. 

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