Skip to main content
M
meghanhumenik
October 19, 2021
Solved

Open 2021 File without Updating File Version

  • October 19, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

My client has QuickBooks Desktop 2021, and I am using Quickbooks Accountant Desktop 2022 - when I attempt to open her file in my QB, it is trying to force me to update the file.  When I purchased this version, I was told I would be able to open a prior year's file without updating it - I specifically asked this as I know that once a file is updated, the prior year can no longer open it. Is there a workaround to this so that I can work on my client's file without updating it to QB 2022?

Best answer by BigRedConsulting

RE: When I purchased this version, I was told I would be able to open a prior year's file without updating it.

 

No version of that is true. It's never been like that and probably never will be.

 

RE: Is there a workaround to this so that I can work on my client's file without updating it to QB 2022?

 

Yes, use QB 2021. Not a workaround, exactly, but that what you need to do. If you want to work on your clients' files and then send them back to the clients, you need to have every version of QB installed that your clients use.

3 replies

R
Rea_M
October 19, 2021

I'm here to share details as to how you can open a 2021 file using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) 2022 version, @meghanhumenik.

 

QuickBooks asks you to upgrade your company file the first time you open it in your newer version. You're unable to use the upgraded file in the older version. However, the exception to this rule is if you're using QuickBooks Desktop Accountant and working in an Accountant's copy. To know more about this, please refer to this article: Use the Accountant's Copy.

 

Then, before you upgrade (accountant copy), make sure you have a backup copy of your client's 2021 company file. This way, you can restore it anytime for future use. Whenever you're ready, here's how:

 

  1. Make sure all users log out of your company file.
  2. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Select Open or Restore Company if you don't have a company file open. You can also go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
  4. Select Open a company file, then Next. If you have a backup company file (QBB) instead of a company file (QBW), select Restore a backup copy and then Local backup.
  5. Browse your computer for your company file. Select it and then select Open.
  6. Sign in to your company file as an admin user.
  7. Before you upgrade, QuickBooks automatically creates a backup of your existing company file. You can select Change this default location to save the backup in a specific folder.
  8. Select Update Now to start the upgrade.
  9. When QuickBooks finishes, select Done.

 

You can also refer to this article for the detailed steps: Upgrade your company files after you switch to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop.

 

In keeping with this, I'm adding these articles to learn more about  a secure and easy way to share Accountant’s Copies between accountants and clients and company file compatibility:

 

 

Please don't hesitate to keep me updated on how it goes. Let me know in the comments if you have other concerns about opening an older company file to the new version of QBDT. I'll gladly help. Take care, and I wish you continued success, @meghanhumenik.

A
Audrey208
March 20, 2022

I am dealing with the same issue, however, it is concerning to be forced to upgrade the company file. Everything I have read says that I should be able to make changes to my client's 2021 QB Accountant's copy in my 2022 QB Accountant and send those changes back to the client to import into their 2021 QB. I'm just really confused by the forced upgrade and its going to be frustrating if my client cannot import my changes. 

A
AileneA
March 21, 2022

Hello, Audrey208.  

 

Yes, as long as the interval between the versions is just one year, you can still work on the Accountant's Copy using a different version. Also, In QuickBooks, we have this policy wherein you can use your account within three years. To learn more about the list of system compatibility requirements for QuickBooks, feel free to visit this: Company file compatibility with QuickBooks Desktop when upgrading. 

 

Additionally, to give you more insights about Accountant's Copy limitations for Clients and Accountants, please check out this article: Use the Accountant's Copy. 

 

If you need more help to ensure the success of importation, I recommend reaching out to a member of the QuickBooks Desktop Support Team. Agents have specialized tools, like screen sharing. 

 

To reach them, here's how: 

 

  1. Press F1 on your keyboard or go to the Help menu at the top.
  2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  3. Enter Support in the search field.
  4. Click the Contact us link at the bottom.

 

Check out this link for ways on how to connect with us: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support. Ensure to review their support hours so, you'll know when agents are available.

 

Alternatively, you can also contact support through this link: QuickBooks Support. 

 

If there's anything I can help you, please let me know and I'd be glad to assist you again. Take care!

BigRedConsulting
BigRedConsultingAnswer
October 21, 2021

RE: When I purchased this version, I was told I would be able to open a prior year's file without updating it.

 

No version of that is true. It's never been like that and probably never will be.

 

RE: Is there a workaround to this so that I can work on my client's file without updating it to QB 2022?

 

Yes, use QB 2021. Not a workaround, exactly, but that what you need to do. If you want to work on your clients' files and then send them back to the clients, you need to have every version of QB installed that your clients use.

M
meghanhumenikAuthor
October 23, 2021

Went out and got a copy of 2021 the other day - thankfully was still able to find a copy in stores.

A
Audrey208
March 20, 2022

I just ran into this exact situation and wanted to share my experience. When I opened the accountant's copy transfer file, I got a popup window in QB that said I can make changes (from 2022 QB) and send those changes back to the client's 2021 QB, however, I would be restricted to the 2021 features of the file. After converting to a working file, I am now being forced to upgrade it to the newer version. If my client is unable to import my changes, I'm not going to be happy. I'll paste below what I am reading directly on the Intuit website, but it is very confusing/concerning to be forced to upgrade the file. 

 

Ideally, the client and accountant using the Accountant's Copy feature should use the same version or year of QuickBooks Desktop. But don't worry, you can still work on the Accountant's Copy using a different version as long as the gap between the versions is just one year, and the accountant has a more recent version.

 

 

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement