QBO won't let me make inactive accounts which are super old and previously "hidden" in the desktop version.

When migrating data from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to QuickBooks Online (QBO), you may find that some accounts become active in QBO, eman-12345. Let me provide you with some insights on this matter.

First off, may we know what specific error message you've encountered? Any additional information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Regarding the issue of active accounts in QBO that were previously inactive in QBDT, please note that in QBDT, accounts can be inactive even if they have an open balance. This behavior, however, is reversed in QBO. As a result, when these accounts are migrated to QBO, they automatically become active.

Moreover, there are several reasons why an account cannot be deactivated in QBO:

• Default Accounts: Certain accounts are default accounts and therefore cannot be deleted or made inactive.
• Linked Products or Services: If products or services are linked to the account, you must either change their links or first make the products and services inactive.
• Pending Charges: To deactivate an income account with pending charges, you'll need to invoice customers for any billable expenses, time, or charges linked to that account.
• Subaccounts: Subaccounts cannot be deactivated until all associated subaccounts have been appropriately moved or organized.

You can read this article for more details on what data can be move from QBDT to QBO and how to inactive an account in QBO: 

• Learn how features and data move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
• Make an account inactive on your chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online.

Additionally, I've attached a comprehensive guide to assist you with managing online banking connections in QBO. This guide will help you understand how to delete or disconnect a bank or credit card account efficiently: Disconnect accounts connected to online banking in QuickBooks Online.

We're here to assist you with managing your accounts and guiding you in making them inactive in QBO. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reply. We look forward to responding promptly.