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Quickbooks won't open my imported IIF file when using the "Review now" button.

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
November 17, 2020
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QuickBooks Desktop

Best answer by BigRedConsulting

RE: This error usually occurs when the file association of the IIF file is changed to other applications than MS Excel.

Well... the QuickBooks installer sets up IIF files to be associated with QuickBooks, not Excel. It has always done this and it's always been sort of dumb as then when you double-click an IIF file then you get a QB warning that you can't open IIF files in this way.

This means that, basically, the button in QuickBooks doesn't work for anyone unless they actually change the file association. And, based on this thread not even that works sometimes.

I've no idea why Intuit implemented things this way. It is easy enough to launch Excel and tell it to open the file instead of just launching the file and hoping the computer is set up to open it in Excel.

If you're one of the almost-everyone who can't open the error files from within QB, you can open them from within Excel by starting to open a file and then navigating to the folder where you put the original IIF file and then picking "All Files (*.*)" in the file open dialog. Then you'll see both your IIF file and the one with the ~ "_65465454" extension added to the file name.

Also, see BRC QuickBooks 2019+ IIF Import Changes and Recommendations and avoid all this by importing using the alternate method (which Intuit has tried to make sound scary, but works a whole lot better.)

R

RCV

Let's perform some steps to get the Review now button working in QuickBooks, 18633209.

The improved Intuit Interchange Format (.IIF), allows you to see the number of list and transactions that both failed and was successfully imported. QuickBooks automatically creates a new .IIF file for failed records with error info. Before doing some troubleshooting steps, let's make sure QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release and you meet the system requirements.

Once done, try closing and opening the company file again. Then, access the Select Review now button. Let me show you how:

Go to File on the top menu. Then, select Utilities then Import.
Choose IIF Files then Import IIF.
Locate the file and tap OK.
Select Review now.
Look for ERROR to see what the problem(s) with the file is.
Correct the errors and Save. If asked if you want to keep the file type, select Yes.
Close the File not imported window and import the new, corrected .IIF file.

For more details about this one, see Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later article. If the same thing happens, try opening another company file to check if you're having a problem with only one file and not the program itself. You can also open it from a different location to check if the problem might be coming from a damaged folder. To open a sample file:

From the No Company Open window, select Open a sample file.
Choose any sample file on the list.

If the problem persists, there may be a damaged data in your software. Just follow the steps and details in the Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file article. You can also repair QuickBooks Desktop to fix any damaged components in the software.

Feel free to visit our Bring in your data page for more insights about importing your data on your software.

I'd like to know how you get on after trying the steps, as I want to ensure this is resolved for you. Please reply to this post and I'll get back to you. You have a good one.

V

VWin2it

I am also having trouble reviewing my failed imports. When I use the "Review Now" button, a window appears asking, "How do you want to open this IIF file? Continue using QuickBooks launcher or Look for an app in Microsoft Store?" I don't know what app to use.

Jen_D

Thanks for posting here, @VWin2it,

You can use any options suggested. If you're not familiar with the tools, you can work with an IT guy to help you with it.

I also found a workaround you can try to resolve the problem. Keep in mind you have to be in Single-User Mode when importing this way. If you’re in Multi-user mode, go to the File menu, then select Switch to Single-user Mode.

Follow these steps:

Go to the File menu and select Utilities
Press Import, then IIF Files.
Use the Import it for me. I’ll fix later link at the bottom of the import box.

This will allow you to import the .IIF without QuickBooks doing the usual check for the file. Our IIF Overview, is a great resource as well.

Kindly post here again if you have other questions about the import process in QuickBooks Online. I'm here to assist you further. Have a good one!

D

d1csp3r

What if the "Review Now" button does not work? The IIF file failed, so when I selected the "Review Now" button, it gave me this pop-up. I have downloaded IIF files hundreds of times, from the same place, this file is nothing out of the ordinary. Any suggestions?

M

Maybelle_S

Thanks for joining the thread, @d1csp3r.

This error usually occurs when the file association of the IIF file is changed to other applications than MS Excel. You'll want to verify the type of file you are opening by right-clicking the file and choosing Properties. The file type is listed under Type of File.

If needed, you'll want to change the file association of the IIF file to open with MS Excel. This way, you'll be able to open the file.

To learn more about importing these files, and the maximum number of entries allowed, you may check out these articles:

• IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers

• Import IIF Files

• Maximum number of QuickBooks Desktop list

• Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later

Please know you can continue to reach me here with any additional questions. Thanks for coming to the Community, wishing you continued success.

D

d1csp3r

Thank you for your reply. That is the problem I'm running into, I had followed those steps and it is an Excel file. Please see below:

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