I can see how you want QuickBooks Desktop for Mac backup to work in Windows, Mac720. I'm here to help and guide you through the process on how you can sort this out.
Opening a backup file from QuickBooks Desktop for Mac on a Windows platform can sometimes be challenging due to differences in the file formats and structures between the two operating systems.
You'll have to convert your QuickBooks for Mac to QuickBooks for Windows so you can open the file. But don't worry, you can still switch the file back to its original state QuickBooks Mac, just ensure that after the conversion the QuickBooks Accountant software won't do the following :
- Hold off on installing any QuickBooks updates until you get your file back.
- Try not to enter anything new while your accountant has your file. This will prevent you from losing any records when you get your file back.
Once done, you can start moving the file. After you've updated QuickBooks for Mac, make sure to get your QuickBooks for Mac company file ready. To do so, search for memos with special characters. Follow the steps below on how you can do this:
- Select the Reports menu and then Custom Transaction Detail Report.
- From the Dates drop-down menu, select All Dates.
- Double-click a transaction with a memo to open it.
- Delete the special characters from the memo field and select Save.
- Close the transaction.
- Repeat the steps for all other transactions.
- Re-sort your lists.
- Go to File and select Utilities then Verify Data.
Next, move your company file to QuickBooks for Windows. Here's how:
- Sign in to QuickBooks Mac as the admin.
- Go to File menu and select Export. Select To QuickBooks for Windows.
If you get a prompt to verify before you back up, select Verify.
- Name the file and choose the folder to save it in. Then, select Save. Make sure you don't add special characters in the file name.
- Enter and confirm your password, then select OK. Select OK again.
- Move the file to your Windows computer. If the file is small enough, most people do this with a USB flash drive, online storage, or email.
- Restore the file in QuickBooks for Windows.
For more details on the process, refer to this article: Move QuickBooks for Mac File to QuickBooks Windows.
After you move your company file to the QuickBooks Desktop Windows version, you might want to create new company files. You can learn how you can copy and use accounts, lists, templates, and preferences from an existing company file. I've got this handy article for your guide: Create New Company Files From Existing Ones in QuickBooks Desktop.
If you have any other questions or concerns when opening your company file, you can always let us know so we can get back to you. We'll always be right here to help you. Have a great day ahead!
