Welcome to this thread, Ralf Klenke.
I can see the urgency of restoring your QuickBooks 2003. Let me help and guide you on how to get the file working again.
As mentioned by @qbteachmt on the first page of this thread, QuickBooks has a 3-year lifecycle. You’ll have to upgrade QuickBooks from 2003 to 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, or 2022. Then rebuild the file in between.
Before performing the process, create a backup copy of the company file to prevent accidental loss. Also, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for a seamless process.
When you’re ready, restore your company file to the latest QuickBooks version. If you encounter any hurdles during the restoration process, I recommend contacting our Technical Support Team. They can install the file for you and ensure you can use it for your accounting case.
To reach them:
- In QuickBooks, press the Help icon at the top menu bar to select QuickBooks Desktop Help F1.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window and click the Contact us link.
- When the Contact Us screen opens, go to the Tell us more about your question section and enter the issue in the field box. For example, restore QuickBooks 2003.
- Click the Search menu and choose the support options: Call us to speak with an agent or Message Us for real-time support.
If you’re unable to see the options mentioned above, click here to get the contact information. For additional resources, the links below outline steps to troubleshoot installation errors: Fix QuickBooks Desktop install errors.
You can bookmark this article in your browser for future reference: Get started with QuickBooks Desktop. It contains a list of common tasks you can do in your company file.
Keep me posted below if you have any clarifications in restoring the desktop program. I’ll be glad to get this taken care of for you.
