Update company file from a client

You need to provide more details. But yes, you can update a company file from a client. But, if you update their data file to your newer version of QB (ie 2009), then they cannot use it again in an older year of QB (ie 2008). Unless you're working with an acct's copy and then there is some backwards compatability.

PLEASE mark this answer as solved (click the button under the answer in the lower, right corner) or post additional questions. Thanks so much!!!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA

Author of the book "Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business"

National Trainer for Intuit Trainer/Writer Network

Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

http://community.intuit.com/me...

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for your response. I received a QBW file from a new client. I most likely will not be making change in the version that they send to me.

However, assuming this would be pretty common for accountants and clients to have different version, what's the common solution?

I'd appreciate your time and help! Please also let me know if I need to provide other info.

Thank you!

If you're not making any changes to the client data file, then it isn't a problem.

You're right when accounting professionals work with clients, they have several different years/versions of QB. That is one reason why joining the ProAdvisor Program helps so much -- you get the new software every year. So, we have all years and can work with our clients easier. There are a lot of other benefits too -- you can get details at http://proadvisor.intuit.com

PLEASE mark this answer as solved (click the button under the answer in the lower, right corner) or post additional questions. Thanks so much!!!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA

Author of the book "Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business"

National Trainer for Intuit Trainer/Writer Network

Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

http://community.intuit.com/me...

Thank you, Michelle!

Would you mind sharing the steps to go about updating the client-provided company file on my end?

I appreciate your help and time!

Go to File>Open or restore>Select the proper one based on the file type you have from the client. Then, QB will ask if you want to update the file, you check the box and then click update now.

PLEASE mark this answer as solved (click the button under the answer in the lower, right corner) or post additional questions. Thanks so much!!!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA

Author of the book "Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business"

National Trainer for Intuit Trainer/Writer Network

Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

http://community.intuit.com/me...

PS. If it is from a really old version/year of QB, this won't work. You need to update the data file in steps throughout the years.

Hi Michelle,

Thank you so much for the instruction. However, when I click Open Company File (since it's a qbw file), the QuickBooks Login window (since the version from the client is password protected) shows "The company file must be updated to work with this new version of QuickBooks", in addition to the Admin user name and admin password and challenge question/answer.

I will ask the client how old their QuickBooks is. Maybe the solution is for them to purchase an updated version? I learned that Inuit stopped supporting 2006 Pro. Could this be the result of that?

By the way, thank you for the info on ProAdvisor. I will sign up tomorrow. However, if the client's software is really old, it won't solve the problem. Is it correct?

Thank you, Michelle!