Learn how to fix errors when you move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
We've made the move experience as seamless as possible, but there are some errors you may see during or after the move. Here’s a list of common errors and how to fix them.
No errors, but still can't move your company file? Check out these quick troubleshooting steps.
| Error | Why is this happening? | How do I fix this? |
| Please delete all employees already entered in QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Online can't replace employees when you move data because they're linked to payroll items, year-to-date history, and other payroll setup. | QuickBooks Online won't let you delete employees with paychecks or pay history. You'll need to create a new QuickBooks Online company without payroll setup to move your data. |
| Your file is too big to export | Your QuickBooks Desktop file can't have more targets than the following limits: QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2020 latest release and newer (US) – 750,000 targets QuickBooks Desktop Pro/Premier 2018 latest release and newer (US) – 750,000 targets QuickBooks Desktop Pro/Premier 2020 latest release and newer (CA) - 750,000 targets QuickBooks Desktop UK – 350,000 targets QuickBooks Desktop Mac – 350,000 targets QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise (CA) - 350,000 targets | In QuickBooks Desktop, use F2 or Ctrl+1 (Command+1 in Mac) on your keyboard to open Product Info. Then check the number of targets. If you have more than the limits, try condensing your QuickBooks Desktop file. |
| There was a problem checking this company for import eligibility | You'll see this if: • You're not a primary admin, company admin, or accountant in the QuickBooks Online company. • There's an issue with QuickBooks Online Payroll account services. • You didn’t sign in to your Online account before you imported data. • You didn’t complete the setup interview in QuickBooks Online. • You tried to move your data more than 60 days after your subscription start date. | To fix this: 1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company and complete the setup interview questions. 2. Sign in as a primary or company admin to move your data from QuickBooks Desktop. 3. Save your company address again. If you still receive the error, the easiest way to fix this is to create a new Online account. Make sure to cancel your old subscription first. |
| Error in processing data for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac | You'll see this if you don't have the latest release of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac installed. | You can fix this by: 1. Select QuickBooks, then select Check for QuickBooks Updates. 2. Select Install Updates. 3. Restart QuickBooks. If this doesn't help, check for data damage by running the Verify and Rebuild utilities. |
| We can't export your data. It may be on a network drive | You'll see this if your Desktop company is located on a drive other than your local c-drive or it's open in multi-user mode. | You can fix this by: 1. In QuickBooks, locate your company data file. 2. Close QuickBooks Desktop. 3. Copy your company file to your local c-drive. 4. Open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the new location. 5. Select File, then select Switch to Single-user mode. 6. Select Company then select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online. |
| Export QBDT data to QBO: ERROR | You'll see this if the path to your company file is more than 4 folders deep. Example, C:\My Stuff\QuickBooks files\My Company\2016\Work Files\data.qbw. | You can fix this by: 1. In QuickBooks, locate your company data file. 2. Close QuickBooks Desktop. 3. Copy your company file to a new folder on your local c-drive. Example, c:\new folder\mycompany.qbw. 4. Open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop from the new location. 5. Select Company then select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online. |
| Error:FAILED | You may see this message if you’re not on the latest release. | Update your company file and try to migrate to QuickBooks Online again. If you’re on the latest release, or if updating doesn't fix the issue, call 800-446-8848 |
| Error: You can't import because the QuickBooks Online company has been canceled | You'll see this if your QuickBooks Online company is no longer subscribed. | 1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company. 2. Select Settings ⚙, then Account and settings. 3. Select Billing & subscription. 4. Select Resubscribe, or Subscribe (if the company was from a trial), and enter your billing info. |
Need more help?
If you’re still having issues, contact us.