Convert QuickBooks Mac to Windows

QuickBooks is without a doubt one of the most popular accounting software programs used by small and medium-sized businesses to manage their day-to-day accounting operations. Paper is no longer a necessary part of accounting since QuickBooks has substantially surpassed the hype. This program is also utilized by a significant number of individuals worldwide. This program has numerous applications.

Accounting professionals and company owners are increasingly using Macs, and many of them want QuickBooks Desktop to be loaded on them. For these users, Intuit has tailored QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. These users might, however, need to send their QuickBooks files to a Windows user or an accountant. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop for Windows (.qbw), QuickBooks Desktop for Mac uses distinct files (.dmg or. qbxxx). It follows that these users must understand how to import a QuickBooks file from a Mac into QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.

Different kinds of databases are used by QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks for Windows, respectively. Due to the lack of an Accountant’s Copy feature in QuickBooks Mac, this is the case. A file must thus be converted from QuickBooks for Mac to QuickBooks for Windows and back again.

Sometimes, for one reason or another, it can be necessary to convert a QuickBooks file from Mac to Windows and Windows to Mac. Round-tripping is another term for the conversion procedure. Undoubtedly, round-tripping is a method that enables a user to send a QuickBooks for Mac file to a CPA who uses QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. Because each program uses a different kind of database, QuickBooks desktop for Mac does not have the accountant’s copy feature.

Round-tripping is crucial in these situations because it enables the accountant to make modifications to a Mac client’s corporate file.

What Does the Term “Round-Tripping” Mean

Round-tripping is simply the process of transferring your files back and forth between QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks for Windows.

Why Import a Mac QuickBooks File to a Windows QuickBooks Desktop

While sharing access to these systems’ financial records with other users is one of the most frequent justifications for importing QuickBooks for Mac files into Windows computers, the introduction of macOS Catalina has made the previous version’s security flaws more apparent. Both data loss and crashes have happened to many people. Users of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2015 and 2016 must update to newer versions or switch to QuickBooks Online, even though Intuit has fixed the problem for users of macOS Catalina running versions 2019 (R7) or 2020 (R2 or later). If you switch from the desktop version to the online version, however, the functionalities might change.

Why is Mac popular among users

• QuickBooks Mac makes the most of the unique capabilities and user interface of the Mac operating system since it was particularly designed with Mac users in mind. This ensures that QuickBooks will run smoothly on a Mac for Mac users.
• Most accountants and company owners nowadays use Macs, and virtually all of them need QuickBooks installed on their servers. Macs are notably increasing in favor among these authorities.
• For many people, QuickBooks for Mac offers a personalized option. However, such users are advised to send their QuickBooks files to a Windows-based user or an accountant. 
• Several features in QuickBooks Mac are designed with small company requirements in mind. Users may simply monitor spending, keep track of inventory, and produce reports, as well as conveniently prepare and send invoices.
• Compared to QuickBooks for Windows, QuickBooks for Mac uses distinct files. For these customers, learning how to convert a file from QuickBooks for Mac to QuickBooks for Windows is essential.
• Users of QuickBooks Mac receive top-notch customer service. Mac customers may get rapid assistance from the QuickBooks support staff in fixing any problems they run into while using the program by contacting them by phone, email, or chat.

Things to keep in mind when switching from QuickBooks Mac to Windows

• First and foremost, due to the round trip’s inability to be used in QuickBooks Enterprise solutions, QBES is unable to create a backup of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
• The second point is that if the accountant already has the paperwork, there is no need to insert it into a Macintosh file. And if the information is entered into a Macintosh file, the user might need to enter it again when they receive the file back.
• Another thing that the user has to keep in mind is that while converting a.qbb file made using QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, the user can change the password. The new password should be used to convert the file back to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac if the user or the accountant changes the password to comply with QuickBooks Desktop for Windows standards.
• The user will also need an admin password to finish the roundtrip procedure, which brings us to our next step. This is undoubtedly one of the most crucial elements that one must not overlook.
• The QuickBooks for Mac version of the file does not have an internal payroll, therefore avoid processing payroll in that version.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that when the file is converted back to QuickBooks for Mac, the user’s payroll settings, subscription data, and inputted payroll data will all be lost.

Important Tips

Another point that the client needs to recollect is that the client can change the password while converting a .qbb file which is made utilizing the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. If the client or the bookkeeper changes the secret phrase to meet the QuickBooks Desktop for Windows necessities, then, at that point, the new password ought to be utilized to convert the file back to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

• The following point is that the client will require an administrator password to finish the roundtrip interaction. Indeed, this is quite possibly the main focus that one can’t keep away from missing. 
• It is proposed not to deal with finance in QuickBooks for Windows rendition of the file, as QuickBooks for Mac doesn’t have inside finance. 
• Another point that ought to be remembered is that the membership data, finance settings, and financial data that the client enters will be lost when the file is converted back to QuickBooks for Mac. 

Perform the Converting Procedure with the following step

The converting methodology is separated into three subsections, to be specific: 

• The first one is getting ready Macintosh File 
• The Second one is converting QuickBooks files from Mac to Windows 
• The third one is converting a similar file back to QB for Mac. 

These are the procedures to take to convert a file from QuickBooks for Mac to QuickBooks for Windows.

Step 1: Get your Macintosh File ready

• Select the company file to be converted and make a copy of it on your computer’s desktop.
• Then you must navigate the QuickBooks Software.
• After that, pick Preferences and then ‘My Company’. Along with the file name, look for any special characters in the company. If you locate them, you must rename them and delete the special characters.
• Open and investigate the company file in QuickBooks after it has been found.
• After completing the preceding process, remove any memorized reports and transactions.
• Next, select the ‘File’ option before proceeding to the ‘Utilities’ section.
• You must now select the option Rebuild data for the company file.
• Open and run the Custom Transaction Detail report.
• Following that, you must enable the Memo column. Make sure you alter the date range to All first.

1. Proceed to the Reports section.
2. Run the Custom Transaction Detail report.
3. Following that, the Modify Report window appears on your computer screen.
4. Tap the ‘All’ option in the Dates drop-down field that appears.
5. Select Memo from the drop-down list of columns. You should be aware that the column selection is shown by a checkbox.
6. Finally, press the ‘Ok’ button to finish the report.

• Finally, you should look for memos with names longer than (50) fifty characters or with special characters. If any are detected, amend the transaction, delete the identical memo, and rebuild your file.

Step 2: Converting a QuickBooks for Mac to a QuickBooks for Windows file

• Open QuickBooks on your Macbook.
• Open the company file you wish to convert and select the option File.
• After that, select the ‘Backup to QuickBooks for Windows option.
• Once completed, look for a filename. When it is found, simultaneously press the ‘CTRL’ and ‘S’ keys to save it to the location. Make sure to save your file to your desktop.
• To start the backup process, select the Save option and then click Run. Please be aware that a PDF file will be presented on the computer screen for printing after the backup is finished. It is strongly advised to print the user guide for Windows so that Windows users can refer to it when attempting to recover the file.
• The following step is to transmit the file with the necessary. To the Windows computer, add QBB. To further your understanding, it is usually recommended that transfers be made through a CD, FTTP, or USB. You should refrain from doing it via email since it can cause unintended harm to your data.
• Following that, you must launch QuickBooks for Windows.
• Select the option Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
• Then you have to select the option Restore a backup copy which is found just below the Open or Restore Company tab and click on ‘Next‘.
• Then, select Local Backup and press the Next button.
• A Backup Copy window will display on your screen.
• Look for what is required. Select Open after clicking on the QBB file in the Mac user area.
• Finally, once you receive a message, simply enter ‘yes’ in the provided space and press the Ok button to convert your file.

Step 3: Converting the same file back to QuickBooks for Mac

• Launch QuickBooks for Windows and run the company file.
• Move to the File menu as you did in the preceding steps, then pick the Utility option.
• After doing so, choose Copy Company File for Mac from the menu.
• Click Save to store the file after that. For quick and simple access, it is advised to save the file to your desktop.
• The file with the extension “.MAC.QBB” must then be moved.
• The Mac version of QuickBooks must now be opened.
• Select the Restore option from the File menu by tapping on it.
• Select “From a Disk” from the menu, tap the desired file, and then click “Open.”
• If Windows prompts you to restore a file, click Ok.
• Fill in the name of your recovered file after completing the step above.
• To save the changes made thus far, click the Save option as a last resort.

Errors while transferring QuickBooks Mac to Windows 

There is a probability for the issue to occur when the user is unable to open the file on Macintosh following an update to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. “Cannot Import the Roundtrip file. This was created with another version of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Please import it into the version with which it was created.” This pop-up message pops up.

The user must adhere to the procedures listed below to resolve the Mac error:

• Downloading and reinstalling QuickBooks’ prior release is the first step.
• The firm file backup from Windows has to be restored in the following step.
• Converting the recovered file to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac’s most recent version is the final step.

Unsupported reports that QuickBooks for Mac does not support

Numerous reports state that QuickBooks for Mac does not support them. Even though they aren’t supported, most of these reports can be created using modification, filtering, and memorization.

• Profit & Loss Uncategorized
• Sales Tax Revenue Summary for Open Purchase Orders by Job
• Pending Constructions
• Income Tax Planning
• Profit and loss statements Budget Execution
• Listing of Fixed Assets
• Voided/Deleted Transactions (available in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)
• Voided/Deleted Transactions History (available in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)
• Closing Date Exception (available exclusively in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)
• Customers can open sales orders (available in Premier versions of QuickBooks for Windows).
• Open Sales Orders by Item (available in QuickBooks Premier for Windows)
• Adjusted Trial Balance (available in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)
• Adjusting Journal Entries (available in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)
• Forecast Overview (available in QuickBooks for Windows Premier editions)

Conclusion

Converting QuickBooks from Mac to Windows entails exporting the data from the Mac version, converting it to a Windows-compatible format, and then importing the data into the Windows version. This procedure can be time-consuming, and it necessitates close attention to detail to ensure that all data is transported correctly. It is crucial to remember that not all data can be transferred, and certain features or functionalities may be lost as a result.

Read also – Fix: QuickBooks User Already Logged In Error

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FAQ

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Q. Can all data be transferred when converting QuickBooks from Mac to Windows?

Not all data may be transferable, and certain features or functionalities may be lost in the process. It’s recommended to consult with a QuickBooks expert or support team before attempting to convert the data to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential issues.

Q. Is there a fee to switching QuickBooks from Mac to Windows?

The cost will vary based on the intricacy of the data and the technique of conversion used. Some third-party tools and software may be charged, while others may be free.

Q. Can I use the same QuickBooks files on both Mac and Windows?

It is not feasible to do so since the operating systems are different and have separate databases. You can only convert a file from one software to the other and vice versa.

Q. How Do I Back Up QuickBooks On My Mac?

To backup QuickBooks for Mac, go to the File menu and choose “Back Up Company,” then follow the on-screen instructions to generate a backup copy of your business file.