Using QuickBooks with Investments – Interesting article from Intuit’s ProConnection.

Accountant's Copy Rules for QuickBooks 2008 – You can download some guides here from CPA911 on the newest changes to the Accountant’s Copy function.  This is the part of QB that seems to change the most from year to year, sometimes getting better and sometimes worse.

 

Working with QBX files

Q:

Subject: Quick Question

Hi Kerry,

I understand you are probably swamped. I downloaded a free version of Quickbooks. My mother sent me her file with qbx. extension and I cannot open it on my program. I'm kind of panicking because she deleted her original copy on her friend's computer and even removed the program. (She assumed the file she sent would be safe in my hands & on my computer).

 

I can't figure out how to open it for her to do her taxes!!!

 

Any suggestions? I've spent hours for answers on the internet.

 

A:

QBX files are special versions that clients send us to work on while they continue to work on their QBW copies.  There is a sub-menu under the main File menu to access the commands to open the QBX file and convert it to a QBA version that can be worked on.

I'm a little confused as to which version of QB you have.  The only free downloadable version I am aware of is the Simple Start that is not really a full functioned QB program.  It's been a few years since I tested Simple Start; but I don't think it has the ability to work with QBX and QBA files.

If that is the case, you will need a version of the regular QB program that is at least as new as the one your mother used.  For example, if hers was the QB 2005 program, you will need to use QB 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008.  You won't be able to use an older version of QB to open that data file.  You can either buy your own copy of the program or install your mother's copy on your computer, if she has her original program disc with its installation codes.

Deleting her original QBW file was not a good move. Luckily, the QB 2007 and 2008 programs have a utility built in that allows QBA files to be converted to normal QBW files.  This wasn't possible with any QB program before the 2007 version.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Kerry Kerstetter

 

Follow-Up:

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. That is the problem. I don't have the full program - it is the free Simple Start. Yikes, looks like I have to buy one!

 

Thanks again. Much appreciated!