Upgrade from 2003
It's a Two Stage Process
If you're upgrading QuickBooks 2003 (or earlier) to the latest version of QuickBooks, you need to upgrade to QuickBooks 2006 before upgrading again to the latest version. We've made so many changes that this is the only way to make sure everything works properly. Don't worry - you don't have to pay for QuickBooks 2006 as well!
Our upgrade kit contains all the information you need to do this.
Make Sure You Upgrade to the Right Edition
The following features are now only available in QuickBooks Premier:
- Creating back orders or sales orders
- Buying in one unit and selling in another (e.g. buy by the crate, sell by the can)
- Setting fixed foreign sales prices
What Do I Need to Upgrade?
- A copy of the latest version of QuickBooks: You can purchase the pack by calling us on 020 - 3742774 / 3744660 / 3744418 / 020-3503585.
- The date of your last VAT return, if you're registered for VAT: QuickBooks will need this to assess your VAT figures as part of the upgrade.
How Does The Upgrade Work?
To upgrade from QuickBooks 2003 or earlier, you need to use our upgrade kit. This contains a copy of QuickBooks 2006 which you'll install and use to update your company file.
Get full instructions here
Get full instructions here
As part of the upgrade, you'll need to:
- Choose whether to use QuickBooks in single or multi-user mode: This is so QuickBooks can set up your database correctly.
- Choose where your business is based: This is to ensure QuickBooks is set up right to handle different currencies. Get full instructions here
- Enter the date of your last VAT return: QuickBooks will then check your company file for any VAT problems. Get full instructions here
What to Do After You've Upgraded
Once the upgrade has completed, you may need to perform some extra tasks. These will all appear in the Upgrade Centre window when you first run QuickBooks - use this window to carry out the tasks and track which ones you've done.
Watch a short video about these tasks
Watch a short video about these tasks
1. Adjust Your VAT
The new version of QuickBooks has a new VAT system which ensures every VAT amount gets caught - no matter how or when a transaction is entered. We created this because some businesses were having problems if they entered or modified transactions after filing VAT returns, or didn't enter a VAT code.
During the upgrade, QuickBooks will reassess your last VAT return using the new system. If it finds any discrepancies, you will have a VAT overpayment or underpayment. The Upgrade Centre will help you resolve this.
If you need to double check your figures or speak with your accountant, don't worry - you don't have to deal with VAT discrepancies before you start using QuickBooks. The discrepancy is set aside, so it won't affect future VAT calculations. These will be performed using the new system so they're completely accurate.
During the upgrade, QuickBooks will reassess your last VAT return using the new system. If it finds any discrepancies, you will have a VAT overpayment or underpayment. The Upgrade Centre will help you resolve this.
If you need to double check your figures or speak with your accountant, don't worry - you don't have to deal with VAT discrepancies before you start using QuickBooks. The discrepancy is set aside, so it won't affect future VAT calculations. These will be performed using the new system so they're completely accurate.
2. Recreate Reports and Forms
Due to changes in the way QuickBooks handles them, your customised forms and reports will not carry over to the new version. You will need to recreate them. The Upgrade Centre will help you do this by showing two options:
- Recreate custom form templates
- Identify your memorised reports
You can use these to recreate your templates, either by downloading free custom templates or creating your own from scratch. QuickBooks will show you a list of all the templates you had before, so you can be sure you cover them all.
Read our FAQ about recreating customised forms and reports
3. Set up Multicurrency
If you use the multicurrency features in QuickBooks, you will have two final things to do:
- Check VAT codes are correct. QuickBooks will assign VAT codes to customers and suppliers in other countries. Choose the option in the Upgrade Centre to check these codes are correct More information
- Download exchange rates. QuickBooks can automatically download the latest exchange rates for you. You can do this from the Upgrade Centre in just one click. More information
Once you've taken care of those items, you'll be ready to start using the new version of QuickBooks.