Can Quickbooks 08 and 09 be on same machine?

[John of PA]

I currently use Quickbooks Premier Accountants Edition 2008. Could I install 2009 on the same machine and still have access to 2008?..... or must the 2009 instalation override the 2008 (which would force me to convert all 08 QB data to 09). Thank you for any help you can give.

[tempora]

Yes you can

You will be given an option during installation to either convert existing 2008 to 2009 or install 2009 as a fresh installation.
If you choose the later, you would have two icons for 2008 and 2009 respectively and you can laucn them separately.

[geekgirldany]

it is always nice having your start menu full of QuickBooks Icons

[S T]

Many QB Versions

On install, I set up a separate program directory for each version QB Premier 2008, QB Premier 2009, etc. I also set up a separate data directory for each version to store the working data file. On my hard drive I create a folder QB 2008Data, QB2009Data, etc (this is where I have the actual client file.

That way you are sure not to update or overwrite and you can locate the current working file.

Sandy

[erchess]

Am Curious

Why would you not install the more recent version over the earlier version and convert your data into the later version? I was assured at the store that QB is one hundred percent backwards compatible but not forwards compatible. What that means in this case is that if I have 08 Premier Accountant I can handle files from clients who use 08 or anything earlier but now that 09 is out there I cannot with 08 Premier Accountant open files clients created in 09 versions. In other words as I understand the rules, anything 08 Premier Accountant can do 09 Premier Accountant can do at least as well and most likely better. Have I been misinformed?

It seems like every time I come on this board I pick up some new bit of information about taxes and or accounting, a new ability to help some potential client, and a new appreciation of my worth to my clients.

[geekgirldany]

That started with QBs 2008. If they have anything earlier than 2008 it won't work. Here is info from QB website:


Q: : Is Premier Accountant backward compatible? That is, can I use Premier Accountant to work on client files from older versions of QuickBooks?

A: Yes and No depending on the option you choose. Premier Accountant is built to allow you to exchange and work with your clients' QuickBooks accounting records and there are three ways to exchange files.

Accountant's Copy

Allows you to exchange, open & adjust your client's prior period accounting records from all 2008 and 2009 QuickBooks accounting software.2 When you've finished making adjustments, your client can review and merge your changes into their ongoing accounting records.

Backup Copy

* Open, adjust, and return full data files from your clients' 2009 QuickBooks, from Simple Start to Premier Contractor Edition.1 File can be sent via e-mail or CD.
* When the client imports a backup file it overwrites the current file. If you want the client to import your changes they must stop work in their file so their work is not lost.
* You can open and modify files from prior year versions. However, files opened and converted in Premier Accountant 2009 cannot be sent back to prior year versions of QuickBooks.

Portable Company File

* All the benefits of a Backup Copy but in a much smaller file size making it easier to e-mail.
* Contains only your company file financial data but doesn't have related files such as letters, logos, images, and templates.

[KJ Judd]

I have QuickBooks versions 2003 - 2009 on my computer. Some of my clients are still using older versions. This way I can work on their files & return it to them with my changes.

Ideally I'd like them to update, but some of them have simple businesses that are using QB as a glorified checkbook so I don't push the issue.

[John of PA]

I'm scared to not use the default directory

Thank you everyone. ST, I have this fear that if I don't use the default directory, it is going to haunt me with problems in the future with QB, if I don't remember to always use that directory.

[John of PA]

Erchess........

Erchess............ yes your right any earleir version file can be read by 09. My problem I have now is that my client lost thier data with no backup and they want me to bring them my Quickbooks file of thiers. Even though it's not current, it will help them not have to start from scratch. If I ugrade that data to 09, then they can't read it (unless they upgrade to 09, which of course is what Intuit wants them to do.) Thank you everyone for your help on this post. You guys are great.

[AZ-Tax]

I did Acctntants Premier & 08 on one computer.

I was able to place Accountants Premier & QB Pro 08 on one computer and I think it gives you the option in the beginning. when you are installing.

[Gretel]

I also have been advised that it is better not to upgrade but to do a fresh install of the new version and then convert the file. Seems to help prevent some file problems.

I have several QB versions on my computer. I would not want to convert my clients file to the new version each time I get a data file from them. This does not apply to clients that only come in with their file for tax return preparation.