How to Fix QuickBooks Migration Failed Unexpectedly

QuickBooks is one of the most famous accounting software systems that is used by thousands of businesses around the globe. It is a one-stop solution for all accounting needs because, with this tool, you can perform multiple tasks like tracking expenses, paying bills automatically, tax planning, payroll, and whatnot. 

Since QuickBooks keeps updating, as you upgrade your QuickBooks version, you need to migrate files from one version to the other. However, sometimes, while migrating the QuickBooks files, you might see QuickBooks migration failed unexpectedly on your screen. 

This is a QuickBooks error that usually occurs while transferring data from one QuickBooks to another. Are you also facing the same error? Well, now you do not need to worry. In this article, we will tell you how to fix the migration failed error. So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

What Is The QuickBooks Migration Tool?

The QuickBooks Migration Tool, sometimes called the “Migrator Tool,” was introduced with QB Desktop 2019. This gadget is a significant advancement in user convenience. Transferring your three most recent company files and the QuickBooks Desktop Pro program to another computer is simple. The development of this tool demonstrates Intuit’s commitment to simplifying data transfer so you may update your PC without worrying about manually transferring data.

What Causes QuickBooks Migration Failed Unexpectedly?

Before jumping on to the fixes, let’s first understand what causes move QuickBooks migration failed unexpectedly so that you can avoid this error altogether.

Large File Size

If the size of the file that you are migrating is too large, it might disrupt the migration process and cause the migration failed error.

Incomplete Permission

In case you have not provide all the required permissions and access to company file while migrating your data, then it might also cause migration failed error.

Old QuickBooks Version 

If you are using an outdated version of QuickBooks, then you will not be able to migrate data. To avoid this, make sure that your QuickBooks is always updated.

Issue with Company File 

While migrating files, if the company file that you are migrating is either damaged or corrupted, it will hinder the migration process.

Issue with Network 

If your internet connection is not stable, strong, and is facing problems, then also the file migration failed error can occur. After all, the whole data gets migrated with the help of internet only.

Minimum system requirements

The most probable reason the “QuickBooks migration failed unexpectedly” error occurs is when the minimum system requirements are unmet. So, all the requirements must be met before you proceed with this process. So some of them are as follows:

• User Privileges: You must be signed in as an administrator user to use the Migrator Tool.
• Internet connectivity: There should be an active internet connection when the system receives the QuickBooks Desktop Pro.
• USB flash drive: A flash drive that can hold enough data to move the necessary QuickBooks files. The Migrator Tool specifies the precise amount of storage space required while in the migration process.
• A version of QuickBooks: The tool is accessible starting with QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2019.

Fixing QuickBooks Migration Failed Unexpectedly

Now that we have understood the problem well, let’s see how this issue of migration failed can be solved. In this section, we will tell you the step by step process to fix the QuickBooks migration failed error. Make sure you follow all the steps.

Solution 1: Troubleshoot the compatibility issues with QuickBooks

If you have recently updated Windows or just rolled it back to a previous release, you might be experiencing issues with the migration program or QuickBooks.

• Select “open file location” from the list of alternatives after right-clicking on the QuickBooks application.
• After selecting the QB file, right-click on it and select “properties.”
• Within the properties dialog box, select the “compatibility” tab. Then, locate the Windows version under the “Run the program in compatibility mode for” option.
• After selecting Apply, click OK.

Run app compatibility troubleshooter.

• Through all the control items, launch the control panel. There, hit the icon program and features.
• Next, hit the icon “Run programs made for previous versions of Windows” and launch the “Windows program compatibility troubleshooter.”
• Now, click the advanced button or the next option. You will then see a list of programs from which you must select QuickBooks.
• After successfully following all these steps, the troubleshooter will be executed, directing you to the list of app issues.
• Finally, hit the following button to fix all the issues and QuickBooks errors.

Solution 2: Check the Company File 

For the next step, you need to check if your company file is okay or not to make sure it is not damaged or corrupted. Here is how you can do that. 

• Download and install the QuickBooks File Doctor tool on your PC.

• Run it to check the company files.
• If the company files are damaged or corrupted, then the tool will detect and fix them. 

Solution 3: Update QuickBooks 

In order to avoid the QuickBooks migration failed error, you need to make sure that you are using the latest version of QuickBooks. To update QuickBooks, you can follow the steps given below:

• Open QuickBooks.
• Go to the Help.
• Click on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Now follow the instructions that come up on the screen and download and install the latest version of QuickBooks. 

Solution 4: Check Permissions 

If you want to migrate the company file, you will need to make sure that you the permission to do the same. In case you do not have migration permission, you can try contacting the administrator or owner of the company file to provide you with permission to migrate the file.

Solution 5: Uninstall pending QuickBooks desktop maintenance release update

Before proceeding with these steps, save all the pending work and exit from QuickBooks.

• You can use the Windows path to get to the “Download Location” on the “Options tab” of the Update QB Desktop window. (Note:  The “Program Data” directory is hidden; you must enable Windows to display hidden folders and files to find it.)
• Once you reach the Download Location directory, locate the “EPatch” and “NewFeatures” directories. They should be updated to correspond to when QuickBooks downloaded the removed update.
• Once the EPatch Directory is open, take the following actions:

1. Click “Select all” to highlight every item in the directory once it is open.
2. To remove every detail from the directory, select “Delete” while all its contents are highlighted, and then close the directory.

• After opening the NewFeatures Directory, repeat the two procedures outlined in the EPatch Directory.
• Close Windows Explorer after the maintenance release update was finally deleted.

Solution 6: Updating the operating system

If you use an outdated operating system, there is a high chance that QuickBooks migration failed and an unexpected error occurs. So it should be updated, and to update it, follow the steps given below:

• On the Taskbar, click the Start button.
• Click the Windows update button after typing “update.”
• ‘Check for updates.’
• Download any available updates.
• Allow these updates to install automatically after restarting your computer.
• Try the QB Migration Tool once more to see if the issue has been fixed.

Solution 7: Utilizing Intuit data protect

Utilizing this satisfactorily could resolve the issue. To do this, the steps are given below:

• Log in to IDP- Intuit Data Protect on the new PC.
• After launching QuickBooks, choose the File tab.
• Select the ‘Backup Company’ menu item.
• Select ‘Activate online backup‘ or ‘Set up online backup.’
• Click ‘Continue’ after selecting the company file in QuickBooks.
• Next to “Backing up local copies of the selected documents,” check the box.

Solution 8: Restore your company files

To recover your company files, take the following actions:

• Get QuickBooks installed on your new computer.
• On your old system, launch QuickBooks and select the File menu’s Single-user mode.
• From the File menu, pick the Company Backup option.
• Select ‘Create Local Backup.’
• Select the folder in which you want the backup files to be kept.
• Select ‘Ok,’ then ‘Save,’ & ‘Finish.’
• Transfer these backup files to the new system you’re using.
• On the new system, download QuickBooks & launch QuickBooks and select ‘Restore the backup file’ from the File menu.
• Await the completion of the procedure.

Conclusion

This guide to the failed QuickBooks migration, an unexpected error, will explain every detail about the problem. We have provided all the solutions, so you can fix this problem by following them step-by-step.

Therefore, make sure you adhere to all instructions precisely. If you still need assistance or guidance, contact our QuickBooks support staff.

Frequently Asked Questions