QBB vs QBW File extention

[VickiP]

I have had to reinstall XP and therefore am forced to reinstall Quickbooks 2002. I have a current back up of my data however when I perform the "restore" function it does not recognize the QBB file extenstion and wants a QBW file extension instead. I have performed this function before without any issues. Does anyone have a solution? Any assistance you can render would be very much appreciated. Thanks.....Vicki

[suzannemead]

The backup file has a .qbb extension and that is what gets restored. There is a possibility that your QB 2002 had updates that were installed during it's previous use. The data file won't open unless you have the updates installed. Although Intuit no longer supports QB 2002 you should be able to get these updates from them to download manually. I can't remember exactly where to tell you to go for this, but Joey and several others will know.

[VickiP]

Suzanne, Thanks for the information. I had not thought to update the program after initial installation. I have done so and confirmed that I am completely up to date, however, it is still not recognizing the file extention. The error message states "This is not a QuickBooks data file. Check to ensure the path and file name of the QBW file are correct". OK sol I know QBW is incorrect but don't know where to go from here. Is there a way to convert my QBB file into a QBW file and restore it that way?

Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks Vicki

Originally posted by VickiP
I have had to reinstall XP and therefore am forced to reinstall Quickbooks 2002. I have a current back up of my data however when I perform the "restore" function it does not recognize the QBB file extenstion and wants a QBW file extension instead. I have performed this function before without any issues. Does anyone have a solution? Any assistance you can render would be very much appreciated. Thanks.....Vicki

[suzannemead]

It still sounds like the file had updates that the old program won't recognize. You don't restore a QBW file, only the QBB. The file would be QBW if it had been copied rather than backed up. Other than that I am at a loss.

[Joe Williams]

Try copying the file to your desktop then try opening it insted of restoreing. The file name could have the 'extension' being not dispalyed. To display the file extension in My Computer, click Tools then Folder Options and then View. Make sure that the box "Hide extensions of known file types" is NOT checked. Then you can see the file name and extension when you view the list in My computer.
If the file is a QBB file, laynch quickbooks while holding down the Ctrl key untill quickbooks opens, it should open with no company open then you can click File and restore.

[VickiP]

Joe

Thanks for trying, but that doesn't work either. It won't allow me to open it - when I double click on the file I get a message that says "Windows cannot open this file. To open this file, Windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go on line to look it up automatically, or you can manually select from a list of programs on your computer. What do you want to do?" Then it gives me the choice of "Use the Web service to find the appropriate program" OR "Select the program from a list" - Additionally I did what you suggested after that and the file IS a QBB file and I could not get Quickbooks to restore it after opening QB while holding down the control key.

I'm at a loss and in the mean time my check book needs attention. Any other suggestions? I'm getting very frustrated with this as its starting to feel like I might not have a choice but to upgrade my QB program for extra money. I don't care for how these software companies force people into parting with their money.

I look forward to hearing from anyone who might help. Thanks

Vicki

Originally posted by Joe Williams
Try copying the file to your desktop then try opening it insted of restoreing. The file name could have the 'extension' being not dispalyed. To display the file extension in My Computer, click Tools then Folder Options and then View. Make sure that the box "Hide extensions of known file types" is NOT checked. Then you can see the file name and extension when you view the list in My computer.
If the file is a QBB file, laynch quickbooks while holding down the Ctrl key untill quickbooks opens, it should open with no company open then you can click File and restore.

[LJBooks]

Don't double click on the file, use the File>>Open option in QB to open the file.

I would also use Windows Explorer to check the properties of the QB file. Right click on the file and select properties. Look on the Quickbooks tab and make sure it says 2002.

[Joe Williams]

If you start quickbooks with the control key down ( no company open) can you open one of the sample companies?

[VickiP]

Yes I can open the sample company.

There is no "FILE << Open" option and you have to have a company open to even click on "file"

Also, through explorer, checked the properties and did not see a reference to 2002 anywhere but I did find that the "Opens With" section had "unknown" in it so I was able to change that to Quickbooks. I thought that might solve the problem but I still got the message regarding the file extension. It simply doesn't like the QBB extension.

Couple of questions - Would it make sense to uninstall what I have, reinstall it and do the updates one at a time and try to restore with each installation? I don't recall seeing on the QB web site individual updates but maybe you know a way around it.

Thanks for keeping this going. I appreciate it. Vicki

[anjare]

Looks very much like the data file is corrupted - see the 'sticky' post at the top of the forum.

[Joe Williams]

It is possible that you have a bad install. You can uninstall and then restart the PC in Diagnostic mode using MSCONFIG amd then installing
QuickBooks. Windows should reconize the QBW file type if QuickBooks is installed successfully.

[Joey]

If the program is looking for a QBW file extension, then you are trying to Open the file instead of Restore it ?? You keep saying that the program is looking for a QBW file and that is a working copy, not a backup copy.
Are you using File, Restore or File, Open?

[VickiP]

Yes Joey, I am using File < Restore to no avail

Thanks everyone for your attempt at helping me. I'm giving up at this point and will deal with an alternative solution.

Again, I thank you all for your attempts!

Vicki