If you’re using a desktop product from the Reckon Accounts business range (previously called QuickBooks) you may decide you want to move to the hosted version for a number of reasons, such as to have access on multiple devices. The Reckon Accounts Hosted (previously QuickBooks Hosted)product has the same look, feel and features as the desktop products, and you can upload a current data file and start working online.

In this blog post I want to provide an overview of steps you can take to make the move from the desktop platform to the hosted platform hassle free, you’ll find links to more detailed documents at the end of this article.

Get signed up

First you’ll need to sign up to the Reckon Accounts Hosted service. Once signed up you’ll get a user ID and password to get started. If you sign up several users note down the different User ID’s; this will help you set up file sharing later on.

Get your timing right

While you can choose to make the switch from a Reckon Accounts desktop version to a hosted version at any time, choose a time when moving through these steps will cause the least disruption to your business.

Complete any tasks in your current data file

Re-sort all lists, process any ABA file(s) still remaining in your online banking area, finish your bank reconciliation and print any forms that are currently showing in File>Print forms.

Verify and rebuild your datafile

Data integrity checking is a must in any software program you use and the Reckon Accounts business products are no different. Verifying and rebuilding your datafile is an important way to identify errors. If any errors are found, you can address them before your upload your datafile into the Reckon Accounts Hosted program.

Checking your Reports

Once you’ve completed checking for errors, check your reports such as your Balance Sheet, Trial balance, Profit and Loss and any other reports that your business requires. We recommend that you print each report and/or keep a soft copy. You’ll need to compare these reports once you’ve uploaded your datafile into Reckon Accounts Hosted.

Consider the name of your company datafile

While uploading the company datafile consider the name of your company file. Make sure to remove any symbols such as @, #, $ % from the name as these cannot be used in the hosted version.

Upload and restore a portable company file

Once you’ve performed the above simple steps, you are ready to upload your company datafile to Reckon Accounts Hosted.

Firstly, create Portable Company File of your company file and save it to a convenient location, such as on the C drive on your PC.  You can restore this file directly from Reckon Accounts Hosted, but a faster way is to copy and paste your Portable Company File from your PC to your personal Q drive on Reckon Accounts Hosted.

Your current company file may have customised letter templates and image files, such as logos, saved for use on your templates. You’ll be able to use these in Reckon Accounts Hosted. To do this you’ll need to copy these logos and templates from their current location to your personal Q drive on Reckon Accounts Hosted.

Check your datafile

Next, generate the reports you created and compare them to the soft copies prepared using your desktop version. They should be exactly the same, confirming that the upload and upgrade has been successful.

The above steps can go a long way to making the transition from Reckon Accounts business range desktop products to the hosted platform run smoothly. The documents below can provide further guidance for making the transition from Reckon Accounts desktop products to Reckon Accounts Hosted.

Read our more extensive documentation for setting up Reckon Accounts Hosted >

More information about Reckon Accounts Hosted >