Running 2 instances of QB2004

Retype????!!!!!

Export / Import

It would be easy to print the check register or a transaction detail or audit trail report with the information you need for this. I do not know any other practical way to do it.

There is no way you can open the same version of QuickBooks in two seperate Windows on the same computer.

The best option is to take a print out of the transactions and then copy to the other QB file.

Alternatively, install a newer version of QuickBooks and open a second copy of QuickBooks on the new version and then copy the transactions.

However, it is important to note that once a copy is opened in the new version it can not be opened in a previous version of QuickBooks. Therefore, just take a copy of the QB file, upgrade it to the newer versions and then discard it after data has been read from it.

I hope the above solution helps

Yes, I think that's the way it's looking. Thanks for responding. Jo

Thanks for your suggestion. Although I had installed the 2004 on different disks, obviously this won't work. I wonder how Tarra does it. Sadly I can't afford to buy a different version just for this purpose. Jo

One of the responses given to Will was to have separate OSs installed on each of the partitions. Just installing QB on different partitions is not enough as you found out.

On the rare occasion when I need to do this I set up a second computer so that I have 2 screens to compare. My work machine is a desktop so I just drag my laptop upstairs and park it next to the desktop monitor.

If you are referring to me and my posts in the thread by Will then I'm afraid you misunderstood. I pointed out that you can't have two copies of the same version installed but that you can have different versions of QB installed in their own folders on the same hard drive. In other words you can have QB 2004 and QB 2005 on the same hard drive and have both open & working because they are different versions.

"Its fine to have separate versions installed as long as they are installed in their own unique folders on the hard drive. I have 4 versions installed and I know a great many accounting practices must do this as well. I often have QB 2005, 2004 & 2003 open at the same time."

"I don't think you can unless they're different versions. Windows would see the version .exe running and not launch another instance of the program."

-- Tara

Use your (or borrow a) laptop. Run one copy there.

With a product like VMWare, you could do this but its not worth the effort for a one time usage.

As others have noted, print reports and work from the reports, use a second computer or use one of the transfer utilities from the Intuit Marketplace to avoid all or most of the re-typing. The Marketplace is at

You are missing a second computer.