QuickBooks News Flash
If you are using any version of QuickBooks 2005, you need to pay attention to this.
Effective May 31, 2008, Intuit (the makers of QuickBooks financial software) will discontinue live telephone support and add-on services for QuickBooks 2005 (all versions).
This is not really surprising news, since Intuit generally supports the most current version of QuickBooks (right now, that’s 2008), plus the prior two versions (2006 and 2007). That’s why it’s a good idea to upgrade at least every three years. So if you’re still using QuickBooks 2005, now’s the time to upgrade to 2008.
If you’re the type who tends to follow the model, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” then you don’t NEED to upgrade, since the software will continue to work just fine after May 31. That is, unless you are using add-on services, such as Payroll, Merchant Services, Credit Card Download, Online Billing or QuickBooks Email. All of those services will no longer be supported from within QuickBooks 2005, even though the software will keep on working.
But what if you’re not sure which version of QuickBooks you’re currently using?
That’s easy. If you don’t see which version on the “splash” screen when you are opening the program, then from within QuickBooks simply press Ctrl+1 (from the keyboard, not the number pad) and you will get all the information about your current QuickBooks program, including which version you’re using.
An important reason to upgrade if you’re still using 2005 is because even though Intuit promises to help you out if you lose your keycodes or forget your administrator’s password for discontinued versions (it’s part of their terms and conditions), they will do so only “if that data is available.” In other words, there’s no guarantee they can help you if you are still using an old unsupported version.
This is significant, since if you are locked out of your data file because you can’t remember your administrator’s password, you’re dead. Not being able to access your financial records could literally cripple your business. Not good.
A more positive reason to upgrade from 2005, though, is because in 2006 QuickBooks underwent a major facelift and the user interface has been MUCH improved for following the proper workflow for recordkeeping ever since. That means the program is just plain easier to use. There are also quite a few enhancements and new features in the newer, supported versions, such as Time Tracking, Loan Manager and improvements in the help files.
The quickest and easiest way to upgrade is to download the new version directly from Intuit’s website; Just a few clicks and you’ll be all set.
If you want to upgrade to QuickBooks 2006 or 2007, you might be able to find them on eBay. But realize that you’ll be in the same pinch in another year or two. So my best suggestion is to just bite the bullet and upgrade to 2008 and be done with it (for three years anyway).
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Gabrielle Fontaine, PB is a freelance Professional Bookkeeper and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She specializes in assisting Internet-savvy entrepreneurs to get control of their books and maximize profits. Gabrielle also publishes the business-boosting online ezine, Smart Money Choices. Get more information at http://BookkeepingDirect.com
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