How to Fix IIF Import Error in QuickBooks Desktop?

Facing IIF import errors in QuickBooks Desktop? Need not worry we are here to help you in fixing those errors with the help of the below writeup.

First, let us discuss the meaning and relevance of IIF files. The full form of IIF is Intuit Interchange Format. Intuit is prefixed because it is an Intuit product and the remaining two words define the characteristic of the IIF files. IIF files are used by QuickBooks desktop to import or export the list of transactions between different platforms. In a nutshell, it helps in better managing the company’s transaction records in QuickBooks.

There is also not much hassle involved in the import and export process of IIF files as QuickBooks Desktop will format the file for you from its end only. So, it is recommended that you do not start creating the IIF file from the scratch (except when the data is too large) because it a very technically complex process and you will need the knowledge of delimited text files.

For importing the IIF Files to the QuickBooks Desktop, you will need to first download the IIF Import Kit. IIF Import Kit is nothing but a reference guide for creating and working with the IIF Files, It is comprised of IIF Import Manual, IIF Header Help, and IIF Example Files. If you import the IIF files using the right steps and process you can avoid any import errors, But sometimes you can come across the errors like File Not Imported Error, IIF Line Error, IIF Import Error, etc.

We will try to cover the fix of each type of import error in the below section.

A Brief info about the IIF Import kit

To import bulk data in QuickBooks Desktop the Intuit Interchange Format (IIF) Import kit is an easy option. With the help of this tool users can import their data easily and efficiently. To import important data into QuickBooks Desktop, users can download and install the IIF Import tool from Intuit’s official website. The ability for users to download a sample to use when importing QuickBooks transactions is the best feature.

What is included in the IIF Kit is as follows:

• IIF Import Manual: It covers a few of the typical. IIF problems and how to fix them.
• IIF Example Files: This is a folder containing a few version-specific samples of. IIF transactions.
• IIF Header Help: When importing list data into QuickBooks Desktop, the column headings are used.

How to Download and Install the IIF Import Kit?

The process that is mentioned below will help you in downloading and installing the IIF Import kit.

• First, you have to go to Intuit’s official website, look for and download the IIF Import kit from there.
• To extract the tool’s contents, use the WinZip extractor.
• To view the contents, which include the IIF import manual, IIF Example Files, and IIF Header Help, open the IIF Import kit folder.

What Types of Lists can be Imported in QuickBooks Desktop?

The following lists that can be imported are:

Vendor types	Items	Chart of Accounts
Employees Classes	Sales tax codes Price level	Payment terms
Customers and Customer: jobs	Customer messages	Customer and job types
Budgets	QuickBooks Import Inventory	Import Sales Receipt
Import Invoices into QuickBooks	Shipping methods

Important tips Before Fixing IIF Import Error in QuickBooks Desktop

Here are some steps you can try to take to try and fix an IIF import error in QuickBooks Desktop:

Make Sure the IIF file is Formatted Correctly

Verify the format of the IIF file you’re attempting to import into QuickBooks Desktop. To verify that the file is in the IIF file format that QuickBooks specifies, open it in a text editor.

IIF Files must be Compatible with Your QuickBooks Version

Only specific QuickBooks Desktop versions can open IIF files. Verify that the version of QuickBooks you are using supports IIF files. For further details on compatibility, visit the QuickBooks support website.

If there are any Special Characters, Check them out

Characters like the “&” and “+” signs can cause issues for IIF files. Before importing, make sure that your file is free of any special characters.

Reduce the Size of the IIF File by Splitting it

Try dividing a large IIF file into smaller ones and importing each one separately if you are importing them. This can help in identifying any mistakes or problems that might be causing the import to fail.

Third-Party Tools may be useful

If you are still having trouble importing IIF files, you might want to think about getting help from a third-party tool. Numerous tools are available to help minimize errors and speed up the import process.

Steps to Fix IIF Import Errors in QuickBooks Desktop

Before we move on to the process of fixing the IIF files import errors in QuickBooks Desktop, let us first understand the correct way to import these kinds of files in QuickBooks desktop:

Step 1. First of all, Open your QuickBooks Company Data File and Login as an administrator.

Step 2. Now in this step, You need to switch to the Single- User Mode and then click on File.

Step 3. After, Clicking on File, Go to Utilities, then import and then IIF files.

Step 4. In this step, Click on Browse Search and find your IIF File and click on Open.

Step 5. After sometime, QuickBooks will send you a Confirmation Pop-up that your data has been imported, You need to click on Ok.

This is how the IIF files are imported in QuickBooks, Let us now move towards the different kinds of errors and steps to fix them.

Steps to Fix IIF File Import Error

Step 1. First of all, When the Error Pops up you should click on ‘Review Now‘.

Step 2. Now Review the List and analyze where the Error Lies, If you are able to find and can resolve it on your own correct it and Save the File.

Step 3. In this step, Close the ‘File not Imported‘ window and import the correct QuickBooks IIF File.

Steps to Fix IIF Line Error

Step 1. First of all, Make a Copy of your IIF File and right-click on it and then Rename it.

Step 2. For renaming it change the Extension to XLSX and then open the File in Excel.

Step 3. Now you can Navigate to the IIF Line Error and Correct it in QuickBooks.

Changing the Extension of Journal Entries to fix IIF file Import Error

Step 1. At first, Click on the File menu and then select Utilities, Not select General Journal Entries after clicking on Import.

Step 2. Now choose the Journal Entry File (.QBJ), You can download it from your previous accounting software. And then Click on Add GJE.

Step 3. Once the GJE Summary opens up click on OK.

This is the process to fix the import error when you are trying to import the Journal entry from your previous software.

Using alternate Import Process

Step 1. First go to The File and then Utilities and then click on Imports.

Step 2. Now choose the IIF file and when pop-up appears click on the ‘Import it for me I’ll fix it later‘ option on the bottom of the screen.

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