Last Updated on October 9, 2025
QuickBooks Migration Tool helps you transfer data between QB Desktop and Online version, or between two computers easily, without any data loss. However, occasionally, while using this tool, you may encounter the QuickBooks migration error 1009.
This issue commonly arises due to coding or programming glitches in the software. While experiencing this issue, some error message will appear on-screen, stating “1009 Internal Error: exception unknown”, “Something’s not right. Try again later”, or “Error 1009: There was an issue with the connection to QuickBooks Online.”
It is essential to resolve this error to complete the data transfer process without interruption. Therefore, we have created this detailed guide that will provide you with all the necessary information about this error. Moreover, you will get to know the proven methods to resolve this error.
Troubleshooting the error code 1009 in QuickBooks Desktop can be a hectic and time-consuming process. Let our professionals handle your tech troubles. Call us at +1(855)-738-0359 now to speak with a certified QB expert and resolve your issue quickly.
Key Factors Leading to the QuickBooks Migration Error 1009
You should be aware of the triggers that can lead you to the QuickBooks migration error 1009 to prevent this in the future. Therefore, we have outlined below some of the most potential reasons behind this issue.
- An outdated Microsoft Windows operating system
- When QuickBooks Desktop won’t open or refuses to give you access
- The connection may have failed due to an open QB window
- Maybe the Windows firewall security settings are blocking the internet access
- An outdated QB Desktop
- If there is no company file open while migrating the data
- Compatibility issues, such as data migration between a 32-bit computer and a 64-bit computer
- Slow internet connection and wrong network settings
Whenever the QuickBooks migration fails unexpectedly, in most cases, the reasons mentioned above are the leading causes. After discussing these reasons, let’s follow the methods outlined in the next section to resolve this error.
Expert Ways to Resolve the Migration Error 1009 in QuickBooks
Now, let’s try out the following working solutions to eliminate this QuickBooks migration error 1009.
Method 1: Update the QuickBooks Desktop
When you utilize an outdated QuickBooks Desktop, this will often lead you to various errors, including the QuickBooks Desktop Migration Tool error 1009. Therefore, you should check and update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version.
Once you have updated your QB software, check whether the problem is solved. If you are still encountering the same issue, follow the next possible solution.
Method 2: Update the Windows Operating System
If you are utilizing an outdated Microsoft Windows Operating System, you may face issues and various errors in your system and applications, including the QuickBooks Desktop. In such a case, you should update the Windows Operating System.
After updating your operating system, try again to run the QuickBooks Migration Tool to check whether the problem is solved. If this method doesn’t fix the QuickBooks Desktop, then follow the next possible solution.
Method 3: Close All the QuickBooks Windows by Clicking the End Task
In a scenario where you are using the QuickBooks Desktop in the background or have any other window open, it may hamper the data transfer process and lead to error 1009 in the QuickBooks Migration Tool. To resolve that, you need to close the QB windows and then restart the data migration tool by following the instructions below.
- Access the File menu on the QB software homepage
- Next, choose the Exit as shown in the image above, or click Alt + F4 on the keyboard
- Access the Task Manager through the search bar or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together
- Now, access the Processes section and choose the QB programs
- Lastly, tap End task in the menu to close all windows
Once done following the above-mentioned instructions, rerun the QB Migrator Tool to begin the data transfer. If you are still facing the ‘1009 internal error: exception unknown’, proceed with the next given method.
Method 4: Configure the Firewall Security Settings
Sometimes, the firewall security settings can prevent you from Transferring QuickBooks to Another Device its Desktop version to the Online version. In such a situation, you should configure the firewall security settings to create an exception for the QuickBooks software.
After configuring the firewall settings, check again whether the problem is solved. Still experiencing the QuickBooks migration error 1009? Then, you will need to follow the next given solution.
Method 5: Reboot the Move.QuickBooks.Bat File Again
You should restart the QB data transferring process after following the steps of running the move.QuickBooks.bat file given below.
- Start by inserting a USB flash drive and accessing the File Explorer
- Next, copy all the QB data onto the drive and encrypt it with a one-time password
- Now, turn off the antivirus application to prevent restrictions on another system
- Again, insert the USB flash drive and access it in File Explorer
- Then, fill in the password to access the files
- Initiate the migration procedure by tapping on the move.QuickBooks.bat file
- Lastly, let the QB Migrator Tool complete the migration process
The time this process is going to take properly depends on the performance of your computer and the internet speed.
Now, check again whether the problem is solved. If you are still facing the same error, then you should follow the next solution.
Method 6: Add Intuit as a Trusted Website in Your Chrome
Your system’s internet connectivity settings can interfere with transferring data or transferring the QB Online to QB Desktop, and lead to the QuickBooks migration error 1009. To address this issue, you need to add Intuit as a trusted website on your preferred browser through the process below:
For Google Chrome users
Follow the process given below to add Intuit as a trusted website on Google Chrome:
- Start by opening Chrome and heading to the three-dots Menu icon
- Next, locate the Privacy and Security on the left panel under the Settings
- Find the Third-party cookies option and choose it
- Now, scroll down to ‘Sites allowed to use third-party cookies’ and tap on Add
- Search for intuit.com by entering it and select Add
For Mac Safari users
Follow the instructions given below to add Intuit as a trusted website in Apple’s Safari browser:
- Start by accessing the Safari and entering Intuit.com
- Find the Bookmarks and tap on Add Bookmark
- Here, you will find the Add this page to option in the dropdown
- Lastly, select the Favourites and press Add
For Microsoft Edge users
Perform the instructions below to add Intuit to Microsoft Edge as a trusted website:
- Start by accessing the Edge browser and tapping on the three dots Menu icon
- Next, head to the Settings
- Now, locate the Privacy, search, and services on the left panel, and choose Cookies
- Locate the Customized cookies behavior section
- Then, choose the Add site option for Allowed to save Cookies
- Now, enter intuit.com and press Add
After implementing the steps above, the QuickBooks migration error 1009 will be resolved if it was triggered by an internet blockage due to network settings. However, if it doesn’t, then you may attempt to run the QuickBooks Migrator Tool in compatibility mode as follows.
Method 7: Use QuickBooks Migration Tool in Compatibility Mode
This problem can occur when your operating system and QuickBooks software do not meet the required specifications, leading to QuickBooks Migration Tool error 1009. To fix this problem, it is advised that you follow the process below to utilize the QB Migrator Tool in Compatibility mode.
- Start by finding the .exe file of the QuickBooks Migrator Tool on the computer
- Next, choose Properties and launch the Compatibility tab
- Lastly, select the option that appears, stating “Run This Program In Compatibility Mode.”
This will help you transfer the QB data and prevent the QuickBooks Migration Tool error 1009. However, if you are still facing the same issue, then you should use the Intuit Data Protect Service to create an automatic backup through the next method.
Method 8: Create the Backup by Using the Intuit Data Protect (IDP)
Intuit offers the Intuit Data Protect (IDP) service to create a backup of the crucial QuickBooks data. It can automatically create daily backups of your QB files and folders to keep the data safe and protected. You can easily resolve or prevent the QuickBooks migration error 1009 by using the IDP service through the following process.
- Start by launching the QB and choosing the File tab
- Next, log in to Intuit Data Protect (IDP) on the system
- Find and click on the Backup Company option
- Next, select the Setup/Activate Online Backup and choose the company file
- Lastly, press the Continue and tick-mark the Backing up local copies of selected documents option
- Select the files and folders you’d like to back up, then choose Continue
- Now, schedule the daily backup, and choose Continue
- Lastly, set up the notifications settings, and choose Continue
This backup folder will store all the files, including the planner files, transaction log files, cash flow projector files, and more. Once done, check whether the QB error code 1009 has been resolved. Still facing the issue, then you should follow the following method.
Method 9: Manually Transfer QuickBooks Desktop from One System to Another
You can avoid the QuickBooks migration error 1009 by manually moving the QB Desktop to another computer. To implement that, you need to follow the outlined method below.
- Start by creating a backup of the company file
- Create a copy of the license information, then delete the QB Desktop from the old computer
- Next, install the QB Desktop on the new system
- Now, the setup file can be downloaded from Intuit’s official website, or the product CD can also be used for installation
- Then, to activate the QB Desktop, you will have to enter the product and license information
Once the registration is complete, restore the company files on the new computer. Now, check whether the migration from one system to another will be finished after you complete this procedure. However, in some cases, the QuickBooks backup failed, so you need to follow its troubleshooting guide.
Method 10: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop on Your System
Even after trying all the above-mentioned methods, if you can’t resolve the QuickBooks migration error 1009, this issue might be occurring due to an incomplete or improper installation of the QuickBooks application. In such cases, you should reinstall QuickBooks by following the next few steps.
- Start by locating the Control Panel in the search bar
- Tap and access the Control Panel, and then head to the Programs section
- Choose the Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program
- Next, select the QB Desktop from the list of programs
- Now, tap on Uninstall to remove the application
- Then, download the QB Desktop and install it
- Lastly, set up the QuickBooks Desktop
If the solution mentioned above doesn’t resolve the issue, try a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop. Now, check again to see if the problem is solved. Hopefully, now you will be able to use the QuickBooks Migration Tool.
Now, let’s wrap up this informative post about how to overcome the QuickBooks error 1009 with a quick view, which will show you the concise version of the information that this blog has provided so far.
The Quick View of the QuickBooks Migration Error 1009
The quick view table below shows the condensed version of the information mentioned in this blog, such as error messages, causes, and troubleshooting methods.
| Error Messages | “Something’s not right. Try again later.” “1009 Internal Error: unknown exception” “Error 1009:There was an issue with the connection to QuickBooks Online.” are some error messages you may see while encountering error 1009. |
| Reasons behind error 1009 in QuickBooks Desktop | Can’t open QuickBooks Desktop, outdated operating system or QB application, blockage due to firewall security settings, no company file open, computer incompatibility, or wrong network settings can cause this error. |
| Here’s how to resolve this issue | Update the QB Desktop, update the Windows Operating System, reboot, and move the move.QuickBooks.bat file, add Intuit as a trusted website, run the QB migrator tool in compatibility mode, utilize the Intuit Data Protect (IDP) service, or transfer data manually. |
Conclusion
This was all about the QuickBooks migration error 1009 that occurs due to the wrong firewall security settings, outdated QB software, or Windows OS. Moreover, this blog has provided you with the most effective troubleshooting methods to overcome this issue. It is advised that you follow these methods in the given order to avoid any technical inconveniences.
However, if you are stuck with a problem while resolving this error, don’t worry—our expert team is here to help. Dial us at +1(855)-738-0359 to connect with a QuickBooks expert today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
QuickBooks migration error 1009 occurs while trying to transfer the data between the QB Desktop and the Online version. While facing this error, you will get an error message stating “1009 Internal Error: exception unknown”. This issue can arise due to the moved company file being empty on the new program or computer, hampering your working processes.
To resolve the QB migration error 1009, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your QB software and Windows OS are updated to the latest version. Still facing the same issue? Then, you need to check and configure your firewall security settings to make exceptions for the QuickBooks application. However, if this doesn’t work, then you should set Intuit as a trusted website for the network settings. Other than that, running the move.QuickBooks.bat file, running the migrator tool in compatibility mode, or utilizing the Intuit Data Protect (IDP) can help you resolve this error.
When you are stuck with the error code 1009 while moving the QuickBooks data between the Desktop and Online versions, it can occur due to triggers, such as an inability to open QB Desktop, an outdated Operating System, or the QB application. Firewall security settings, no company file, or incorrect internet settings can also cause this issue.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.