What is a QBL file?
A file with .qbl extension is a QuickBooks license file that contains licensing information for the user’s purchased copy. It is usually stored in local system with the name license.qbl after QuickBooks is installed and user enters the licensing information in the software when software is run for the first time. QBL was the earlier file format used for storing QuickBooks licensing information. This has now been replaced by the QuickBooks qbregisteration.dat file and is populated with information from user’s confirmation email, purchased DVD, or through other buying means. QBL files can be opened in any text editors such as Windows Notepad, Apple TextEdit, Notepad++, Github Atom editor, and many more.
QBL File Format - More Information
QBL files are created and stored as plain text files. Information in these files is human readable and can be edited/updated when these files are opened in text editors. Licensing and user registration information can then be copied in this file for getting started with the QuickBooks software. QBL files are usually stored in the Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\INET directory on Windows Operating System.
A QBL file contains two types of information.
QuickBooks Version Information:Referred to the installed version of QuickBooks and is in format such as xx.xLicense Key:Text in 000-000 0000-0000-0000-000 000073adbf3f format where 000-000 0000-0000-0000-000 is replaced with user’s qbregisteration Key
Key Characteristics of the QBL File Format
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| File Extension | .QBL |
| Format Type | Open Standard (Zipped XML) |
| Full Name | QuickBooks Backup License File |
| Primary Use | Creating a compressed backup of a QuickBooks for Mac company file and its license. |
| Associated Software | QuickBooks for Mac (Versions 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) |
| Format Type | Proprietary, Compressed Archive |
| Restoration Process | Must be restored via the “Restore” function within the compatible QuickBooks for Mac application. |
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between a QBL and a QBB file?
A: A QBL is the backup format for older QuickBooks for Mac versions and includes license data, while a QBB is the standard backup format for QuickBooks for Windows and newer Mac versions.
Q2: Can I open a QBL file in QuickBooks for Windows?
A: No, QBL files are not natively compatible with QuickBooks for Windows; you must use a compatible version of QuickBooks for Mac to restore it.
Q3: How do I restore my company data from a QBL file?
A: Open your compatible version of QuickBooks for Mac, go to the File menu, select Restore or Open or Restore Company, and follow the prompts to locate your QBL file.
Q4: Is the QBL format still used today?
A: No, Intuit has phased out the QBL format in favor of the universal QBB backup format for all newer versions of QuickBooks.
Q5: My QBL file is corrupted; what can I do?
A: QuickBooks has a built-in “Rebuild Data” utility, and Intuit support may offer recovery tools; for severely damaged files, a professional data recovery service might be necessary.
