software on an old computer

You will need the original installation media to reinstall on your laptop. Otherwise look at Laplink Pro to move apps assuming you want the OS to move with it: http://www.laplink.com/index.php/individuals/pcmover-for-windows-8/pcmover-professional-8

If the copy is too old, it may not even run on Windows 7 or 8.

I agree an older version of quickbooks many not be compatible with your windows 7 or 8 machine. What version of windows is on the old computer. It is nearly impossible to transfer the application from one computer to another by just copying files and folders from one computer to another, there may be hundreds of registry entries as well.  There are some applications that may transfer the application along with the registry entries such as laplink mentioned above. But it is not perfect it may or may not work. The laplink software must be compatible with both operating systems, the operating system of your old computer and the operating system of the new computer. Your best bet is to buy a near version of quickbooks and open the quickbooks file. QuickBooks is backwards compatible and can open old company files, but this is a warning, if you open the file with a newer version it will convert the file to the newer version so you will no longer be able to open the same company file on an older version of quickbooks. Can you tell us what version of the operating system and what version of quickbooks is on the the old computer? This may help us know if any of our suggestions may help you or not.

I would like to convert my machine to a virtual machine - now how do I do that?
I will search on this site for the answer while I wait.

thanks
Alison

You can try VMware vCenter converter, then use VituralBox and import the disc.

Allison:

You can also try DISK2VHD.  Then import the disc into a VirtualBox Guest.

Please let us know how you fare.

Thanks!

jocasio123