Trying to access a QuickBooks Company file? but the error message “QuickBooks Company File Not Found” appears whenever you want to open it. Well, you need not worry because, in this blog, we will help you find the steps or solutions that will help you troubleshoot the QuickBooks company file not found issue. When a damaged file path or other technical difficulties prevent the software from connecting to the file, the QuickBooks company file not found issue appears.
You are consequently unable to access your financial information or carry out any accounting duties. When you attempt to open the file from the No Company Open window, QuickBooks company file not found, and a problem notice will appear if QuickBooks is having trouble connecting to the file. QuickBooks error company file not found is covered in more detail in the blog to give you a better understanding of its underlying causes and the solutions that experts suggest.
What is QuickBooks Company File Not Found Error?
The QuickBooks company file not found error message signifies that QuickBooks cannot set up a link with the desired company file. It might be because the file has moved or because QuickBooks cannot access the file because you might not have the folder permissions. Whenever you access a data file or carry out any accounting process, you will receive the QuickBooks company file not found error message, which is reoccurring.
Once the QuickBooks company file not found issue arises, adding new transactions to the file may be impossible. To guarantee that the business file functions properly and QuickBooks can access fiscal details without any issues, you must fix the QuickBooks company file not found error as soon as feasible. QuickBooks company file not found error does not harm your fiscal data, and you may restore your data file access by adjusting settings that may prevent QuickBooks from establishing a connection to the file.
You shouldn’t be alarmed if QuickBooks begins acting strangely because recurrent lags or crashes are usual after this problem occurs. You must examine the potential causes of the QuickBooks company file not found error before attempting the troubleshooting techniques discussed later in this blog. This will improve your understanding of the situation.
Causes Triggering the QuickBooks Company File Not Found Error
If you can not access the file you wish to run, QuickBooks will not allow you to complete the accounting chores correctly. Since you cannot edit your fiscal data or update new transactions, the problem is annoying. Below is a discussion of every potential cause for QuickBooks company file not found error on your QuickBooks:
- A prominent company file name
- The QBWUSER.INI file is either corrupted or missing
- A damaged hard drive
- Damaged program files
- An incorrect QuickBooks Desktop version is being used
- Corrupted QuickBooks files and data
- An issue with the QBW file’s location, which includes access permission
- A QBW.TLG file that is in disagreement
Troubleshooting Solutions for the QuickBooks Error Company File Not Found Error
Every time you run a file from the No Company Open window, error messages appear, making it impossible to use QuickBooks Desktop effectively. When completing additional accounting duties in QuickBooks, this issue may worsen and cause issues. To get back to using QuickBooks Desktop with no errors, you must fix QuickBooks company file not found issue as soon as possible.
Let’s now investigate how to locate the lost QuickBooks company file:
Method 1: Fix DBSM Problems for Multi-User Mode
Issues with missing QuickBooks Company files may arise when the multi-user network needs to be adequately set up. Workstations operating in multi-user mode or improper hosting settings may cause this, as Database Server Manager crashes each time you access or host a data file. You may follow these procedures to make sure DBSM functions appropriately:
Relabel files ending in .TLG and .ND
QuickBooks features a series of program files that operate behind the scenes, just like any other application, to improve user output. The DBSM needs two crucial program files to permit company file sharing: the .tlg (Transaction Log) and the .nd (Network Descriptor). DBSM may not work correctly if the files are damaged, preventing QuickBooks from finding the company file. Use these procedures to recreate the QuickBooks software files:
- Go to the path C: Users\Public\PublicDocuments\Intuit\QuickBooks20xx in the browser.
- Right-click on the .tlg and .nd files and rename them by typing “.old” following the extension, each one at a time.
- Save them on the system and start the DBSM.
- Navigate to the Scan Folders tab and browse your QuickBooks folder location.
- Start scanning and wait till the QuickBooks Database Server Manager finishes the scan.
Adjust the QuickBooks Hosting Configuration
QuickBooks only permits company file sharing when the file is running in multi-user mode by the server, and every workstation accesses it in single-user mode. You may need help finding the file if this differs from your QuickBooks hosting setting. To set up QuickBooks hosting settings, follow these steps:
- Open the QuickBooks File menu on the server computer.
- Click Utilities and select Stop Hosting in multi-user access.
- Repeat the above step for every workstation one at a time.
- Reboot each system and host the company file in multi-user mode on the server.
Method 2: Company File in Default Location
If the location of the QuickBooks Company file has been swapped or the company file is limited in your drive, you may also require assistance accessing your financial data. To circumvent accessibility issues while opening the file, store it in the default position. Follow the instructions on the server hosting the corporate file if you use it across a network. Follow the instructions below on the same computer if the company file is on the local computer.
- In the Search bar on your taskbar, type, and search for the file extension you are looking for.
- Put an asterisk (*) before the extensions in order to filter the search. You can take reference from the below given file types:
- Type *.qby for Accountants Change.
- Type *.qba for Accountants Transfer files and Copy.
- Type *.qbb for backup files.
- Type *.qbw for QB company file.
- Right-click on the file to open the file location.
- Copy the file and paste it into the C: Users\Public\PublicDocuments\Intuit\QuickBooks20xx\CompanyFiles path.
- Open QuickBooks and reopen the company file.
Read More: How To Sync QuickBooks On Two Computers
Method 3: Pick the Appropriate Procedure to Access a Particular File Type
There are several file kinds in QuickBooks, and there are also variations in how to open them. Attempting to open a file type incorrectly might also result in a QuickBooks notice that reads “company file not found.” The best course of action would be to launch the various QuickBooks file types as follows:
Accessing a Backup File
- Select the Open or Restore Company option below the File menu, then choose Restore a Backup option and click Next.
- Browse the .qbb extension QuickBooks backup file
- Select the company file and click Next.
Accessing the Company File
- Select the Open or Restore Company option below the File menu.
- Select Open a Company File and click Next.
- Browse and open the .qbw extension company file.
Accessing Accountant’s Copy Transfer File
- From the File tab, choose Open or Restore a Company.
- Select the Convert an Accountant’s Copy option and click Next.
- Click Next again on the What the Accountant’s Copy Can and Can’t Do window.
- Open the appropriate with .qbx extension.
- Click Save to save the file to your PC.
Method 4: Ping the Server from the Company File System
You may check if the connection between the workstation and the server is functioning correctly by using the Ping command on the workstation. To fix the QuickBooks company file not found error, and other QuickBooks error codes like this, you must first enable Networking Discovery on the server and every workstation:
- From the search panel, open Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on the Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
- Navigate to the Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing sections and turn on Network Discovery.
After that, use the subsequent procedures to ping your server from the workstations:
- Press the key combination “Windows + R,” when the Run dialog box appears, type cmd in the search field and Click OK.
- When the command prompt opens, run the command ipconfig/all.
- You will see a Host Name. Jot it down for future reference.
- Type “Ping[Host Name]” and replace the “Host Name” with the name that you noted down previously.
- Run the command by pressing Enter.
- Verify the reply to check if the server receives all the sent packets.
- If you detect a packet lost or a delayed reply, contact your admin to stabilize the network issue.
Method 5: Run a Dummy Company File
It may happen that your QuickBooks is operating fine, but your present data file may have a problem that prevents you from accessing it. No need to worry. You can check if your present data file has a problem by suppressing your QuickBooks Desktop and opening a dummy company file. You can follow the steps below to ensure whether your company file is the problem or if it is QuickBooks.
- Open QuickBooks and select your company file in the No Company Open window.
- Press and hold the Alt key and click Open. Sign in if your software prompts you to do so. After you have entered your credentials, press the Alt key to log in.
You can follow the steps given below to suppress your QuickBooks Desktop:
- Search for QuickBooks in the taskbar’s search panel.
- Open the location where the QuickBooks folder is in the file explorer. Look for QuickBooks’ launch icon.
- Press and Hold the Ctrl key and double-click QuickBooks.exe. Keep pressing the Ctrl key until QuickBooks opens.
- Open your company file from the No Company Open window.
If the file opens, then the problem lies with the program, and if it cannot, then follow the further given steps:
- Click Open a Sample File in the No Company Open window to see if it opens.
- If the dummy file opens, then the issue is with the company file.
Method 6: Relocate the Company File to a Fresh Location/Folder Permission
One reason for the company file not found in QuickBooks Desktop is the possibility that the path that your company file is located in is damaged or QuickBooks might not have permission to access the folder. You can try relocating the company file and configuring the permission settings to resolve this issue. You can do so with the help of the following steps:
- Open File Explorer and go to the QB folder.
- Search for the .qbw extension company file in the folder.
- Navigate to the company file, copy it, and paste it wherever you prefer on the desktop.
- Open QuickBooks, go to the File menu and click Open or Restore a Company.
- Select the company file that you copied to the desktop and open it.
If the company file opens without interruption, the issue lies in the folder itself. Follow the steps given below to configure the permission setting for the folder:
- Open the properties of the folder by right-clicking the company file folder.
- Navigate to the Security tab and click Edit.
Select your user account and check the Full Control checkbox to allow the permissions.
Read More: Methods To Resolve QuickBooks Error C=272 Easily
Method 7: Don’t Automatically Save Your File While Closing
Generally, QuickBooks opens the last worked company file whenever you launch it and opens multiple windows on its own. But sometimes it cannot find some company file, so it starts glitching and cannot resume the tasks. So to troubleshoot this problem, you can turn off the automatic save to desktop option. To do so, you need to follow the steps given below:
- Open QuickBooks.
- Navigate to the No Company Open window and select the company file you are working on from the list.
- Hold and press Alt key and open your company file (wait to release the key until your file opens).
- After the company file is opened, navigate to the File menu.
- Click Preferences.
- Select the Desktop View tab.
Method 8: Relabel the QuickBooks Company File
If the file name contains invalid symbols prohibited by UNC protocols, QuickBooks cannot locate or execute your company file. Additionally, QuickBooks needs help opening business files in compressed or encrypted formats. By altering the company file name and setting up the file properties as explained below, you can resolve the problem:
- Open the QuickBooks folder in File Explorer and right-click to rename the .qbb company file.
- Remove any special characters (!,@,#,$,%,^,&,*) from the name and save it.
- Go to the Properties of the file and then to the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the Compress and Encrypt checkboxes and save.
- Run QuickBooks and open the company file.
Method 9: Fix the Damaged Company File
If the company file has been damaged and is unreadable, QuickBooks may also need help connecting to it. This may occur if a virus assault corrupts the system data or if the corporate file is corrupted during a transfer between sites. You can fix the issue using the File Doctor Tool in the Tool Hub to repair the company file. Additionally, you can use it to fix bugs or technical issues that interfere with QuickBooks’ functionality. Here’s how:
- Go to QuickBooks official’s Products and Updates page and enter all the information prompted.
- Download the latest version of the Tool Hub and wait for the download to be completed.
- To start the QuickBooksToolHub.exe installation process, run the file and follow the instructions given.
- Check to accept the agreement for the software license and wait for the installation to be completed.
Method 10: File Doctor and Quick Fix My File Tool
One of the main causes of QuickBooks’ inability to locate firm files on the network is corrupted or damaged files. Fix it using QuickBooks file doctor and Quick fix my file. When the software tries to run the corporate file and fails because of the unreadable format, it will either develop problems or crash suddenly. You need to fix your business file and attempt to open it in QuickBooks once more. Take a look at these steps:
- Open Tool Hub and select the Company File Issues menu.
- Click on Quick Fix My File and wait until the repair is fixed.
- Return to the Company File Issues menu and select the Run File Doctor Tool option.
- Browse the location of the company file that is damaged.
- Select the Check Your File option if not already selected, enter the admin account info, and run the tool.
- After the repair is done, re-open the file.
Method 11: QuickBooks Admin Rights
When using QuickBooks Desktop, you must always log in with your Windows admin account to avoid needless Windows Firewall error and allow the program to access all system disks without issues. If QuickBooks’ executable files aren’t allowed to run or the program isn’t permitted to use system resources as needed, QuickBooks will crash immediately or display an error message. You can stop all of this by giving your QuickBooks Desktop administrator rights, as explained below:
- Search for QuickBooks in the taskbar’s search panel.
- Go to the location of the QuickBooks folder and right-click the QuickBooks.exe.
- Go to its Properties and then to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the checkbox for Run this program as administrator if not already marked.
- Apply the settings and click OK.
- Re-open the company file in multi-user mode.
Solution 12: Update QuickBooks
We suggest downloading the most recent QuickBooks Desktop updates if none of those above fixes resolve the QuickBooks company file not found error when you try to access your financial records. This can result from Windows OS compatibility problems, which make the program behave strangely when a data file is opened. Additionally, updating QuickBooks adds new features that the development team has introduced and addresses errors that are currently present. To download and install QuickBooks updates, follow these steps:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the file menu.
- Click Utilities and select Stop Hosting in multi-user access.
- Go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
- Mark all the checkboxes and select the checkbox for Reset Update in the Update Now to remove all the prior downloaded updates.
- Open QuickBooks again, and in the prompt, click Install Now.
Conclusion
This piece will help you get through the company file not found issue. This blog has all the essential points you must consider to resolve the issue. After you read the blog thoroughly, you will better understand the error and how you would fix it. If you have another problem, you can contact support at +1 (844)-214-9614.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I restore my QuickBooks company file?
You can restore your company file by following the easy steps given below:
- Run QuickBooks and select the file.
- Select Open or Restore Company.
- Select Restore a backup copy and then click Next.
- Select Local Backup and then click Next.
Locate your backup company file on your system and then select a folder where you want to save your restored company file. - Select Open and then click Save.
Q2. How to fix QuickBooks company file?
You need to follow the steps given below if you wish to fix your company file:
- You may restart your computer to fix the issue.
- You can restore a backup of the company file to a different location.
- You can use QuickBooks inbuilt tools to fix this issue. You can use the QuickBooks File Doctor or Quick Fix My File Tools to fix a company file.
- You can update QuickBooks to the latest version.
- You can make sure no other user is using the company file at the same time as you.
Q3. How do I find my QuickBooks company file?
You can try the default location of QuickBooks company file that is C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files. You can also search by asterisk (*) followed by the extension type of the file. You can get an idea from the following list of extensions:
- Type *.qby for Accountants Change file type.
- Type *.qba for Accountants Transfer files and Copy file type.
- Type *.qbb for backup files.
- Type *.qbw for QB company file.
Q4. How do I recover lost files in QuickBooks?
To recover a lost file you can restore a backup company file or you can use the Auto Data Recovery Tool. You can restore your QuickBooks company file by following the easy steps given below:
- Run QuickBooks and select the file.
- Select Open or Restore Company.
- Select Restore a backup copy and then click Next.
- Select Local Backup and then click Next.
- Locate your backup company file on your system and then select a folder where you want to save your restored company file.
- Select Open and then click Save.
Q5. How do I unhide a company file in QuickBooks?
To unhide a company file in QuickBooks, you can try these steps:
- Open File Explorer
- Select the View tab
- Select Hidden Items
