If you encounter ”QuickBooks error 6000 when opening a company file” This is because QuickBooks is unable to read the file path to the folder that stores your company file. This is the file where your accounting data is kept which ends with a .QBW extension and can be easily located on your network drive or on a backup folder in your PC.

• Here is a quick way to locate the file path

By default the .QBW file gets saved in the QuickBooks installation folder located in C/ Drive unless you have manually selected a separate drive to backup the file.

Here is a quick way to to check the :QBW file location from your computer.

• Open File Explorer.
• Go to This PC from the left panel.
• Open drive C/.
• Now Open Program files from the list of folders.
• FInd a folder with the name QuickBooks,
• Find the .QBW file from the list of files.

Once you were able to locate the destination folder select the file causing the error and follow the troubleshooting steps below to repair and fix any damages on the file.

Further more the 6000 error code originates from two major sources when opening QuickBooks.

1. Accessing your accounting data from a Network share drive that means you are running QB in  (Multi-User Mode).
2. Opening the data file from a  local drive that means ( Single User Mode)?

This would be the first step to find out where the error is occurring from. as their are numerous occasions users encounter file error 6000 in QuickBooks including error 6000 77, 6123, 6109 and 6000- 83 which may occur due to connection or a folder or file damage issue.

Check How QuickBooks is configured?

• Option one Multi-User

This is the Method used to setup your QuickBooks files on a Network share drive using a file server to store your company files with exceptions to share them across the assigned workstations on which QuickBooks is used, also known as multi-user setup.

Once QuickBooks opens on your workstation it communicates with the server to reach the file path or the folder on which your data is stored.

If your server is down the connection to the database is lost resulting in termination of the request sent from your PC on which QuickBooks is open thus returns back with the error 6000 in QuickBooks on your workstation .

• Single User Mode:

This Method is used when you are  using your QB desktop from a local computer and your Data files gets stored on the local drive C:/ ,an external drive or a drive you might have setup to backup your QB data.

In this case you need to troubleshoot the issue from the PC.

What causes the error 6000 in QuickBooks Desktop?

• Local Access (single User Mode) Causes

1. A software or a security program on the PC is interrupting the communication path between QB and the company file.
2. The file named .TLG in file directory is corrupted.
3. QuickBooks installation file is corrupted.
4. .ND file is not working correctly.
5. Company data backup is damaged ( If you are trying to restore a backup).

• Network Access (Multi-User Mode setup) Causes

1. Firewall is blocking the connection between the local computer and the server that helps develop the connection with the .ND file located in the file directory .
2. Network Conflict or incorrect network setup.
3. The computer hosting your Company data is not a server.
4. The QuickBooks Company data is either corrupted or damaged.

10 ways to fix QuickBooks Error 6000

Now that we have a list of all the 9 reasons that causes this error while trying to open a company data file, so lets look at the 8 different ways to find which solution works for you to fix error 6000 in QuickBooks.

• Close all QuickBooks processes through Task Manage and re-open QB Desktop.
• Create a sample company file
• Repair QuickBooks installation files.
• Copy the file to the desktop
• Restore a backup
• Rename the .ND and .TLG files
• Run the QB database server manager from QuickBooks tools hub.
• Configure firewall, ports and anti-virus software.
  
• Check the folder permission manually.
• QB Auto data recovery

Fix .QBW file issues on local computer

Step 1: End QB Proccesses in Task Manager

• Login to your host computer or local pc as Administrator

• Press ctrl+shift to open task manager.
• Click on the Users Tab to show processes for all users.
• Fin the following processes (QBW32.EXE, qbupdate.exe, and QBDBMgr.exe) and press End task.
• Go back and open QB software in Multi-user Mode.
• Incase the error 6000 still appears than move on to the next step.

Step 2: Create a sample company file

Performing this step will help you determine If the cause of error message 6000 is due to a damaged or corrupted company file or the application components and installation files are damaged which needs to be repaired.

• Open QuickBooks application from the desktop icon.

• From the “No company open” window select “Open a sample file”.

• Choose Any from the list of sample company files.

If the error persists than look at step 4 on how to copy your .QBW company file extension from the backup folder or file directory to the desktop. If you are able to open the file from the desktop it would mean that the file location is damaged.

However, If the error message was returned while trying to open a sample company file than move on to step 3 to repair your QB desktop installation files.

Step 3: Repair QB installation files

QuickBooks installation files are  stored on your computers hard drive.  if these files are outdated outdated or damaged you won’t be able to open your software.

Run these steps to update and repair QB installation files.

• Before you begin Backup your company file.

• Restart your PC to ensure the repair does not effect any other program that might be open on the computer.
• After the restart, Login to your computer and go to Start Menu.
• Go to programs and features. ( In windows 10 type Add or remove programs and select the first results from the top). OR ( Go to Control panel> Programs> nd Programs and Features).
• Find QuickBooks from the list of programs than right click to Uninstall/change.
• Press Next and continue.
• Choose Repair and click next.

  Note: Windows will now start repairing your  files. The speed for windows to complete the repair will depend on your system performance and may take a while. Leave it running until its done.

• Once completed press Finish and restart your computer for the changes to take effect after the repair.
• Lastly, Please update your QuickBooks to the latest release to ensure you have the most recent fixes and security updates.

Error during the repair ?

In case you receive a “file in use” error message while repairing your data than please do the following:

• Choose Ignore. (You might need to press Ignore a few times).

• Select OK if you have been notified to reboot your PC.

After you have successfully repaired the installation files at this point you should be able to access QB. By any chance If the problem has not been resolved please move on to the next step to troubleshoot the error further.

Step 4: Copy the file to desktop

Start by creating a copy of your .QBW extension from the folder where it is stored and save it on the desktop and try to open it from their. This will help you understand if it is a folder damage or a data damage causing the error.

Incase the file opens from the saved copy on the desktop this would point that the location is damaged or it exceeds the “file system path limitation” meaning that it is too deep and can’t be reached.

Here’s a complete guide to perform this step.

• Go to the Folder that holds your company files
• Find the .QBW file extension from the list.
• Select the file Right Click> Select Copy from the drop down menu.
• Paste the company file on the desktop, Go to Desktop, Right Click> Paste.
• Press and Hold down the Ctrl (Control) Key and open QuickBooks so you are redirected to the No company Open window.
• Next Click Open or Restore a existing company from the options on the window.
• Go to Desktop and find the company file you Saved on the desktop and click Open.
• Still receiving QuickBooks error message 6000? proceed to step 5.

Step 5: Restore a backup

Restoring a backup of your company file from a backup folder or drive may help you solve QuickBooks error 6000. and help you identify if the problem lies with in the current .QBW file extension.

If the backup opens up without any issues  than your current .QBW file is damaged and you might need to re-enter the transactions, invoices and any data manually from the last backup date.

Perform the steps below carefully before you start restoring a backup of your to avoid discrepancies during the process.

• Check that hosting mode is turned off on your computer.
• Open your company file.
• Go to File menu, and Select Utilities.
• Select this option that says (Stop Hosting Multi-user Access).
• In the Stop hosting multi-user window, Select Yes.
• In the company file must be closed windows click Yes.

Confirm that the file path is not more than 210 characters long.

• Open the folder that contains the company file.
• Select the path from the top address bar Right Click and Copy.
• Start a notepad and paste the path and count the characters to make sure that the number of characters does not exceed more than 210. Here is an example: C:UsersPublicDocumentsIntuitQuickBooksCompany Files.
• Now try to Restore the company file.
• If you were able to restore a backup of your data and once logged in you find all your data intact and the QuickBooks Error message 6000 does not persist Great! you can start using QB if it did not get resolved than continue to troubleshoot.

Step 6: Rename the .ND and .TLG files with error 6000

The Folder that stores your data  consists of a .TLG and a .ND file along with several other file extensions such as the .QBW.

Here’s how to locate these extensions and replace them.

• Open the folder that contains your files.
• In this folder you shall see some files other than your company file but has the same name as your company file however these ones end with extensions such as .ND and .TLG files.
• Now Right click > select rename > and add the word OLD at the end of the file.
• Repeat the same for the .tlg file. For example : company_file.QBW.tlg.OLD.

Step 7: Run Tools hub to repair errors in your files.

• Download QuickBooks Tools Hub
• Once Downloaded open the file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Read the On-screen instructions to to Install the program.
• A Tools hub icon will be saved on your desktop.
• Open QB tools hub and select Network Issues.
• Now choose QB database server manager. To continue with this step you will need to install QB on your server computer if it isn’t already installed.
• Once database server manager is open on the screen, select start scan from the options. In case you do not see your data file than choose the option to browse to the location of your file directory and than start scan.
• After the scan is complete
• Open QB and try to log in to your company. If the error continues to show up than proceed to the next step.

Step 8: Verify the folder permissions for files causing QuickBooks error 6000

• Open Windows start Menu.
• Go to file explorer.
• Right-click and select Properties on the folder that contains the company files.
• Find the Security Tab and press Advanced.
• Choose QBDataServiceUserxx and select Edit.
• Set Allowed to the following settings.
  • Folder contents
  • Execute File
  • Read Attributes
  • Create/Write Data
  • Create/Append Data
  • Write Attributes
  • Read Permissions

Folder Permissions not set correctly ?

• Go to the folder that holds the company > right click> select properties.
• Select Security from the tab above.
• Click Edit.
• Choose the QBDataServiceUserxx and set to Full Control and than Allow.
• Hit Apply and Ok.

Now reopen qb to check if the error message has disappeared and you are able to open and access your files successfully if not go to the next step.

Step 9: Configure Firewall ports and Anti-virus to avoid Error 6000

Misconfiguration of firewall ports is one of the most common mistakes made by QuickBooks users. By setting up your ports or ant-virus program incorrectly may interrupt the connection to distribute your company files over the network resulting into QuickBooks error 6000.

Technically what it means is because of a security software setting, which maybe a firewall or anti-virus is blocking the file path to the folder and sharing rights of files across the network which can be easily resolved by setting up the right permissions in your security program for such files.

Here’s how:

• Go to Start Menu.
• In the search bar type Windows Firewall and Click to open.
• Choose Advanced settings.
• From the Advanced Security window Right-Click and choose New Rule.
• Select Port and than Go Next.
• Don’t forget to select TCP.
• Now in the Specific Local Ports Field, type in the ports required for the QuickBooks Versions

QB Desktop 2019 and later versions use dynamic port numbers Such as 8019 for QB 2020 and 2019 both.

Note: Dynamic ports are assigned to QuickBooks automatically at the time of installation which are specific firewall ports and ensures that an exclusive port is given to QB.

To get the Dynamic Ports:

• Go to Windows Start Menu.
• Type QuickBooks database server manager in the search bar.
• Now select the Port Monitor tab.
• Check the Version of QB you are running.
• Make a note of the Port number which will be used later to set your firewall port exceptions.

Important: In future if you would like to change the port number simply click Renew to assign a new port number in the field.

Once you have assigned a new port number than head over to the scan folder tab and select scan now. This will reset the firewall permissions. Also keep in mind that you can only renew port numbers from QB version 2019 and later.

And QB desktop 2018 and older use static Ports and their port numbers are already set.

• Now Add the port number you made a note of to set your firewall exceptions click Next.
• Choose to Allow the connection and then Next.
• When Prompted ensure that all profiles are checked and Go Next.
• Start to Create a rule and name it for example: (Qbports2019).
• Once done Select Finish.

We’re not done yet! Now repeat the same steps to set Outbound rules. The above steps remain exactly the same only this time you will create Outbound rules.

As soon as you have completed setting up both the inbound and outbound rules along with the correct port numbers for firewall exceptions, Restart your computer.

Open QB Desktop, You try to sign in both from your host or a local computer. If you are able to sign in to your company file without any error 6000 or other issues Wonderful but if you are still struggling with problems please see the next solution.

Step 10: QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery

QuickBooks comes with an built-in feature called the Auto data recovery or the (ADR).

This feature is available in QB desktop applications and can help you to recover your data in the event of data corruption, data loss or unable to open company file error problems.

At Accounting Pro Advisor we may be able to help you recover your lost or corrupted data, which might take days depending on several factors, such as your file size, the number of company files,

Which would also mean that you might not be able use those particular files from a minimum time period of 24 hours to a week though our representative will look into it and inform you further.

Therefore, Utilizing the ADR can be easier and faster solution to help recover lost or corrupted data.

Just ensure that you use this option only after you have tried all the other recommended steps above as it requires some technical skills and knowledge to avoid any further damage to your data.

This step will help you restore your lost transactions using your current .QBW file and the Transaction Log File.

Important Information before you proceed:

1. Using ADR for data recovery is only possible with QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise solution running on Windows, Accountant Editions do not support the ADR feature.
2. The Maximum size limit for an ADR file is upto 1500 MB (1.5GB). Incase the size of your backup file is more than 1500 MB than QB won’t create an ADR file.
3. To enhance this feature ensure that QuickBooks is always updated.
4. Now proceed with the following steps in order.

Use the QBW.adr file and the .TLG file to recover lost transactions.

• Create a New folder on your Desktop.
• Give it a name such as QBTest.
• Go to the Company File Location.

Quick Tip: Open your QB application, while on the No Company Open Window. Press F2 or Ctrl+1 to view the location of your saved company files.

• From the list of files look for the .TLG file which would have the same name as your company file.
• Now copy the .TLG file and Paste it in to the QBTest folder you created on your desktop.
• Go back to the company file location and open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder.
• Copy the .QBW.adr file from this folder and Paste it to the QBTest folder. Now you should have 2 files in the QBTest Folder .TLG and .QBW.adr .
• In the QBTest folder Rename the .QBW.adr file.
• Right-click on the .QBW.adr and Delete adr at the end.
• Open QuickBooks
• From the QBTest folder open your company file and ensure all transactions are their by using the Account Register.
• To check the data integrity of the file you just recovered, Go to File> Utilities> Verify data.
• This copy of company file looks good ? Than remove the damaged file to a different location and copy the new file of your desktop’s QBTest folder to the original location.

Conclusion:

This concludes our list of troubleshooting steps to fix QuickBooks error 6000 with your existing data file other than the last option that is creating a new company file altogether and start all over again.

Depending on how you are using QB you may not need to run all the steps mentioned in the list.

However one of the 10 steps mentioned above should solve your problem as this topic provides complete guidance for users unable to open a QuickBooks company file both in multi-user mode and single user mode.

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