QuickBooks is undeniably powerful accounting software, and many businesses in the United States rely on its features to manage their day-to-day cash flow and bookkeeping.

Once you the application is installed and you begin making entries into QuickBooks, a database is automatically created for your company’s accounting data to be stored, also known as the company file.

Firstly, the Error 6123 in QuickBooks occurs when a company file will not open because of a error in the database. Secondly, when QuickBooks does not recognize the file as a QBW file, which is the extension QB uses to identify and validate the file before opening.

As a user if you are not aware of how QuickBooks is setup in the beginning it may feel a little daunting and scary when such errors occur.

However, with little technical knowledge and with the help of our comprehensive guide you won’t be lost and soon find your way out.

Before attempting to resolve QuickBooks error 6123, first determine your current setup. Ask yourself the following questions, or call our expert advisors at +1 805 669 7851 if necessary.

Find Out i you are running QuickBooks in single or multi-user mode?

• Single-User: Means QuickBooks is setup and used from a single computer in the premises.
• Multi-User: When QB is operated from several PC’s and the database is shared over a network.

It will be much easier to troubleshoot the error once you have figured out your QuickBooks setup.
Moving on, you will find a list of reasons why Error 6123 occurs when attempting to open a company file, as well as a complete list of troubleshooting steps to fix the error from the source and avoid future QB problems.

9 reasons to cause QuickBooks Error 6123

• QB program is not up-to-date.
• The external drive which stores the files is not recognized by your PC.
• A Transaction log file maybe damaged
• The Network data file is not working properly
• QuickBooks installation files may need to be repaired.
• Limited Folder or file permissions may result into Error 6123 in QuickBooks.
• 6123 Error will occur when multi-user setup in incomplete in QuickBooks.
• Problems or issues with Company file extensions.
• Firewall maybe blocking file sharing access over the network.

QuickBooks Error 6123 Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Restart Your PC or Server

Let’s begin with the simplest step on the list: restarting your computer. Why? Because if your computer shut down unexpectedly prior to the error 6123, it could also mean that it did not start properly, which means that it did not start all of the programs or its components due to a technical glitch. Restarting your computer resolves minor issues, allowing your programs to resume operation.

Step 2: Open Company file from Desktop

QuickBooks may prompt you with Error 6123 if your company file is not accessible from a an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a remote server.

Rather copy the file to a local drive of your computer and try to open it from their.

Even if your computer appears to be functioning normally, a connection problem prevents it from identifying or recognizing the hard disk properties and thus from accessing the data on the drive.
In this step, we will copy the file from the external drive and paste it on your computer’s local drive before attempting to open it.

Here’s how:

• Simply open file explorer or This PC app in windows.
• From the left pane select the drive on which your files are stored.
• Open the drive > Right-click > copy the company file you want to access.
• Now Go to desktop main screen > Right-click > Select paste.
• Next double click the file you copied to the desktop or right-click and Select open.

If the error persists, than move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check the number of characters and file extension.

• If you are trying to open an existing file that you have recently renamed but are unable to open due to the 6123 Error, the first step is to ensure that the name of your company file does not contain more than 30 characters.
• Additionally, ensure that your company file contains no spaces, symbols, or special characters; the following extensions are permitted: .qbw denotes the current file,.qbb denotes a backup file, and .qbm denotes a portable file.

Step 4: Create a sample company file

Making a sample file will allow you to determine whether the error 6123 is related to your current company file or the QuickBooks Desktop software itself.
Though it is rare, there are times when the QuickBooks desktop does not function properly and you receive errors when attempting to open your company files.
This indicates that the problem is due to an application defect rather than data corruption.
Let’s find out through the following steps:

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop (You must be on the No company window).
• If you are already logged in to a company file than simply go to the top menu click file > close company. This will bring you to the no company open window.
• Now click Sample file from the list of options.
• A drop down with a list of business types will appear, select the one that matches the file on which the error 6123 is appearing.

Note: The list of business types will vary depending on the QuickBooks version you have installed. Enterprise users, for example, will have more business types to choose from than Pro and Premier users.
If you can access your data after opening the same file, it means your data is safe, and the 6123 error is due to a problem with the company file extensions, which we will help you fix in the next steps of this tutorial.

Step 5: Rename TLG and ND file Extensions to Fix Error 6123

When the .ND and .TLG files in QuickBooks get corrupted or damaged, Error 6123 prompts frequently during operations.

These files are required for a data file to function. A virus attack or a failed update could be also a cause for the issue.

In this step, we’ll restore these files and replace the previous, damaged ones so that we can open the company file without issue.

• Navigate to the folder containing your company’s files.
• Look for the two extensions that begin with your company’s file name. (company.ND),(company.TLG)
• Select the.ND extension first. Righ St- click select Rename from the drop down menu.
• At the end of the file, type .OLD
• Save by renaming the .TLG extension (companyname.OLD) in the same way.
• Restart QuickBooks after closing all of the folders on your screen.

Step 6: Create a portable company file to fix data issues

When you get a 6123 error on a company file, it’s a good idea to build a portable file to fix the problem. It is a compact file which holds all your transactions and cash flow but is not a complete backup of your company file and does not include: Templates,.tlg and.nd files, logos, graphics, and templates are all examples.

As a result, before creating a portable file, we recommend making a backup of your original company file. To avoid confusion, save the .qbm in a new folder and give it a different name than the original file.

• Log into QuickBooks as an administrator.
• Select Create Copy from the File menu.
• Then choose Portable company file and Next.
• Give your portable company file a unique name. This distinguishes it from the rest of your company’s files.
• Choose a easy to find location for your portable company file to be saved, such as your Windows desktop.
• Hit Save and OK once finished.
  
  
  

When you access your portable company file, QuickBooks automatically re indexes your data. This solves a variety of data issues.
Run a report or go over your transactions and profit and loss statements to ensure your data is complete and accurate.
After you have verified your data, save it as a regular.
qbw file, and from now on, do not enter any data into your old file and only use this file to manage your bookkeeping.
If you discover that something isn’t working properly, restore an older backup from a time when you weren’t having trouble opening your file with the 6123 error in QuickBooks.

Step 7: Restore file from backup folder

If you are unable to access your QuickBooks data due to a 6123 error, restoring an old backup of your company file may be able to help you solve the problem immediately.
Moving forward, there are several methods for restoring an old QuickBooks backup.

1. If you’re running QuickBooks in single-user mode, go to the backup folder and double-click on any of the old backups that end in QBW Extension.

Make sure you choose a backup from before the error occurred.

2. Press and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and double-click on the QuickBooks desktop icon on your computer. Wait until QuickBooks displays the “NO company open window” message.
3. Next, Select the “Open or Restore an existing company” Option from the three tabs.
4. Navigate to the path where your backup files are stored.
5. Select the backup you want to open.
6. When asked enter your Admin ID and password to login.

If you were able to login without any problems it means the 6123 error is occurring because there is a damage in your current company file. You can replace the file or you can fix common data issue by using the verify and rebuild data option in QuickBooks desktop.

Step 8: Download QuickBooks Tools Hub to fix QuickBooks Error 6123,0

• Download the most recent version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.5.0.0).
• Save the file somewhere accessible to you (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop).
• Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Install by following the on-screen instructions and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
• When the installation is complete, double-click the tool hub icon on your Windows desktop to launch it.

Step 9: Run quick fix my program tool

The Quick Fix will close any open background QuickBooks processes. It will repair your program quickly.

• Select Program Problems from the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Select Fix My Program Quickly.
• Open your data file in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 10: Use the all in one file doctor tool

• Select Company File Issues from the tool hub.
• Select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor option. The file doctor may take up to one minute to open. Note: If the QuickBooks File Doctor does not open, search for and open QuickBooks Desktop File Doc manually.
• Select your company file from the drop-down menu in QuickBooks File Doctor. If you don’t see your file, choose Browse and search to locate it.
• Select Check your file (only the middle option) and then Continue.
• Enter your QuickBooks admin password and then press the Next button.

It can take up to 5 minutes in most cases to complete the scan. Once complete, launch QuickBooks and your company file. Even if the scan resolves your problem, it may report that it was unsuccessful.

Step 11: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks

1. Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

• Open the Windows Start menu.
• Type Control Panel on the search bar and Open.
• Select the Programs and Features option to uninstall a program.
• From the list of programs, select the version of QuickBooks Desktop you want to uninstall.
• Select Uninstall/Change and then Remove. If you don’t see this option, sign out of Windows and login as an administrator (or a user with admin rights).
• When the program has been successfully uninstalled, Restart your PC and proceed with Step B).

B) Install QuickBooks Desktop again

• Locate the QuickBooks installer for your operating system and download it.
• Run the QuickBooks.exe program.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to begin installation
• Accept the software license agreement and then click Next.
• Fill out the Product and License information. Then press the Next button.

QuickBooks will shortly complete the installation and setup process. Once on the no company open window select the restore a company file option to open a company file. If you were able to open the file with out the error 6123 than reinstalling QB has solved your issues. If you want to share this files with other users. Find out how to setup multi-user mode in the next step.

Step 12: Give Folder Permissions to avoid Error 6123 in QuickBooks

If the company file has been shared with multiple users and one of them is able to open the file but the others are unable to due to error 6123, a quick check of your folder permissions may also resolve the issue.
Simply make sure that the proper folder and file permissions are set for data shared with other network users. If this is not the case, select the appropriate users to share files in multi-user mode.
Remember that only the folder’s owner or someone authorized by the owner can change the folder’s permissions.

The check boxes will be grayed out if you are not the owner of the folder, this means you won’t be able to modify the folder permissions without the admin rights.

Here is a quick way to configure user permissions:

• Open the Windows File Explorer program.
• Right-click on the company file you intend to share and select Properties.
• Go to the Security tab after selecting Properties.
• Next, click on Change Permissions under Advanced.
• Select the user account you want to share the file with. Select Edit.
• Click Add on the Permissions screen.
• Make sure that the changes apply to This folder, sub-folders, and files in the drop-down menu.
• Select the Full Control option.
• Apply the changes. Wait for it to finish.
• Restart your computer after closing all screens.
• Once logged in Open QuickBooks and try to access the file.

Step 13: Setup multi-user mode to share files without Error 6123, 0

Check the multi-user settings when attempting to share the company file that is causing Error 6123 over the network. If you’ve previously completed these steps for configuring hosting and multi-user access for specific files, double-check that the settings for the file causing the 6123 error are correct.

• Ensure the QuickBooks Database server manager is installed the host computer.
• Set Admin rights for files and folders.
• Scan your files using the database server manager.
• Turn on hosting.
• In QuickBooks Desktop go to file and Select Utilities.
• Choose Host Multi-user access.
• Select Yes to Confirm.

You can now distribute your company data file across your network. Users with access to these files will not encounter the 6123 error in QuickBooks when accessing a data file via the server.
Sign in as an admin user on your server and workstations to access your multi-user network and configure the appropriate permissions and user roles.
If you are unable to access your file due to an Error, make the necessary exceptions in your firewall software to avoid blocking programs and files from being accessed over the network.

Step 14: Configure Firewall Manually

In Windows, go to the Start menu.

• Type “Windows Firewall” into the search box to launch the program.
• Next, go to the Advanced Options.
• Click on the Inbound Rules, From the left-hand menu.
• Start creating a new rule.
• Select a port and Click Next.
• Choose TCP from the drop-down menu.

• Ports are organized by the version of your application in the list, Enter the appropriate one in the local port area.
• Ports Specifications: QuickBooks Firewall Ports in 2020: 8019, XXXXX.2019 QuickBooks Firewall Ports: 8019, XXXXX. 2018 QuickBooks Firewall Ports: 55378, 56728.55382, 8019. 2017 QuickBooks Firewall Ports: 55373, 56727.55377, 8019.

Note: The latest QuickBooks editions uses dynamic ports, which are assigned automatically when QB is installed. As you can see, the default port for QB 2019 and later editions are 8019 and XXXXX.

Step 15: Run Auto data recovery to fix the 6123 QuickBooks Error.

After QuickBooks error 6123 has been resolved and you are able to open your company files without any issue, run a Quick Report to ensure that all transactions and balances are in place. If you find missing data, simply use the built-in QB recovery file to identify any lost transactions.

To recover lost transactions, use the QBW.adr and.TLG files.

• On your desktop, make a New folder.
• Give it a name for example: QBTest.
• Navigate to the Company Files folder.

Quick Tip: While in the No Company Open Window, open your QB application. To see where your stored company files are, press F2 or Ctrl+1.

• Look for the.TLG file that has the same name as your company file in the list of files.
• Paste the.TLG file into the QBTest folder you made on your desktop.
• Return to the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder in the company file location.
• Copy and paste the.QBW.adr file from this folder into the QBTest folder.Now you should have 2 files in the QBTest Folder .TLG and .QBW.adr .
• Rename the.QBW.adr file in the QBTest folder.
• Right-click the.QBW.adr file and select Delete adr at the bottom.
• Start QuickBooks.
• Using the Account Register, open your firm file from the QBTest folder and verify that all transactions are present.
• Go to File> Utilities> Verify data to examine the data integrity of the file you just retrieved.
• Is this a good version of the company file? Then copy the new file from QBTest folder to the original location after replacing the damaged file.

To Sum Up

We hope that this comprehensive article and guide on QuickBooks Error 6123 was useful in resolving issues with your company file and restoring access to your data. While these issues are less complex and easier to resolve when using QuickBooks in single user mode, when using QuickBooks in multi-user mode, you may need to troubleshoot a little further to identify the actual source of the problem.
Nevertheless, if you understand how QB works in single and multi-user environments, To overcome company file errors such as 6123 etc. will be much easier in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.