How to Fix QuickBooks Company File is Missing or Not Found Error?

Are you trying to open your QuickBooks company file but are again and again obstructed by the following error message stating as:

Warning	Did you move your company file?
Description	QuickBooks can’t find your company file. If you moved your QuickBooks company file recently, you’ll point QuickBooks to the location. You can do this by searching for your company file using ‘Find‘ in the start menu. Error Code: Company file not found
Quick Fix	The company file you selected could not be found. You can try one of the following: 1. Choose the ‘Open or Restore Company…’ command from the ‘File‘ menu to look for this file in a different directory. 2. Use the ‘Search‘ tool from the ‘Windows Start Menu‘ to search for this file in your computer.

Why Can’t I Find the QuickBooks Company File?

Well, this is a severe issue and usually occurs because your company file was moved or renamed, and you need to tackle it at the earliest. There are certain conspicuous practical factors that contribute to the company file being missing, which we shall be elucidating in this segment, along with some hand-picked solutions for the same. So, dive into this segment for a better understanding of this error, and also to learn some quick fixes to QuickBooks desktop company file is missing/found or QuickBooks desktop can’t open company file problem.

Potential causes behind the QuickBooks company file not found error

Well, as mentioned earlier, there is a myriad of reasons that can lead to QuickBooks company file won’t open issue. We have enlisted some of the common causes below:

• The company file name is too large
• The file named QBWUSER.INI is missing or damaged
• Your hard drive may be damaged can also lead to this issue.
• If the program files are damaged
• If the QuickBooks desktop version being used by you is incorrect.
• The QuickBooks data and files are corrupted.
• You might face this error if there is any issue with the location of the QBW file, which includes access permission.
• A conflicting QBW.tlg file

Pre-requisites for fixing the QuickBooks company file not found error

Before you directly jump into the fixation process, there are certain measures that you need to follow, which include:

1. You need to check whether the issue is with the company file and not with the software.
2. Ensure that you have an updated QuickBooks version.
3. We also recommend you make sure that your QuickBooks program isn’t corrupted.
4. Only one system should host the company file.

You may read: How to Resolve QuickBooks Failed to Create an Accountant’s Copy Error?

Methods to Resolve the QuickBooks Company File Not Found or Missing

Perform the below-illustrated methods in order to tackle the QuickBooks company file missing or not found error. Let us have a closer look at each of these troubleshooting methods:

Case 1: Accessing the QuickBooks file that is saved locally on the system

Method 1: Look for all the company files

This method is simple, and the user simply needs to add an asterisk (*) just prior to the extension type. Following file extensions need to searched for:

• *.qbw – (For QuickBooks Company Files)
• *.qbb – (For Backup Files)
• *.qba – (For Accountants Copy Files)
• *.qbx – (For Accountants Transfer Files)
• *.qby – (For Accountant Changes Files)

After you have found the files, note the location and move to the solution. In case the file isn’t detected, you will have to consult an IT professional.

Method 2: Open file in QuickBooks

You would have to access the file through the QuickBooks software. Follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Open the company file or an accountants copy

• From the File menu, choose Open or restore company.
• After that choose Open a company file and hit Next option.

• Now hit on the Company file and then choose the Open option.

Step 2: Restore the backup of the .qbb file extension

• You would also have to opt for Open or Restore company from the File menu.
• Afterwards, hit on Restore a backup file and choose the Next tab.

• Subsequently, opt for Local backup.

• Choose the Company file and hit on the Next tab.
• Select the location where the restored file is to be saved.

Step 3: Restore the Accountants copy transfer file

• Herein, you need to hit on Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
• Furthermore, you would have to choose Convert an accountant’s copy transfer file and hit Next.

• Afterwards, choose Next on the ‘If what the accountants copy’ can and can’t do window.
• Now, hit on the Transfer file and open it.
• Finally, choose the location where the file will be saved and click on the Save tab.

Also see: How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 195?

Case 2: Accessing QuickBooks file over network

Method 1: Verify the network connectivity

• Under this process, you would have to spot the name of the server system. Follow the steps below:
  • Hit the Win + R keys.
  • Afterwards, open the Run dialog box.
  • The next step is to type in CMD and hit on the Enter key.
  • Type ipconfig/all and hit on the Enter key.

• Note the Server names.

• Type Ping and the name of the server in the Next window.
• Hit on the Enter tab.
• You will see a reply for each pocket.
  • If you get any packet loss, then it means that there are some issues with the network connection.

Method 2: Find the QuickBooks company file

• Use the Windows feature to look for the file type.
• Here you need to hit a click on the Windows start tab and type the extension of the company file along with the asterisk sign (*) in the search programs and files search box:
  • *.qbw (working files)
  • *.qbb (backup files)
  • *.qba (Accountants copy files)
  • *.qbx (Accountants transfer files)
  • *.qby (Accountant changes files)
• After you have found the file, right-click the file and choose the Open file location tab.
• Open the File from the right location to eliminate the error.

Read it also: Fix Crash Catcher Issue when Using QuickBooks for Mac

Alternate Methods to Fix QuickBooks Company File Won’t Open

In case the above methods don’t work for you, then, in that case, you can follow the steps below.

Method 1: Copy the company file to a new location

• This method requires you to Create a New folder in C: drive
• Subsequently, open the Folder where the company file is saved.
• Press and Hold the Ctrl key and choose the company file and the corresponding .tlg file.
• You would then have to right-click and choose the Copy option.
• Conclude the process by opening the new folder and right-clicking, and hitting on the Paste option.

Method 2: Check for the properties and file extension

• Herein, you would have to open the Folder where the file is saved.
• After that hit a right-click the Company file and hit on the Properties tab.
• Ensure the type of file is QuickBooks company file and the file size is 7MB.
• Further, you need to choose the Advanced tab and ensure that boxes to compress and encrypt attributes are unchecked.
• Lastly, hit the OK tab to end the process.

You may also like: How to Overcome From QuickBooks Error C=387?

Method 3: Update QuickBooks and check your file type

• The first move is to get QuickBooks updated to the newest version. This can be done via Help tab within QuickBooks. Another way out is by acquiring the downloaded file from Intuit.

• When update is done, corroborate the extension of the company file. It should only have the .QBW extension. Remaining extensions like QBB, QBM, etc. should be avoided.
• Also, the file should not have been compressed. For this:
  • Proceed with a right-click at QB company file.
  • Then, move to Properties, then Advanced tab
  • There, highlight the box next to “Clear the Compress and Encrypt“.
  • To wind up, “click on OK“.

Method 4: Open a sample company file

• Open a sample file in QuickBooks. It will affirm if company file has issue or QuickBooks.
• For this, hold CTRL on your keyboard, and while it is still pressed, open QuickBooks. Don’t let go of CTRL until QuickBooks opens.
• Then, choose Open a Sample file.

Also Check: How to Fix QuickBooks Event ID Log Error 4 on Windows?

Method 5: Don’t save the desktop when you close QuickBooks

QuickBooks re-opens windows left open after closing your company file. If you have a large report or many windows to open automatically, QuickBooks can freeze on startup.

Steps to open your company file without saved windows:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop, and via the No Company Open, opt for the company file.

• Keep holding ALT key, then tap on Open. Don’t release ALT until the file opens. If QuickBooks asks for signing in, release ALT and enter your password. Press and hold ALT again and select OK.

If your company opens successfully, turn off the Save the desktop when closing preference.

• After that go to Edit and then, go for Preferences.

• Here, choose Desktop View, and choose Don’t save the desktop.
• Then, hit on OK.
• Close and open QuickBooks again and open your company file.

If it opens successfully, you’re good to go.

Method 6: Turn off hosting on your workstations

If you host your company file on a network, turn off Host Multi-User Access on your workstations. Only the server computer should host the file.

To turn off hosting on your workstations:

• Initially, open QuickBooks on one of your workstations.
• Don’t open your company file. Instead, go to File and then Utilities.
  • If you see Host Multi-User Access, don’t select it. Move on to the next workstation. This one isn’t the problem.
  • If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it.

• Repeat these steps on all of your workstations.

After you check your workstations, move to your server computer. This is the computer that normally hosts your company files.

• Open QuickBooks on your server computer.
• Open the File and then Utilities. If Host Multi-User Access is an option, select it.
• Switch the multi-user setting off and on.
  • Go to File, Utilities, and then select Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.
  • Go to File, Utilities, and then select Host Multi-User Access.

• Try to open your company file again.

Read Also: Download Bank Feed transactions in QuickBooks Desktop

Winding up!

That was all you needed to know to tackle out the QuickBooks can’t find company file or company file is missing problem! However, if you have any queries or concerns, feel free to call us immediately at 1-800-761-1787! Our 24/7 QuickBooks error support representatives are ready to help you 24/7, 365 days a year!

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