Effective solutions to fix the QuickBooks Desktop Freezes/Crashes Issue when opening or closing
Not every time QuickBooks desktop run smoothly, at times you might get stuck as the QuickBooks freezes or crashes. One of the major reasons that you might any type of error in QuickBooks is that it involves various codes and algorithms. Talking about how to unfreeze QuickBooks desktop or crashing issue, it basically means that the software hangs and doesn’t close when you try to shut it down. It generates new off-screen window that runs in the background, and when you shut the software, the window doesn’t shut down.
This error can be pretty much annoying to handle. If you are also a victim of the QuickBooks Desktop freezing or crashing error, then make sure to read this post till the end. Through this segment, we are going to discuss about the possible causes as well as the solutions to this error. Moreover, if you feel that tackling this error is not your cup of tea, then get in touch with our accounting experts using our dedicated support line i.e. 1-800-761-1787. Our QuickBooks error support team will offer you indomitable help in fixing the QuickBooks keeps freezing problem.
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Why does QuickBooks Desktop Freezes or Crashes?

At the time of working with QuickBooks software, QuickBooks desktop freezes/crashes error hinder the smooth working process. This error generates a few off-screen windows running in the backup, which do not close when you try to shut them. This not only freezes the QuickBooks software but also risks any unsaved data.
What triggers the QuickBooks Desktop freezing up error?
While installing the QuickBooks desktop edition, you might encounter this error as the installer might freeze for a couple of seconds or even stop responding to the commands of the users. Usually, it might get stuck on the installing ABS PDF driver… window. There can be various factors leading to such an error, which will be discussed later in this article.
Why QuickBooks Desktop keeps freezing/crashing?
There can be many factors causing this error, few are as.
- The very first factor causing this error can be if the Windows operating system is out of date.
- Your company name might be too long
- Another factor can be if the DDF and your preference files get damaged somehow.
- The file doesn’t allow you to operate the window for some reason.
- You might have a damaged Windows operating system or missing QBWUSER.INI file
- In case the applications are running in the background, you can encounter this error.
- There can be a corruption on your hard drive or any damaged program files or QuickBooks desktop installation.
Signs & Symptoms indicating the QB freezing up or crashing problem
Following are some signs and symptoms of this error:
- After a few seconds of freezing, your PC slows down.
- Processing operations on QuickBooks become much more difficult.
- QuickBooks becomes sluggish or not responding, and any keyboard or mouse inputs are slow to respond.
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Methods to fix QuickBooks desktop freezing up when opening, can’t move or close
There can be more than one method to fix this error, which increases the probability to make the software work smoothly. Let us check out the methods one by one:
Solution 1: Edit the DAT and DDF files
- You need to close the Company files.
- Now, find the company directory and rename ‘DAT’ to ‘OldUserPRef.DAT.’
- Delete Each file with the DDF extension.
- Followed by, opening the company and click on confirm to save the payments from the same directory.
- Now, hit on Print to print successfully.
Solution 2: Disable tablet PC input services
- Initially, press Windows + R keys and type MSC and then click on OK tab.
- Double-click the Tablet PC input service or touch keyboard and Handwriting panel service.
- Next step is to hit a click on Stop the service option.
- Now double-click the Tabled input service and then select the Properties option.

- Once done with that, Disable the start-up type and click OK button.
- To end the process, shut down the Services menu and then reopen QuickBooks.
Solution 3: Create and restore portable company file
If there are any data related issues, QuickBooks provides a feature that enables you to create a portable file that you may utilize to address them. The steps are as follows:
- Open the QuickBooks file and go to File menu.
- Select the Create Copy option.
- Then click on Portable Company File and then tap on Next tab.

- Choose a location to save the portable file, then hit on Save, followed by hitting on OK.
Procedure to restore the portable company file
- Navigate to File menu, and select Open or Restore Company option.
- After that, click on Next and select Restore a portable file option.

- Find a portable company file, choose it, then tap on Open,
- Now click on Next.
- Finally, hit on Save after changing the location of the company file.
Solution 4: Use the rebuild data tool
The QuickBooks verify and rebuild data tool fixes minor company file data issues automatically. The steps involved in this process are as follows:
- Initially, open the File menu and then visit the Utilities tab.
- Also, chose the Rebuild data option.
- Visit the QuickBooks information window and then hit OK button.
- Next step is to carry out the On-screen prompts to save a backup.
- Wait till it repairs the file. If you are able to move the mouse, then the tool is functioning.
- Once done with that, opt for the OK tab.
- You need to now open the File menu and then visit the Utilities tab and also select the Verify data option.

- The final step is to wait while the tool checks the file for the data issues.
In case the tool doesn’t point out or diagnose any issues, then hit OK. Continue to use the QuickBooks company file as it has no data damage. Or if the issue is detected, then select Rebuild Now tab.

Repeat the process if the issue continues every after rebuilding the company file. In case the first rebuild took very long then look for a professional.
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Solution 5: Uninstall the QuickBooks desktop
- Begin with clicking the Windows + R keys and open Run command.
- Furthermore, hit a click on the Control panel and hit OK button.
- Next, hit on the Programs and Features option.

- Also. click on Uninstall a program option.
- Once done with that, choose the QuickBooks option from the list of programs and then choose uninstall/change.

- Now, end the process by following the on-screen instructions.
Solution 6: Use QuickBooks tool hub program
- To begin with, you can download the QuickBooks tool hub from here.
- You would here have to save it on your computer where you can easily find it.
- Now, double-click on the QuickBooksToolHub.exe to run the program on your PC.
- Follow the On-screen instructions to install this tool.
- Once the tool hub successfully installed on your computer, open it by double clicking on the QuickBooks tool hub icon.

Step 1: Run the QuickBooks File Doctor from Tool hub program
- Now, launch QuickBooks Tool Hub program.
- Go to the Company File Issues tab and select Run QuickBooks File Doctor option.

- To choose the company file, hit on Browse.

- To check your Network and file systems, tap on the option.
- Hit on the Enter key to proceed ahead.
- After entering the QuickBooks Admin password, hit on Next.

- Let the scan finish.
Step 2: Use Clean Install tool from Tool hub program
If the file doctor didn’t work for you the use clean install tool. Here’s how:
- Proceed to the Installation Issues tab and choose the Clean Install tool.

- After that, open the QBcleaninstallutility.exe file.
- Furthermore, hit on I accept when the license agreement.
- Now, select the QB version and then click on Continue.

- Lastly, hit on the OK button.
- Once you see QuickBooks is now ready for a clean install, please install to the default directory.
Step 3: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool
In case the above tool didn’t worked in your case, then use QuickBooks install diagnostic tool.
- Open the tool hub program, opt for the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool under the Installation Issues tab.

- It will take about a minute or more to download the tool.
- However, you can also download QuickBooks install diagnostic tool directly from here.
- Save the file somewhere on the desktop.
- Now close all the running programs and then Run the QuickBooks install diagnostic tool.

- Followed by waiting till the process completes.
- Reboot the system and ensure that the elements are updates properly.
Step 4: Make use of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Implement the steps below:
- The first step requires downloading of the QuickBooks Tools Hub and then launch the Tool Hub at this time.
- From the Network Issues menu, Opt for the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

- Check that the procedure resolves the freezing or crashing error in QuickBooks desktop.
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Solution 7: Clear the browser cache and temporary files

You can clear the cache within the internet explorer and try to resolve the error. These caches can lead to excess data and slow down the system. If you are unable to fix the error after following the above methods, then clearing the browser cache and temporary internet files.
Clearing data from browser
- Initially, open the “Clear browsing data” window on your system:
- In Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift+ Del keys.
- In Mac: Press Command + Shift + Del keys.
- On Chromebook: Press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace keys.
- Now select All time option from the drop-down menu.

- In the next step you need to hit a click on Clear data.
- The process will take few seconds for changes to take effect.
Clearing the temporary files
- First, press Windows+R keys on your keyboard and the type “%temp%”.

- You can also go through the C:\Users\ADMINI~1\AppData\Local\Temp path to directly access the temporary files of your system.
- Now press the CTRL + A keys at the same time to choose all the .tmp files together.
- In the next step, press the Delete key to remove all the files.

- If the User Account Control window appear to confirm, hit a click on Yes. That’s it!
Solution 8: Use the QuickBooks refresher tool

- Under this method, you need to first close all QuickBooks desktop version.
- You would then have to download the QuickBooks refresher tools.
- Followed by saving the file on the desktop.
- Moreover, run the QBRefresher tool.
- Finally, re-open QuickBooks Desktop and check if the error is resolved.
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Solution 9: Close QB-related processes
This is the last method that one can opt for, in case the above methods failed to work.
- Go to the Task Manager by hitting the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys.
- Furthermore, click on the processes tab.
- Once done with that, choose all applications that start with .qb, QuickBooks, or Intuit.
- At last hit a click on the End process option and you are done with the process.

- Shut down the Task Manager and restart QB Desktop to see if the error got uprooted.
Final words!
We end up the post over here, with the hope that the informative article we’ve shared in above might help you in fixing the QuickBooks desktop freezes up error. However, if the software continues to freeze, then, in that case, you can contact professionals with renowned experience. You can call us using our support line i.e., 1-800-761-1787, and our QuickBooks enterprise support team will help you get rid of the issue in no time. Just ring up and our experts will be there to assist you.
FAQ’s
This problem can be resolved by performing the following troubleshooting fixes:
1. Use QuickBooks Tool Hub and run its different tools.
2. Make use of the Rebuild data tool.
There can be many reasons behind to QuickBooks desktop freezes issue. Few are as:
1. Your system is not meeting the minimum requirements
2. QBWUSER.ini file might be damaged.
Yes! In some instances, the freezing issues in QuickBooks can be rectified by restoring the system to an earlier state.
To fix the ongoing issue, users can run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, Quick Fix My Program or file doctor tool.
Other helpful articles:
How to Repair or Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop 2022?
Upload or Download a QuickBooks Desktop Company File to Intuit