QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error: Effective Solutions

When using accounting software like QuickBooks, it’s not easy to deal with the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error. This issue usually appears on the user’s screen when opening or updating the QuickBooks Desktop. One of the reasons behind the issue is the presence of damage or corruption in the company file.

The Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks Desktop doesn’t clarify the exact reason behind the cause. That’s why dealing with this error can be a little difficult, which might hamper productivity. We have created this guide explaining all the possible causes, symptoms, and solutions to address the issue.

Don’t know how to fix the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error when opening the company file? In that situation, you can dial +1-844-248-9739 and communicate with our QB professionals for immediate help.

Table of Contents

Why Do Users Get Stuck With Unrecoverable Error in QuickBooks Desktop?

It’s better to understand the causes behind Unrecoverable Errors in QuickBooks Desktop to get the right direction to fix it smoothly. So, to teach you about all the factors that promote this error, look at the causes below.

The users might stuck with the Unrecoverable error while opening company file when the file is either damaged or corrupt.
Sometimes, the error may trigger without downloading the latest Windows or QuickBooks Desktop updates.
The problems generated at the end of your computer might be responsible for the Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks.
In other instances, the issue is generated when your program code needs to be repaired.
At times, the users might get stuck with the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error due to improper network connection.

How Can I Spot the Appearance of QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error?

You can easily identify the occurrence of QuickBooks Unrecoverable error with the help of the signs and symptoms illustrated below. Knowing the indications of the error will also help you prevent the error from happening in the future.

At times, users may notice that their QuickBooks application begins crashing after opening the software. This situation mainly appears when the error prevents the user from performing the software’s basic functions.
In certain instances, the Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks may appear when you fail to save recent changes. This problem mainly arises from damaged QuickBooks components that prevent QuickBooks from reading the file accurately.
Sometimes, the QuickBooks Desktop software freezes suddenly, preventing users from updating QuickBooks in between.
The active window may start performing sluggishly.

In what scenarios does QuickBooks Unrecoverable error appear?

Different scenarios exist when a QuickBooks Unrecoverable error might appear on the user’s screen. So, to walk through all such situations, you must go through the pointers listed below.

You may get the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error while updating the QuickBooks program or getting the latest payroll updates.
It could also appear when selecting any menu, option, button, or link in QuickBooks.
Users may also receive Unrecoverable errors while updating the QuickBooks program or payroll updates.
Sometimes, the issue may arise at the time of opening or closing of the company file.
In certain instances, the error is seen while printing, emailing, or saving the file in PDF format.
When importing the Accountant’s changes or writing checks with QuickBooks Online Bill Pay.
The QuickBooks Unrecoverable error is also noticed while reconciling the bank or last year’s reconciliation reports.
QuickBooks Unrecoverable error may also trigger while opening the company file.

Explaining the General Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Fixing the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error is difficult, but not anymore. This blog section will discuss all the foolproof and tested solutions to address the issue smoothly.

1st Solution: Transfer Your Company File to A New Location

If the folder containing the file is damaged, you might receive the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error. However, move your file to a new location to determine whether the issue lies with the folder. Then, implement the following step-by-step instructions to complete the task.

Users first need to go to the desktop, right-click anywhere on the screen, click New, then Folder options.
After that, you are required to rename the folder. For that, give the name “QBTEST” and then save it accurately.

To proceed, you must open your file folder, right-click on it, and choose the Copy option.
Thereon, paste the file that you have copied earlier. For performing this action, click the Paste option in the QBTEST folder.
Now, return to the newly created folder and try to open the data file from there.
If you don’t get an error after performing this action, it states there are some issues with your folder. In that scenario, you only need to establish a new folder that can easily carry your company files.
Whereas, if you spot the same issue after relocating the data file, use the other solution to troubleshoot the error.

2nd Solution: Run the Sample Company File to Detect the Problem

To find out whether the issues lie with your company file or the QuickBooks application itself, it’s important to run the sample company file. Performing this action will help you know what exactly creating the problem so that you can rectify it.

In the primary stage, you must hold down the Ctrl key and then double-tap on the QuickBooks icon.
Afterwards, you must press the Ctrl key unless the No Company Open Window is displayed on the screen.
Once the No Company Open window loads on your screen, tap the Open a Sample file option.

Thereon, you must try opening any one of the sample files from the list of options available.
Presently, if you can launch the sample file without encountering any error, it states that the data file you are using is damaged. You can use the recent backup or the ADR tool to restore the data file at that time.

3rd Solution: Address the Issue With Quick Fix My Program

In the preliminary stage, users must first ensure they have downloaded the updated version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

After this, double-tap on the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file and commence with the installation part.
Subsequently, confirm the terms listed in the License Agreement for using Tool Hub.
Once you have set up the Tool Hub, open it on your workstation.
After opening the QuickBooks Tool Hub, navigate to the Program Problems tab to go ahead.
Furthermore, choose the highlighted Quick Fix My Program tab and try to open the QuickBooks Desktop again.
Finally, you must also open the QuickBooks company file and check whether you are still receiving the error.

4th Solution: Make Use of A Different QuickBooks User

If the above solution doesn’t work, try opening your data file and accessing any other QuickBooks user. To do that, all you need to do is apply the instructions listed below in the same sequence as written.

In the initial stage, move to your Company name and choose the Set Up Users and Passwords > Set Up Users option. (Note: For Enterprise users, directly navigate to the Company menu > Users > Set Up Users and Roles.)
Afterward, go with the Add User option and mention the correct username and password.
You are supposed to customize the user as per your preference and then hit the Finish button.
To proceed, the users must go to the File menu and then select the Close Company/Log Off option.
End the entire process by logging into the company file with the help of new sign-in details.

5th Solution: Launching the QuickBooks Application by Shutting Down all Open Windows

The QuickBooks application will re-open if any windows remain open while exiting from the company file. Besides this, you may also discover the Unrecoverable Error in QuickBooks on startup if you have large reports or multiple windows that are set to open automatically.

To launch the company file with all windows closed, you need to open the QuickBooks Desktop.
Once you reach the No Company Open window, you must pick your company file, creating issues.
After this, press and hold the ALT key to choose the Open button. Herein, the users must be attentive and only leave the ALT key once the file opens.
Furthermore, if QuickBooks prompts you to log in, leave the ALT key and insert the accurate password. Later, you must press the ALT key again and then click the OK button.

Also Read : QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working

6th Solution: Take the Benefit of QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

Try running the Install Diagnostic Tool if the above-listed solutions don’t help restore the Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks Desktop. Implement the steps below and run the tool to configure the damage with the QBDT installation.

Before you step ahead, you are advised to download and install the updated version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
After that, you must tap on the icon of the QuickBooks Tool Hub twice to open it. Later on, the users need to click the highlighted Run the Install Diagnostic tool tab.
You are required to click the Program Problems tab and then the QuickBooks Program Diagnostic Tool.
After clicking the tab, wait a few minutes unless the Program Diagnostic Tool detects and repairs the issues.
In the end, relaunch your computer and the QuickBooks Desktop application after running the tool. Later, you must find out whether the issue persists.

Other Circumstances When You Encounter the QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error is the most common issue users report while performing different activities. It is experienced while opening data files, reconciling, importing accountant’s changes, or writing checks. We have discussed the troubleshooting steps that will help you address this issue.

First Circumstance: Unrecoverable Error When Opening Company File in QuickBooks Desktop

You must implement The following resolution methods when you receive an unrecoverable error while opening a company file in QuickBooks Desktop. It could usually occur when the QBCFMonitorService isn’t running properly on the workstation where your company file is hosted.

Solution 1: On your Workstation, Avoid Starting QBDFMonitor Service

In the first stage, open the Run Command Window by pressing the Windows + R keys together.
After this, wait until the Run window loads on your screen and include “services. msc” in the search field. Later on, hit the OK button, and the Services window will open on the screen.
Now, scroll to the bottom of the list and double-tap on the QBCFMonitorService to open the Properties option.
Proceeding further, you are required to choose Disabled as your Startup Type.
Once you are done making the necessary changes, click the Apply button, followed by the OK button.

Solution 2: Try Running the Quick Fix My Program

If you find that the damaged QB program causes the Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks, then you can configure it by repairing the damages via Quick Fix My Program. The steps for running this utility tool are discussed above in the post.

Second Circumstance: Facing Target Chaining or Unrecoverable Error While Running Rebuild Utility

Users may sometimes experience a Target chaining error after rebuilding when the file containing chaining errors isn’t linked properly. As a result, users may notice “In Version 2.0” within the Entered/Last Modified column instead of the actual date of affected transactions while running an audit. This issue may also arise due to inaccurate storage space.

The Data File You are Running is Less than 1 GB

The users must confirm that they mustn’t run the Rebuild tool over the network. Moreover, you must ensure that you run Rebuild locally on your host computer.
You can relaunch your workstation/ server before running the Rebuild tool.

Stepwise Instructions to Run the Verify and Rebuild Data Tool

Before beginning the process, ensure that you have opened the updated version of QuickBooks Desktop.
After that, you are required to click on the File menu > Utilities > Rebuild Data tool.
Once you have completed the steps, select the OK button and wait for the rebuild process to finish.
Now, the users must run the Verify tool to confirm no extra issues. To check this, the users must follow the steps listed below.
- In the first stage, the users must choose the File menu > Utilities > Verify Data option to go ahead.
- Afterwards, you are supposed to click the OK button and then wait for a while to complete the diagnosis of the issue.

If the steps instructed above still don’t work, you can only recover the previously generated backup. However, it doesn’t confirm which backup you need to recover; simply access the file and launch the Product Information window. Soon after this, you must switch to the “Versions used on File” section and then look into the RB date.

The users are required to implement the step-by-step instructions on the recovered file.

Use the F2 key (or Ctrl + 1) to access the Product Information page and confirm that the RB date isn’t listed. Also, check that the RB date isn’t close to the day the problem started.
Make use of the Rebuild Utility & Verify Tool. If you are still unable to run the tool and encountering issues with the bills/invoices, search for another backup.

Third Circumstance: Unrecoverable Error when performing a bank reconciliation

Sometimes, users may get stuck with QuickBooks Unrecoverable errors while opening the PDF file or reconciling the outdated Adobe Reader. This usually happens when you have set the preference for display PDF in browser is selected. So, to fix the issue, you must implement the troubleshooting solutions listed below.

Solution 1: Install the Updated Version of the Adobe Reader available

Initially, you must click the Help menu and then About Adobe Reader within Adobe Reader.
After this, if you notice the following versions i.e, 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0, update it to 11.0. For that, all you require is to download the updated version from Adobe’s main website.
Once you have downloaded it, follow the instructions on the screen to install Adobe Reader 11.0.
Ultimately, you need to relaunch your computer after winding up with the updates. Then, you must try to view your already available bank reconciliation report again.

Also Read : Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version

Solution 2: Make the Necessary Modifications With the Display PDF

First, press the Windows key, then move to Programs/All Programs. This will provide you with a list of all the programs installed on your device.
Afterwards, you must pick the Adobe Reader/Acrobat option to continue your ongoing process.
Note: Users must be well aware that Adobe XI (11.0) and the upgraded version won’t display a PDF in the browse as default anymore. However, you can also fix the issue by downloading the latest updates only if you are working on the outdated version.
Thereon, you must hit the Edit menu and tap the Preferences option.
Once the Preferences window loads on the screen, go to the Categories list and opt for the Internet option.
Now, users must clear the checkbox for “Display PDF in Browser” in the Web Browser Options section.
After completing all the above steps, hit the OK button to conclude it.

Fourth Circumstance: Facing Unrecoverable Error while importing Accountant’s Changes

There are certain instances when the users get unrecoverable errors in QuickBooks while importing an accountant’s changes into a client’s company file. Upon the arrival of the error, you may receive the following error codes:

Unrecoverable Error 00000 16133
00000 41953
Unrecoverable Error 00000 42394
Unrecoverable Error 00000 43109
Unrecoverable Error 00000 16440
Unrecoverable Error 00000 42045
Unrecoverable Error 00000 40592
Unrecoverable Error 00000 41897
Unrecoverable Error 00000 42127
Unrecoverable Error 00000 31901
Unrecoverable Error 00000 41765
Unrecoverable Error 00000 95431
Unrecoverable Error 00000 37760
Unrecoverable Error 00000 31609

Solution 1: Proceed further with the Import Process

In the first place, click the Send option whenever the error message appears on the screen.
Afterwards, hit the OK button to continue with the import process.
As a result, you will obtain a list of changes not made to the client’s file. All you need to do is mention those changes manually.

Solution 2: Review the Data and Generate the Change file Again

Firstly, the users are required to recover the latest backup made. Along with this, you also need to recover the backup made while importing the accountant’s changes.
After that, the users must run a verify and rebuild data tool on the client’s file.
Also, you must get the latest QuickBooks Desktop update on your device.
Besides this, the users must re-establish the change file in the Accountant’s copy in QuickBooks Desktop.

Fifth Circumstance: Struggling with Unrecoverable Error while writing checks with QBO Bill Pay

The QuickBooks Online Bill Pay feature is now available after its discontinuation on 12/2/2019. If you are still running this service and getting the unrecoverable error while accessing the write-checks, you must disconnect QuickBooks Online Bill Pay before proceeding.

Summarizing the Above!!

It gets quite annoying when you get stuck with the QuickBooks Unrecoverable error, but using the solutions listed above, you can fix them easily. But don’t forget to generate the backup of the data file before trying these resolution methods for data security. For any additional assistance regarding the issue, connect with our QB professionals.