How to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error (General Troubleshooting)

A QuickBooks unrecoverable error is a common issue that users encounter when attempting to work with their company files. This category of errors presents itself with fifty distinct error codes, each composed of 10 digits in the format “5-digits space 5-digits” (XXXXX XXXXX). While it often indicates that multiple windows were left open during the last file closure, the specific error code may vary due to the unpredictable nature of these errors. To shed light on the possible reasons behind this error, we’ve outlined various scenarios in the following section.

What is an Unrecoverable Error

QuickBooks unrecoverable error is one of the most common errors that commonly occurs when the user tries to open their QB company file and then save the company file, print, and click on the ship icon at the top of the transaction.

This error category displays fifty different error codes, each containing 10 digits in a “5-digits space 5-digits” (XXXXX XXXXX) sequence. This kind of QuickBooks desktop unrecoverable error occurs upon start-up, as you might have left many windows open when you last closed the file. Your QuickBooks accounting software is encountering an issue.

When a QuickBooks unrecoverable error code occurs, you must face the different error codes mentioned below.

Situations When Unrecoverable Errors Occur in QuickBooks

Here, we’ve listed several scenarios where you may encounter QuickBooks unrecoverable errors that lead to unexpected program closures. However, it’s important to note that these situations are not exhaustive.

• When attempting to open or close a company file.
• During the closure of any open window within a company file.
• While creating a backup, a company file, or a portable file.
• Trying to work with an older version of the company file.
• Run the verify or rebuild tool to resolve any errors.
• When downloading a payroll update.
• When opening various windows in QuickBooks, such as the Home Page, Company Snapshot, Reports, or Transaction screens.
• Unrecoverable errors in QuickBooks may also manifest during tasks like running the verify or rebuild utility, saving a transaction, sending payroll via Direct Deposit, or using the Open Previous Company feature.

Causes and Symptoms of QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Causes

• Damaged or corrupted QuickBooks components.
• System-related issues.
• Missing Windows updates.
• Outdated QuickBooks software.
• Data integrity problems.
• Damage to program code.
• Data corruption
• Network disruptions while accessing QB files.

Symptoms

• The system freezes when running the same program.
• QuickBooks is not responding.
• Ongoing update problems.
• Users can’t update the QuickBooks software.
• Users are unable to locate any saved transactions.
• Frequent crashes of QuickBooks Desktop.

How to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

If you come across a QuickBooks unrecoverable error with a code like XXXXX XXXXX, it means that your software unexpectedly closed. You might encounter this error when performing various actions, such as.

• Opening or closing a file
• Saving a copy (backup or portable copy)
• Selecting any menu option, button, or link in QuickBooks
• Updating QuickBooks (program or payroll updates)·
• Running file utilities like verify, rebuild, file condense, or super condense.

Before you begin troubleshooting, follow these steps

• Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.
• Create a backup of your company file.

Solution 1: Open QuickBooks with all windows closed

QuickBooks has a habit of reopening any windows left open when you last closed your company file. If you have a large report or multiple windows set to open automatically, it can lead to an unrecoverable error during startup.

To open your file with all windows closed

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
• In the “No Company Open” window, select your company file.
• Press and hold the ALT key on your keyboard, then select Open.
• Keep holding ALT until the file opens. If QuickBooks prompts you to sign in, release ALT and enter your password. Hold ALT again and select OK.

Solution 2: Use a different QuickBooks user

Another approach is to attempt to open your company file with a different QuickBooks user.

• Go to the Company menu, select “Set Up Users and Passwords,” then choose “Set Up Users.”
  • For Enterprise users: Go to the Company menu, then select “Users” and “Set Up Users and Roles.”
• Select “Add User…” and enter a username and password, then click Next. Avoid using the damaged username.
• Customize the user settings as needed, then click Finish.
• Go to the File menu, then select “Close Company/Logoff.”
• Sign in to the company file using the new login credentials.

If the new user resolves the error, you can consider deleting the problematic user and recreating their profile.

Note: If the error occurs when opening your file as the admin user, you may want to run the QuickBooks File Doctor.

If the new user doesn’t resolve the error, proceed to the next solution for further troubleshooting.

Solution 3: Create a new Windows Admin

For Windows 10 and newer

• Click the Start button, then go to Settings, followed by Account, and then Family & Other Users.
• Under Other Users, select “Add someone else to this PC.”
• Option for “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information,” and then choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
• Enter the name of the new account and select Finish.
• *Recommended*: Set a password for the new account to enhance security.
• Click the newly created account, then select Account Type.
• Choose Administrator and click OK.

For Windows Server 2012 and newer

• Open Server Manager.
• Select Tools and then Computer Management.
• Expand Local Users and Groups, and then choose Groups.
• Double-click the Administrator Groups to open the Administrator Properties window. Select Add.
• In the “Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups” window, enter the account you wish to add to the local admin groups. Select OK.

After configuring the new admin account, log out and back into Windows. Then, open QuickBooks. If the error doesn’t appear, it suggests that your original Windows user might lack sufficient access or be damaged. In such cases, you should seek assistance from your IT professional to repair or replace your Windows user.

Solution 4: Open a sample company file

Opening a sample company file can help determine whether the issue is with your company file or QuickBooks itself.

To open a sample file:

• Press and hold the Ctrl key.
• Double-click the QuickBooks program icon.
• Keep holding the Ctrl key until the No Company Open window appears.
• In the No Company Open window, select “Open a sample file.”
• Choose any sample file from the list.

If the sample file opens without the error, it suggests that your company file might be damaged, or there could be issues with the folder where your company file is stored. You can restore your file using a recent backup or Automated Data Recovery (ADR). If these options don’t suffice, consider conducting basic data damage troubleshooting to resolve the issue.

If you encounter the same error with the sample file, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 5: Relocate Your File to a Different Folder

You can test if the folder containing your company file is causing the issue by copying the file to a new folder.

Copy the company file to a different location:

• Right-click on your Desktop, select “New,” and then choose “Folder.” Name the new folder QBTEST.
• Navigate to the folder where your company file is currently stored.
• Right-click the company file and select “Copy.”
• Paste the copied company file into the QBTEST folder you created.
• Open the company file from the QBTEST folder.

If the error doesn’t appear when you open your company file from this new location, it indicates that the folder where your company file was originally located might be damaged, or the path to the folder is too long. In this case, it’s advisable to create a new folder to house your company file.

If you encounter the same error even after moving the company file, proceed to Solution 6.

Solution 6: Use Quick Fix My Program in QuickBooks Tool Hub

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Tool Hub is a helpful tool for resolving common errors. You should close QuickBooks before using this tool. For the best results, it’s recommended to use Tool Hub on a Windows 10, 64-bit system.

• Close QuickBooks.
• Download the most recent version (1.6.0.3) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub and save the file in an easily accessible location, such as your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop.

Note: If you've previously installed Tool Hub, you can check the version by selecting the Home tab, and the version will be displayed at the bottom.

• Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool hub and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Once the installation is complete, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to launch the tool hub. If you can’t find the icon, you can search in Windows for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” and select the program.

Step 2: Run Quick Fix My Program from the Tool Hub

Quick Fix My Program will close any background processes associated with QuickBooks and perform a quick repair on the program.

• In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select “Program Problems.”
• Choose “Quick Fix my Program.”
• Start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

Step 3: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool from the Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool automatically diagnoses and resolves issues with the Microsoft components used by the QuickBooks program.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub (if not already open).
• In the Tool Hub, select “Program Problems.”
• Click on “QuickBooks Program Diagnostic Tool” and allow the tool to run. This process may take up to 20 minutes.
• Once the tool finishes, restart your computer and relaunch QuickBooks.

If you are unable to understand any steps or if still issue not resolved, want to get assistance, reach out to the QuickBooks error Consultant team via call or chat.

Troubleshooting QuickBooks Unrecoverable Errors when Opening Company Files

Unrecoverable error in QuickBooks Desktop is one of the most common errors that occurs when the user tries to open the company file. The error message received…

QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error xxxxx xxxxx. Microsoft .Net Framework is corrupted and needs to be repaired
or
QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error: QBGDS plug-in has encountered a problem and needs to close.

This freezes the user’s system, and then you have to start again. To start again, restart your computer. In this, if you retry, then it won’t correct the error. Follow the instructions or steps to fix QBDT’s unrecoverable issue.

Solution 1: Verify that the QuickBooks Desktop is using SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0

• Right-click on the QuickBooks icon and select Open
• Go to Help
• Click on the Internet Connection Setup.
• Do the configuration setup for the QuickBooks series KM1.0.
• Now, select the Next option and then go to the Advanced Connection Settings.
• You can also click on the Internet Options and then go to the Advanced Options.
• Scroll the whole page and then go to the Settings
• Choose the Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3,0, and then select the Apply option.
• Now, press OK.

Solution 2: QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

• End all the programs that are running on your system.
• Start your computer again.
• Download the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and install it on your system.

Warning: The application is reported to contain virus that may corrupt your QuickBooks data.

• Install and run this application by double-clicking on it.
• After repairing the software, reboot your system.
• Now, you should try to activate or register your QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 3: Reinstalling QuickBooks Using a Clean Install

• Uninstall the QuickBooks software by going to the Control Panel.
• Then click on Programs
• Select your QuickBooks application and uninstall
• You have to reinstall the QuickBooks application using a clean installation process.
• This will rectify all your errors.

Troubleshoot QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error While Opening Payment

This unrecoverable error generally pops up while selecting “make merchant service deposit” in the banking menu in QB to process Payments. The payments are left unprocessed, and this can be seen as payments waiting to be posted in the merchant account.

Note: Before attempting the resolution please check that you should be using the latest Internet Explorer version 11 as QB has stopped support the older version. This won’t be specifically prompted during installation of the QB desktop but it’s mentioned on the Intuit site.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error While Opening Payment

The unrecoverable error happens at the time of execution of the program that is not registered yet.

Solution 1: Delete Browsing History and Cache

• Delete all browsing history and cache once you ensure that version 11 of Explorer is installed.
• Also, select Internet Options and go to the Advanced tab in Internet Explorer.
• Click Restore Advanced Settings.

Solution 2: QuickBooks and QB File Corrupted

• There may be a problem with QuickBooks, and the QB file may be corrupted, which may lead to corrupt encrypted information in the files.
• Try the Rebuild Data function from the Edit/Utility menu.
• However, if the credit card or SSN details are stored in the QB files.
• Then make sure that the QB file is in good shape. Do Not Attempt this solution.

Troubleshoot QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error when Performing a Bank Reconciliation

If your QuickBooks Desktop crashes with an unrecoverable error when accessing a PDF file (such as a previous bank reconciliation report) or when reconciling with an older version of Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat, troubleshoot Adobe Reader. Be aware that the error codes can change.

This error usually occurs if:

• The selection for Display PDF in Browser is chosen, and Adobe Reader 10.0, 9.0, or 8.0 is installed.
• This issue will be resolved moving forward because Adobe 11.0 (XI) and later versions no longer offer the option to display PDFs in browsers and do so by default.

Solution 1: Update Adobe Reader to the latest version

• Select Help > About Adobe Reader from within Adobe Reader.
• You must update to version 11.0 if versions 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0 are still visible by downloading Adobe Reader 11.0 from Adobe’s website.
• When you’re done installing Adobe Reader 11.0 and updating it to the latest version, restart your computer and try to read your previous bank reconciliation report.

Solution 2: Change the Display PDF in Browser preference (Adobe 10.0, 9.0, 8.0 only)

• To view a list of installed programs, choose Programs/All Programs from the Windows Start menu.
• Decide on Adobe Reader or Acrobat.
• A PDF will no longer be shown in the browser by default in Adobe XI (11.0) and later; therefore, if you are using an earlier version, updating will fix the problem.
• Selecting Edit > Preferences.
• Choose Internet from the Categories list in the Preferences box.
• Click in the Web Browser Options area to remove the preference for Display PDF in Browser, and then select OK.

Selecting a transaction for reconciliation results in an Unrecoverable Error

When attempting to reconcile your transactions and get an Unrecoverable error: xxxxx xxxxx due to a damaged Primary Name List and/or Chart of Accounts, pick one of the following solutions.

• Carry out fundamental data damage analysis.
• Use Auto Data Recover (ADR) or a recent backup to restore your company file.

Troubleshoot QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error when Importing Accountant’s Changes

Here are a few of the import-related errors that are irrecoverable.

Most of these errors are typically self-corrected by the import process, which then completes the import. Once completed, QuickBooks Desktop shows a report of the changes that were unsuccessful in being imported, along with possible reasons. The client’s company file may then be manually updated with the unapplied changes.

Solution 1: Continue the import process

• Whenever an error occurs, you have to choose Send.
• To resume import, click OK.
• If any changes were made but not saved to the client’s file, a list will show up. Enter these changes by hand.

Solution 2: Verify data and re-create the change file

• Use a recent backup or the backup made when importing the accountant’s edits to restore the data.
• Rebuild the data and check the client’s file.
• Refresh QuickBooks Desktop to the most recent version.
• Create a new change file in QuickBooks Desktop’s Accountant’s copy.

Solution 3: Abandon changes

• In the customer file, you have to remove the accountant’s copy restriction.
• Fix problems with data damage (basic troubleshooting).
• To recreate changes, you have to make a copy for the accountant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, QuickBooks Desktop unrecoverable errors can disrupt your workflow, but they are manageable with the right approach. While these steps often resolve the issue, if you still face challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of QuickBooks error experts. They are here to assist you in navigating and resolving any lingering issues, ensuring your QuickBooks experience remains smooth and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions