Troubleshoot QuickBooks Desktop Restore Failed or Error

In this article, you learn to troubleshoot QuickBooks Desktop restore failed or errors such as being unable to restore a backup of the company data file. For any software that supports multiple users, and handles large data, it is only natural that such a program takes a hit in the form of errors.

Therefore it comes with a provision of storing, organizing, and robustly managing all the data. The system is designed to rebuild and restore all-important company data in case of an emergency. One such security measure is a prompt that guides users to properly back up all their company files (QBW) but at times the restoration fails and you may see a QuickBooks restore failed error.

• Restoring QuickBooks backup, you may see the Error: Failed
• “Restore Failed. This is an Invalid Format of a Post QuickBooks 2007 Backup file”.
• “Error: Restore failed can’t remove log file”.

Reasons for the Unable to Restore a Backup of QuickBooks Company File

These QuickBooks Desktop restore failed errors may appear when…

• The company file name contains special characters (/, <, >,!, $, etc.).
• The existing company file was overwritten by the restored backup.
• The backup was restored from a USB flash drive to a network drive (Error -6189, -816).
• The backup was created in a newer version of QuickBooks and is incompatible with the current version (e.g., a backup created in QuickBooks 2019 being restored in QuickBooks 2018).
• The file being restored is not a valid backup file.
• The integrity of the company file is compromised.

The solution to this error is following a trail of exact solutions that may require some hit and trial and can prove to be a challenge.

How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Desktop Restore Failed or Backup Errors

Before proceeding to the steps below to troubleshoot the QuickBooks Desktop restore failed or errors make sure the file you are trying to back up is not less than 6MB.

Solution 1: Remove Special Characters from Company File Names

• Locate Your Company File:
  • Use Windows file search to find the location of your company file if you require assistance.
• Rename the File:
  • Right-click on the file name and select “Rename” from the menu.
• Create a New File Name:
  • Use a file name without any special characters, such as /\!$, and hit “Enter” to save the changes.

Solution 2: Avoid overwriting an existing file when you restore your backup

• When saving a file, select your preferred location.
• If the chosen file name matches an existing file in that location, you’ll receive a message stating, “The file name exists. Would you like to overwrite this file?”
• To avoid overwriting, select “No.”
• Edit the file name to make it distinct from the existing file.

Solution 3: Copy your backup from your flash drive or network drive before restoring it

• Restoring a backup is easier when done locally than using an external drive.
• Before you restore the backup, it’s advisable to copy it to your desktop as a precautionary measure to safeguard the file’s integrity.

Solution 4: Copy a backup file to a new folder before restoring it

• To safeguard your backup, it is advisable to copy it to a new folder, ensuring that it is not stored in a potentially vulnerable location.
• Windows Explorer allows you to easily copy and paste the file to a folder in a different directory.

Solution 5: Use the name or newer version of QuickBooks when restoring your backup

You can restore a backup to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop, but not to an older one because of changes in the file structure between versions.

For example:

• You can restore a backup from QuickBooks Desktop 2018 in QuickBooks Desktop 2019.
• You cannot restore a backup from QuickBooks Desktop 2019 in QuickBooks Desktop 2018.

Solution 6: Repair your company file

Your company file, like any other file in Windows, is susceptible to compromise. To identify and address QuickBooks data damage, refer to the guide on repairing QuickBooks company files.

Restore Missing QuickBooks Payroll Data

Is this message displayed, this QuickBooks file may have missing payroll data that you have already sent to the Payroll Service. Before creating new transactions, restore the missing data by clicking Send Payroll Data from the Employees menu and then clicking the Send button”?

If you received the message, “Your data has NOT been restored if you failed to enter the correct admin password,” follow these steps to use the Automated Password Reset Tool. Once you have reset your QuickBooks password, you will be able to restore your backup file.

To restore missing payroll data, follow these steps:

• Go to the Employee menu.
• Select Send Payroll Data.
• In the Items to Send field, verify the items you need to send. If you have 0 paychecks in the list, all paychecks are already sent.ks for $0.00, select Send.

If you’ve run into deeper trouble or need help with executing the steps above, then do contact us for a complete solution to the QuickBooks Desktop restore failed or backup unsuccessful issue. Contact AskForAccounting on our number 24*7 for a solution to a wide range of QuickBooks issues. Our QuickBooks error support team is also open 24*7 You for help or drop an email regarding the details of the issue.

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