How to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error?

Published by david on Last Updated On :Jul 31, 2023

As we all know, QuickBooks is one of the finest accounting software, which makes small and medium-sized accounting simple. But, as this is software, it also undergoes glitches. One such problem with the QuickBooks
Desktop is “Unrecoverable Error.” This QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error means the QuickBooks Desktop closes unexpectedly. This can hinder your workflow. So to resolve this error, we came up with this fixation blog. With this, we will explain the reasons for the error and the different solutions to fix it easily. So let’s start and troubleshoot the error.

Table of Contents

Reasons for QuickBooks Desktop Unrecoverable Error

There can be different reasons for the unrecoverable error in QuickBooks Desktop. The reasons include the following:

One of the main reasons for QuickBooks unrecoverable error is the software conflicts with other applications.
Due to damaged or corrupt company files.
When the specific hardware components for QuickBooks don’t work properly.
An outdated version of QuickBooks desktop.
When the installation components .NET Framework or MS C++ Redistributable are not functioning properly.
Insufficient permission or incorrect settings.

After knowing about the reasons, let’s know when this occurs.

Occurrence of QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

You can face the unrecoverable error QuickBooks when:

QuickBooks unrecoverable errors when opening and closing a file.
Saving a copy, whether a backup or a portable copy.
While choosing any menu option, button, or link in QuickBooks.
Updating QuickBooks program or payroll.
Running file utilities like verify, rebuild, or condense.

After knowing the reasons and occurrence, let’s know their types.

List of Different QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error Codes

Following are the different codes of QuickBooks Desktop unrecoverable error:

00227 55008	19758 63847	16059 98709
00000 15204	00551 46274	00000 14775
15563 13890	13824 75582	13730 84631
14070 43851	14070 47688	02457 79428
12565 30728	00000 24128	20103 33023
20888 41171	19062 00238	31197 00540

Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Before heading toward the fixation, you can perform the following steps:

Update QuickBooks Desktop
Make a copy of the Company file.

After that, follow the given steps:

Solution 1: Open QuickBooks by Shutting all Windows

Begin by closing all active windows and programs on your system. This includes any running QuickBooks-related tasks. Doing so will clear out any temporary data or processes causing the unrecoverable error. The following are the steps:

Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
In the No Company Open window, locate your company file.
Hold down the ALT key on your keyboard and click Open. Don’t release ALT until the file fully loads. If QuickBooks prompts you to log in, let go of ALT, enter your password, hold down ALT once more, and click OK.

Solution 2: Use a Different QuickBooks User

Sometimes, the Quickbooks unrecoverable error is tied to a specific user profile. Following are the steps to use a different one:

Firstly, navigate to Company, choose Set Up Users and Passwords, then Set Up Users.
Then, if you’re an Enterprise user, go to the Company menu, select Users, then choose Set Up Users and Roles.
After that, click Add User, input the username and password, and then click Next. Note: Refrain from using the problematic username.
Now, adjust the user’s settings as needed, then click Finish.
Afterward, go to File, then select Close Company/Logoff.
Finally, sign into the company file using the newly created login credentials.

If the new user profile operates correctly, you should remove the problematic user account and recreate it.

If you encounter an error while accessing your file as an admin, you should utilize the QuickBooks File Doctor with the following steps.

Use QuickBooks File Doctor

Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website. Install and open the tool.
In the Tool Hub, select the ‘Company File Issues’ tab.
Click on ‘Run QuickBooks File Doctor’. This will open the File Doctor tool.
Select your company file from the drop-down menu. If you can’t see it, browse and locate the file manually.
Choose ‘Check your file’ and then ‘Continue’.
Enter your QuickBooks admin password.
Click on ‘Next’.
The file Doctor will start repairing your file. It might take some time. Once done, select the company file and click ‘Open QuickBooks’.
Check for the error.

If creating a new user profile doesn’t rectify the error, move on to the following solution.

Solution 3: Create a new Windows Admin

Sometimes, Quickbooks unrecoverable errors may be linked to issues with the Windows user account. By setting up a new admin, you test whether the problem is with the original user profile. The following are the steps:

Windows 10 and newer

Initially, click Start, then go to Settings, select Account, and then choose Family & other users.
Secondly, under Other Users, click on Add someone else to this PC.
Now, click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
After that, input the new account’s name and click Finish. Recommended: For enhanced security, assign a password to the new account.
Click on the recently created account and select Account Type.
Lastly, choose Administrator and click OK.

Windows Server 2012 and newer

Note: Seek advice from your IT expert before following these steps.

To begin, open Server Manager.
Then, click on Tools then select Computer Management.
Afterward, expand Local Users and Groups, then select Groups.
Then, double-click on the Administrator Groups to open the Administrator Properties window. Click Add.
In the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups window, input the account you wish to add to the local admin groups.
Lastly, click OK.

After setting up the new admin, log out and log back into Windows, then open QuickBooks. If you don’t see the error, your original Windows user might be damaged or lack sufficient access. Consult your IT specialist to help repair or replace your Windows user.

Solution 4: Launch a Sample Company File

QuickBooks provides sample company files to assist in diagnosing problems. If a sample file opens without any issues, it indicates that the problem is likely with your specific company file, not with QuickBooks itself. This helps narrow down the source of the Quickbooks unrecoverable error. Following are the troubleshooting steps.

Press and hold the Ctrl key.
Double-click on your QuickBooks program icon.
Hold the Ctrl key to access the No Company Open window.
From the No Company Open window, pick the Open a sample file option.
Choose any sample file from the list.

Solution 5: Transfer Your File to an Alternate Folder

Sometimes, the Quickbooks unrecoverable error could be tied to a damaged folder from where you access your company file. You can confirm this by copying the company file to a different folder. Following are the steps to move the company file:

First, right-click on an empty space on your Desktop, select New, and then choose Folder. Assign the folder the name ‘QBTEST.’
Now, navigate to the folder where the company file is currently saved.
After that, right-click the file and select Copy.
Here, paste the company file into the ‘QBTEST’ folder you previously created.
Finally, open the company file from the ‘QBTEST’ folder.

Suppose the Quickbooks unrecoverable error doesn’t reappear when accessing the company file from this new location. In that case, it implies that the original folder hosting your company file is damaged or the path to that folder is excessively long. In this case, you should create a new folder to hold your file.

Solution 6: Use Quick Fix My Program

The QuickBooks Tool Hub houses a feature named Quick Fix My Program. This tool can resolve issues affecting QuickBooks functionality, including Quickbooks unrecoverable errors. Following are the steps to use it:

Open QuickBooks Tool Hub. If not installed, download it from the official Intuit website and install it.
Once the Tool Hub is open, select ‘Program Problems’.
Click on ‘Quick Fix My Program.’ The tool will run a quick scan and repair any issues it finds.
After the repair process, open QuickBooks and check for the error.

Solution 7: Repair .NET Framework or MS C++ Redistributable

Sometimes, glitches in the .NET Framework or Microsoft C++ Redistributable could be the source of Quickbooks unrecoverable errors. Following are the steps to address them:

Repair.NET Framework

Hit ‘Windows + R’ to prompt the Run dialog box.
Input ‘Control Panel’ and hit Enter.
Opt for ‘Uninstall a Program’.
Tap ‘Turn Windows features on or off’.
Locate .NET Framework, deselect it, and tap ‘OK’.
Reboot your computer.
Repeat the steps, but this time tick the .NET Framework box to reactivate it.

Repair MS C++ Redistributable

First, launch ‘Control Panel’ and opt for ‘Uninstall a Program’.
Then you must locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable on the list, select it, and tap ‘Change’.
Now, in the subsequent window, opt for ‘Repair.’
Next, adhere to the on-screen instructions to finalize the repair process.
Lastly, reboot your computer and verify if the error is resolved.

Solution 8: Run the Reboot.bat File

The Reboot.bat file is a batch file that re-registers .DLL and other small programs in Microsoft Windows. Running this file can often resolve QuickBooks unrecoverable errors. The following are the steps:

First, close all QuickBooks Desktop versions.
Second, open the folder containing the reboot.bat file. This is typically located in your QuickBooks Desktop installation folder.
Now, right-click on ‘QuickBooks Desktop’ and select ‘Properties’.
After that, click on ‘Open File Location’.
From the folder, browse and right-click on ‘reboot.bat’.
Then, choose ‘Run as Administrator’.
A command window will open and start running the .bat file. It will close once it’s done.
Lastly, restart your computer after the reboot.bat file utility has been completed.

Summing Up

Now, you get the 8 solutions to fix the QuickBooks unrecoverable error. With this blog, we provide details like reasons, symptoms, codes, and solutions to fix it. However, if you face the error even after trying the above solutions, contact our ProAdvisors to fix it. They will provide you with more solutions to fix it permanently. Thank You!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error?

A: The QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error typically appears when the software encounters a critical issue that it cannot bypass or handle. These errors often come with unique numerical codes that can help diagnose the problem. These errors can occur in various situations, such as when opening or closing a company file, sending payroll via Direct Deposit, or during the QuickBooks installation process.

Q: Are all QuickBooks Unrecoverable Errors the same?

A: No, there are numerous QuickBooks Unrecoverable Errors, and each one might relate to a specific problem within the software. Each error has a unique code that assists in identifying the specific issue at hand. It’s always important to note down this code for more effective troubleshooting.

Q: Will I lose my data due to a QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error?

A: Typically, an Unrecoverable Error does not directly result in data loss. However, unsaved data can only be recovered if the error occurs before the data is saved. Regularly backing up your QuickBooks data can ensure you can restore it in case of any issues.

Q: Is it safe to continue using QuickBooks after an Unrecoverable Error?

A: If you frequently encounter an Unrecoverable Error, it could suggest a more severe underlying issue with your QuickBooks software or the company file. It’s recommended to troubleshoot and resolve the error as soon as possible to prevent further issues. If you need help with how to proceed, consider contacting QuickBooks Support.

Q: How can I prevent QuickBooks Unrecoverable Errors from occurring?

A: Keeping your QuickBooks software updated to the latest version can help prevent many issues. Regular system maintenance, including clearing out temporary files and performing disk cleanups, can also help. Always ensure your computer system meets the requirements for running QuickBooks smoothly. Lastly, frequent data backups will ensure you can restore your data if a problem occurs.