How to Fix the Company File is Missing or Not Found in QuickBooks Desktop

With the latest upgrade version, Intuit has substantially improved QuickBooks functionality, yet problems in the application remain unpredictable and perplexing. As you may be aware, QuickBooks is prone to throwing strange errors that, for the most part, make little sense to inexperienced QuickBooks users. The error message “The company file you selected could not be found” may appear while opening the company file from the No Company Open window.

This blog post contains a set of solutions for the “QuickBooks company file missing or not found” error as well as troubleshooting recommendations, so read this post till the end to become aware of the error.

Understanding of Error: “QuickBooks company file not found”

Users receive multiple error notifications when they are unable to find their company file in QuickBooks. Some of them are like “Warning: Did you move your company file? QuickBooks can’t find your company file. Error Code: Company file not found”, which means QuickBooks is not able to communicate with the company file for some reason.

The error message also includes information on how to fix the problem, such as “If you recently moved your QuickBooks Company file, you’ll need to point QuickBooks to the new location.” You can do this by utilizing the ‘Find’ command in the start menu to look for your company file.” You can also see a notice that says, “Warning: The company file you selected could not be found”/ ”QuickBooks company file missing error”.

What can cause the company file not to be found in QuickBooks Desktop?

As previously stated, there may be certain unknown factors that display the company file as a missing error. We’ve compiled a list of some of the more prevalent explanations from the long list below:

• If your hard disk is damaged, you can see a similar error.
• When the QuickBooks company file is relocated to a different location on the computer, the path to the file is altered.
• If any of the software files are corrupted.
• The file was mistakenly destroyed from local or network storage.
• When using QuickBooks in Multi-user mode, there are challenges with network connectivity.
• If the QuickBooks desktop version you’re using isn’t accurate.
• Choosing the incorrect selection to open a certain file type can also result in the “QuickBooks cannot find company file” issue.
• The name of your company’s file is too long.
• If the QBWUSER.INI file is corrupted or missing.
• If there is a problem with the placement of the QBW file, including access permission, you may get this error.
• An incompatible QBW.tlg file.

Before beginning the process of resolving the QuickBooks company file not found error, you should take the following precautions

There are a few things you should do before you start the fixing process, including:

• Before you begin troubleshooting, make sure the problem is with the company file, not the software.
• Make sure your QuickBooks software is up-to-date.
• We also recommend that you check for corruption in your QuickBooks program.
• The company file should be kept on a single system.

How to Solve the QuickBooks Company File Missing Issue

Before troubleshooting, the user must ensure that QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest version. If you use Intuit Data Protect, then retrieve the company file from online storage if it was deleted accidentally.

Solution 1: Verify Network Connectivity (Multi-User Mode)

• Press Windows + R and type CMD, then press Enter.
• Type ipconfig/all and note the Server Names.
• Type Ping [server name] and press Enter.
• Packet loss indicates network issues, so use QuickBooks File Doctor for resolution.

Solution 2: Locate the Company File

• On the server (for network access) or local computer (local access):
• Use Windows to search for the file type:
  • Search *.qby for Accountants Change files
  • Search *.qba for Accountants Copy files
  • Search *.qbb for Backup files
  • Search *.qba for Accountants Transfer files
  • Search *.qbw for QuickBooks company files
• Open the file from the correct location to resolve the QuickBooks file missing error.

Solution 3: Open Specific File Types Correctly

Ensure you open the correct QuickBooks file is type it correctly:

To Open a Backup File

• Click “Open or Restore Company” under the File tab.
• Select “Restore a Backup File” and click Next.
• Browse the QuickBooks backup file with the .qbb extension.
• Choose the company file and click Next.

For Opening the Company File

• Click “Open or Restore Company” under the File menu.
• Select “Open a Company File” and click Next
• Browse the company file with the .qbw extension and select Open.

To Open an Accountant Copy Transfer File

• Select “Open or Restore a Company” from the File tab.
• Choose “Convert an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File” and click Next.
• Click Next on the What the Accountant’s Copy Can and Can’t Do window.
• Select the correct file with the .qbx extension and click Open.
• Save the file on your computer by selecting Save.

Note: If the company file is permanently deleted without a backup, then use the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery tool for restoration.

Solution 4: Verify Server Connection

Ensure uninterrupted connection between the workstation and server using the Ping command:

• Press Windows + R, type CMD, and then press Enter.
• Type “ipconfig /all” and note down the Host Name.
• Type Ping [Host Name] and press Enter, then check for reply packets.
• If there’s a packet loss, then contact an IT admin to fix network connectivity.

Solution 5: Identify the Issue

Check if the problem is with the company file or the QuickBooks program:

• Open File Explorer from the Start menu.
• Navigate to the QuickBooks folder and find QuickBooks.exe.
• Hold Ctrl, double-click QB, and don’t release until QB opens.
• Try opening your company file. If you’re successful, then the issue is with the program.
• If not, then try opening a sample file using the same method.
• If the sample file opens, then the problem is with the company file.

Solution 6: Change Company File Location

Resolve file location issues by moving the company file to a new spot:

• Open File Explorer from the Start menu.
• Locate your company file with the .qbw extension.
• Right-click and copy the file, and then paste it on your Desktop.
• Right-click the copied file and rename it for easy identification.
• In QuickBooks, go to File > Open or Restore a company.
• Choose the copied file on the Desktop and open it.
• If it opens smoothly, then move the copied file back to the original location.
• Rename the original file by adding “old” to avoid using it.

Solution 7: Disable “Save When Closing” Feature

Prevent QuickBooks from freezing on startup by turning off the auto-open feature: 

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• In the ‘No Company Open’ Window, select your file and press ALT, and open it (keep ALT pressed).
• Visit the File menu, then go to Preferences.
• Choose the Desktop View tab.
• Select the “Don’t save the Desktop” option and click OK.
• Close and reopen QuickBooks with your company file.
• If the issue continues, then proceed to the next step.

Solution 8: Check File Properties

Create new TLG and ND files to resolve QuickBooks functionality.

• Open File Explorer from the Start menu.
• Locate your company file and folder with the .qbw extension.
• Right-click the company file and choose Properties.
• Click Advanced and uncheck Compress and Encrypt.
• Click OK and check if the “can’t find QuickBooks company file” error continues.

Solution 9: Repair Damaged Files

If the issue stems from your computer, then you should try these steps:

• Run the QB Install Diagnostic Tool from the Tool Hub.
• Repair the installation files.
• Perform a clean installation of QB Desktop.

Check if moving the company file to another computer resolves the issue.

Related Topic: Fix QuickBooks Desktop Missing Name List Error

Winding-Up!

Well, these are possible troubleshooting steps for QuickBooks company file issues: not found or missing! If you still can’t find the company file, make sure the Show Hidden Files on Windows option is selected. You can get direct help from our Certified QuickBooks Desktop Experts via our LIVE CHAT option if you encounter any other error or if you are unable to locate the company file and are still receiving the QuickBooks company file not found issue.

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