How to Fix QuickBooks Something’s Not Quite Right Error

Published Date: September 5, 2025   Updated Date: September 5, 2025

QuickBooks operates smoothly and effectively. Still, some users experience the “QuickBooks Something’s Not Quite Right” error. This issue typically occurs during banking operations or when generating expense transactions.

Fixing this issue sometimes requires modifying the account type. QuickBooks imposes rules and restrictions for changing account types. It is crucial to understand these regulations before the changes take effect.

Unresolved errors related to the account type changes impact financial records. An incorrect change can interfere with balances and reports. Hence, understanding the limits can prevent mistakes from happening.

In this guide, complete information on the “Something’s Not Quite Right” error has been shared. It lists the reasons that trigger this error, issues users experience, and troubleshooting steps to fix it.

What is the QuickBooks “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error?

Often, the account type in QuickBooks fails to align with the transaction. Consequently, QuickBooks displays the “Something’s Not Quite Right” error. The error is triggered when the chosen account is not appropriate, and modifying it often fixes the issue.

There are several variations of this technical issue. Additional messages are displayed with this error in QuickBooks Online. The message varies based on the account type update.

Here is the list of the common error messages:

  • “Something’s not quite right. Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0.”
  • “Something’s not right. We’re unable to complete your request at the moment. Try again later.”
  • “QuickBooks, something’s not quite right. Metadata is not defined.”
  • “Something’s not quite right with deleting an expense in QuickBooks Online.”
  • “Something’s not quite right. Please balance debits and credits in QuickBooks.”

What causes the “Something’s Not Quite Right” error in QuickBooks?

The error arises for multiple reasons. Here is the list of the typical reasons:

  • Including a payment to the wrong account.
  • Modifying account types.
  • Recording, changing, or canceling an invoice.
  • After a session timeout, a login is needed, but the error appears.
  • Problems with saved internet files like cookies and cache.

How to Fix QuickBooks Something’s Not Quite Right Error?

The issue arises in QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Each version of the QuickBooks program needs troubleshooting to fix the issue.

Here are the methods to fix the error in both QuickBooks Online and Desktop:

Fixing the “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error in QuickBooks Online

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

QuickBooks Online may display this issue due to saved internet files. Clearing such internet files (cache and cookies) often fixes the issue.

Here are the steps to clear browser cache and cookies:

  1. Open the browser available in the system (IE, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
  2. In the top-right corner, click the three dots visible.
  3. Head to the “Settings” option.
  4. Now, under the “Privacy and Security” segment, click the “Clear Browsing Data” option.
  5. Choose the time range to “All Time“.
  6. Choose the “Cached image and files” option.
  7. Now choose the “Cookies and other site data” option.
  8. Click the “Clear Browsing Data” option.

For Safari:

  1. Open the Safari browser.
  2. In the menu bar, click the “Safari” option.
  3. Choose the option “Reset Safari“.
  4. Tick the option, “Remove all Website Data“.
  5. Click the “Reset” button.

2. Access the Incognito Window in Google Chrome

Private browsing capabilities help to prevent saved cache issues. Here are the steps to use the Incognito window in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click the option “More“.
  3. Now, click “New Incognito Window“.
  4. Using an Incognito icon, a new screen will appear.
  5. Access the shortcut:
    • Windows/Linux/Chrome OS: Ctrl + Shift + N
    • Mac: Command + Shift + N

3. Reset Company Data in QuickBooks

Restoring the QuickBooks app erases temporary data. However, it does not impact the saved records. Here are the steps to reset QuickBooks company data:

  1. Click the Windows icon.
  2. Choose the “System” option.
  3. Head to the “Apps and Features” option.
  4. Under QuickBooks, open “Advanced Options“.
  5. Click the “Reset Data” option.

Fixing “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error in QuickBooks Desktop

The following solutions help resolve the “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error in QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Refresh QuickBooks Desktop Updates

Updating QuickBooks Desktop often fixes this issue. Here are the steps to reset QuickBooks Desktop updates:

Update the QuickBooks Desktop
  • Start QuickBooks Desktop.
  • Click the “Help” menu.
  • Choose the option “Update QuickBooks Desktop“.
  • Head to the “Update Now” tab.
  • Now, check the option “Reset Updates“.
  • Click the “Get Updates” option.
  • Once the download is complete, close QuickBooks and then open it again.
  • Open the “Help” option again and choose the option “Update QuickBooks Desktop“.
  • Click the “Overview” tab.
  • Now, select the option “Update Now“.

To run QuickBooks as an admin to install updates, follow these steps:

  • Click the “Start” option.
  • Type QuickBooks.
  • Right-click the “QuickBooks” icon and choose the option “Run as Administrator“.

2. Access the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility tool

The Verify and Rebuild Data Utility tool identifies and resolves company file problems. Here are the steps to use the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility tool:

  • Shut down all the active applications.
  • Open the QuickBooks Desktop program.
  • Click the “File” menu.
  • Choose the “Utilities” option.
  • Now, click the “Verify Data” option.
Verify Data
  • In case there are no issues, the company file is secured.
  • In case there are certain issues, head to the “File” option.
  • Now, click the “Utilities” option. Next, click the “Rebuild Data” option.
Rebuild Data
  • Take a backup when notified. Use a new name to save it.
  • Click the “OK” button once the rebuilding is over.

3. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The Install Diagnostic Tool resolves issues related to the program. Here are the steps to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool:

  • From the Intuit website, download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
QuickBooks Tool Hub
  • Save the setup on the desktop or C drive.
  • Find and open QuickBooksToolHub.exe.
  • Install and start the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  • In case the icon is not available, click the “Start” button.
  • Now, type “QuickBooks Tool Hub“, and choose it.
  • Choose the option “Program Problems” in the Tool Hub.
QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

How to Modify the Account Type During the “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error?

In QuickBooks Online, often, modifying the account type is required. In case the issue appears, follow the steps shared below:

1. View and Edit a Payment Account

  1. Head to the “Accounting” menu.
  2. Open the “Chart of Accounts“.
  3. Locate the account required to update.
  4. Click the “Edit” button in the “Action” column.

2. Resolve Error While Saving a Purchase Order

Often, the error appears while handling the purchase orders. Clear the browser cache and refresh the QuickBooks application when the error appears. Under vendor details, purchase orders are saved. They do not impact other accounts but aid in monitoring orders.
Here are the steps to record a purchase order using a valid account:

  1. Open QuickBooks Online.
  2. Click the “Plus” icon option.
  3. Choose the “Purchase Order“.
  4. Include a new vendor or select a vendor from the available dropdown.
  5. Add the details and choose products or items.
  6. Click the “Save and Close” button.

Scenarios Where Changing Account Type is not possible

Changing the account type in QuickBooks is not possible in certain cases. Here is a list of such cases:

  • Automatically Created Accounts: QuickBooks prepares accounts like Retained Earnings, Payroll Expense, Inventory Assets, etc. These accounts cannot be changed. Changes are allowed only for manually created accounts.
  • Secondary Accounts within a Parent Account: It is crucial that sub-accounts align with the parent account type. Altering them to a different type gives rise to the issue. To modify, erase the secondary account from the parent account. Once the editing is complete, it is not possible to connect it back to the same parent directory.

3. Accounts Receivable (A/R) and Accounts Payable (A/P)

Changing these accounts is not permitted by QuickBooks. It is not possible to change an account into Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable. Prepare a new account if you require modifications.

4. Accounts holding Un-deposited Funds or Cash

Accounts related to deposits, payments, or checks cannot be modified. To resolve this, change or shift the transaction initially. Now, access the Quick Report tool to check linked transactions before any changes.

In this guide, the causes and solutions for the “Something’s Not Quite Right” error have been shared. Following the steps in the given order will help fix the issue in QuickBooks Online and Desktop.

In case the issue still persists, feel free to call our QuickBooks professionals.


FAQs About QuickBooks Something’s Not Quite Right

Can the “Something’s Not Quite Right” Error impact the company data?

No. The “Something’s Not Quite Right” error does not erase or corrupt company data. It is generally temporary. In case the issue is because of corrupted QuickBooks Desktop files, use the data repair tool. This tool will help restore secured file access.

Does the error occur during login attempts only?

No. The error occurs in several scenarios. It occurs during login, running reports, opening company files, processing transactions, etc. QuickBooks displays this issue only when a process is unsuccessful. Usually, processes are unsuccessful due to connectivity or internal problems.

How to learn if the issue is coming from QuickBooks Servers?

Review the official Intuit webpage for any kind of service outage. The issue is due to QuickBooks servers when erasing cache, internet check, and switching browsers do not fix the issue. For users, server-related outages trigger temporary access issues.

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