QuickBooks Company File Not Found/Missing

QuickBooks company file not found or missing error occurs whenever the company file has been moved to a new location, the data file is deleted by accident, not accessible in multi-user mode, network issues, and the file is being opened via the wrong medium.

To resolve the error QuickBooks company file not found or missing by checking the server for good connectivity, checking if all company files are saved or not, and opening the company file QB Desktop. In this article, you will gain complete insights into the solutions and their steps to resolve these errors on a shared network or saved locally on the same computer and their causes.

Causes of QuickBooks Error Saying Company File Not Found

If you have recently moved your company file, then the possibility is that QuickBooks may not be able to find your company file at times. Then you should save the QuickBooks to the new location of the file. There are various other reasons for the QuickBooks error: company file not found.

• A QuickBooks company file is moved to a new location.
• The QuickBooks company file got deleted by accident either locally, or on the server.
• QuickBooks company file not found in multi-user mode due to unstable network connectivity.
• When the wrong option is being used to open a QuickBooks company file.

How to Fix a Company File is Missing or Can’t be Found in QuickBooks Desktop

To fix the QuickBooks company file not found or missing error, you are required to restore the company file or look for it in the Windows search bar. Check out the step-by-step solutions to fix this issue in two situations, first when the file is shared over a network or when the file is saved locally on the same computer system.

Solution 1 – Check the Server and Ensure a Good Network Connection

You are determining whether your computer system is linked to your network by performing this. To ensure that it can reach the server, this is best completed on a client workstation.

• Step 1: Find out the name of your computer server.
  • You must hit the Windows logo + R keys.
  • Then, you should type CMD, and select the OK button.
  • After typing ipconfig /all, hit Enter.
  • Make a note of the server name or hostname.
• Step 2: Hit the Enter key after filling out “ping [server name]“.
• Step 3: Every packet should have a reply visible to you.
  • If every packet has a Reply, your machine is linked to your network.
  • An experienced IT specialist should examine your network if you notice a packet loss or a slow response.

In case you are unable to resolve this issue, go ahead and try fixing it using the other solutions mentioned below. 

Solution 2: Look through every company file

On the server computer, enter one of the following into the search field to conduct a wildcard search for all company files:

Note: To guarantee that the search functions properly, make sure the asterisk () appears before the extension type.

• Working Files: .qbw
• Back-up Files: .qbb
• Accountants Copy Files, .qba
• Accountants Transfer Files, .qbx
• Files Changed by Accountants.qby

If the file cannot be located, call an IT specialist for assistance in locating it. Once the file has been located, note its location and move on to solution 3.

Solution 3: Launch QuickBooks and open the file

You will have to open the file as per the format of your QuickBooks file.

• Step 1: Accessing a company file (.qbw) or a copy for the accountant (.qba)
  • Choose to Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
  • After choosing Open a Company File, click Next.
  • Choose the file for the company.
  • Click on Open.
• Step 2: Getting a Backup (.qbb) Backup
  • Choose to Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
  • After choosing Restore a Backup File, click Next.
  • Go to Local Backup and click on it.
  • After choosing the company file, click Next.
  • Select Save after deciding where you want to save the restored file (the location where you plan to work with it).
• Step 3: Retrieve a file named “Accountant’s Copy Transfer” (.qbx).
  • Choose to Open or Restore a company from the File menu.
  • Choose Accountant’s Copy Transfer File and Convert, then click Next.
  • Choose Next if the What the Accountant’s Copy Can and Can’t Do window appears.
  • Choose Open after selecting the transfer file (.qbx).
  • Click Save after selecting the location where you want to keep the Accountant’s Copy File.

Solution 1 – Find All the Company Files

Try entering one of the following into the search field on your server computer to find all company files using a wildcard search.

Note: To guarantee that the search functions properly, make sure the asterisk () appears before the extension type.

• Working Files: .qbw
• Back-up Files: .qbb
• Accountants Copy Files, .qba
• Accountants Transfer Files, .qbx
• Files Changed by Accountants .qby

After locating the file, record its location and move on to solution 2. To assist in finding the file if it cannot be located, get in touch with an IT specialist.

Solution 2 – The Company File Should Be Accessed in QuickBooks

You will have to open the file as per the format of your QuickBooks file.

• Step 1: Access a business file (.qbw) or a copy for the accountant (.qba).
  • Choose to Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
  • After choosing Open a Company File, click Next.
  • Choose the file for the company.
  • Click on Open.
• Step 2: Getting a Backup (.qbb) Backup
  • Choose to Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
  • After choosing Restore a Backup File, click Next.
  • Choose a Local backup.
  • After choosing the company file, click Next.
  • After choosing the location to save the restored file (where you intend to work with it), click Save.
• Step 3: Retrieve a file named “Accountant’s Copy Transfer” (.qbx).
  • Choose to Open or Restore a company from the File menu.
  • Choose Accountant’s Copy Transfer File and Convert, then click Next.
  • Choose Next if the What the Accountant’s Copy Can and Can’t Do window appears.
  • Choose Open after selecting the transfer file (.qbx).

Once you are done deciding on a place, click to store the Accountant’s Copy File.

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