How to Fix QuickBooks Error 510 – “Unable to Return Object”?

QuickBooks Error 510 is an error that arises when users attempt to run the Financial Exchange between QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) and Point of Sale (POS). This error usually occurs when QuickBooks struggles to retrieve customer data during synchronization. Main triggers behind the occurrence of this error include damaged company files, data corruption, or issues within the customer list used during the financial exchange process. It typically shows the following error message:

 “Unable to return object; 140116: QB customer lookup error: ‘Counter Sales’.”

Before troubleshooting error 510, close all running QuickBooks applications, back up your company file, and ensure you have admin access. Early warning signs include disrupted data sync between POS and QuickBooks Desktop, especially with “Counter Sales” entries. Check out the two effective solutions to fix QuickBooks Error Code 510 in no time.

Solution 1: Verify and Rebuild Company Data in QuickBooks

Verify and Rebuild Company Data resolves file corruption by identifying and fixing integrity issues in your company file during financial exchange errors. Here are the steps to fix QuickBooks Error 510 by using the verify and rebuild data tool to restore sync between POS and QBDT.

Step 1: Verify Your Data

• Close all open applications on your computer.
• Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click on the File menu, then go to Utilities > Verify Data.

• Based on the message you receive:
  • In case you see “QuickBooks detected no problems with your data,” your file is fine, no further action needed.
  • In case you get a specific error message, note it down and search for related solutions.
  • In case the message reads “Your data has lost integrity,” proceed to the next step to rebuild your data.

Step 2: Rebuild Your Data

• Click the File menu again, then go to Utilities > Rebuild Data.
• Important: Before rebuilding, create a backup of your company file. This is crucial, as the rebuild process may need to delete or modify some transactions or list entries to fix the file.
• Once the backup is complete, QuickBooks will start the Rebuild process.
• When the message “Rebuild has completed” appears, click OK.

Solution 2: Use the Clean Up Company Data Utility

This method compresses data and removes outdated transactions, helping eliminate list-related errors causing sync issues like Error 510. Check out these steps to fix Error 150 using the Clean Up Utility and enhance your file performance and data accuracy.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click on the File menu, then select Utilities.
3. Choose Clean Up Company Data.
4. Place a checkmark in the box that says Compress Data.
5. A warning message will appear-click OK to proceed.
6. (Optional) In the Non-history documents window:
   • Select the documents you want to remove, then click Next.
7. (Optional) In the History documents and other data window:
   • Choose the data you want to delete based on date or type. Click Next to continue.
8. On the Proceed with Clean Up screen, select Clean Up.
9. Wait for the cleanup process to complete.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Error 510?

Before you fix QuickBooks Error Code 510, always fulfill the following requirements:

• Ensure all active QuickBooks applications are completely closed before troubleshooting.
• Backup your company file to prevent data loss during the rebuild process.
• Confirm you have administrative access to perform file modifications.
• Review whether the error message indicates corrupted data or missing elements.

How to Identify QuickBooks Error Code 510?

Following are the signs you will face when you encounter QuickBooks Error 510:

• The screen displays the error message: “Unable to return object; 140116: QB customer lookup error: ‘Counter Sales’.
• QuickBooks is unable to fetch or link a customer profile during data sync.
• The error disrupts the sync between sales data and financial records.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 510?

Follow these tips to avoid facing QuickBooks Error Code 510 in future:

• Make sure your system has a stable internet connection, especially during Financial Exchange.
• Avoid keeping large amounts of unused or historical documents in the system.
• Make sure both QuickBooks Desktop and POS are updated to their latest versions.
• Train users to properly label and manage sales data entries, especially for ‘Counter Sales’.
• Schedule routine maintenance checks.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Error 510?

You should reach out to a professional if QuickBooks Error 510 persists after following the solutions provided in this article. In such cases, it is advised to use expert’s help as they will ensure fixing error 510 without losing any important company file data.