How To Fix ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘Not Responding’ Error?

The “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” or “Not Responding” error is a common issue that occurs when the QuickBooks Desktop application crashes or freezes due to problems with your Windows system files. These disruptions often stem from corrupted company files, damaged installation files, or a malfunctioning Windows operating system. Other contributors include hard drive corruption, lengthy company file names, or interference from firewall settings and antivirus programs. 

Before diving into solutions, make sure to use the latest QuickBooks version, ensure company file names stay within the character limit, turn off antivirus software temporarily, and operate with administrative rights. Here are the top 11 solutions to fix the ‘QuickBooks Not Responding’ or ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Error.

Solution 1: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub & Run Quick Fix My Program

This tool quickly fixes minor software errors and restores essential services. Here are the steps to fix ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ error: 

Step 1: Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site.
3. Save the file somewhere easy to find.
4. Open the file named QuickBooksToolHub.exe and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
5. Agree to the terms and finish the installation.

Step 2: Run ‘Quick Fix My Program’

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Select the Program Problems tab.
3. Click on Quick Fix My Program.

4. Once done, reopen QuickBooks and your company file to check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 2: Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

It scans and fixes installation-related issues in QuickBooks Desktop. Check out these steps to troubleshoot errors using the diagnostic tool:

1. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub (In case you have not already done)
2. In the Tool Hub, go to the Installation Issues tab.
3. Click on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.

4. Wait for it to finish scanning and fixing issues (this can take up to 20 minutes).
5. Restart your computer and check if QuickBooks is now functioning properly.

Solution 3: Rename the QBWUSER.INI File

Renaming the QBWUSER.INI file resets the QuickBooks settings and removes corrupted configuration files. Here are the steps to fix the error by renaming the file:

1. Open File Explorer and go to:
   /Users/[Your Username]/AppData/Local/Intuit/QuickBooks
2. In case you don’t see this folder, go to Organize > Folder and Search Options > View, and enable Show hidden files and folders.
3. Find the file named QBWUSER.INI, right-click, and choose Rename.
4. Change the file name to something like QBWUSER.OLD.
5. Try opening QuickBooks again.

Solution 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Antivirus may block QuickBooks processes and trigger “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” or “QuickBooks Not Responding”. Follow these steps to fix this error by disabling the antivirus software. 

1. Click the Windows Start icon.
2. Go to Windows Security. 
3. Click on Virus &Threat protection.
4. Select Manage Settings.
5. Go to Real-Time Protection and turn it off.

Solution 5: Scan and Repair Hard Drive for Bad Sectors

Corrupt disk sectors slow down system performance and crash apps. Follow these steps to scan and repair hard drive to fix this error.

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on C: Drive, choose Properties.
3. Go to the Tools tab, and under Error Checking, click Check.

4. Select Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
5. Let Windows complete the scan and repair.
6. Restart your computer afterward.

Solution 6: Use the QuickBooks Refresher Tool

This tool refreshes QuickBooks background processes that might be stuck. Check out these steps to fix your software with the refresher. 

1. Close QuickBooks completely.
2. Download the QuickBooks Refresher Tool.
3. Save and run the tool.
4. Click on Fix my QuickBooks.
5. Let it detect and fix the issue.
6. Open QuickBooks again to check.

Solution 7: Use QuickBooks System Repair Tool

It deeply scans and repairs damaged QuickBooks files. Follow these steps to restore normal operations using the system repair tool. 

1. Download the QuickBooks System Repair Tool.
2. Close all other applications.
3. Run and install the tool.
4. Follow the on-screen steps and select your company file.
5. Click Continue and wait (may take around 20 minutes).
6. Restart your system once complete.

Solution 8: Create a New Windows Admin User

A corrupted user profile can cause access issues. Here are the steps to create a new admin user to fix ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘QuickBooks Not Responding’ Error.

1. Open Control Panel > Add or Remove User Accounts.
2. Click Create a New Account.
3. Name it and set it as Administrator.
4. Log in with this new account and try opening QuickBooks again.

Solution 9: Move Company File to a New Folder

Moving a company file to a new folder helps isolate potential file location errors. Check out these steps to fix this issue:

1. Press Windows + E.
2. Locate the company file (.QBW).
3. Copy the file.
4. Create a new folder in C: Drive called QBTEST.
5. Paste the file in this new folder.
6. Open QuickBooks while holding down CTRL, and choose Open or Restore an Existing Company.
7. Open the file from the QBTEST folder.

Solution 10: Check Internet Connectivity

QuickBooks relies on a stable internet for many features. Here are the steps to check your internet settings and ensure proper connectivity:

1. Make sure the system time and date are correct
2. Open Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options
3. Click the Advanced tab, then click Reset
4. Hit Apply and then OK
5. Restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again

Solution 11: Reinstall Windows 

A faulty Windows installation affects QuickBooks functionality. Here are the steps to reinstall the OS and fix “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” or “QuickBooks Not Responding”. 

1. Back up all your important data, including QuickBooks company files.
2. Reinstall Windows (get help from a professional if unsure).
3. Reinstall QuickBooks using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘Not Responding’ Error?

Before you fix ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Error, meet the following requirements:

1. Ensure you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks.
2. Antivirus and firewall software must be temporarily disabled.
3. Log in with administrative rights on your Windows system.
4. Backup your QuickBooks data before starting any repair steps.
5. Confirm that your Windows OS is updated and stable.
6. Check that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements for QuickBooks.
7. Close all running background programs.

How to Identify ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘Not Responding’ Error?

Here are the signs of facing ‘QuickBooks Not Responding or Stopped Working’ error:

• QuickBooks crashes or freezes during startup or while working.
• Error message “QuickBooks has stopped working” appears.
• The software stops responding to any commands or inputs.
• You’re unable to open a company file or QuickBooks itself.
• System becomes sluggish, or the application shuts down suddenly.
• The software windows crash unexpectedly while in use.
• Frequent closing of tabs or loss of unsaved work is noticed.

How to Prevent ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘Not Responding’ Error?

Follow these tips to avoid facing the ‘QuickBooks Not Responding’ or ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Error:

• The company file name should be under 35 characters and without special characters.
• Regularly scan for malware and viruses using trusted tools.
• Perform routine disk checks.
• Avoid installing conflicting third-party apps on the same system.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for ‘QuickBooks Has Stopped Working’ Or ‘Not Responding’ Error

You should seek professional help to fix the ‘QuickBooks Stopped Working’ or ‘Not Responding’ error when repeated troubleshooting steps don’t fix the issue, or if you’re unsure about handling files, backups, or system changes.