How to Fix QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error: Casewise Guide

Many different errors can arise when you try to access company files in QB Desktop. One of the most common errors that you might encounter is the QuickBooks unrecoverable error. This error appears with a ten-digit code (XXXXX XXXXX). You can see the following error message on your system’s screen.

Once this error code occurs, QuickBooks will close unexpectedly, and you might even experience data loss. The most common situations when this error can occur are as follows:

• Accessing a company file.
• Saving a backup and portable company file.
• Choosing a menu, tab, or link in QuickBooks.
• Downloading and installing QuickBooks and payroll updates.
• Running various file repair utilities.

Fortunately, you can effortlessly resolve this error using reliable troubleshooting techniques. Let’s explore the entire article to learn why we face this issue and discover appropriate solutions.

Why Do You Encounter Unrecoverable Error in QuickBooks? 

You can encounter the QuickBooks unrecoverable error due to the following reasons:

• If you have not installed the most recent QB updates, the software might become incompatible with Windows, and thus, you can run into different errors. 
• Running a large report or opening several windows is another factor behind this issue. 
• Using a corrupted QB Desktop user account will trigger various internal problems when opening data files and accessing different utilities. 
• Damaged QB company file folders won’t allow you to access your company data. 
• The defective setup of the QuickBooks program can cause unexpected changes in the way the company data is organized, triggering different errors. 
• If the company file is damaged, QB Desktop won’t be able to read it, and thus, you will face multiple issues.
• Using Windows without admin privileges might restrict your access to all QB features, and thus, you can encounter different company file error codes.
• A corrupted Windows .NET Framework component can prevent QB Desktop from properly running on your system. 
• Interference by various security apps can cause failure when you attempt to access your company data.
• If you haven’t properly finished the QB Desktop installation on your computer, you are likely to experience severe difficulties when running various utilities & accessing data files.

As discussed in the introduction, you can face different unrecoverable error codes in various scenarios. Let’s scroll down to the following section to learn more about that. 

The Most Common QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error Codes

Here is the table that illustrates some of the most common QB unrecoverable error codes that you might see on your system’s screen:

Now that you know about different unrecoverable errors in QuickBooks, let’s jump to the following section to explore verified tactics to resolve them.

Casewise Guide to Eliminate the QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Before implementing any technique to weed out the QuickBooks unrecoverable error, you need to do the following:

• Quickly install the newest QuickBooks updates. This will effectively enable you to use critical services and bug fixes during the troubleshooting process.
• Download and install Windows updates. This will allow you to ensure prompt and smooth operation of QuickBooks on your computer.

First of all, we will consider general troubleshooting hacks for this error. After that, you will learn how to resolve the unrecoverable error during specific instances. All right, then, let’s proceed forward to discover common methods to fix this issue.

Section A: General Troubleshooting Methods For the QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Below are the common troubleshooting techniques that you can use for the QuickBooks unrecoverable error. Ensure that you utilize these tactics in a precise order. 

1. Access QuickBooks With All Windows Closed

Sometimes, the unrecoverable error can appear when you are running several reports in QuickBooks. Additionally, you can get this error if several windows are configured to open automatically. To fix this, ensure that you can access QB while keeping all windows closed. Here’s how you can do so:

• Launch QB Desktop in the No Company Open window.

• You should exit the company file, and you shouldn’t tap Open.
• Now, press and keep holding the ALT key when you choose Open. You should not let go of ALT until you have opened the company file.
• When the QB asks for the password after opening the company file, you can let go of the ALT key and enter the password.
• Now, before selecting OK, press the ALT key and hold it when you choose OK. After that, you will be able to access your company file data.

Are you still getting the QuickBooks unrecoverable error? If that’s the case, try the following resolution.

2. Use a Different QB User Account

Damaged user profiles can be a major reason behind the QB unrecoverable error. You need to create and utilize new user accounts to ensure prompt access to QB company files. Here’s how you can do so:

Case I: If a Regular User Account is Damaged

• Open the Company menu and choose Set Up Users and Passwords.

• Click on Set Up Users and tap Add User.

• Now, enter a fresh username and password for the new user account.
• Choose Next and you will have to customize the user account as per your requirement. Furthermore, you need to assign all the required roles.
• Tap Finish, after which you should open the File menu and choose Close Company/Logoff.

Case II: If the Admin User Profile is Damaged

To fix the admin user profile, you have to run QuickBooks File Doctor on your system. This tool will also fix common network issues.

However, if the QuickBooks unrecoverable error persists, try using a new Windows admin user account as described below.

3. Create and Utilize a New Windows Admin User Account

By creating and using a fresh Windows admin user account on your computer, you are likely to get seamless access to the QB company file. Here’s how you need to do so:

Case I: For Windows 10 and Newer

• Click Start and immediately tap the Settings tab.

• Now, click Account, after which you will need to tap Family & Other Users.

• Go to Other Users and choose Add someone else to this PC.

• At this point, you need to choose the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option.
• Select the Add a user without a Microsoft account option and type the name of the new account.
• Add a suitable password and click Finish. After that, choose the new Windows user account and select Change Account Type.

• Choose Administrator, after which you should tap OK.

Case II: For Windows Server 2012 and Newer

• Access Server Manager and choose Tools. After that, click Computer Management.

• Select Local Users and Groups, and after that, tap Groups.
• At this point, open the Administrator Properties window by double-clicking Administrator Groups.
• Tap Add and choose the user account that you want to assign under local admin groups.
• Click OK to grant admin status to the selected user account.

Now, you should utilize the new Windows admin user account on your system and try to access your QB company files. If you continue to get the QuickBooks unrecoverable error, utilize the following resolution.

4. Access the Sample Company File in QuickBooks

A sample company file can help you detect the problem in your company file and the company file folder. Here are the steps that you need to follow to open the sample company file:

• Tap and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
• Now, double-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon on your desktop screen. Hold down the Ctrl key until you have accessed the No Company Open window.

• At this point, choose Open a Sample File and select any sample file displayed in the list.

The following scenarios emerge when you attempt to access the sample company file:

Case I: The Unrecoverable Error Occurs When Opening the Sample Company File

In this case, you should move to the next solution, as the problem lies with the QB company file folder on your system.

Case II: No Error Occurs When Accessing the Sample Company File

If the sample company file opens without any issue, it means that your company file or the company file folder is corrupted. You will need to repair them correctly. The following techniques will help you do so.

5. Fix the QuickBooks Company File Data

Corruption in the QuickBooks company file data is one of the primary factors behind the unrecoverable error codes. You can quickly repair the company file by running the verify and rebuild data utility. Once you do that, you can seamlessly access all your financial data stored in the company file.

However, if you still see an unrecoverable error in QuickBooks Desktop, consider opening the company file from a new folder, as discussed below.

6. Access the QB Desktop Company File From a New Folder

Another thing that can give way to the QB unrecoverable error code is the damaged file path or location of the company file. To resolve this, you should transfer the company file to a new folder to access it successfully. Here’s how you can do so:

• Go to the Desktop and right-click on the empty space.
• Choose New, followed by Folder. Give the folder the name QBTEST.
• Now, go to the company file folder and right-click the company file icon to choose Copy.
• Return to Desktop and open the QBTEST folder. After that, you have to choose Paste after right-clicking the empty space.
• Now, open QuickBooks and move to the No Company Open window to access the company file from the QBTEST folder. If you find that QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file, you need to resolve it instantly.

Are you still noticing the QuickBooks unrecoverable error? If so, consider fixing your QB application program as outlined below.

7. Use the Quick Fix my Program Tool to Fix the QB Unrecoverable Error

You can get the QB unrecoverable error message due to a corrupted QB program. To fix this, you have to utilize the Quick Fix my Program tool. Here’s what you need to do:

• First and foremost, you will need to download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Next, open QB Tool Hub by double-clicking its icon, and you should go to the Program Problems tab.

• Click Quick Fix My Program and wait for the tool to finish its run.
• Finally, you can open QuickBooks Desktop and access your data. If you discover that QuickBooks already has a company file open, you need to get that resolved immediately.

Do you still encounter the QuickBooks unrecoverable error? If so, consider repairing the .NET Framework as described below.

8. Repair the .NET Framework Component

A defective .NET Framework component can trigger unrecoverable error messages in QuickBooks. You need to repair this component to resolve QB unrecoverable error codes. Here’s how you can do so:

• Firstly, you should close all open applications on your computer. After that, tap Start and click the Control Panel icon.

• In the Control Panel window, select Programs and Features, and after that, choose Uninstall a Program.

• Now, click Turn Windows Features On or Off to open the full list of .NET Framework.
• At this point, find the .NET Framework 4.5 in the list and mark its checkbox if it is unmarked and vice-versa.

• Tap OK and reopen your computer. After that, you have to mark the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox in the list.
• Repeat the previous steps for each .NET Framework component mentioned in the list.
• Finally, you can open QB Desktop and access your company files successfully.

If, however, you still see the QuickBooks unrecoverable error, try reconfiguring the Windows Firewall settings as discussed below.

9. Provide Total Exemption to QB in Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall can mistakenly identify QuickBooks as a threat to your system security. It can restrict the normal operation of QB Desktop. Consequently, you might get QB unrecoverable error codes when trying to open your company files. To fix this, you can grant full exemption to QB programs in Windows Firewall. Once you do that, you can promptly access your company file data.

However, if you continue to notice the QuickBooks unrecoverable error, try clean installing QB Desktop as described below.

10. Reinstall Your QB Desktop Application

An imprecise installation of QuickBooks can trigger an unrecoverable error code when accessing the company file. You need to reinstall QB Desktop to fix this issue. Here’s how to do so:

• Access the Start menu, and after that, you have to type Control Panel in the search box.

• Click the Control Panel icon and move to Programs and Features. After that, choose Uninstall a Program and tap the QuickBooks icon.
• Now, choose Uninstall/Change and click Remove. After that, tap Next and follow the steps to uninstall QB Desktop.

• At this point, download the newest QuickBooks edition on your computer from the official Intuit website.
• Run the download file (QuickBooks.exe) and choose Express Install.

• Tap Next and click Install. After that, follow all the installation steps that show up on the screen. After that, you can open QB Desktop to access all your data files for different projects.

Sometimes, you might face the QuickBooks unrecoverable error when you are performing bank reconciliation or viewing reconciliation reports. To learn how you can troubleshoot this error in such cases, let’s navigate to the following section. 

Section B: Fix QB Unrecoverable Error During Bank Reconciliation or Accessing Previous Reconciliation Reports

Here are the different resolutions that you should implement if you encounter the QuickBooks unrecoverable error when reconciling bank data and accessing older reconciliation reports. 

11. Install the Latest Adobe Reader Updates

An outdated Adobe Reader can prevent you from accessing previous bank reconciliation reports. This is because an outdated Adobe Reader becomes incompatible with various QB Desktop features & tools. Here’s how you can update Adobe Reader:

• Open Adobe Reader and go to the Help menu.
• Click the About Adobe Reader option and identify the current version.
• At this point, if you find that you have an older Adobe Reader version, viz. 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0, you should install the Adobe Reader updates.
• Once you have updated Adobe Reader, reboot your system and open QB to access your reconciliation reports.

If you are still getting the QuickBooks unrecoverable error, try changing the display settings in Adobe Reader as detailed below.

12. Modify the Display PDF in Browser Settings

You can face multiple problems when performing bank reconciliation if Adobe Reader is configured to display PDF in the web browser application. Once you change the Adobe Reader settings to ensure that it does not use the web browser by default, you can seamlessly run reconciliation reports and carry out bank reconciliation. Here’s what you can do:

Note: Adobe 11.0 and later versions don’t display PDF in the web browser by default. When you update Adobe Reader to the latest version, the issues will automatically be fixed. The following steps are for Adobe 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0.

• Access the Adobe Reader application and move to the Edit menu. 
• Click Preferences, and in the Preferences window, you should go to the Categories list.

• Choose the Internet option and navigate to the Web Browser Options section.
• Unmark the Display PDF in Browser checkbox and tap OK. After that, open QB Desktop and access various bank reconciliation reports.

If you are getting the unrecoverable error in QB Desktop when choosing a transaction during reconciliation, proceed to the next section to discover how to fix it.

Section C: Resolve the QB Unrecoverable Error When Selecting a Transaction For Reconciliation 

When you reconcile your transactions in QB, sometimes, you can encounter an unrecoverable error due to a damaged Primary Name List or Chart of Accounts. Here are the troubleshooting methods that you can implement in such cases:

13. Repair Your QB Company File 

The simplest way to fix the unrecoverable error during reconciliation is to scan and repair your company file. You can use the verify and rebuild data tool to repair your company data. Once you have repaired the data file, you can seamlessly reconcile your transactions.

If, however, you continue to get the unrecoverable error code in QuickBooks, consider restoring your backup data file as explained below.

14. Restore Your Backup QB Company File

Restoring your backup company data will allow you to seamlessly use various transactions during reconciliation. Here’s how to restore your backup data file:

• Open QuickBooks and navigate to the File menu.

• Choose the Open or Restore Company tab, and after that, go to the Restore a Backup Copy option.

• Tap Next, and you should choose Local Backup.

• Click Next and browse the backup data file (‘.QBB’).
• At this point, select a folder to save the restored company file and tap Open.
• Finally, tap Save to save the restored company file in the selected folder. If you cannot restore the QB backup file, you should fix it immediately.

You might also get the QuickBooks unrecoverable error when trying to open any company file using a workstation on the network. To know how to resolve the error in such cases, follow the next section.

Section D: Resolve the Unrecoverable Error When Accessing a QB Data File On a Workstation

Here are the resolutions that you should use when you run into an unrecoverable error code when opening a company file on a workstation. 

15. Run the Quick Fix my Program utility

Defects in the QB program configuration can easily provoke unrecoverable error codes. To repair your QB program setup, you can run the Quick Fix my Program utility. This will enable you to promptly open all company files on a workstation.

If, however, you still encounter a QuickBooks unrecoverable error, consider stopping the QBCF Monitor Service from re-launching on the workstation, as discussed below.

16. Stop QBCFMonitorService From Running On the Workstation

 You might encounter an unrecoverable error if QBCFMonitorService is functioning on a workstation that is not hosting the data file on the network. To fix this, you can restrict the execution of QBCFMonitorService on the workstation. Here’s how you can do so:

• First and foremost, tap Windows + R on your keyboard to access the Run window.
• In the Run window, type services.msc and click OK. After that, move to the Services window.

• At this point, double-click QBCFMonitorService and immediately select Properties.

• Go to the Startup Type tab to choose Disabled. After that, tap Apply and OK on the Services window.
• Finally, start QuickBooks and successfully access the company file.

Do you continue to face the QuickBooks unrecoverable error? If that’s the case, try the next troubleshooting method.

17. Run the QB Install Diagnostic Tool

An imprecise QB installation can provoke errors when you try to open data files on a workstation. You can effortlessly fix all the installation faults using the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Here’s what you need to do:

• Firstly, install QuickBooks Tool Hub on the workstation, and after that, double-click its icon.
• Move to the Installation Issues menu and tap the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool icon.

• You should wait until the tool completes its run, and after that, you should reopen your computer.
• Finally, you can open QB Desktop and access all the company files. If you still encounter the unrecoverable error, you should implement the general troubleshooting methods explained in the section A. 

You can also encounter the QuickBooks unrecoverable error when saving or printing PDF documents. Let’s scroll down to the following section to learn how to fix the error in such scenarios.

Section E: Fix the QB Unrecoverable Error When Saving & Printing PDF Files

Whenever you encounter the QuickBooks unrecoverable error when saving and printing PDF documents, you can utilize the solutions described below.

18. Operate the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool

The QB PDF & Print Repair Tool is a specialized utility that can be effectively used to fix various errors that arise when printing PDF files. Here’s how you can run this utility:

• Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub and open it on your computer.
• Go to the Programs Problems menu and choose the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool.

• Allow the tool to run, and after that, you can open QB Desktop to save and print various PDF documents. 

Are you still encountering the QuickBooks unrecoverable error? If so, try reconfiguring the temp folder settings, as discussed below.

19. Reorganize the Temp Folder Permissions

QB Desktop uses the temp folder to save various data elements while saving & printing PDF documents. If you don’t have full access to this folder, you won’t be able to print PDF files. Here’s what you can do to obtain full access to the temp folder:

• First & foremost, tap Windows + R to bring up the Run window and type the %TEMP% command.

• Hit Enter and navigate to the temp folder. After that, right-click the empty space in the folder to select Properties.

• Move to Security and ensure that each username has Full Control access to the folder.
• Tap OK to save the revised settings of the temp folder.

Finally, you can open QB Desktop and seamlessly save and print different PDF documents. 

Winding Up

In this detailed article, we showed you how to resolve the QuickBooks unrecoverable error using different methods. Hopefully, you can now effortlessly perform different tasks in QB Desktop. If, however, you continue to encounter this error or have a query, you can connect with a QB professional for immediate guidance.

Common Queries On QB Desktop Unrecoverable Error

Gabby Taylor

Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities