QuickBooks Desktop updates are always tremendously useful for users. Sometimes, however, you may notice QuickBooks data missing after update. Consequently, you will experience significant difficulties during common business operations, such as tax preparation and financial reporting.
Furthermore, delays in completing crucial projects can significantly impact your overall business operations.
However, you can utilize easy and effective methods to resolve this problem. Let’s quickly dive into the blog to explore all the factors that can trigger this issue and learn how we can fix it using easy tactics.
If you want instant assistance to recover QuickBooks data missing after update, dial 1(800) 780-3064 to connect with a QB professional.
Why Has Company File Data Vanished After QB Update?
The following points explain why you might notice QuickBooks data missing after update:
- Data damage in the company files.
- Malware attacks on system program files.
- Incompatibility between QuickBooks updates and your computer.
- Change in the location of the company file.
- Improper name of the company file.
Now that you know all the factors behind QuickBooks data missing after update, let’s move to the next section to look at some quick fixes for this problem.
Quick Resolutions For Missing QuickBooks Desktop Data After Update
The table describes the fastest solutions for missing QB company file data after update. Go through it and try these solutions to restore missing QB data.
| Relevant Causes | Effective Resolutions |
| Corruption in the company file. | Utilize the verify and rebuild data tool. |
| Accidental deletion or modification of the company file | Restore the backup company file. |
| Malware attacks on system files. | Use an anti-malware application. |
| Change in the location of the data file. | Verify the location of the company file. Move the company file to its default location. |
| Interference from third-party security programs. | Exempt QuickBooks in the security program settings. |
Let’s now move to the following section to explore detailed tactics to fix this issue.
6 Ways to Get Back QuickBooks Data Missing After Update
Here are the best techniques you can implement to recover QuickBooks data missing after update. Make sure to follow the instructions given below in the order they are written.
1. Check the QB Company File Location
When you install fresh QB updates, it is possible that the company file location gets changed. Consequently, you might choose an incorrect company file when trying to obtain your missing financial data. Here’s how you can select the correct company file:
- Access your QB Desktop application and jump to the No Company Open window.
- Now, tap the Find a Company File button shown on the No Company Open window.
- At this step, a new window titled Find a Company File will appear on the screen, displaying the current locations of all company files (‘.QBW’).
- The general format of the company file location is C:\Users\Public\PublicDocuments\Intuit\QuickBooks\CompanyFiles. You can note the precise location of the relevant company file in the Find a Company File window.
- You can also check the filename, size, timestamp, and date to locate the newest edition of the company file.
- Finally, you can successfully open the relevant company file using your QB Desktop application.
If you still cannot recover QuickBooks data missing after update, try the next resolution.
2. Restore the QuickBooks Backup Company File
You can seamlessly recover all your financial data by restoring the QuickBooks backup company file. Here’s how you can do so:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and choose the File menu on the window.
- After that, click the Open or Restore Company tab and choose the Restore a Backup Copy option.
- Tap Next and select the Local Backup tab.
- At this point, click Next and utilize the Browse option to choose your backup file (‘.QBB’).
- Now, choose a folder and tap the Open button.
- Finally, click the Save button to restore the backup company file.
Do you still notice QuickBooks data missing after update? If that’s the case, consider utilizing the QB auto data recovery feature as described below.
3. Use the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery Facility
The QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) facility allows you to swiftly recover all the lost or corrupted financial data. Before using the QB auto data recovery facility, you need to know the following conditions:
- The ADR facility is present only in QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions for the Windows operating system.
- The ADR feature is not provided in QuickBooks Accountant editions.
- You can only recover your company file data up to a maximum limit of 1.5 GB using the ADR feature.
Now, you can implement any of the following processes to recover your data:
(a) Utilize the Original Transaction Log File and the ADR Company File
- Create a fresh folder on the desktop titled QBFREETEST.
- Open the company file folder and locate a file with the ‘.TLG’ extension.
- Now, right-click the icon of the transaction log file (‘.TLG’) to select the Copy tab.
- After that, open the QBFREETEST folder and right-click the empty space so that you can select the Paste tab.
- At this step, the copied ‘.TLG’ file will be pasted into the QBFREETEST folder.
- Go to the location of your company file folder. You will find the icon of the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder in the same location.
- Open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder and identify the file with the ‘.QBW.adr’ extension.
- You must copy the ‘.QBW.adr’ file and paste it to the QBFREETEST folder.
- In the QBFREETEST folder, you must right-click the ‘.QBW.adr’ file icon to select the Rename tab.
- Remove ‘.adr’ from the file name and immediately hit Enter.
- At this point, you can open your company file saved in the QBFREETEST folder using QB Desktop.
(b) Utilize the ADR Transaction Log File and ADR Company File
- Generate a new folder on the Windows desktop titled QBKEYHERE.
- Open the QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery folder and locate two files that have ‘.QBW.adr’ and ‘.TLG.adr’ as extensions.
- You must copy both files (‘.QBW.adr’ and ‘.TLG.adr’) and immediately paste them to the QBKEYHERE folder.
- Now, open the QBKEYHERE folder and right-click the icon of each file to choose the Rename tab.
- Erase ‘.adr’ from the names of both files in the QBKEYHERE folder, after which you must tap Enter.
- At this point, you have two files with ‘.TLG’ and ‘.QBW’ extensions in the QBKEYHERE folder.
- Finally, utilize QB Desktop to access the company file saved in the QBKEYHERE folder.
Are you still unable to discover QuickBooks data missing after update? If so, try fixing the company file data, as discussed below.
4. Resolve the Data Damage in the Company File
Sometimes, new QuickBooks updates can cause unexpected changes in the company file data. You can use the verify and rebuild data utility to swiftly resolve all technical issues in the company file. Once the company file is repaired using this utility, you can access all your financial data.
Is QuickBooks data missing after update even now? If so, consider utilizing the QB audit trail report as outlined below.
5. Use the QuickBooks Audit Trail Report to Recover QuickBooks Data Missing After Update
Every accounting software, including QuickBooks, has an audit trail report that helps users retrieve all the financial data. Here’s how you can use the QB audit trail report:
- Access QB Desktop and choose the Reports menu.
- After that, click the Accounts & Taxes tab and immediately tap the Audit Trail option.
- Now, click the Customize Report tab and access the Modify Report Audit Trail window.
- Choose the Filter tab and select the Transaction Type option.
- At this step, you should choose the relevant transaction type, such as invoice, payment, journal, purchase order, etc.
- Tap OK to generate the report. You can modify the date range to view and select the transactions of a particular period.
- You can now effortlessly locate all the missing transactions on the screen.
Are you still failing to recover QuickBooks data missing after update? If so, check the name of your company file as explained below.
6. Verify the Name of the Company File
An improper company file name can prevent you from accessing your financial data. All transactions won’t appear in the company file if its name contains invalid symbols, such as ‘%’, ‘&’, ‘*’, etc. Here’s how you can check the company file name:
- Go to the QB company file folder and right-click the icon of the company file (‘.QBW’).
- Choose the Rename tab and erase all the special symbols, such as ‘$’,‘@’,‘^’, ‘*’, etc. In addition, ensure that there are no extra spaces in the company file name.
- You must ensure the company file has a valid extension (‘.QBW’).
- Tap Enter to save the correct name of the company file and successfully access all your financial data using QuickBooks Desktop.
Winding Up
In this comprehensive article, we learned practical methods to recover QuickBooks data missing after update. Hopefully, you can now effortlessly access all your company file data.
However, if you are still unsuccessful in recovering your financial data or have a query, contact an experienced QB professional.
Common Queries On Missing QB Data After Update
Why can’t I access company file data after downloading and installing fresh QuickBooks updates?
Fresh QuickBooks updates can trigger unexpected changes in the company file data. As a result, you may not be able to access your company file data. Moreover, certain software glitches on your system can restrict access to the financial data.
What should I do to recover QuickBooks data missing after update?
You can promptly restore your backup company file to retrieve your financial data. Additionally, you can utilize the Auto Data Recovery (ADR) facility to recover your company file data.
Can I repair the company file to recover all the business data?
Yes, you can use the verify and rebuild data utility to repair your company file. You will be able to access all the financial data after repairing your company file.
Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities