Fix QBWin.log errors due to duplicate names in QuickBooks Desktop

Fix QBWin.log errors due to duplicate names in QuickBooks Desktop. 

When you verify your data in QuickBooks Desktop, you might see errors in the QBWin.log file. This includes the "Duplicate name encountered" error. Learn how to fix it, so you can keep your lists accurate.

Learn more about the Duplicate name encountered error in the QBWin.log file

QuickBooks can find duplicate names in lists which can cause errors. This can happen when you import lists or transactions from other company files.

Examples of Duplicate name encountered errors:

• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Customer list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Account list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Class list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Employees list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Item list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Item Site list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Job Type list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Name list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Payment Method list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Shipping Method list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Template list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Terms list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Unit of Measure list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Supplier list. Duplicate name encountered.
• LVL_ERROR--Error: Verify Memorised Report list: Display index invalid.

Step 1: Find duplicate names

Use the QBWin.log file to find duplicates

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Find QBWin.log or QuickBooks.log files.
3. Press Ctrl + End on your keyboard to move to the end of the file.
4. Press Ctrl + F on your keyboard, then enter duplicate to search for duplicates.
5. Take note of the name, account, or customer message shown in the error. You’ll need this in Step 2.

Use the Name List to find duplicate names

1. Go to the Banking menu, select Write Checks or press Ctrl + W on your keyboard. This opens the Write Checks window.
2. Select the Pay to the Order of ▼ dropdown or press Ctrl + L on your keyboard. This opens the Name List window.
3. Select the Include inactive checkbox to show all names.
4. Select the Name column to sort the names alphabetically.
5. Find and take note of the duplicate names. You’ll need these in Step 2.

Use your regular lists to find duplicate accounts, items, or templates

1. Go to the Lists menu, then select the list that has duplicate names based on the QBWin.log file.
   Note: For Memorised Report List, go to Reports, select Memorised Reports, then select Memorised Report List.
2. Select the Report Name column to sort the names alphabetically.
3. Find and take note of the duplicate names. You’ll need these in Step 2.

Step 2: Edit one of the duplicate names

Note: Make sure to back up your company file before you proceed.

1. Edit one of the names on the list to make it different from its duplicate.
   1. Open the list with the duplicate name on it.
   2. To edit a name with a duplicate, find it then select it twice.
   3. Change at least one character of the name to make it different from its duplicate.
   4. Select OK.
2. Repeat Step 1 for all duplicate names mentioned in the QBWin.log file.
3. Run the Verify Data utility to make sure there are no more duplicate names. Alternatively, you can also rebuild your company file to fix damaged list elements.

After you change a duplicate, check if you want to keep the changed names separate. If there are transactions related to the changed names, merge the names to keep your records. Otherwise, you can delete them.