QBWin.log: Verify list. Duplicate name encountered

Troubleshoot list damage in your QuickBooks company file if, after verifying data, the Verify Data utility displays the following error:

Verify list. Duplicate names encountered.

The QBWin.log contains the same error in detail and shows you the duplicate names found.

Various types of "Duplicate names encountered" errors in QBWin.log:

• 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.

QuickBooks detects these errors if two or more names in your lists are identical. Duplication in lists can occur when importing lists or transactions either from a different company file, from Excel, or other integrated applications.

IMPORTANT: Rebuilding your company file can help resolve damaged list elements. If errors remain after rebuild, find and edit the duplicates to resolve the problem. Before you proceed, back up your company file.

Step 1: Find the duplicate names

• Use the QBWin.log file to find the duplicates.
  1. Find QBWin.log or QuickBooks.log files.
  2. Press Ctrl + End to move to the bottom of the file.
  3. Press Ctrl + F to bring up the Find window and find the word "duplicate" in the log.
  4. Locate the name, account, customer message, etc., referenced in the error message.
• Use the Primary Name List to find duplicate names.
  1. From the Banking menu, select Write Cheques.
  2. Select in the Pay to the Order of field and press Ctrl + L to open the Primary Name List.
  3. Select the Include inactive checkbox to show active and inactive names.
  4. Select the Name heading to alphabetise the names, regardless of type.
  5. Look for names that have the same spelling.
• Use your regular lists to find accounts, items, templates, etc.
  1. Select the Lists menu and then the appropriate list.
     For Memorised Report List: Go to Reports > Memorised Reports > Memorised Report List.
  2. Click the Name heading to sort the names alphabetically.
  3. Look for names that have the same spelling.

Step 2: Edit one of the duplicate names

1. Edit one of the names:
   1. Open the list the name is on. (Customer List, Supplier List, and so on.)
   2. Double-click the name in the list to edit.
   3. Change at least 1 character of the name to differentiate it from its duplicate.
   4. Click OK.
2. Repeat Step 1 for all duplicate names mentioned in the QBWin.log.
3. Run the Verify Data Utility to ensure there are no more duplicate names.

After modifying the duplicates, determine if you need to keep the modified names separated. If they do not have any transactions associated with them, you can try to delete them. Otherwise, you need to merge the names.