Fix portable company file issues in QuickBooks Desktop

Learn what to do if you can't create or open a portable company file.

If you're creating or opening a portable company file (.qbm) and you see an error message, don't worry. Here's how to fix QuickBooks Desktop so you can use your portable company file to move your data or repair your file.

Step 1: Create a manual copy of your company file

The issue may be as simple as your company file's location. Create a copy of your main company file and use it to create an additional portable copy.

Next, follow the steps based on what you were doing when you saw the error.

If you were creating a portable company file

If you can create a portable company file, there's an issue with your original company file's location. Use the copied company file as your main company file from now on. Rename your original company file and put "old" in the name so you don't use it again.

If you still see an error, move on to Step 2.

If you were restoring a portable company file

If you can open the copied portable company file, you're good to go. Use it to move your accounting data. Rename the original portable file and put "old" in the name so you don't use it again.

If you still see an error, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Open a sample company file

Use a sample company file to create a portable company file. This tells you if there's a bigger problem with your company file:

If you can restore the portable company file from the sample company, your main company file may have issues. Follow these steps to Resolve data damage on your company file.