Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop

The verify tool identifies common issues in your company file, while the rebuild tool repairs data integrity. Use these utilities to troubleshoot and fix data damage in QuickBooks Desktop.

Verify your company data

Run the verify utility to scan your company file for errors or data damage.

1. Go to Window, then select Close All.
2. Go to File, then select Utilities.
3. Select Verify Data.

Results:

• "QuickBooks detected no problems with your data": Your data is clean, and you do not need to do anything else.
• An error message: Search for the specific error message on our QuickBooks Desktop support site for instructions on how to fix it.
• "Your data has lost integrity": Data damage was found in the file. Proceed to Rebuild your company file data to fix it.

Rebuild your company file data

If the verify tool finds data damage, use the rebuild tool to repair your company file. A backup is required before you can rebuild.

Note: If you use Assisted Payroll, contact us before you rebuild your data.

1. Go to File, then Utilities, then select Rebuild Data.
2. QuickBooks will ask to make a backup before it rebuilds your company file.
3. Select OK.
4. Select where you want to save your backup, then select OK. Do not replace another backup file.
5. Enter a new name in File name and select Save.
6. Select OK when you get the message "Rebuild has completed".

Check for remaining issues

After rebuilding, verify your data again to ensure the repairs were successful:

1. Go to File, select Utilities, then select Verify Data again to check for additional damage.
2. If the verify finds more damage, you will need to fix it manually. Search for the error(s) in the qbwin.log on the QuickBooks Desktop support site for how to fix it.
3. If your error cannot be found, you can restore a recent backup. Go to File, then select Open or Restore Company.

Note: Do not replace your existing company file. You will need to enter info into your company file again since the backup was created.