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Fix damaged transactions in QuickBooks Desktop

by Intuit • Image Alt Text •
Image Alt Text Updated 5/24/2026 20:42

In QuickBooks Desktop, transactions may occasionally get damaged which needs to be fixed in order for the file to work properly. Follow these steps to repair damaged transactions.

  • Run the Rebuild and Verify Data utilities.

  • Identify damaged transactions based on the QBWin.log.

  • Apply the appropriate fix on the transaction/s.

    Damaged link or date

    1. Open the damaged transaction.
    2. Change the date to 20 years after (for example: 3/1/2017 to 3/1/2037).
    3. Select Save & Close.
    4. Re-open the damaged transaction.
    5. Change the date back to the original date.
    6. Select Save & Close.

    Transaction out-of-balance

    1. Open the damaged transaction.
    2. Add any item.
    3. Select Save & Close.
    4. Re-open the damaged transaction.
    5. Remove the item added in step b.
    6. Select Save & Close.

    Damaged item history

    1. Open the damaged transaction.
    2. Go to the first blank item line.
    3. In the Description column, type three periods (...).
    4. Select Save & Close.

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