Troubleshoot Unrecoverable Error XXXXX XXXXX

Learn how to troubleshoot unrecoverable errors.

If you see an Unrecoverable Error XXXXX XXXXX, it means QuickBooks closed unexpectedly. You could see this when you:

• Open or close a file
• Save a copy (backup or portable copy)
• Select any menu option, button or link in QuickBooks
• Update QuickBooks (program or payroll updates)
• Run file utilities (verify, rebuild, or condense)

Before you start to troubleshoot

• Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release
• Create a backup of your company file

Solution 1: Open QuickBooks with all windows closed

QuickBooks will re-open any windows left open when you close your company file. If you have a large report or several windows set to open automatically, you can see an unrecoverable error on startup. 

To open your file with all windows closed:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. In No Company Open, select your company file. 
3. Press and hold ALT on your keyboard and then select Open. Don’t let go of ALT until the file opens. If QuickBooks asks you to sign in, release ALT and enter your password. Press and hold ALT again and select OK.

Solution 2: Use a different QuickBooks user

Try to open your company file with a different QuickBooks user.

1. Go to Company, select Set Up Users and Passwords then select  Set Up Users.
   Enterprise users: Go to the Company menu, then select Users then select Set Up Users and Roles.
2. Select Add User..., type the username and password then select Next.
   Note: Don't use the damaged user name.
3. Customize the user as necessary, then select Finish.
4. Go to File, then select Close Company/Logoff.
5. Sign in to the company file using the new login credential.

If the new user works, then delete the user you're having problems with and create them again.

Note: If the error happens when you open your file as the admin user, run the QuickBooks File Doctor.

If the new user doesn’t fix the error, continue to Solution 2.

Windows Server 2012 and newer

Note: Consult your IT professional before following the steps in this section.

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Select Tools then select  Computer Management.
3. Expand Local Users and Groups, then select Groups.
4. Double-click the Administrator Groups to open the Administrator Properties window. Select Add.
5. In the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts or Groups window, enter the account you want to add to the local admin groups. Select OK.

After you set up the new admin log out and back into Windows, then open QuickBooks. If you don't see the error then your original Windows user either doesn't have enough access or is damaged. You'll need to reach out to your IT person to get help to repair or replace your Windows user.

Solution 4: Open a sample company file

A sample company file helps you identify if the problem lies with your company file or with QuickBooks itself.

Open a sample file

1. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
2. Double-click your QuickBooks program icon.
3. Hold the Ctrl key until the No Company Open window shows.
4. From the No Company Open window, select Open a sample file.
5. Select any sample file from the list.

If the sample file opens and you don’t see the error, your company file might be damaged, or the folder your company file is in is damaged. You can use a recent backup or ADR to restore your file. Do some basic data damage troubleshooting if your backup or ADR isn’t enough to get you back on track.

If you see the same error in the sample file, continue to Solution 4.

Solution 5: Move your file to a different folder

You can copy your company file to a new folder to check if the folder you open your company file from is damaged. 

Copy the company file to a different location

1. Right-click anywhere on your Desktop, select New and then select Folder. Name the folder QBTEST.
2. Open the folder where the company file is saved.
3. Right-click the file, then select Copy.
4. Paste the company file in the QBTEST folder that you created.
5. Open the company file from the QBTEST folder.

If you don't get the error when you open your company file from a different location, the folder your company file is in is damaged, or the path to the folder is too long. You'll need to create a new folder to hold your file.

If you see the same error after moving the company file to a different location, continue to Solution 5.

If you still see the same error, re-install QuickBooks.