Known problem but no Resolution--Desktop 2008 Starter Plus--UNABLE TO OPEN

Before anything else, go make a copy the folder with your Company File and, if different, the folder with your backup files.

I'm assuming they've had you try the obvious and reboot your computer.  I for some reason you haven't done this, then do it and see if you can open your QB2008.  Or, if you get a different screen that says it can't open the file, you should be able to recover one of your backups.

Next option would be to try to reinstall your QB2008 and then try and open the original file and if that doesn't work to recover from a backup.

Once you're back up and running, you might see if you can find a 2020 or 2021 version of QBDTs.  That might not be easy, but you may find one someplace. You will still need to go through interim QB versions, but hopefully Support can at least help you download the versions in between you need.  They used to have links to all the various versions, so I hope they still offer that help.

The way you're using QBs, it sounds like you really don't need QB Online.

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@jasonp3 wrote:

I have Windows Pro 11.

 

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@jasonp3 

Are you running Windows 11?

Actually it might be 10, not at my computer now.

Yep had rebooted.  I agree I don't think I need online but couldn't find anything for desktop.  A tech did give me links for all previous versions.  I am unable to locate my disk from 2008 but that's the way I was thinking.  Simple things like this sometimes are the hardest.   Thanks for the response.

I am not sure you can install and run QBD 2008 on Win 10 natively. You can try to install the trial license for QBD 2011, 2015 and 2019 to upgrade your file. Then you can still purchase the one time license for QBD 2021 to lower your expense.

I tried running 2011 and got the same error that sever is busy...

Let's get rid of the server busy error so you can get back to working order, @jasonp3.

QuickBooks will prompt you with this error when there are too many programs running in the background. Let's perform some troubleshooting steps to get this fixed.

Firstly, let's close other programs running in the background to let QuickBooks run smoothly. Then, close QuickBooks and reopen. If you get the same result, you'll want to look for any windows update or if it needs to be installed.

If the issue persists, let's run Quick Fix my Program. This will shut down any open background processes QuickBooks may be using. Here's how:

1. Close your QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Download the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub. Once done, open it. 
3. In the QuickBooks Tools Hu, click Program Problems.
4. Select Quick Fix my Program.
5. Open QuickBooks Desktop and your company file.

You can also read this article for other troubleshooting steps: Fix Error: Server Busy. This action cannot be completed because the other program is busy.

As always, you can visit our QuickBooks Community help website if you need tips and related articles in the future.

Should you need any assistance getting your company file up and running, I'm available here to help any time, @jasonp3.

That's been all done before and no resolution.  That's what I am saying, this stuff doesn't help!!!

Calling is pointless, I was on a call for 2 hours with no resolution.  Only suggestion was to upload data to 2011, 2014 etc.  But again the server busy is the issue.  Nothing is running.  Does quickbooks have a service where a tech can share screen and check things out for me?

The only thing I haven't tried was the windows information.

@jasonp3 

It is possible your file is damaged. Chat Support and ask Data Service to help. Otherwise, you can purchase a 3rd party service to upgrade your file to QBD 2021 and purchase the one time license.

Ok, thanks!  Would a damaged data file cause a server error?  Any suggestions on  services?