QB 2018 Error - "The File Exists"

dholley328 · ‎March 04, 2019

QB 2018 Error: The Windows error was "The file exists." when opening two different companies.

Win 7 Pro

Steps taken:

- rebooted, no luck

- restored one of the companies, and then both companies - no luck

- created a new folder (empty) and restored both companies to empty folder - no luck

- Ran File Doctor - no luck

- restored from a 2 day backup

We can use the company after hitting OK about a dozen times. And this is happening to two different company files.

Note: the computer would not start and wanted to do a restore from previous restore point. This worked successfully.

Suggestions?

Always much thanks,

Darryl

KhimG · ‎March 04, 2019

Hi there, @dholley328.

Thanks for reaching out to the Community. I’m here to help you get past the error message when opening company files in QuickBooks Desktop.

This error typically happens when the file is being read incorrectly. Let’s resolve the issue by following the steps below:
1. Select OK on the error message until the update is complete, then close QuickBooks.
2. Reopen QuickBooks and update to the latest release.
3. Close QuickBooks Desktop and restart your computer.
4. Right-click the QuickBooks icon, select Run as the Administrator.

If you continue to get the same result after performing the steps above, consider using a cable-connected Internet connection when retrieving updates. Then, give users full control access.

Here’s how:
1. Right-click the QuickBooks icon. Select Open file location and press the Backspace key once.
2. Then, right-click the QuickBooks 20XX (XX=year) folder and click Properties.
3. Choose the Security tab and click Edit, then Add.
4. Put Everyone and select OK. Choose the Full Control option and hit Apply.
5. Now, repeat the previous steps and enter Users instead of Everyone.
6. Open the Control Panel. Select the Search icon on the taskbar and enter Control Panel, then choose the Control Panel app to open.
7. Enter UAC in the Search field and select Change User Account Control.
8. Perform one of the following: Turn on AUC (Move the slider to choose when you want to be notified, select OK) or Turn off UAC (Move the slider to Never notify, select OK, and, if prompted, enter the password or provide confirmation, then restart your computer to apply the changes).
9. Finally, follow the steps given in these articles to complete the process:

You can check out this helpful article for more details: Resolve “the file you specified cannot be opened” errors.

This information should get you back in line. Give this a try and let me know how it goes. If there's anything else you need, leave a reply below. I'll be more than happy to help. Take care and have a good day!

View solution in original post

KhimG · ‎March 04, 2019

Hi there, @dholley328.

Thanks for reaching out to the Community. I’m here to help you get past the error message when opening company files in QuickBooks Desktop.

This error typically happens when the file is being read incorrectly. Let’s resolve the issue by following the steps below:
1. Select OK on the error message until the update is complete, then close QuickBooks.
2. Reopen QuickBooks and update to the latest release.
3. Close QuickBooks Desktop and restart your computer.
4. Right-click the QuickBooks icon, select Run as the Administrator.

If you continue to get the same result after performing the steps above, consider using a cable-connected Internet connection when retrieving updates. Then, give users full control access.

Here’s how:
1. Right-click the QuickBooks icon. Select Open file location and press the Backspace key once.
2. Then, right-click the QuickBooks 20XX (XX=year) folder and click Properties.
3. Choose the Security tab and click Edit, then Add.
4. Put Everyone and select OK. Choose the Full Control option and hit Apply.
5. Now, repeat the previous steps and enter Users instead of Everyone.
6. Open the Control Panel. Select the Search icon on the taskbar and enter Control Panel, then choose the Control Panel app to open.
7. Enter UAC in the Search field and select Change User Account Control.
8. Perform one of the following: Turn on AUC (Move the slider to choose when you want to be notified, select OK) or Turn off UAC (Move the slider to Never notify, select OK, and, if prompted, enter the password or provide confirmation, then restart your computer to apply the changes).
9. Finally, follow the steps given in these articles to complete the process:

You can check out this helpful article for more details: Resolve “the file you specified cannot be opened” errors.

This information should get you back in line. Give this a try and let me know how it goes. If there's anything else you need, leave a reply below. I'll be more than happy to help. Take care and have a good day!

Ami_D · ‎January 15, 2021

Hello! I wanted to update this thread with some emerging information as it might benefit future visitors. We are currently investigating an issue that may result in this error in QuickBooks Desktop.

If the above troubleshooting does not work for you, please reach out to support and let them know you may be impacted by INV-33239.

To contact us:

In your current version of QuickBooks, select Help, then QuickBooks Desktop Help.
At the bottom of the pop-up window, select Contact Us.
Enter the error you're receiving as well as the phrase "INV-33239"
Choose how you want to complete your request:
1. Select Start messaging to chat online with our support team.
2. Select Get a callback, enter the requested information, and then select Confirm my call. You'll receive a call back within the time listed.

Thank you and please feel free to let us know if you have any other QuickBooks Desktop questions!

lzhatch · ‎April 28, 2021

I cannot follow these instructions because the error box will not go away. I cannot select any task in QB nor can I close the program without shutting down my computer entirely. When I do that and open QB, I get the same error box. I need to file my payroll forms today. Help!

AbegailS_ · ‎April 28, 2021

Thanks for posting your concern, lzhatch.

We appreciate you trying to resolve this issue.

Let me help you reach our QuickBooks Desktop support to further assist you.

How to get a call or chat from us

Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
Select Contact Us.
Give a brief description of your issue, then select Let's talk and then choose a way to connect.

Phone support may be limited due to volume.

Support Hours

Hours exclude occasional downtime due to system and server maintenance, company events, observed U.S. holidays and events beyond our control.
For support for QuickBooks Pro and Premier, see Care Plans for QuickBooks Desktop.

You can also visit this link for more helpful articles: Help articles.

I'm just a comment away, don't hesitate to post anytime. Take care!

Jabba513 · ‎August 09, 2021

Do you know if this is fixed in QB 2021?

Rasa-LilaM · ‎August 09, 2021

Thanks for following this thread, Jabba513,

I’ll point you in the right direction on how to move past the error.

The File Exists message is caused by a file being read incorrectly. We can fix this issue by running as the Administrator and updating the Windows permissions.

For the step-by-step process, I still recommend following the solution shared by @KhimG above. You can read through this article for additional resources: How to fix payroll errors: “The file you specified cannot be opened” and “The file exists”.

Let me share this article for future reference: Unrecoverable error: General Troubleshooting Steps. It contains solutions on how to fix if you’re unable to open the desktop program and other areas in your company file.

Feel free to let post a comment below if you need help when working in QuickBooks. I’ll get back to assist further. Have a good one.

paula24_myweb · ‎June 13, 2023

A client of ours has recently upgraded to QuickBooks Pro 2023. However, they are now encountering an error message stating "the file exists" every time they attempt to open their file. We have followed all the potential solutions we could find, but unfortunately, none of them have resolved the issue.

Bryan_M · ‎June 13, 2023

Hello there, Paula.

We'd love to help you fix this. But before that, I'd like to know the steps you've taken to resolve this. The information you'll give will help us point out where, to begin with.

If you have additional info or questions, never hesitate to come back here. We'll be happy to lend a hand. Keep safe!

Fiat Lux - ASIA · ‎June 13, 2023

@paula24_myweb

Can you open the sample file without any issue?

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QB 2018 Error - "The File Exists"