Quickbooks Desktop - Red exclamation mark and reminder to restart to install updates won't go away

Welcome to the Community, @Develop_Admin.

I'll help you get rid of the red exclamation mark for the critical reminder to restart and install updates for QuickBooks Desktop.

This is an unusual behavior of QuickBooks Desktop. I recommend running Verify/Rebuild tool scan data issues and self-resolves them and allows your QuickBooks software to refresh the data. 

If the issue persists, you can use the Clean Up Company Data utility. Before doing so, make sure to follow the guidelines below:

• Create a backup copy of your data file: Although Clean up data creates a backup, it is recommended that you create a separate backup to protect you against permanent loss of data.
• Choose the compress database option. This option often repairs any damaged lists on the file.
• NEVER cancel the cleanup data utility. To avoid data damage beyond repair, do not close or stop the qbpos.exe process.

Here's how to use the Clean Up Company Data utility:

1. From the File menu, select Utilities, then choose Clean Up Company Data.
2. Put a check mark on the Compress data box and select OK after the warning message.
3. In the Proceed with Cleanup window, select Cleanup and wait until the cleanup ran completely.
4. If you get an error, run a second clean up with compress data option checked.

Here is an article for the detailed steps: Use the Clean Up Company Data Utility.

You can then refer to this article when restoring company files: Restore a backup of your company file.

Feel free to click the Reply button below if you need further assistance about critical reminders in QuickBooks Desktop. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.

Thanks for the reply @Ethel_A .

Unfortunately, after completing the verifiy and rebuild below, rebooting the computer, etc. we're still seeing the reminder with the red exclamation mark and the message to restart to install updates.

We've triple-checked that there aren't any updates available and have even installed updates again checking the "Reset Updates" message box.

What would you suggest next in your attempt to resolve?

Thanks much.

Hi there,

I appreciate you getting back and providing updates when following the steps above. Since the issue persists, let's repair QuickBooks using the QuickBooks Tool Hub to get rid of the reminder. The tool hub is a built-in tool that automatically detects and fixes data damage issues within QuickBooks.

To do this, you'll have to download and install QuickBooks Tools Hub, then run the Quick Fix my Program.

1. Download the most recent version (1.6.0.3) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
2. Locate the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
3. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. From the tool hub, click Company File Issues.
5. Choose Quick Fix my File.
6. Click OK when it completes and launch your QuickBooks.

For more details how to run the repair tool, see this article: Repair your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.

Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have follow-up questions or concerns. I'm always here to help.

So...this is still an issue. It's April 2024. Done all the suggested fixes. Problem recurs. I know you want to abandon us because we refuse to use your online product. That is not a solution. We've all paid for this. Fix it.

Thanks for joining the thread and sharing your experience about the issue, @kgmagnuson.

I definitely understand your frustration about persistent red exclamation mark issue. I also appreciate the efforts you've made to resolve it through the troubleshooting steps you've taken.

Since the issue persists despite your attempts, I recommend reaching out to our QuickBooks Support Team. They have the expertise to thoroughly investigate your account and provide an appropriate solution to address this problem. Here are the steps to get in touch with them:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help/Contact Us.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. Give a brief description of your issue, then select Continue.
5. Sign in to your Intuit account, select Continue, then Continue with my account.
6. We'll email you a single-use code. Enter your code and select Continue.
7. Click to chat with us or Have us call you.

Whether you’re a new or experienced user, I recommend visiting this resource hub: QBDT User Guides. It contains articles and PDF links that'll help you get familiar with the product to maximize your business success.