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BALcpg
Level 1

change directory for quickbooks company file and database on premier 2018 desktop

To facilitate automatic synchronization I want to change the directory for my quickbooks data and company file from D:\Doc_BAL\DulcimerSoc\QB05_data 

to D:\vital_groups

on my Windows 10 computer running the 64 bit version for Quickbooks Premier 2018 Non-profit. I have tried different combinations of restoring a backup to this new location, using File Explorer to copy / paste, cut/paste, etc. After these attempts I see the error -6189,-816. I can still run QuickBooks for the files in my original location. I am not in a server environment.

4 Comments 4
BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

change directory for quickbooks company file and database on premier 2018 desktop

Yes, QuickBooks has issues when you move a file and try to open it for the first time.  This is true when you move it, rename, it, or open it in a new version of QuickBooks. We see this all the time when working with customer files.

 

The way to make it work when first trying to open a file in a new location is to navigate to the new location and then click on the file name and the over over it with your mouse. Wait about 5 seconds, During that time you may see the mouse cursor flicker, and you may see a temporary file be created and then deleted, depending.  Then try to open the file.  If you get an error, cancel (don't run the file Dr thing) and then try it again.  It will almost always work the second time. If not, then it will work on the third attempt.

BALcpg
Level 1

change directory for quickbooks company file and database on premier 2018 desktop

Thank you for your response.  I have tried to follow your instructions using file explorer  by clicking on the new location's qb files, and then opening QB program, click on Open a New program, click NEXT, select my company file in the new location, answer password, then see the errors. I have tried this sequence several times.  I regret it is unclear to me what I am doing wrong. My email is [email address removed]

JonpriL
Moderator

change directory for quickbooks company file and database on premier 2018 desktop

Hello @BALcpg,

 

Thank you for sharing the methods you've tried and the results you received after following the suggestion shared by one of our champions, @BigRedConsulting.

 

This time, consider using a removable desk drive as the new location of your company data before changing it with your desired folder. Learn more with the help of these articles:

Additionally, you might also consider reading through the steps outlined in this helpful article for the troubleshooting steps that'll help fix common errors in QuickBooks: Learn where to get different QuickBooks Desktop troubleshooting tools.

 

You can always leave any comments below if you have any other questions. Stay safe!

BALcpg
Level 1

change directory for quickbooks company file and database on premier 2018 desktop

I did a backup to my new location and was able to restore using a different company name to the same new location successfully! Issue resolved. Thank you for your assistance!

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