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Darci3
Level 2

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

Today's "critical Update" (They all seem to insist they are critical these days)

broke an extremely critical function:  My ability to open more than one instance of Desktop Accountant 2021.

This capability is critical for me as I work with many different clients who themselves may have multiple companies and files.  This is absolutely killing productivity.

 

The error message is ironic, saying I can't open more than one company file, but then make a futile attempt at being helpful, and informs me that Only QuickBooks Account and Enterprise SOlutions can open 2 files at once...  That happens to be exactly what I'm using.

Killing all QuickBooks and Intuit services and starting up again, which cures most QB ills, does not help this time, nor does running as admin.  I have all of the required/suggested Anti Virus exemptions, but just in case I turned it all off for 30 minutes and still "no joy in Mudville." (look it up).

 

This brings me to my other observation:  After being a QuickBooks ProAdvisor since that program first existed, and QuickBooks itself since I beta tested it in the 90's, desktop updates have never been as horrific as they have been this year so far.  EVER.

Oh, and before someone blames my computer: 

Win 10 Pro

i7 Intel CPU

64 GB RAM

NVME storage drives

300/300Mbps internet connection.

 

7 Comments 7
LeizylM
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

This isn't the kind of service we want you to experience with QuickBooks, Darci3.

 

I’d be glad to provide you with the troubleshooting steps to successfully open your company file.

 

Another user might have opened the same company file that's why you received the error. You can use the QuickBooks File Doctor to isolate the issue.  Here's how

 

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
  5. After the installation finishes, open the tool hub.

 

Once done, run the Quick Fix my File option.

 

  1. From the tool hub, click the Company File Issues tab.
  2. Choose Quick Fix my File.
  3. Select OK when it completes and launch your QuickBooks.

 

If the same thing happens, proceed to Step 3 of this article: Fix company file and network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor. 

 

There are a number of help articles and even video tutorials available on our QuickBooks Help page that can help you with your QBDT tasks. Simply browse from there and click the categories you need

 

Fill me in if you have further questions about opening your company file. I want to make sure everything is taken care of. Stay safe.

Darci3
Level 2

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

Perhaps you did not read the entire post:  At no time did I ever explain that I have a file problem.  This "answer" does not address any part of the issue I just described.

This is a program issue.

 

My problem:  Program won't open when another file is open.   <--- Application issue!  the "Application" is not working normally.

 

File Dr.: Fixes "File" problems only.

 

See what I mean? This kind of misunderstanding I always get from QB support.  They simply pop off an answer before they've even taken the time to read the entire question and come up with a completely unrelated answer due to a lack of paying attention.  This is how our support goes each and every time...

 

And by the way, this is a canned pre-written answer that already exists in the knowledgebase.  This person put zero thought and effort into this.

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

Hi there, Darci3.

 

I can see how this error has taken hold of the tasks you'll have to complete. I'm here to help you get back on track by performing some troubleshooting steps.

 

The desktop program won't open if there are remaining components running in the background. Let's go to Task Manager to close them.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Log in as the Windows admin.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc altogether to bring up the Task Manager.
  3. Go to the Users tab to show the processes for all users.
  4. Highlight all applications that start with .qb, QuickBooks, or Intuit.
  5. Once done, click End Task.

 

Then, use the repair tool to go over the files and check possible damaged components. Before we begin, make a backup copy of the company file to ensure that no data is lost. After that, proceed with the steps below to repair QuickBooks.


Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Start menu and choose Control Panel.
  2. Click on Programs and Features to open the Uninstall or change a program screen.
  3. Select Uninstall a Program and click on QuickBooks and tap the Uninstall/Change option.
  4. Press Continue and Next.
  5. Tap the Repair menu and then Next.
  6. When the repair wizard appears, simply follow the onscreen instructions to finish the process.

 

You may also encounter an error while repairing the program file. This can happen if the file is already in use.  You'll have to shutdown QuickBooks completely before you begin the repair process,


If you continue to get the same error, uninstall and reinstall your QuickBooks to start on a clean slate. For additional resources, I've included an article to help you troubleshoot the following: QuickBooks Desktop doesn't start or won't open.

 

You can browse our online resources to learn how to easily navigate any accounting tasks in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). You can access information about payroll, taxes, banking, inventory, etc. from there. 

 

Let me know how it goes after performing the troubleshooting steps. I'll get back to help you the best that I can. Have a good one. 

Janey8228
Level 1

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

I downloaded a Quickbooks update, without reading it. It made me go from Quickbook Mac Desktop to Online! How do I get Desktop back with all my files??? : QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

CharleneMaeF
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

Restoring your files is essential to continue working on your books, Janey. I'm here to ensure you can open your company in data QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

When you accidentally routed to QuickBooks Online after updating the program, which creates a new company, please note that your desktop files won't be transferred to the online version. Instead, an account will be made without any data.

 

We can still open your company files by opening the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and restore your books from there. To do so, I recommend checking following the steps below.

 

First, let's locate your backup copy:

 

  1. From the QuickBooks menu, select Settings.
  2. Click Backup.
  3. Choose Reveal Backup Folder, then double-click the folder where you save your backup files.
  4. Modify the date to sort by period and see your latest backup.

 

Once found the copy, here's how to restore it:

 

  1. Double-click the backup file. It opens a new window that shows a copy of your company file.
  2. Drag the copy of your company file to the folder where you keep your QuickBooks company. If you see Attachments Library, drag the folder to the location.
  3. After that, open your QuickBooks for Mac.
  4. Hit Browse, then go to the folder where you saved the copy of the company file. Select the company file, then Open.
  5. A prompt will show that you're opening a backup file. Click Continue.
  6. Enter a name for the file, then Save.
  7. Select OK.

 

For more details, please see this article: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Alternatively, you can use the File Finder tool to search the data. I'll show you how:

 

  1. Go to the File menu.
  2. Click on File Finder Window.
  3. Click on Documents on the All My Files page.
  4. Look for the file on the Documents page or search for the company name in the search field.

 

Additionally, you can read the topics from our QBDT for Mac user's guide to help you while working with books to ensure the record is accurate.

 

The Community is always open if you have other questions when opening and working on your company file. Please don't hesitate to leave a reply. My team and I are here to help you out.

Janey8228
Level 1

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

I don't think I clicked on the ACT NOW page.  I think it appeared as an Update and I was rushing so I just clicked on to it without really reading what it was.  You instructed me to go to FILE, which I did.  I cannot find anything that says File Finder Window? 

 

Thanks!

SheandL
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks desktop destructive updates

Helping you find the File Finder Window on your Mac desktop is my priority, @Janey8228. I'm here to share the updated steps for locating this.

 

To open this window, you'll have to click on the Finder icon in the Dock menu located at the bottom part of your computer.  You can follow the steps I'll provide below.

 

  1. After selecting the Finder icon, it will open the Finder windows.
  2. Once there, you'll see a left sidebar that contains different sections and items.
  3. Find the section where you've placed your file or search for the company name in the search field provided.

 

You can check out this article for reference: Organize your files in the Finder on Mac.

 

Additionally, if you've created a backup for your company file, you can consider restoring it so you can carry on with your business while using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Mac.

 

Also, you can read this article if you want to let other users work on your company at once: Mutli-user mode Desktop.

 

You can always get back to this post if you need further help in locating the finder windows in your Mac device. I'll be sure to help you out anytime.

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