I wish you didn't have to encounter such obstacles when opening your company files in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), @dscup. Don't worry, I can share some troubleshooting steps to make sure you can access your files.
Before doing so, please know that we've removed some private information from your post for security reasons.
It's good to know that you were able to install the latest QBDT 2024 version. However, make sure the file you want to open is a company file (.QBW). You can't open other file types, like backups (QBB) and portable files (QBM) the same way. Also, check if your file isn't compressed or encrypted. Here's how:
- Right-click the company file and select Properties.
- Select Advanced.
- Clear the Compress and Encrypt checkboxes.
- Select OK.
In addition, QuickBooks can reopen any windows that were left open when you closed your company file. However, if a report or multiple windows will open automatically, it could cause the software to freeze during startup.
If so, this instruction will open your company file without saved windows:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- In No Company Open, select your company file.
- Press and hold ALT on your keyboard and then select Open. Don’t let go of ALT until the file opens. If QuickBooks asks you to sign in, release ALT and enter your password. Press and hold ALT again and select OK.
If it works, turn off the Save the desktop when closing preference by following these steps:
- Go to Edit and select Preferences.
- Select Desktop View.
- Select Don't save the desktop and then OK.
- Close and open QuickBooks again and open your company file.
If you still can’t open your company file, proceed to Solution 3 from this article: Can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop. If needed, you can continue with the Solution 4 and 5.
If the issue remains even after following the solutions suggested, repair and reinstall QuickBooks then open your file again. You can also fix the data damage in your company file, this might be causing the issue.
The solutions presented above are the common troubleshooting steps we give to fix general problems when your company file won't open. If there are any other concerns, add them to this thread. I can assist right around the corner.
