Various problems can occur when you attempt to access company files in QB Desktop. One of the most intricate issues that you might face is Intuit QuickBooks unrecoverable error, which has a ten-digit code. Once this error occurs, the QB application window closes immediately. Here’s what you might see on the screen:

This problem can also manifest when you do any of the following:
- Close a company file.
- Create & save a backup and portable copy file.
- Choose any link, menu, or option on the QB window.
- Install QB or payroll service updates.
- Operate various utilities such as verify & rebuild data tool and condense data utility.
Generally, this difficulty arises due to corruption in the QB program and a damaged company file folder. The good thing is that you can easily troubleshoot this error code using various methods.
Alright, then, let’s explore the blog to discover the main causes of this issue & find out how you can resolve it seamlessly.
If you want instant help to fix Intuit QuickBooks unrecoverable error, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to contact a QB expert.
Why Do You Face the QB Desktop Unrecoverable Error Code?
Here are the common factors that might provoke Intuit QuickBooks unrecoverable error:
- When you have issues with your system or Microsoft Windows.
- When your company data has been damaged
- Either Windows or QuickBooks is not up-to-date.
- When your program code needs repair
Recommended To Read: QuickBooks Crashing When Opening the Software?- Try These Easy Fixes
Now that you understand the main causes of the unrecoverable error message in QuickBooks, let’s proceed to the next section to discover how to troubleshoot it using different tactics.
5 Things to Do to Fix Intuit QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error
Here are the different resolutions that you can implement each time you encounter the Intuit QuickBooks unrecoverable error. Ensure that you utilize these fixes in the exact order stated below.
1. Access QB Desktop After Closing Previously Opened Windows
We generally close our QuickBooks company file straight away, leaving many windows open. However, it’s not an appropriate way to do the same because it might invite unrecoverable errors in your QuickBooks desktop. When we try to access our QB desktop, it starts restoring the previously operated windows.
Loading a large company file or several windows simultaneously triggers QuickBooks Desktop Unrecoverable Error. Hence, ensuring all the windows are inactive will help you stay many miles away from this unwanted error. Learn how to open your company file with all windows closed:-
- Open your QB desktop.
- A “No Company Open” screen will pop up. Here, choose your company file.
- Tap and hold the ALT key on your keyword, and then choose OPEN. Hold on to the ALT key until your QB company file opens. Now, QB will ask you to sign in.
- Now, let go of the ALT key and enter your password to sign in.
- Press and hold the ALT key again and tap on OK.
2. Utilize a Different QB User Account
Try to access your data file using a different QuickBooks user.
- Go to Company in your QuickBooks Desktop, and choose Set Up Users and Passwords. Then, click on Set Up Users.
For Enterprise users: Go to the Company menu, tap Users, then choose Set Up Users and Roles.
- Choose Add User…, and then enter the username and password, then choose Next.
Note: Refrain from using the damaged user name.
- Customize the user as needed, then choose Finish.
- Go to File and then choose Close Company/Logoff.
- Now, sign in to the data file using new login credentials.
Now, check to ensure whether the new user is working correctly. If it is working well, you can go on to delete the previous problematic user.

Note:- Run the QuickBooks File Doctor if your problem persists even when logging in as an admin user.
3. Create a New Windows Admin User Account
Creating a new user account that has admin-level access can instantly help you rectify this issue.

Case A: If You Use Windows 10 and Newer
- Choose Start, then choose Settings, then choose Account, and then opt for Family & Other Users.
- Under Other Users, choose to Add someone else to this PC.
- Chose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then chose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Type in the name of the new account, then choose Finish.
- Recommendation: Assign a password to the new account to ensure security.
- Select the newly created account, then select Account Type.
- Select Administrator and then OK.
Case B: If You Use Windows Server 2012 and Newer
Note: We recommend you consult your IT professional before following the steps below.
- Tap on “Tools,” then choose Computer Management.
- Extend Local Users and Groups, then choose Groups.
- Click the Administrator Groups twice to open the Administrator Properties window. Choose to Add.
- In the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups window, enter the account to add to the local admin groups. Choose OK.
Once you set up a new admin, log out and return to Windows. Then, open QuickBooks. If you don’t see the unrecoverable error here, it apparently means that your original Windows user is either damaged or doesn’t have enough space. In this case, you may need to seek your IT specialist to resolve this issue. Your IT specialist will either repair or replace your window user.
4. Open a Sample Company File
If you are still facing difficulty opening your company file, try to open a sample file instead. Opening a sample file will enable you to figure out whether the problem lies with your company file or the QB app. Use the below-mentioned steps to open a sample file:-
- Press the Ctrl key and hold on.
- Hit the QuickBooks app icon twice.
- While holding on to the Ctrl key, a “No Company Open” screen will pop up.

- Now, choose “open a sample file” among the three options.
- A list of sample files will appear before you. Choose anyone.
If your sample company file opens promptly, it signifies that your company file contains some problems. Either your company file is damaged, or the folder your company file is placed in is damaged. In such cases, you must restore your company file by running a recent backup or ADR. However, if the problem persists, you need to carry out the steps of basic data damage troubleshooting to get yourself back on track.
Moreover, if the sample file you tried to open doesn’t open, it explicitly means the issue lies within the QuickBooks software. To troubleshoot this particular issue, go through the steps below.
You may read: QuickBooks Has Stopped Working? Here is What To Do!
5. Move Your Company File to a Different Location
When you’re unsure whether your company file is damaged or the folder in which your company file was previously located is damaged, you can proceed with this error-detecting solution.
- Move the company file to a different location using the below-mentioned steps.
- Right-click on your desktop to see a menu bar popping up. Now, from that menu bar, select New to see another menu bar adjacent to the first one. Now, choose Folder to create a new folder for your company file. Name this folder QBTEST.
- Open the folder where your company file exists.
- Right-click the file and select Copy.
- Paste the copy file in the newly created folder on the desktop.
- Open the company file from this folder.
If your company file opens here, it gives you a clear hint that the folder where your company file is currently located is damaged and is not suitable enough to be used anymore. Another reason is that the path to the folder is too long. You must create a new folder to locate your company file in such cases.
However, if you receive the same error even after changing the location of your company file, your company data is damaged. To resolve this issue, you need to check out another way of troubleshooting this error.
Expert’s Tips to Prevent Unrecoverable Error in QB
Here’s a list of preventive measures for avoiding QuickBooks unrecoverable errors:
- Update QuickBooks Regularly: Ensure you’re using the latest version to avoid compatibility issues and bugs.
- Create Backups Frequently: Regularly backup your company files to prevent data loss in case of errors.
- Use QuickBooks Tool Hub: Tools in QB Tool Hub can help diagnose and fix common QuickBooks issues quickly.
- Avoid Network Instability: Ensure a stable and strong network connection to prevent file corruption during access.
- Limit Company File Size: Large company files are more prone to errors; consider condensing or archiving older data.
- Assign Correct User Permissions: Ensure users have appropriate access to avoid accidental changes or errors.
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets QuickBooks’ hardware and software requirements.
Wrapping Up
The fixes mentioned above are effective enough to terminate Intuit QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error. All you need to do is identify the root cause of the error and then do the needful accordingly. Choosing one of the steps mentioned above will be fruitful in uprooting the unrecoverable error from your QuickBooks desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Windows Firewall might trigger the unrecoverable error code in QuickBooks when you try to open data files. This happens because the Windows Firewall app restricts QB files from running. To fix this issue, you should create exclusions for QB files in Windows Firewall.