QuickBooks Has Stopped Working? Here is What To Do!

QuickBooks is a well-known accounting software among budding and established businesses. This is because of its advanced features and user-friendly interface. However, QB is also prone to several technical issues and errors like any other application. Numerous users come across an error message stating,’ QuickBooks has stopped working.’ It mostly happens when the system you are installing the software does not meet the basic requirements to run QuickBooks. So, the first step after seeing the notification is to check your computer requirements. However, we cannot ignore other significant reasons behind this issue, as there are several. Don’t skip this article if you want to understand and rectify the factors triggering the issue.

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Critical Reasons ‘Why QuickBooks Suddenly Stops Working?’

When you bump into this specific issue, there can be two scenarios. First, an error notification will pop up like- QuickBooks has stopped working.” A problem has caused QuickBooks to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program & notify you if a solution is available. Or “A problem caused the program to stop working correctly QuickBooks. “Second, you might not even see any notifications. Just QB will be non-responsive while opening, or it opens and then closes without any warning. Therefore, your next step is to find the exact reason(s) behind it. The following are the major factors provoking this error message:

• The name of your company file may be too long, and thus, it is causing the application to lag, and hence, QuickBooks is not opening.
• Your QuickBooks Desktop installation or program files might be damaged, so QuickBooks has stopped working.
• If the system hard drive where QuickBooks is saved is damaged or corrupted or has bad sectors in it.
• If QuickBooks is not responding, then a damaged Windows OS can also be a factor.
• If there is severe data damage or corruption in the company file.
• QBWUSER.INI or EntitlementDataStore.ecml, if any of these files are damaged, you get to face the same issue.
• If the computer does not complete the requirements of using the QuickBooks software.
• In case the third-party application integrated with QB is preventing the software from running smoothly on the system.

Verify the System Requirements if the QuickBooks Not Opening

Before going to the solutions, verify the system configuration where you are running the QuickBooks software. You must meet the prerequisites before installing the application on the computer. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, then you will be unable to run QuickBooks Desktop. You must fulfill the following conditions to use the QuickBooks Desktop’s latest versions, like 2023 and 2022.

Note: Now, Microsoft does not give further security updates or support the systems running on Windows 8.1 after Jan 10, 2023. Therefore, the latest versions of QuickBooks Desktop will no longer work on Windows 8.1.

• QuickBooks Desktop 2023 needs a 64-bit Windows operating system and will not run on 32-bit.
• QB Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Accountant, Premier Plus, and Enterprise require an internet connection once every 14 days to sync license data. By default, QuickBooks Desktop uses the default browser on the system.
• 2.4 GHz processor
• 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended RAM for Workstations (If you are using QB in Multi-user mode)
• RAM for Server
  • 1-5 Users: 8 GB
  • 10 Users: 12 GB
  • 15 Users: 16 GB
  • 20+ users: 20+ GB
• The system needs 2.5 GB of disk space (additional required for data files). Also, 60 MB for Microsoft .NET 4.8 Framework, which comes with the installation files.
• Intuit Data Protect in QuickBooks Connected Services needs a minimum of 4.0 GB RAM. Moreover, it requires twice the size of the biggest file set to back up, plus twice the size to restore or 100 MB.

How to Eliminate QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error Message?

If you have been looking for the top troubleshooting solution to fix the issues due to which QuickBooks Desktop is unresponsive for a long time, continue reading below. Integrating one or more methods or even a single method will eliminate the issue in the application.

Solution 1: Restarting the System

The first question that comes to your mind is what to do if QuickBooks is frozen. The answer, sometimes, lies in a simple step to rectify the issue. If you see that your QuickBooks not responding, you must reboot the system. Start by closing all running applications, rebooting the system, and lastly, trying to open the QuickBooks software.

Solution 2: Installing Latest QuickBooks Program Updates

You must follow the steps below to update the QB program and get rid of the QuickBooks has stopped working error message. QB automatically downloads recent updates whenever they are launched by Intuit. You will see the update option available on the status bar as the updates are downloaded. You will find the status bar in the top right corner. To install the updates, you need to close the application and leave the system switched on. But, if you want to install them manually, then:

• Start by clicking the Update available option.
• Now, choose Install Now.
• Then, waiting until the updates are installed in the application would be best.
• Then, end the process by launching the QB program.

Alternative option:

You can also use the option to download and install the updates manually.

• First, open the QB program and move to the Help tab.
• Proceed to select the option to Update QuickBooks Desktop from the Help tab.
• Go on and choose the Update Now and then the Get Updates option.
• Further, close QB, and when you re-launch it, choose Yes in the confirmation box to Install the updates.

Solution 3: Disabling the Third-Party Add-Ons

If you find that the QuickBooks not responding when opening, it might be because of third-party integrations and add-ons with the QB application. Moreover, the anti-virus application on the Windows OS can also be the reason behind the unresponsiveness of QB. Therefore, temporarily deactivating any add-ons, integrations, and anti-virus applications might assist you in resolving the error message.

Solution 4: Use the Quick Fix My Program under QB Tool Hub

Follow the below-given steps to resolve QuickBooks has stopped working error:

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

You can resolve several issues like QuickBooks is not responding with the help of QuickBooks Tool Hub. You must use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit, to get the best results.

• Firstly, you have to close the QuickBooks application.
• Then, download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.5.0.0) by clicking here. Save the file in a suitable location (like your Downloads folder or Windows desktop).

Note: If Tool Hub is already installed on the system, know which version you have. Go to the Home tab, where the version will be displayed on the bottom right. Else, click on About to see the current version.

• Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe) and install it by following the instructions on your screen. Proceed further and agree to the terms and conditions.
• When the installation is completed, an icon will display on your Windows desktop. Double-click to open the tool hub. (If you don’t find this icon, you may select the program by searching in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub. )

Step 2: Run the Quick Fix My Program

The Quick Fix My Program will shut down any open background processes that QuickBooks may be using. Further, to resolve the QuickBooks not working after login, it will run a quick repair on your program. Thus, it will help you if QuickBooks has stopped working issue.

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select Program Problems.

• Select Quick Fix My Program from there and wait for the scan to complete.
• Once done, open the QuickBooks Desktop application and then the company file.

Solution 5: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the QB Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool helps you detect the reason for the message QuickBooks Has Stopped Working, which automatically occurs while you try to access your company file.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Now, Select Program Problems from Tool Hub.
• Then, Click on QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool. Let the tool run. It will take at least 20 minutes.
• Once the tool finishes, restart the system and launch the QuickBooks Application.

If you are getting QuickBooks Error 6094, here is a dedicated blog to get the solutions to this error.

Solution 6: End the QuickBooks Processes

If QuickBooks is not responding to your commands, try to manually end the processes running in the background and reopen it.

• Initially, you should hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together and launch the Task Manager.
• After closing the QB program, right-click on the taskbar and choose the Task Manager option.
• Then, proceed to choose the Details tab.
• Now you should find the QB background processes:
  • QBW32.exe or QBW.exe
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe
  • qbupdate.exe
  • QBDBMgr.exe or QBDBMgrN.exe
  • QBMapi32.exe
• Afterward, finding these processes, right-click on each and choose the option to End Task.
• Further, Right-click the QB shortcut to choose the Run as Administrator option.

Solution 7: Changing the Names of QBWUSER.ini and EntitlementDataStore.ecmlIf Files

If QuickBooks has stopped working, it might be due to a damaged or missing QBWUSER.ini or entitlementdatastore. ecml file. Therefore, changing the name of one or both files might resolve this issue.

Note: Once you rename the QBWUSER.INI file, it will delete all the company files that you opened earlier. Thus, you would have to open it manually again.

• Firstly, click on the Windows icon.
• Then, simultaneously press the Windows + E key to open Windows File Manager.
• Then, go to the QuickBooks folder that is located in the C drive: Users[Your user name]AppDataLocalIntuitQuickBooks [year].
• Now, search and right-click on the QBWUSER.ini file and click on the Rename option.

• Further, type .OLD at the end of the file name and save it.
• Lastly, try to open the QuickBooks application once again.
• After completing the above steps, select the folder containing the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.
• Further, follow this path to locate the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file, ‘C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8.‘
• Lastly, follow the exact steps for modifying the name as performed for the QBWUSER.ini file.

Solution 8: Copy the Original Company File to Another Location

After performing the troubleshooting solution above, you must try to launch the sample company file to get rid of the notification saying QuickBooks has stopped working from the QB program. You can access any sample company file from the list of files in the No Company Open window.
However, if you can launch the sample file but not the original company file, then change the location or folder of the file. If you do not know how to proceed with the same, follow the steps below.

• Start by going to the folder where the company file is saved.
• Proceed to right-click the file with the .QBW extension.
• Then, under the drop-down list, click the option to Copy.
• Furthermore, create a new folder in the C: Drive or the desktop.
• Name the folder QBTest and open it as the next step.
• After opening the folder, right-click and choose the option to Paste the original company file.
• Subsequently, hold down the Control key and launch the QB program.
• The above action will open the No Company Open window on the screen.
• Afterward, click Open or restore an existing company option.
• Lastly, launch the company file from the QBTest folder and see if this fixes the issue due to which QuickBooks not responding.

Solution 9: Creating a New WindowsOS User

If you implemented the above solution and launched the company file in the new QBTest folder and the file was successfully launched, then the company file is not the issue. However, that means the folder where the file was initially saved is damaged. Moreover, incorrect folder permissions might interfere with the QB operations on the system. In that case, you must create a new user and give the Windows user admin privileges to run the QB application.

Step 1: Making a New Windows User with Admin Rights

• Initially, choose the Windows Start menu.
• Then, click the Setting icon in the Control Panel.
• Now, choose the Accounts option and click Family & Other Users.
• Note: You may see the Other Users option in some Windows OS versions.
• Further, click the Add Accounts option next to Add Other users.
• Procced to click on the text saying- I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
• When the next page appears, click the option to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• In the end, enter a new username and password or a password hint. You can also select a security question. Then select Next.

Step 2: Grant Admin Rights to QB Software

• First, go back to the Control Panel in the Start menu.
• Then, navigate to the User Accounts option.
• Proceed to look for the e QBDataServiceUserXX service for your QB Desktop version. For instance, in QB Desktop 2020, search for QBDataServiceUser30. This number drops for every version.
• Then, further choose Change the Account Type and click the Administrator option.
• Afterward, choose Apply.

Solution 10: Rectify Data Damage with Verify and Rebuild Tool

Data damages in the QB company file or application might provoke an error message. To fix it, you must employ the Verify and Rebuild utility. Both utilities are integrated with QuickBooks and fix the data damage in minutes. The Verify tool finds the damage in the company file, and the Rebuild tool repairs it.

1st Step: Verifying the company data

• Firstly, select the Window tab, and under it, click the option to Close All.
• Then, proceed to the File tab and select Utilities.
• Further, choose the Verify Data option. After that, you will see any of the options mentioned below:
  • ‘QB detects no problems with your data,’ which means the data is not corrupted or damaged; you do not need to do anything.
  • If you see an error message, you can look for the procedure from other sources on our website.
  • ‘The data has lost integrity‘ means the damage is found in the data. Now, you must employ the Rebuild tool to repair the damage in the QuickBooks Desktop.

2nd Step: Rebuilding the company Data

• First, begin by clicking on the File tab in QB.
• Now, choose the Utilities option under the the File tab and proceed to select Rebuild Data.
• Now, remember that QB will ask you if you want to create a backup of the data before using the Rebuild tool.
• Then, click OK to confirm backup as it is needed before rebuilding the damaged company file.
• Proceed to click OK once you choose the location to save the backup. Do name the backup file and click the option to Save.
• Further, start the Rebuild tool, and once the process is over, choose the OK option.
• Once again, choose the File tab and click the Utilities option.
• Then, run the Verify data tool to double-check the company file for any additional damages.
• Now, if the:
• Verify tool finds more damage; you must fix it manually. You can search for errors (s) on our website and find ways to rectify them.
• The error you are searching for cannot be found. Proceed to restore the recent backup. Choose the Open or Restore Company option in the File tab to restore the backup.

Note: Do not replace the existing company file with the restored one.

Solution 11: Scan and Repair Bad Sectors on Hard-Disk

Another reason QuickBooks is not responding is the corrupt or badly segmented hard disk of the computer system on which QB is installed. So, to fix the Windows 10 issue, you can try scanning and repairing the bad sectors on Hard-Disk.

• Simultaneously press the Windows + E keys to open Windows File Manager.

• Right-click the C drive and select Properties.
• Go to the Tools menu and click on Check Now.

• Make sure to mark the Automatically fixed file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sector options.
• Click on Start and wait until Windows completes the scan and repair process.

Solution 12: Reinstall QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool

Due to damaged program files, you might often receive a QuickBooks Has Stopped Working error notification. In such a scenario, you must run a basic reinstall when the same issue affects more than one of your company files. However, if that doesn’t work, you may do a clean install using the QuickBooks Clean install tool. It resolves issues restricting you from opening the company file, display and template problems, and other situations. It replaces the QuickBooks system files on the system. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about your accounting data as a clean install won’t affect it since your company file and everything it holds aren’t involved.

How to Fix QuickBooks has stopped working After the Windows 10 Update?

Sometimes, you might end up with QuickBooks Not Responding after Windows 10 update. So, if this happens, follow the steps here to resolve it.

• For this, proceed to the Control panel and then hit on the Windows firewall.
• Then, choose Advanced settings and hit on Outbound rules options.

• Then move ahead, click the New rule tab, and opt for the Program checkbox.
• Then, hit Next and check the Program path option.
• And copy the location of your QB.
• Then, you must hit the Block connection option and mark the Public, private, or Domain checkbox.
• Now, Rename it and click the Finish tab.

Wrapping Up!!!

You might have successfully overcome the QuickBooks has stopped working message by going through and implementing the troubleshooting solutions in this article. Remember you need to be patient while addressing this issue, as it might take time to fix it. However, if you encounter the QuickBooks not working error while handling a crucial project and don’t have time to perform the solutions above manually, do not panic!! Our proficient team of experts is here for you round the clock. You can contact us at +1-(855)-955-1942 immediately.

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