While carrying out accounting operations in QuickBooks, there are times when you may encounter unexpected errors. An error message may appear, stating:
“An unexpected problem occurred on the server during your request,”
This often happens when you are trying to refresh the bank feeds account or import QBO data into QB Desktop. QuickBooks unexpected error can also be seen on both the server and in QB POS during its launch, and in other various circumstances.
This blog offers a comprehensive guide to the causes and troubleshooting methods for this error. Additionally, we have discussed ways to avoid this error in the frequently asked questions that you can go through.
If you need any further assistance with the QuickBooks unexpected error, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert at +1-(855)-955-1942.
Potential Reasons Behind QuickBooks Unexpected Error
When you are facing the QuickBooks unexpected error, there can be several reasons behind this issue. Listed are the most common reasons for the error:
- Incompatibility issues with the browser can trigger this error for your QB version.
- If the Windows version is restricted and does not have admin rights, this can also cause you unexpected errors.
- When the QuickBooks company file is corrupted or damaged.
- The location where the company file is stored can be responsible for the error.
- If your system is missing the MSXML or the .NET framework files.
- The Database server manager can also cause the QB POS to affect the server and result in this error.
- When you are having an outdated version of QuickBooks.
- If the Windows version is not updated.
- Server failure or downtime can cause this error to occur.
These are the causes behind the unexpected error in QuickBooks, which can halt your operations.
Troubleshooting Methods Behind the Unexpected Error in QuickBooks
Once understanding the reasons behind the QuickBooks unexpected error, let’s learn about the troubleshooting methods for this:
Method 1: Fix the Microsoft .NET Framework
When you encounter an unexpected QuickBooks error, one possible reason may be an issue with the .NET framework files. Follow the steps to resolve the issue.
- Exit all the background processes running on Windows.
- Access the Control Panel in the Start menu.
- Now, choose the Turn Windows Features on or off option, located under the Uninstall a Program option.
- Check the box beside .NET Framework 3.5.
- Here, unmark the box and then recheck it.
- Click Yes when Windows asks for confirmation to reboot the computer.
Finally, you can also download the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool to repair the issue. Performing these steps will help you resolve this error if the .NET files are causing it.
Method 2: Make a New Windows User
There may be a reason why you are facing a QuickBooks unexpected error, specifically because you have admin-specific permissions. You can also create a new Windows user to resolve the issue.
- Move to the Start menu in your system.
- Now, access the Control Panel and choose Accounts.
- In the Accounts section, select Other Users.
- Tap on the “Add Account” option and choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” in the next window.
- Select the “Add a user without a Microsoft Account” option.
- Here, enter a new username and password for the account.
- Once the account is created, click on the name once and select Administrator as the account type.
- Now, log out of Windows and sign in again as the new User account you made.
Lastly, launch QuickBooks and perform the task. If the unexpected error persists, try moving to the next solution.
Method 3: Access QuickBooks in Incognito Mode
There may be times when QuickBooks Online is unable to perform its operations in your browser. Try running it in Incognito Mode and then attempt to conduct its operations.
- Run the browser in which you want to run QuickBooks Online.
- Now, press the shortcut keys to access the incognito or private mode in your browser version.
- Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Safari: Command + Shift + N
- Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
- Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
- You can access incognito mode by clicking the three dots in your browser and then selecting the “Incognito” or “Private Mode” option.
These steps will help you run QBO in private mode to see if the error persists.
Method 4: Clear Cache and TEMP Files
Cache and Temp files in the system can be one of the reasons why you are facing unexpected errors in QuickBooks. Follow these steps to clear them:
Deleting the system cache and TEMP files can help you avoid unexpected QuickBooks errors:
- Access the Run dialog by hitting the Windows + R key.
- Search for %TEMP% and hit Enter.
- Ctrl+A will help you select all the files.
- Delete all temporary files to resolve the issue.
Now, let’s clear the cookies for your browser. Listed below are the steps applicable to different OS versions.
Google Chrome:
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Tap on the three dots.
- Click Settings.
- Choose Privacy and Security.
- Pick the Third-party cookies option.
- Later, tap “See all site data and permissions.“
- Type Intuit in the search box.
- Press Enter.
- Click Delete displayed data.
- Hit Delete.
Safari:
- Open the Safari browser.
- Head to the Preferences tab.
- Click on Privacy.
- Choose Manage Website Data.
- Type Intuit in the search box.
- Hit Enter.
- Click Remove All.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox.
- Click on the three lines present.
- Choose Settings.
- Tap on the Privacy and Security option.
- Click Cookies and Site Data.
- Go to the Manage Data window.
- In the search box, type Intuit.
- Hit Enter.
- Tap on Remove All Shown.
- Pick Save Changes.
Microsoft Edge:
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Tap on the Settings and More menu.
- Click on the three dots. Alternatively, you can press Alt+F to open it.
- Tap on Settings.
- Choose Privacy, Search, and Services tab.
- Click on Cookies.
- Tap “See all cookies and site data.”
- Type Intuit in the search space.
- Pick the Remove all shown option.
- Choose Clear.
To resolve an unexpected error, you can delete the cache in your browser by following the steps specific to your browser version.
Method 5: Update the QuickBooks POS Settings
Try updating the POS settings if clearing the cache and cookies didn’t resolve your issue, and then check if the error still occurs.
- Move to the file explorer and head to C:\Program Files\CommonFiles\Intuit\EntitlementClient\V8.
- Right-click on the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.
- Click on the Rename option and include the ‘.old’ extension at the end of the .ecml file name.
- Then, go to the Product and Updates page on the official QuickBooks website.
- Select the current POS version you’re using.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the updates. Restart your system to check if the issue has been resolved.
Method 6: Disable Windows Compatibility Mode
Sometimes, the QuickBooks POS fails to run and displays an unexpected error message when the application is not compatible with the current version of Windows. Follow these steps to disable Windows Compatibility Mode and resolve the issue.
- Select the Properties option after you right-click the QuickBooks icon.
- Choose the Compatibility tab.
- Here, untick the “Run this program in compatibility mode” checkbox.
- Choose OK.
These steps will help you disable Windows compatibility mode and resolve the QuickBooks unexpected error.
Method 7: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
If you encounter this error and want to use the install diagnostic tool, follow these steps.
- Head over to the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Access the exe file (setup file) and begin the installation process by following the on-screen steps.
- Launch the Tool Hub after the installation is completed.
- Now, head over to the Installation Issues tab.
- In the Installation Issues tab, click on the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool option.
Following the steps mentioned above, you can fix the installation issues with the QB.
Method 8: Use Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop
To resolve this issue, you need to delete and reinstall the application to clean install QuickBooks Desktop. Launch QuickBooks and perform your operations. The Clean Install will help you resolve the QuickBooks unexpected error.
Method 9: Exit the QBCF Monitor Service
The QBCF monitor services can help share the company file in the network and track its progress. Listed are the steps to eliminate this service.
- Access the Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Shift+Esc on the keyboard.
- Head over to the Details tab and choose the QBCFMonitorService.exe option.
- Tap on the End Task and then choose the End Process option.
- Eliminate the Task Manager and now try to launch QuickBooks.
This will help you eliminate the QBCF Monitor service.
Method 10: Configure the Network Issues
The network settings may cause you trouble with this error, and you may encounter a message saying “Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred. We could not fetch your accounts from your bank.”
To configure this issue, fix the TLS settings by following these steps:
- Access the Internet Properties in the search bar.
- Opt for the Advanced option.
- From the list of menus, scroll and click on the Use TLS 1.2 option.
- Save the changes you made once the TLS settings are unselected.
- Exit the control panel.
- Verify the Internet Speed on the system and establish a new connection with the Router.
Use these methods to resolve TLS settings in network issues.
Conclusion
This is a detailed guide that will help you understand the QuickBooks unexpected error. Moreover, we have discussed the reasons behind this error. Additionally, we mentioned the troubleshooting methods that will help you fix and tackle this error in the near future. If you need any further help with the unexpected error in your QuickBooks, feel free to get in touch with our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Following the steps mentioned below will help you avoid unexpected errors in QuickBooks.
a. Ensure to create a backup for the company file
b. Allow user permissions to avoid this error.
c. Use the latest version of QuickBooks.
d. Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
e. Check system requirements to avoid compatibility issues.
A. When you are facing a QuickBooks unexpected error in your system, fixing the .NET framework can be the solution for it. Go to the Control Panel and choose the Programs and Features option. Tap on “Turn Windows features on or off,” select the correct .NET framework version, and then choose the repair option.
A. An unexpected error in QuickBooks can occur if there are corrupted files, a problem with network connectivity, or if you are using an older version of QuickBooks or Windows on your system. However, this problem can be observed when a missing .NET framework or incompatibility issues are present in the system.
