QuickBooks unexpected errors often occur out of nowhere while using the software. This might be accompanied by a message stating “An unexpected error occurred. Please try after some time.”
This error generally occurs when refreshing the bank feeds account or importing QuickBooks Online data into the QB Desktop. In other instances, it has been observed that this error not only affects the server but also sometimes arises in the QB POS. Now, it becomes essential to resolve this error, but you may wonder how to do it.
Therefore, we have created this detailed post to help you resolve this issue. It is recommended that you implement these methods as needed, which will help you avoid any further issues.
Stuck with a technical problem while trying to resolve the unexpected error? No need to worry—our expert team is here to help you. Dial us at +1-(855)-955-1942 to connect with a QB expert.
Most Common Reasons Behind Unexpected Error in QuickBooks
Several triggers can cause the QuickBooks unexpected error in QuickBooks Desktop. You should be aware of all of these reasons to avoid this error in the future. Therefore, we have outlined the most common causes behind this issue below:
- Common browser-related issues
- Faulty or damaged MSXML and .NET Framework
- Missing Windows component
- An outdated operating system or software
- When you try to access your QB account by using an invalid URL
- If your server is down due to maintenance
- The Point of Sale Database Manager can prevent you from making a connection to the server
After going through the above-mentioned causes, now let’s move forward and learn how to resolve this error.
Delve into Troubleshooting Methods for QuickBooks Unexpected Error
Let’s delve into the troubleshooting methods to overcome the QuickBooks unexpected error. This section will help you resolve this error for both the QuickBooks Desktop and the Online version.
Section A – To Resolve Unexpected Error in QuickBooks Online
Follow this section to resolve the QuickBooks unexpected error from the QB Online version.
Method 1. Access the QuickBooks Online in Incognito or Private Mode
Occasionally, when you try to run QuickBooks Online in the normal mode, this issue can arise. For once, you should try to open QuickBooks in private or incognito mode by following the instructions given below:
- For Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Safari: Command + Shift + N
- MS Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
- Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
Now, check whether this issue is resolved. If you are still facing the unexpected error in QuickBooks, follow the solution given below.
Method 2. Remove Cache and Cookies to Fix Issues in QuickBooks Online
When you delete the cache and cookies, it will help QuickBooks run faster. To delete the cookies and caches in your browser, follow the instructions given below.
Mozilla Firefox
Follow the steps below to delete the caches and cookies from the Firefox browser.
- Tap on the Menu
- Next, open Settings and select the Privacy & Security section
- Now, head down to access the Cookies and Site Data
- Tap on the Clear Data option
- In the When dropdown, choose Everything and ensure that only the Cookies and site data, and Temporary Caches files & pages options are chosen
- Then, unmark other data, like Saved form info or Site settings
- Lastly, click on the Clear button and close the Settings page
Google Chrome
You should carry out the steps mentioned below to remove the browsing data, including cache and cookies.
- Access Google Chrome and tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
- Next, choose Delete browsing data
- Now, choose a time range, such as Last hour/All Time
- Check the boxes to select the data you wish to delete
- Finally, click on the Delete Data
Apple’s Safari
Carry out the steps given below to remove the cache and cookies from Safari.
- To clear the cache, start by opening the Safari browser
- Next, choose History and select Clear History
- Now, tap on the pop-up menu
- Lastly, choose the time range of the data to delete
After clearing the caches, follow the next few instructions to remove Cookies
- Open Safari again and select Safari > Settings
- Now, choose Privacy, then click on Manager Website Data
- Lastly, select the websites, and click Remove or Remove All
Once done, check whether the issue is resolved. If you are still facing the same error, you should verify the Web Browser Settings.
Method 3. Check Web Browser Settings
Go through these instructions to configure Windows Web browser settings:
- Start by opening the Settings
- Head to the App section and select Default Apps
- Now, scroll down to the Web Browser panel
- Next, choose your preferred browser to set as the default
- Finally, click on the option to set it as the default
With the help of these instructions, you should set the browser you wish to open QBO in as the default.
Section B – For QuickBooks Desktop and Point of Sale
The section consists of proven methods that will help you resolve the QB unexpected error in QB Desktop and POS.
Method 1. Update the POS Application in QuickBooks
When you face the QuickBooks unexpected error while opening the QuickBooks Point of Sale, it is most likely that the POS software is outdated. Therefore, carry out the process below to update the QB Desktop POS application to the latest version.
- Access the file explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\EntitlementClient\V8 (V6 for QBPOS 10.0)
- Next, head to the EntitlementClient
- Now, tap on the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file
- Then, choose Rename and add .old after the EntitlementDataStore.ecml
- Select the latest version of the POS application
Go through the on-screen steps and install updates, and then restart your computer. Check whether the issue is resolved and not able to open QB Desktop Point of Sale, then try the next method.
Method 2. Repair the .NET Framework to Resolve Windows-related Issues
The damaged Windows components, such as MSXML and .NET Framework, can cause issues in QuickBooks Desktop. Originally, Microsoft provided these components to run Windows applications, so it became essential to repair them to continue utilizing this operating system without any further inconveniences. Follow the steps given below to use this software.
- Browse for the Control Panel through the search bar and open it
- Next, click on the Programs
- Select Uninstall a program under the section for Programs and Features
- Now, choose the Turn Windows Features On or Off’ option
- Click on the .NET Framework 4.5 in the list, and move accordingly-
- When the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox isn’t marked, then mark it and save the settings
- Next, uncheck the .NET Framework 4.5 settings, and save the settings
Note: Additionally, you can implement the same steps for .NET Framework 3.5
- If the .NET Framework settings don’t change anything in the QuickBooks Desktop, then move to the Uninstall a program option and tap on the .NET Framework
- Choose the Uninstall and do as instructed to confirm the uninstallation
- Navigate to the official Microsoft site and open it
- Lastly, download and install the latest .NET Framework
You can repair and reinstall the .NET Framework on your computer with the above procedure. Verify whether the QuickBooks Unexpected error has gone. If the issue persists, then move to the next method.
Method 3. Verify the System Configurations
QB unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks Desktop can occur due to the incompatibility between the computer configuration and the application. The issue can be caused by incompatibility with RAM or any other specifications that are incorrect or don’t support the software. Now, you should check your computer’s specifications. To implement that, follow the process mentioned below.
- Right-tap on the This PC or My Computer icon on the desktop
- Next, select the Properties
- Remember that an average of 8 GB of RAM and a minimum of 4GB of RAM are needed to launch QB software smoothly. Check these specifications on your computer’s configuration to ensure system compatibility.
After implementing the above issues, check whether your system’s configurations are satisfactory. If you are still facing the same issue, follow the next method.
Method 4. Create a New Windows User to Access QuickBooks
If you can’t access all the system’s features and resources due to a lack of admin permissions, then the QuickBooks application can encounter these issues. Moreover, if there are corrupted and damaged Windows components can also trigger the QuickBooks unexpected error. Therefore, granting the user administrator rights can fix this issue. Carry out the instructions to grant the user admin rights.
- Open the Accounts menu in the Control Panel
- Next, tap on Other Users
- Now, select Add Account in the options and tap I don’t have this person’s sign-in information
- Select the Add a user without a Microsoft Account option
- Then, enter a new username and password to access the account
- Click on the name of the new user and select Administrator as the account type
- You should log out of Windows and sign in again with the new Admin account that you created
Once done, carry out these instructions, and check whether the issue is resolved. If you are still facing the QuickBooks POS unexpected error, you should try out the next possible method.
Method 5. Try to Open a Sample Company File
When the data file fails to open, the QuickBooks unexpected error might occur. This problem can also be caused by restricted file permissions or a corrupted company data file. You can access a company file, which means no damaged data exists. Here, you should follow the steps to access the data file:
- Access the QB application while holding the Ctrl key
- Now wait until the No Company Open window appears
- Then, you should release the Ctrl key
- Ensure that Windows compatibility mode is disabled if the issue occurs when you launch the window
- Choose the Open a sample file option on the No Company Open page
- Next, select any sample file from the list
- Lastly, you should know that when a sample file opens without showing an error, it indicates damage to the original company file. In these scenarios, you should run the verify and rebuild data utility
When the unexpected error occurs when you open the sample file, you should turn off the compatibility mode.
Method 6. Close the QBCF Monitor Service
You are seamlessly able to run QuickBooks by sharing and monitoring the company file with the help of the QBCF Monitor Service. Other software can interrupt the QBCF Monitor Service by launching in the background, which can cause QuickBooks unexpected error. In such cases, you should terminate this service through the following steps.
- Start by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together, and access the Task Manager window
- Navigate to the Details tab and select the QBCFMonitorService.exe
- Next, click on End Task > End Process
- Now, close the Task Manager panel
- Lastly, access the QB on your system
You should restart the QBCF Monitor Service whenever it is required. However, if this doesn’t work, move to the following resolving method.
Method 7. Run the QuickBooks Tool Hub
You should run the QuickBooks Tool Hub, which helps resolve several errors related to the QuickBooks Desktop for the different versions and problems related to company files, software issues, and network-related issues, among others. This application provides a range of tools to address multiple types of issues. Therefore, it is crucial to install QuickBooks Tool Hub to work freely without any interruption.
After installing this software, carry out the steps below to resolve the company files and software-related problems.
Run Quick Fix My Program Tool
Use the Quick Fix My Program tool to resolve the technical glitches and bugs, allowing you to work without further disturbance. You should run this tool by following the given steps.
Use the Quick Fix My Program tool to resolve the technical glitches and bugs, allowing you to work without further disturbance. You should run this tool by following the given steps.
- Open the QB Tool Hub
- Next, navigate to the Program Problems tab
- Lastly, choose Quick Fix My Program to run
This tool will now automatically start to repair the program issue. Once the repairing process finishes, you should move to the following process.
Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
The QuickBooks File Doctor tool repairs the damaged company files and restores their functionality. Go through the instructions given below to resolve the company data files while using the QB Tool Hub:
- Access the QB Tool Hub
- Next, tap on the Company File Issues
- Select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor option
- Then, enter the Admin account credentials if prompted
- Lastly, click on Next, and the QB Doctor will resolve any damage in the data file and network
Once you’ve fixed the damage in the company file, verify whether the problem is resolved. However, you should try the next possible solution if the issue continues.
Method 8. Modify the Internet Settings to Only Use TLS 1.2
Windows Firewall can prevent the QuickBooks application from connecting to the network. In such cases, you should see an error message stating, ‘Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred. We could not fetch your accounts from your bank.’ So, it becomes crucial to troubleshoot the setting so that the QB doesn’t get blocked. To resolve the TLS settings, follow the instructions given below.
- Search for Internet Options from the search bar on the Taskbar
- Open the Internet Properties window
- Next, tap on the Advanced option
- Click on Use TLS 1.2 to check the checkbox
- Make sure that the other TLS settings aren’t chosen
- Now, save the settings
- After closing the Control Panel tab, verify the internet speed, which should be a minimum of 3 Mbps, and also reconnect the router cables
After carrying out the methods above, we hope that you have resolved the QuickBooks unexpected error.
Some Healthy Practices to Prevent the Unexpected Error in QuickBooks
You should keep practicing these healthy tips below to prevent this error in the future.
- Remember to check for QB updates frequently
- Regularly keep removing the cache and cookies in the QuickBooks Desktop
- Always keep a backup of the QuickBooks company file
- Make sure to have a stable and reliable internet connection to minimize connectivity
- Ensure to review and manage the browser extensions to prevent conflicts with QB Online’s functionality
- Use the latest supported browsers when accessing QB Online for optimal compatibility and security
- Keep reviewing and cleaning up the data within the QB to reduce the chances of facing errors due to data clutter
The above-mentioned are some healthy practices that can save you from various errors related to the QuickBooks Desktop. Now, let’s wrap up this blog with a quick view of unexpected errors in QuickBooks POS.
A Quick View of QuickBooks Unexpected Error
Follow the quick view table below to see the condensed version of the information we have covered so far in this blog.
| Error description | QuickBooks unexpected error commonly arises while working on the QB application or the POS connected with it. |
| Reasons behind this error | Faulty QB program, incompatibility between the system and the QB, damaged .NET Framework, outdated operating system, or invalid URL can cause this error. |
| Effective methods to resolve this issue in QuickBooks Online | Try to access the QB Online in incognito mode, remove cache and cookies, or verify the Web Browser settings. |
| Recommended ways to overcome unexpected errors in QB Desktop | Update the POS application, repair .NET Framework, check system configuration, create a new Windows user, open a sample company file, close QBCF Monitor Service, run the QB Tool Hub, or resolve the network issues to fix the error in QB Desktop. |
Conclusion
Throughout this blog, we have covered all the significant aspects of the QuickBooks unexpected error. The blog has outlined the common things that lead to the problem and the working solutions to overcome this issue. However, if you encounter technical difficulties while resolving this error, you can call us at +1-(855)-955-1942 to speak with a QB expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. The unexpected error in QuickBooks Desktop occurs if the computer configuration and the QDT application are incompatible due to RAM or other specifications that fail to support the software. As you are aware that the QB Desktop requires an average of 8 GB of RAM or a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. If the computer doesn’t meet these requirements, it may lead to an unexpected error 5 in the QuickBooks application.
A. To repair the damaged QuickBooks program, open the QuickBooks Desktop. Next, navigate to the Program Problems tab and select the Quick Fix My Program option to run. Now, this tool will fix all your problems.
A. There can be many reasons behind this issue, such as browser-related issues, QB Online incompatibility with the computer, faulty MSXML, .NET Framework, or Windows components, outdated operating system or software, invalid URL for QB account, or POS Database Manager fails to connect with the server, or network connectivity.
A. You should take care of the following things to avoid facing the QuickBooks unexpected problems.
a. Always keep a backup of the company file to prevent data loss in case of errors or computer issues
b. Make sure you have a stable and reliable internet connection
c. Ensure to use a supported browser to run QuickBooks Online
d. You should clean up your data within QB to reduce the chances of encountering errors.
