Experiencing trouble while performing the accounting operations because QuickBooks won’t open? Like you, many QuickBooks users encounter this issue, where the program suddenly stops working or fails to open while in use. Several causes can contribute to why your program isn’t responding. Usually, the QB Desktop brings efficiency and seamlessness in the work process, but it’s also challenging when these types of problems arise. Now, it is essential to resolve this issue to continue using your QuickBooks Desktop for accounting and payroll-related work.
Therefore, we have created this segment to help you resolve this issue. In this blog, we will share all the complete steps to troubleshoot the QuickBooks problem. You will also learn about the causes behind it, outlined below. Now, let’s go through this comprehensive guide to get the most effective solutions.
However, if you need any in resolving the issue, you can just call us at +1-(855)-955-1942. You will get help from an expert in troubleshooting this problem.
Here are the Reasons Why Your QuickBooks Won’t Open
You may wonder why your QuickBooks won’t open even after trying many times. To answer your question, we have outlined the primary causes of this issue below.
- The name of the company file may have exceeded the limit, which is a common reason for this issue.
- Faulty software installation files can also restrict QB Desktop from opening.
- A damaged or corrupted company file
- Maybe your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements of the QB version you want to utilize
- A damaged QBWUSER.ini file could sometimes be the reason why QuickBooks isn’t responding.
- Maybe your hard disk is faulty
- Wrong installation of the QB Desktop
After discussing these most common errors in QuickBooks, let’s now go through all the practical methods that can cause the same issue.
Expert Ways to Fix QuickBooks Database Service Won’t Start
Below are the most effective methods to resolve the QuickBooks won’t start issue. But before trying any method, you should ensure that your QB is up-to-date. It is advised that you follow these solutions in the given order to avoid any further difficulties.
Method 1: Run the QuickBooks Desktop as an Administrator
Due to the lack of admin privileges, you may occasionally be unable to access the QuickBooks application. In such cases, you should run this software as an admin user, and to implement it, try out the instructions below.
- First, close all the QB and third-party windows
- Second, open the Start menu and locate QB Desktop
- Now, right-click the QuickBooks icon and click on Run as administrator from the options
- If any security credentials are prompted, you need to provide the same here
Verify if the QB opens properly now. If it appears to start but you can’t see it, perform further troubleshooting.
Method 2: Utilize the Quick Fix My Program from Tool Hub
The problem could be the QB program itself, and in such a case, you should run the Quick Fix My Program tool to repair or restore the QuickBooks. Remember that to run the Quick Fix My Program, you should have the QuickBooks Tool Hub installed in your system. After ensuring that, follow the instructions below to run this tool.
- Open the QB Tool Hub on the system
- Next, you should choose the Program Problems tab
- Now, select the Quick Fix my Program to run it
- Run the QB Desktop and open your data file
If it doesn’t resolve the QuickBooks won’t open, follow the next possible method.
Method 3: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
There may be an issue in the way you installed the QB Desktop. Due to this, the installed file could be corrupted or damaged. To repair it, follow the instructions below.
- Access the QuickBooks Tool Hub again
- Select the Installation Issues tab from the QB Tool Hub
- Now, choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to start the diagnosis process
Note: This tool will take up to 20 minutes to run and diagnose the installation file.
When the diagnoses are done, restart your computer and start QB Desktop again to check whether the problems are resolved. If you still can’t open it, try the next method given below.
Method 4: Verify If the Problem is With the QuickBooks File
Sometimes, the issue where QuickBooks won’t open arises due to a faulty or damaged company file. In such cases, you should verify whether the issue arose due to your company file by trying the steps below.
- Initiate by opening the QB Desktop
- Choose your company file in No Company Open
- Hit and hold ALT on the keyboard, then select Open
- Remember not to release the ALT key until the file opens
- Now, release the ALT key and enter your security credentials
- Finally, click and hold the ALT key again and click OK
After opening the file, you should check whether the file suppresses the QB application by repeating the next few steps.
- Hold the CTRL key on the Keyboard
- Now, double-click the QB Desktop icon
Note: Ensure that you do not release the CTRL key until the ‘No Company Open’ window appears on-screen.
- Lastly, select a company file, then choose Open
Now, check again whether the problem is solved. If the problem persists, consider the next possible solution.
Method 5: Rename the QBWUSER.ini File to Fix QuickBooks Not Starting
As you like stating, ‘My QuickBooks app won’t open’, it could happen due to a wrongly saved or damaged QBUSER.ini file. In such a case, you should rename the QBWUSER.ini file by following the steps below:
- Locate and access the folder where you saved the QBWUSER.ini file
Note: If you can’t find the folder, you should enable hidden files and folders
- Next, right-click the QBWUSER.ini file, followed by selecting Rename
- Here, you need to add .old at the end of the file name
- You need to rename the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file
Once the instructions are done, you should try to open QuickBooks again. If you can’t open it, follow the next method to open it.
Method 6: Update Your Windows Operating System
When you utilize any program, including the QB application, in an outdated operating system, many issues could arise. In such cases, you should update the Windows Operating System by following the steps below.
- First, head to the Start
- Next, select the Settings
- Then, click on Windows Update, followed by Check for Windows updates
- After verifying the updates, if you find any available updates, select Download & Install
Your system will automatically install the update. You should restart the device once the process is completed. Now, try to open your QB application again. If you are still facing the QuickBooks issue, follow the next method.
Method 7: Repair the QuickBooks Program From the Control Panel
Even after trying all these solutions, if the issue doesn’t resolve. So, there could be a problem in the QuickBooks program, which needs to be fixed by repairing it from the control panel by repeating the steps below.
- Go to the Taskbar and enter Control Panel in the search bar
- Next, choose the Programs > Programs and Features
- Now, right-click the application you want to fix and select Repair
Note: If that’s not available, choose Change. Now, follow the further on-screen instructions.
Try to open the QuickBooks application again. If it still doesn’t open, follow the next method.
Method 8: Uninstall and Install the QuickBooks Desktop
When every solution seems to fail to fix the issue, you should reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop. To implement this, we have outlined the way below.
Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
Follow the steps below to remove the QuickBooks Desktop
- Head to the Start menu, search for Control Panel, and tap it to open
- Next, click on the Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program
- Now you need to select the program you wish to delete from the list of programs
- Lastly, select the Uninstall/Change, Remove, and then Next
Note: You should sign out and sign back in to Windows as an admin user if these options do not appear.
Step 2: Install QuickBooks Again
After uninstalling it, you need to install QuickBooks again. Once the process is completed, set up your software, and then restart your system.
It will get you an upgraded version of the QB application. However, in some scenarios, even updating it doesn’t resolve the issue where QuickBooks Desktop won’t open.
Here’s How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Won’t Start
You may wonder how to resolve the same issue when QuickBooks won’t open, but in the online version of this application. Therefore, we have outlined the effective ways to fix it in the QB Online version. However, before taking any action, ensure you are using the QB in the supported browsers. To verify that, we have outlined the list of browsers that are supported by QuickBooks Online.
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Opera
Now, if you are using QuickBooks in one of the listed browsers and are still unable to open it, you should try to open it in an incognito or private window. Follow the shortcut keys (according to the browser) listed below to access it in an incognito window.
- Mozilla Firefox: CTRL+Shift+P
- Microsoft Edge: CTRL+Shift+N
- Google Chrome: CTRL+Shift+N
- Apple’s Safari: Command+Shift+N
With the help of the above shortcut keys, you can easily open these browsers in incognito mode or a private tab. After doing so, check whether you can access the QBO now. If you are still facing the QuickBooks won’t open issue, then remove the cache and cookies from your browser.
Remove Caches and Cookies from Your Browser
Follow the instructions below to remove the cookies from your browser to free up space to use QuickBooks Online smoothly.
Mozilla Firefox
To remove caches in the Mozilla Firefox browser, follow the instructions below.
- Click the menu button, followed by Settings
- Next, choose the Privacy & Security panel
- Tap on the Clear Data option in the Cookies and Site Data section
Now, the Clear browsing data and cookies dialog will open
- Locate the dropdown next to When; select Everything
- Make sure that only the Temporary cached files and pages option is marked
- Lastly, tap on the Clear button
Once done removing the cache, close the settings page. By implementing this method, the changes you have made will automatically be saved.
Google Chrome
To remove caches in the Chrome browser, repeat the steps below.
- Start by opening Chrome on the system
- Click on the three dots icon> Delete browsing data
- Now, select the time range as per your need, like Last hour or All time
- Here, you need to select the types of information you wish to remove
- Lastly, click on Delete data
Note: If you delete the cache or cookies while signed in to Chrome, you will not be signed out of your Google Account.
Safari on Mac
To remove caches in Apple’s Safari, go through the steps below.
- Head to the Safari on your Mac device
- Now, select History > Clear History
- Next, click on the pop-up menu
- Lastly, choose how far back you wish to clear browsing history
However, if you are using QB in Microsoft Edge, it is also essential to remove the cache from Microsoft Edge.
Remove the Intuit-specific cookies from the Browser
Commonly, all you need is to clear the browser’s cache, but if you can’t solve the issue even after doing it, then you should clear the Intuit-specific cookies from your browser. This method will help to refresh your website preferences that might be causing issues when you use QuickBooks. To do so, follow the next few instructions.
Google Chrome
Follow the instructions below to remove Intuit’s specific cookies from Chrome.
- Access the Chrome browser and tap the three dots menu icon at the top right
- Next, select Settings, followed by Privacy and Security
- Here, choose the Cookies and other site data option
- Click on See all cookies and site data
- Here, you need to type “intuit” in the search bar
- Choose Remove all shown or click on the trash can icon
Once done, restart your Chrome following the above instructions for the changes to take effect.
Mozilla Firefox
Go through the steps below to remove Intuit’s specific cookies from your Firefox browser.
- Open Mozilla Firefox and select the Menu icon
- Next, select Settings, followed by Privacy & Security
- Now, choose the Manage Data option from Cookies and Site Data
- Then, type “Intuit” in the search bar to select it and choose Enter to find Intuit cookies
- Lastly, click on Remove All Shown, followed by Save Changes
After that, you should restart Mozilla Firefox for the changes to be saved.
Apple’s Safari
If you use QuickBooks for Intuit on the Mac’s Safari, then follow the instructions below to remove the cookies.
- Access Safari, and then select Safari beside the Apple icon from the top left
- Now, choose the Preferences or Settings
- Choose Privacy, then Manage Website Data
- Browse for Intuit by typing it in the search bar to find its cookies
- Choose the Remove All, followed by Remove Now
- Lastly, select Done and restart Safari to save the changes
Now, check whether your problem is solved. Let’s now wrap it up, and we hope that these methods will help you resolve the issue.
Here’s the Quick View on QuickBooks Won’t Start
The table below shows the condensed version of how the QuickBooks won’t start. Moreover, it will also show the most helpful troubleshooting methods in a concise version.
| Reasons Behind QuickBooks won’t Open | This issue could arise due to a long company file, faulty software installation files, a corrupted company file, misconfiguration between QB software and OS, or a damaged QBWUSER.ini file. |
| Troubleshooting the QuickBooks Desktop won’t open issue | You can try the fixes, such as running QB as an administrator, using Quick Fix My Program, using the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, checking the problems in the QB company file, renaming the QBWUSER.ini file, updating the Windows OS, or restoring the QB application. |
| Resolve the QuickBooks Online won’t open issue | To resolve the QB Online, make sure to access it in the recommended browser. If it doesn’t work, open the QB in private mode. You should also remove the cache and cookies from your browser to run the QB smoothly. |
Conclusion
This troubleshooting blog has provided all the technical aspects, including the causes and troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue if your QuickBooks won’t open. We have discussed how a damaged program or an outdated Windows OS can cause this issue. Additionally, you got to know how to fix these issues with the help of some powerful methods. However, you may face technical difficulties while trying the given method due to a lack of exposure to the topic. In such scenarios, let our experts handle your tech troubles. Call us at +1-(855)-955-1942. now to speak with a certified professional and resolve your issue quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Several issues can make your QuickBooks Desktop unable to open, such as a company file saved with a long name, faulty software installation files, a corrupted company file, a damaged QBWUSER.ini file, or incorrect program setup. Even the damaged QB program can also cause many issues that make it impossible to access the QuickBooks Desktop.
A. You need to press and hold the CTRL key and then double-click the QB Desktop icon. If even this doesn’t open your QB software, then you should try some effective resolving methods, such as running the Quick Fix My Program tool or the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool.
A. You should remove the caches from your Chrome browser to resolve the QuickBooks won’t open issue. Start by accessing Chrome on the device, and then tap on the three dots menu icon. Now, tap on the Delete browsing data option, followed by choosing the time range, like Last hour or All time. Next, you need to choose the types of information you want to delete, and lastly, click on Delete data.
