Are you getting the QuickBooks ‘Company File not found’ issue when trying to open the company file? This might be pretty infuriating; however, there is no need to be concerned. Such QuickBooks Company file issues typically occur when users alter the location of a company file on their system, which causes QuickBooks to lose track of its path.

Grasp this article until the end to get familiar with the various causes leading to the Error 'Company File Not found or missing in QuickBooks Desktop.' In the later stage of this article, we shall arrive at the effective methods to resolve this error with minimal effort.

You might see the following error message on your desktop screen:

 

What leads to the 'QuickBooks Company File not Found Issue'?

Several causes may assemble to trigger the Error. The most prominent ones are enlisted below:

  • The Company file that you are working with got corrupted or damaged.
  • Adopting an incorrect procedure for opening specific Company file formats.
  • Another user on the shared network already accessed the file.
  • Large files, reports, or multiple Windows may cause QuickBooks Desktop to freeze.
  • Opening files with an incompatible QuickBooks version
  • Problems with the filename and extensions and corruption of the company file.

 

Roundabouts to Resolve 'QuickBooks Company File Not Found' Issue

To diagnose and resolve this technical snag, complete the steps provided below in the same order:

Roundabout 1: Check the file type

QuickBooks Desktop software stores data in various file types. You must ensure that the filename of a company file (QBW) finishes with the '.qbw' extension to open it. Other file formats, such as backup data files (QBB) and portable files (QBM), cannot be opened with the '.qbw' extension.

 

Roundabout 2: Check whether the Error emanates from the Company file or the QuickBooks Desktop software

You need to check whether the issue exists with the file or the software. To do so, hold down the 'Ctrl' key while double-clicking the 'QuickBooks Desktop' icon. If it won't open, the issue exists with the QuickBooks Desktop software. Otherwise, your Company file is facing the issue.

 

Roundabout 3: Close QuickBooks and access your company file

  • Open QuickBooks Desktop as an admin.
  • Subsequently, Go to the 'File' menu and then 'Log off.'
  • Now, Restart QuickBooks software and choose the QBW Company file from the 'No Company window.'
  • If this does not solve the Error, head towards the next step.

 

Roundabout 4: Verify that only one user has access to the file

Follow the directions provided below:

  • Select 'File', followed by choosing 'Utilities.'
  • Choose the option to 'disable multi-user access hosting.'
  • After turning off the multi-user access, try opening your Company file to see if the error persists.

 

Roundabout 5: Move the file to the Desktop

There might be some issues with the location of the Company file. You may thus be unable to open the file. In this context, it is recommended that you move the file to a different location by adhering to the steps below:

  • Access the 'File Explorer.'
  • Look for the folder containing your company file.
  • Right-click your Company File and select 'Copy.'
  • Rename the file by adding '.old' at the end of the filename.
  • Copy the file and paste the same on your Desktop.
  • Afterwards, Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the 'File' menu,
  • Then, choose 'Open or restore company.'
  • Choose and open the company file you saved to the Desktop.

  • If the method doesn't work out, move the renamed file to its original location and revert to its previous name by removing '.old' from the end of the filename.

 

Roundabout 6: Prevent other windows from opening

Follow the steps below to prevent the additional window from opening.

  • Go to QuickBooks Desktop and open it.
  • Select the company file in the 'No Company Open' Window and hit the 'Alt'
  • Now click on 'open.'
  • If a login window appears, release the 'Alt' key and enter your login credentials.
  • Press the 'Alt' key once more, then click on 'OK' tab.
  • Keep pressing the 'Alt' key until the file appears.

 

Roundabout 7: Access the file using the correct QuickBooks software version

Use the same version of QuickBooks to open the file as before. Follow these instructions if you're unfamiliar with the version:

  • Locate and select the company file in your system.
  • Right-click the file and choose 'Properties.'
  • Choose the QuickBooks tab in 'Properties.'
  • The previously used version will be visible in the dialogue box.
  • If you are not using the same version to access your company file, you will need to uninstall QuickBooks Desktop from your PC and then install the version notified earlier. After installing the QuickBooks version, try accessing the file to see if the error got resolved.

 

Roundabout 8: Check the Company file size

Check the size of your file and ensure that it is at least 7 MB in size. To check the same, follow the directions given below:

  • Open the 'Windows Explorer' by pressing the 'Win + E' keys together.
  • Search for your company file in the QuickBooks Desktop folder.
  • Right-click the Company File, and then choose 'Properties.'
  • Select the 'Advanced' tab in the 'Properties.'
  • Make sure the file is at least 7 MB in size and is without encryption.

 

Roundabout 9: Repair QuickBooks Desktop Installation

Repairing the software may fix the issue. Perform the steps given below to repair the software successfully.

 

We hope that by following the trails laid down by this article, you could successfully reach a viable resolution to fix the QuickBooks Company File Not Found Error. However, even network connectivity issues may be acting as an impediment and contributing to this Error.

If the Error still ensues, we recommend that you fix your internet. You may contact our QuickBooks error customer service helpline i.e., 1-800-761-1787 or reach out to us through live chat for further assistance.