A Complete Guide on Fixing QuickBooks Unexpected Errors

The QuickBooks unexpected error might often make its appearance in your system out of nowhere. This can occur while performing various operations, such as refreshing your bank feed account or manually importing data into QuickBooks. Here are some error messages that you might see on your screen:

Let’s take a deep dive into the error and explore its causes, as well as the tested ways you can implement to troubleshoot it in this blog.

It can be tricky and time-consuming to self-troubleshoot the unexpected errors in QuickBooks Desktop. Therefore, an expert for real-time assistance is highly recommended. Dial +1(855)-738-0359 and speak to a QB expert now!

An Overview of Unexpected Errors in QuickBooks

Let us first take a look at various kinds of unexpected errors that can arise in QuickBooks Desktop and Online. Some of the common error messages are:

Now, we will understand different reasons why these errors occur. If you are struggling with QuickBooks error 5, we have drafted a dedicated blog on how to troubleshoot it – you can check that.

Why Do You See the QuickBooks Unexpected Error on Your Screen?

Several factors can contribute to the QB unexpected error. For instance:

• There are issues with your browser, or it is incompatible with QuickBooks Online.
• Damaged MSXML, .NET Framework, or another Windows component.
• An outdated operating system or software may lead to unexpected errors.
• If you are using an invalid URL to access your QuickBooks account, you can run into problems.
• Occasionally, the server goes down for maintenance, which creates such issues.
• POS Database Manager can prevent the server from making a connection.

The above are some of the most common causes that might trigger the QB unexpected error.

Learn How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Unexpected Error

Now that we have discussed the key causes of this issue, we will guide you through the methods that can resolve it. For that, we have made separate sections on QuickBooks Online and Desktop.

Section A: For QuickBooks Online

The following section entails proven methods to resolve the QB unexpected error, specifically for the Online version.

1. Open QBO in Incognito or Private Window

If you are running QBO in a normal window, you should try accessing your QBO company in incognito mode. To open your browser in an incognito or private window, you can use the following shortcut keys.

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Safari: Command + Shift + N
• MS Edge and Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P

If the same QuickBooks unexpected error persists despite opening the software in incognito mode, then open your browser in the standard window and clear the cache.

2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies

Browser cache and cookies load and run QBO faster, but sometimes they may prevent some pages from loading. To resolve the QuickBooks unexpected error, clear the cache and cookies. Follow the process given below to clear the cache from the browser with which your QB account is logged in.

Mozilla Firefox

To delete caches and cookies from the Firefox browser, follow the steps given below:

• Click on the Menu
• Open Settings and select the Privacy & Security section
• Then, scroll down to access Cookies and Site Data
• Lastly, click on Clear Data
• Now, you will see a When dropdown, select Everything, and ensure that only the Cookies and site data, and Temporary cached files & pages options are selected
• Unselect other data, such as Saved form info or Site settings
• Finally, tap on the Clear button and close the Settings page

Google Chrome

Follow the steps given below to clear the browsing data, including cache and cookies.:

• Open your Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner
• Next, select Delete browsing data
• Then, choose a time range, such as Last hour/All Time
• Mark the boxes to select the data you want to delete
• Lastly, tap on Delete data

Apple’s Safari

To remove data, including cache and cookies, follow the steps given below:

1. Clear Cache

• Open the Safari browser on your Mac
• Select History
• Next, choose Clear History
• Then, tap on the pop-up menu
• Select the time range of the data to delete

2. Clear Cookies

• Start by opening the Safari app on the Mac
• Select Safari > Settings
• Then select Privacy
• Next, click on Manager Website Data
• Choose the websites, and tap Remove or Remove All

You can clear the cache and cookies from your primary browser by following the steps given above.

3. Verify Web Browser Settings

Follow these steps to configure Windows web browser settings:

• Open Settings
• Go to the App section, and select Default Apps
• Next, scroll down to the Web Browser panel
• Select your preferred browser to set as the default
• Lastly, tap the option to set as default

With the help of these steps, you can set the browser you want to open QBO in as the default.

Section B: For QuickBooks Desktop and POS

This section contains working solutions that will help you fix the QB unexpected error in QuickBooks Desktop and Point of Sale.

1. Update the POS software in QuickBooks

If you encounter the QuickBooks unexpected error when opening QB Point of Sale, it is most likely that your POS application is outdated. Therefore, follow these steps to update the QB Desktop POS application to the latest version.:

• Open the file explorer and head to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\EntitlementClient\V8 (V6 for QBPOS 10.0)
• Move to the EntitlementClient
• Next, click on the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file
• Now select Rename and add .old after the EntitlementDataStore.ecml
• Navigate to the official QuickBooks website
• Then, head to the Product and Updates page
• Select the latest version of the POS application
• Follow the instructions on-screen and install updates
• Finally, restart your computer

Now, check if the QuickBooks unexpected error has been resolved. Still facing the same issue and not able to open QB Desktop Point of Sale, then try the next solution.

2. Repair or Reinstall the .NET Framework

Sometimes, damaged components of Windows, such as MSXML and .NET Framework, may cause issues in QuickBooks Desktop. Microsoft develops these components to run Windows applications. So, it is important to repair these damaged components to resolve any interruptions in work by following the steps below:

• Search for Control Panel through search box and open it
• Tap on the Programs
• Choose Uninstall a program under the section for Programs and Features
• Next, select the ‘Turn Windows Features On or Off’ option
• Then, tap on .NET Framework in the list, and move accordingly-
  • If the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox isn’t marked, then mark it and save the settings
  • Unmark the .NET Framework 4.5 settings, and save the settings

Note: You can also perform the same steps for .NET Framework 3.5

• If the .NET Framework settings don’t change anything in QuickBooks, then head to the Uninstall a program option and click on the .NET Framework
• Select Uninstall and do as instructed to confirm the uninstallation
• Go to the official Microsoft site and open it
• Finally, download and install the latest .NET Framework

You can repair and reinstall the .NET Framework in your system with the above process. Check if the QuickBooks unexpected error has gone. If the issue persists, then move to the next solution.

3. Check the System Configurations

Unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks Desktop can occur due to incompatibility between the system configuration and the application. This problem may be caused by incompatibility with RAM or other specifications that are incorrect or don’t support the software.

Firstly, you must verify your computer’s specifications. To do so, follow this procedure:

• Start by right-clicking on the ‘This PC’ or ‘My Computer’ icon on the desktop
• Next, choose the Properties
• Please note that an average of 8 GB of RAM and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM are required to run QB applications smoothly. Verify these specifications in your computer’s configuration to ensure system compatibility.

You need to follow the next method to resolve this issue, once you check if your system’s configurations are satisfactory.

4. Create and Use a New Windows User

When you are unable to use all the system’s features and resources, due to a lack of admin permissions, the QB Desktop can face issues. Additionally, if there are corrupted and damaged Windows components, then that can also trigger the QuickBooks unexpected error. Therefore, granting the user administrator rights can fix this problem. Go through these steps to grant the user administration rights:

• Start by opening the Accounts menu in the Control Panel
• Then, click on Other Users
• Next, choose Add Account in the options and click I don’t have this person’s sign-in Information
• Choose the ” Add a user without a Microsoft Account option

• Now, enter a new username and password to access the account
• After creating the account, tap on its name and choose Administrator as the account type
• After that, you need to log out of Windows and sign in again with the new Admin account that you created
• Open QuickBooks and execute the task that is causing this error

Now that you have created a new admin user to access the QB Desktop account, any errors should not occur. If you still face the same issue, consider moving on to the next solution.

5. Open a Sample File

The QuickBooks unexpected error might occur due to the data file failing to open. This issue might also be caused by restricted file permissions or a corrupted company data file. If you can open a company data file, then that means no damaged data exists. Follow these steps to open a data file:

• Start by accessing the QuickBooks application while holding the Ctrl Key

• Now wait until the No company open window appears
• Then, release the Ctrl key
• Make the Windows compatibility mode disabled, if the issue occurs when you launch the window
• Select the Open a sample file option on the No Company Open page
• Next, choose any sample file from the list
• Now, you need to know that when a sample company file opens without showing an error, it indicates damage to the original data file. In such a case, you will be required to run the verify and rebuild data utility.

Now, if the unexpected error occurs when you open the sample file, you need to disable the Windows compatibility mode.

6. Close the QBCF Monitor Service

QBCFMonitorService helps the QB software run seamlessly by sharing and monitoring the company file on the network. Other applications can interrupt the QBCF Monitor Service by running in the background, which can cause QuickBooks unexpected error. In this case, the best way to resolve this issue is to terminate this service through the following steps:

• While pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together, open the Task Manager window

• Head to the Details tab and choose the QBCFMonitorService.exe
• Tap on End Task > End Process
• Next, close the Task Manager panel
• Now, open QB on the workstation

You can restart the QBCF Monitor Service whenever it is required. However, if this solution also doesn’t work, then move to the following troubleshooting method.

7. Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Tool Hub software helps resolve various errors related to QuickBooks for different versions and problems related to company files, software issues, and network-related issues, among others. It comes stacked with a range of tools to address multiple types of issues. Therefore, it is essential to install QuickBooks Tool Hub to work freely without any interruption.

Once the installation procedure is complete, follow these steps to resolve company files and software-related issues.

a. Run Quick Fix My Program

The Quick Fix My Program tool will help you resolve technical glitches or bugs, allowing you to work without further disturbance. You can run this tool by following the given steps:

• Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub
• Next, head to the Program Problems tab
• Select Quick Fix My Program to run

This tool will now automatically start to repair the program issues. When the tool stops the repairing process, you need to move on to the following process.

b. Run the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

The QuickBooks File Doctor tool repairs any damaged company files and restores their functionality. Follow the steps given below to fix the company data files while using the QB Tool Hub:

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub
• Next, click the Company File Issues
• Choose the Run File Doctor Tool option
• Then, enter the Admin account credentials if prompted
• Tap Next, and the QB Doctor will fix any damage in the data file and network

Once you have fixed the damage in the company file, check if the problem is resolved. However, if the QuickBooks unexpected error continues to show up, move on to the following troubleshooting technique.

8. Resolve Network Issues

The Windows Firewall may cause a blockage and prevent the application from connecting to the network. In that case, you might see an error message stating, ‘Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred. We could not fetch your accounts from your bank.’ Now, it is crucial to troubleshoot the setting so that the QB doesn’t get blocked. To fix the TLS settings, follow the steps given below:

• Start by opening the Internet Properties window
• Then, click on Advanced
• Make a single click on Use TLS 1.2 to mark the checkbox
• Ensure that other TLS settings aren’t selected
• Next, save the settings
• After closing the Control Panel tab, check the internet speed, which should be a minimum of 3 Mbps, and also reconnect the router cables.

Now you should be able to resume working on your QuickBooks application without a problem.

Conclusion

Many users often face the QuickBooks unexpected error issue, which can be caused by various reasons. This problem may arise due to Issues with the browser, incompatibility with QuickBooks Online, damaged MSXML, .NET Framework, or Windows component, outdated operating system or software, using an invalid URL to access the QuickBooks account, or the POS Database Manager might prevent the server from connecting.

However, the QB unexpected error can be fixed through the solutions listed above. Having difficulties troubleshooting the QuickBooks unexpected error? Contact our QB specialists by dialing +1(855)-738-0359, and get expert help from certified experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kate Churchill

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.