QuickBooks Rebuild Error 213: How to Identify and Remove Duplicate Entries

Last Updated on October 31, 2025

Working on a damaged company file slows your day-to-day accounting operations. It mainly occurs due to duplicate entries in the QBWin.log file. It happens when you import transactions and lists from other applications or another company file, so you need to edit the list to remove duplicate entries manually. There may be times when you have tried to fix it using the QuickBooks Verify & Rebuild Data utility. However, sometimes that doesn’t repair the damaged company file but ends up in QuickBooks rebuild error 213. The error code often appears with the following message:

In this blog, we will show you how to troubleshoot the specific error in a step-by-step manner.

If you need a professional to help you fix the damaged or corrupt company file, feel free to get in touch with our experts for consultation at +1(855)-738-0359!

What is QuickBooks Rebuild Error 213?

QuickBooks error 213 is a problem that users can stumble upon when rebuilding the company file.

• The QuickBooks software on your system stops responding to keyboard or mouse inputs.
• You might not be able to switch from single-user mode to multi-user mode.
• Your computer system abruptly shuts down or crashes frequently.
• You might find yourself unable to access the company file after using the Verify Data tool.
• Some of the tabs on your computer screen might have turned grey.

Now, let’s move ahead and understand what the causes behind error 213 in QuickBooks can be.

Also Read: Fix QuickBooks Not Updating Issue [Effective Troubleshooting Solutions]

What are the Root Causes of the QuickBooks Error 213?

One of the reasons why you may end up with the QuickBooks rebuild error 213 is a duplicate entry in the QBWin.log file. However, the reasons listed below will help you understand why you are facing this issue:

• A misconfigured Windows registry file may be one of the reasons.
• You accidentally deleted some registry records
• It can take place due to incorrect customer input.
• Inappropriate passageways for non-existent jobs are at odds with a group rule.

After understanding why the QuickBooks rebuild error 213 is causing trouble in your software, let’s move on and see how you can resolve it.

Troubleshooting Steps To Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 213

When the company file is damaged or corrupted, you may end up in a situation where you are unable to manage customer, employee, class, item, vendor, and name lists. In these situations, when the company file is damaged, you encounter rebuild error 213. This section of the blog covers steps for you to resolve this issue.

Note: Back up your company file to your desktop or a removable storage device before you begin troubleshooting to avoid data loss.

Step 1: Access the QuickBooks Log File in QBDT

To begin, you have to access the QBDT and follow the steps mentioned:

• Hit the F2 key on your keyboard to open the Product Information window.
• Press the F3 key to open the Tech Help window.

• Now, move to the Open File tab.
• Choose the QBWin.log option.
• You can also go to the file path mentioned below to locate the file: C:\Users \USER NAME \AppData \Local \Intuit \QuickBooks \log \XXX\ (X represents your QB version)
• Then, double-click and open the QBWin.log file.

If error 213 in QuickBooks persists even after accessing the QBWin.log file, you may rename the Duplicate Entries by following the method below.

Step 2: Rename Duplicate Entries

You may encounter this issue if you have duplicate entries in the QBWin.log file. Thus, you need to locate the entries and rename them to avoid duplication. Follow the steps below to find and rename the file:

• Hit Ctrl + End to reach the bottom of the page.
• Then press Ctrl+F and enter “Duplicate” in the Find window.
• Click the Rename option to find the duplicate entry.
• Then, remove all duplicates from the list file.

To make sure that no duplicate entries are left, run the Run Verify Data utility by following the steps below:
Firstly, to verify the company file:

• Go to the File menu.
• From the drop-down menu, select the Utilities option.
• Here, choose the Verify Data option.
• Then, tap on OK to continue.

Now, to rebuild the data, follow the steps below:

• Head to the File menu.
• Choose the Utilities option.
• Here, select the Rebuild Data option.
• Lastly, click on OK to rebuild the data.

These steps will help you to verify and rebuild the data and fix the QuickBooks rebuild error 213 in your system.

Step 3: Use the Quick Fix my Program Feature

You can also use the Quick Fix my Program feature to help you overcome the error code 213.

• First, go to the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Next, open the .exe file and run the installation by following the on-screen prompts.
• Run the tool hub after the installation is completed.
• Now, head over to the Program Problems tab.
• Choose the Quick Fix my Program option under the Program Problems tab.

After using this Quick Fix my Program feature, if you still encounter this error, proceed to the following troubleshooting method.

Step 4: Use a Patch File

To overcome this issue in your QBDT, you can download and use a patch file. To perform this process without any difficulty, here are the steps to be followed:

• Log in as an administrator in your system.
• Download a patch file from a trusted website.
• Save the file in an easily accessible location.
• Now, extract the downloaded patch file.
• Ensure the details in the patch file, and then double-tap on the extracted file.
• If you notice that the file is closing without showing any error message, a pop-up command message appears on the screen.
• Launch the program, then tap OK.

If the patch file doesn’t resolve your issue, you can also rename the file and verify whether the name triggers the problem.

Step 5: Use the Name List to Locate and Edit the File Name

With the help of the steps mentioned below, you can locate and edit the file name in the name list:

• Access the QB Desktop app.
• Now, move to the Banking menu section.
• Choose the Write Checks option or hit Ctrl + W on your keyboard.
• The Write Checks window would open.
• Click on the PAY TO THE ORDER OF dropdown menu or select Ctrl + L.
• Now, the Name List window will open.
• Press the Include Inactive checkbox to show all the names.
• Then, press the Name column to sort the list alphabetically.
• Note down the duplicate names you see.
• Then open the list with the duplicate name.
• Select a duplicate name twice to edit.
• Change at least one character.
• Hit OK.

These steps will help you locate the file and, thereafter, rename it to resolve error 213 in your QBDT.

Step 6: Delete or Change Duplicate Items

From the items list, you can delete or change the duplicate items to resolve the QuickBooks rebuild error 213 by following the steps below:

• Access the QuickBooks Desktop.
• Then, go to the Lists menu.
• Head over to the Items List option.
• Go to the Items tab from the drop-down menu.
• Check the Show Inactive items checkbox.
• Find the duplicate name from the list.

These troubleshooting methods will help you overcome the QuickBooks rebuild error 213.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have listed the reasons why you are experiencing QuickBooks rebuild error 213 in your system. Moreover, we have provided a step-by-step approach to help you overcome this issue. However, if the error persists, our expert team is here to assist you. We are dedicated to ensuring your QuickBooks experience is smooth and easy to manage. Speak to us at +1(855)-738-0359!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

Oriana Zabell

Oriana Zabell, a professional cloud engineer, has over three years of experience in desktop, online QuickBooks support and troubleshooting. She is currently working as a cloud hosting consultant with Asquare Cloud Hosting. She loves to read and write about the latest technologies such as cloud computing, AI, DaaS, small businesses, manufacturing. When not writing, she is either reading novels or is indulged in a debate with movie fanatics.