QuickBooks error 181016 or 181021 sometimes show up when opening the POS, accessing the company file, or carrying out a transaction. Here are some messages that accompany the error:
| “Problem could not open the QuickBooks Point of Sale data,” |
| “Problem could not create a company.” |
| “Could not connect to a database or load the database.” |
To troubleshoot the issue, one needs to first develop an understanding of the things that lead to it. Therefore, in this blog, we will first discuss all the reasons why you encounter the error codes 181016 or 181021 and then take you through expert-recommended ways to troubleshoot it.
Reasons for Error Codes 181016 and 181021
Firstly, let us take a look at the different reasons why you see QuickBooks error 181016 and 181021 when opening or working on POS.
- Your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system specifications required by the POS.
- There are many instances of the installation of QuickBooks Point of Sale.
- You haven’t logged into Windows with an admin user and lack privileges to access or share certain folders.
- QuickBooks POS cannot access certain Firewall ports due to Windows or antivirus restrictions.
- There is an issue with the company file folder storing or the path leading to it.
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) might be disabled or absent.
- The company data file might be corrupt or damaged
- Viruses or malware have affected system files and probably company data as well.
Top Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 181016 and 181021
To fix QuickBooks error 181016 or 181021, there are a set of things one needs to do. We have listed them in this section, coupled with detailed instructions on how to perform these solutions. Therefore, go through them and carry out the instructions given.
1. Ensure Your System Meets the Minimum Requirements of QuickBooks POS
Your computer must have the minimum specification required by QuickBooks Point of Sale for it to function smoothly.
- Here are the operating systems QuickBooks POS is compatible with:
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2011 SP1
- Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and SP2 (only supported until January 2020
- Windows 7 SP1 all editions, including 64-bit, natively installed (only supported until January 2020)
- Windows 8.1 (Update 1) all editions, including 64-bit, natively installed
- Windows 10, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed1
- Windows: One should either have the US version of Windows or an international or foreign version, then regional settings should work fine when you choose English as the language. Even if it was installed on a specific system or environment for which it was created, implying that it was an actively installed operating system, QuickBooks POS will work fine on it. It should not need virtualization or emulation software to run.
- For one user, you need to have a processor with a minimum 2GHz speed (2.8GHz recommended), and for multiple users, processors with a minimum 2.8GHz speed (3.5 GHz recommended).
- Although 4 GB is the minimum requirement for the RAM, we recommend at least 8 GB for smooth flow.
- Disk Space: You should have at least 1GB of disk space other than company data file storage.
- When it comes to optical drives, the user requires a 4X DVD-ROM drive for DVD(CD) installations.
- For Data import/export and Microsoft Office integration, you need full versions of the following software:
- Microsoft Word 2010, 2013, 2016, Office 365 (includes 64-bit)
- Microsoft Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, Office 365 (includes 64-bit)
- QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0 will be compatible with the following accounting software:
- QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 16.0-19.0
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier 2016-2019
Make sure that your system meets the above requirements. If it doesn’t, you might need to switch to a computer with better specifications.
If your computer meets the minimum specifications, and yet you meet an error code 181016 or 181021, move to the next step.
2. Get Rid of Duplicate Instances of QuickBooks POS Installation
You are likely to see an error if the QuickBooks POS is installed multiple times on your system. Let us fetch the list of QB programs, and if there are duplicate installations, remove them.
- Close QuickBooks and POS windows if open, and other background programs that you don’t need.
- Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
- In the cmd box, type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
- Now, review the list of programs and check if there are multiple installations of QuickBooks POS.
If there are, right-click on one of them and choose Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall duplicate QuickBooks POS.
3. Ensure the Company Name is Unique Over the Network
The company name should be unique in your network connection, implying that no other company with the same name should be present in the network. If you believe that the company name is not unique, follow the steps below to rename it:
- Open the File menu and go to Company Operations, followed by Open Existing Company.
- Verify the Existing Company Data to find out if the same company name appears more than once.
- If it does, open the File menu followed by Company Operations and choose Rename Company.
- Tap on Next and then assign a unique company name.
However, if this doesn’t resolve QuickBooks error 181016 and 181021, follow the next step.
4. Log into Windows With an Admin User
You must have permission to access the company file folder and make changes to the computer – the permission that is often limited to an admin user.
If you have logged into Windows with a non-admin user, log out of Windows and log in again with the administrator account. Alternatively, you can assign admin rights to the user.
5. Setup Firewall and Antivirus for QB POS
You might be aware that QuickBooks Desktop and POS both need access to certain Firewall ports to connect to the network. Windows firewall or antivirus restrictions might prevent that. Therefore, configure Windows Firewall to allow QB POS through it.
Moreover, if you have antivirus or security software installed on your system, you might need to create QuickBooks exceptions to it. Finally, restart the computer and resume the operation.
6. Rename Your Company File and Re-Open It
You can also try renaming the company file and then open it. Here is how you can rename the company file:
- Navigate to the location of the company file, which usually is:
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\Data[your company name]
- Right-tap on the company file name (with a .qbw extension) and choose Rename.
- Type in a new name for the company file and hit Enter to save the changes. (you don’t have to completely change it, you can just make minor additions, but make sure to not include invalid special characters in the company file name).
Restart QuickBooks Desktop and open the company file.
Conclusion
This was all on how to fix QuickBooks error 181016 or 181021 when working on the QBPOS or opening the company file. We saw various reasons that led to the error and methods to troubleshoot it.
However, if you continue to face the same challenge, speak to a QuickBooks expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359 now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Error codes 181016 and 181021 are some technical issues that can show up when opening QuickBooks POS, accessing the company file, working on it, or carrying out various transactions. It is often accompanied by the error message, “Problem Could not open the QuickBooks Point of Sale data.”
To resolve QuickBooks errors 181016 and 181021, here are some things you can do:
1. Check the minimum system requirements for QB POS and make sure your system meets it
2. Ensure that the company name is unique in the network you are connected to
3. If you are logged in as a non-admin user, log out and log in with an administrator user
4. Configure Windows Firewall and antivirus to make sure QB programs and POS can connect to the network
5. Rename the company file and then restart the POS
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.