Users can run into the QuickBooks error ‘the file exists’ at very different points while using the application. It arises when users try to open two different company files and QB is not reading these files correctly. Due to this error, users face difficulty updating payroll, paying scheduled liabilities, opening state/federal forms, and completing many other tasks. The error message associated with it is:-
The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not being used by another program or a read-only file. The windows error was “The File Exists”.
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Reasons for QuickBooks Desktop Error ‘the file exists’
There are six different reasons that can lead to QuickBooks Desktop Error ‘The file exists’. It includes having problems with the QuickBooks application and Windows settings. The complete list of reasons is as follows:
- The user is running an outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop.
- Internet security settings are not appropriate for QBD.
- The user’s internet connection is poor.
- Windows User Account Control settings are restricting QuickBooks functions.
- Firewall and Internet security settings are blocking QuickBooks’ function.
Ways to Fix QuickBooks Error ‘the file exists’
There are five different ways to fix the QuickBooks error ‘the file exists’. They involve updating the QBD application, making changes to User Account Control, registering QB files again and reinstalling QBD. The detailed steps you need to follow are:-
Solution 1- Updating QuickBooks Desktop Application
Using an outdated QBD application can be a reason for QuickBooks ‘The File Exists’ error. Updating your application is the easiest way to fix it:-
- Press the Windows Start button and search QuickBooks Desktop from the search field.
- Right-click on the QBD icon and select Run as Administrator.
- Close any company file if it is open and then tap on the Help tab.
- Choose Update QuickBooks Desktop from the options and then go to the Update Now tab.
- Tick-mark Reset Update checkbox and then tap on Get Updates.
- Wait for the download to finish and then rerun QBD.
- Accept the prompt to install the new release when it appears on the screen.
Solution 2- Change User Account Control in Windows Settings
Windows User Account Control settings can restrict certain QB activities leading to QuickBooks Desktop Error ‘the file exists’. You need to turn it off. These are the steps you need to follow:-
- Press Windows + R to open the Run windows.
- Type in the Control Panel in the text box and tap on OK.
- Now tap on User Accounts and select User Accounts (Classic View).
- Click on Change User Account Control Settings.
Note:- Click on Yes if the prompt by UAC appears on your screen.
- Now shift the slider to Never Notify and then click on OK to turn UAC OFF.
- Reboot your system and then rerun the QuickBooks application.
Solution 3- Re-register QB.DLL and .OCX Through Reboot.bat file
Problems with your .DLL and .OCX file can be a reason for QuickBooks ‘The File Exists’ error. You need to register them using the Reboot.bat file to fix the error. These are the steps you need to follow:-
- Close your running QuickBooks application.
- Then press the start button and type in QuickBooks in the search bar.
- Right-click on the QB icon and select Properties from the list.
- Now click on Open File Location and browse for the Reboot.bat file.
- Right-click on the Reboot.bat file and select Run as Administrator from the option.
- Wait for the black colour command prompt to appear and it will scroll all the QB files.
- It will close automatically and restart your system after it’s done.
- Now rerun the QuickBooks application and check if the error is resolved or not.
Solution 4- Allowing Full Control for QuickBooks
Lack of access rights can be a reason for QuickBooks’ error ‘the file exists’. You need to allow full permissions for QB, these are the steps you should follow:-
- Press the Windows Start button and type QuickBooks in the search bar.
- Right-click on the QB icon and choose Open file location and press the backspace key once.
- Now right-click the QuickBooks 20XX (XX=year) folder and select Properties.
- Go to the Security tab, tap on Edit, and click on Add.
- Select Everyone and click on OK. Choose the Full Control option and tap on Apply.
- Now repeat the above step again and enter Users instead of Everyone.
Solution 5- Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop Application
This should be your last option and only be selected if all the above solutions fail to fix the QuickBooks error ‘the file exists’. Create a backup of your company file and note down your license number and all-important details before uninstalling QuickBooks. Follow these steps:-
- Press Windows+R and Run box will open up.
- Type in appwiz.cpl and tap on OK.
- A new window will open up, find QuickBooks from the list and double-click on it, then select Uninstall from the options.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove QuickBooks from the windows.
- Now close the window and download the installation file for your version of QuickBooks.
- Finally, install it on your system.
Conclusion
So with this, we conclude all the reasons and solutions for the QuickBooks error ‘the file exists’. There can be many other errors that may arise due to insufficient permissions. If this error is still not resolved after following all the above solutions, reach out to an expert. Call Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at +1-855-738-0359, and an expert will guide you with advanced troubleshooting methods.
FAQ’s
Ans: 1- Create a Backup Copy: Before attempting to repair the corrupted QuickBooks file, create a backup copy of your file. This will help you restore the original file if the repair process fails.
2: Run the QuickBooks File Doctor: QuickBooks provides an automated tool called the QuickBooks File Doctor that can be used to repair corrupted files. Simply download and launch the program, and follow the on-screen instructions to repair your file.
3: Restore a Backup Copy: If the repair process fails, you can restore your backup copy of the file to get back to a working version.
Contact QuickBooks Expert: If you are still unable to repair the corrupted QuickBooks file, contact the expert team for further assistance.
Ans: 1- Close QuickBooks Desktop.
2- Manually delete the .ND and .TLG files.
3- Reopen QuickBooks Desktop and open the company file.
4- Try to open the file again.
5- If the error persists, run the QuickBooks File Doctor.
6- If the error still persists, use the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) tool.
7- If the error persists, contact QuickBooks support for assistance.
Ans: There are a few possible reasons QuickBooks may not be able to open or find your company file. First, make sure the file is in the correct location. It should be in the same folder where it was when it was last used. Second, make sure you are using the same computer where the file was last used. Third, double-check the file name and make sure it is spelled correctly. Lastly, make sure the file is not open in another version of QuickBooks.
