Last Updated on October 31, 2025
QuickBooks Desktop makes it easy to do all your accounting and bookkeeping-related work. With this enhanced accounting application, you will get access to many tools and features to ease your business management and increase productivity. QuickBooks Point of Sale is a similar tool that is created for retail stores and inventory management. You may face one common error, which is QuickBooks status error 3170 while trying to edit a customer/vendor list.
This error can arise due to many technical triggers, such as duplicate names in QuickBooks Desktop and QB Point of Sale, which directly affect your working processes. It is essential to resolve this error to continue doing accurate and seamless accounting work. Therefore, we have created this comprehensive post to provide you with all the significant information about this error, including the causes why this issue has arisen. Moreover, you will get to know the most effective methods to troubleshoot this issue.
Resolving the error 3170 in QuickBooks can be a time-consuming process. If you don’t want to fix this error on your own, our expert team is here to help. Dial us at +1(855)-738-0359 to connect with a QuickBooks professional today.
Triggers That Can Cause Error 3170 in QuickBooks Point of Sale
You should be aware of the reasons that can cause the QuickBooks status error 3170 to build a better understanding of the troubleshooting process. Therefore, we have outlined the most significant reasons behind this issue below:
- The program crashes while operating QuickBooks Point of Sale
- Third-party software running in the background
- Corrupted or damaged company file
- An outdated QB Point of Sale software
Once we understand the reasons behind this issue, let’s know the process of how to troubleshoot this error in QB Desktop.
Note: Experiencing issues with QuickBooks POS failing to open the company file? This problem can arise due to network errors, file corruption, or configuration issues. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Delve into Troubleshooting Methods for QuickBooks Point of Sale Status Code 3170
After understanding the reasons behind the QuickBooks status error 3170, we will discuss the most effective troubleshooting methods to resolve this issue. However, before implementing any solution, you should ensure that you update QuickBooks Desktop. After ensuring that, if you are still facing this issue, then follow the methods outlined below.
Method 1: Utilize the Verify and Rebuild Data Integrity Tool from QuickBooks
As mentioned above, the issue could be due to damaged company files; thus, you can try to resolve it by running the verify and rebuild data utility. The following steps need to be implemented to do so:
- To initialize the process, you need to first close all the background running processes related to QB
- Now, rerun the QuickBooks Desktop application
- Move to the File menu
- Choose Utilities
- Next, click on the Verify Data tab
- Here, if you see an information message stating, “Your data has lost integrity”, then continue to Rebuild Data to correct the issue
- Again, head to the File menu, choose Utilities, and then Rebuild Data
- Here, confirm to create a backup of your company file
- Tap NO if you are asked to replace the backup
- Now, wait until the creation of the backup is finished, so the Rebuild utility tool starts
- Lastly, tap on OK if Rebuild has completed
Now, check whether the problem is solved. Still facing the same issue? Then, follow the next possible method.
Method 2: Run the QuickBooks Tool Hub to Repair the Damaged Company File
To resolve the damaged company file, you should have the QuickBooks Tool Hub installed in your system. Once done, ensure that you follow the next possible instructions to run the Quick Fix My File and QuickBooks File Doctor.
Step 1: Run Quick Fix My File Tool
Implement the steps outlined below to run the Quick Fix My File tool:
- Open the QB Tool Hub and head to the Company File Issues tab
- Next, choose the Quick Fix My File tool
- Finally, click OK to finish the process
Still experiencing problems with the company file? Carry out the upcoming instructions to resolve it.
Step 2: Run the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
Follow the steps below to run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool:
- Again, open the QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Navigate to the Company File Issues tab
Note: When the QB File Doctor doesn’t open, browse for the QuickBooks Desktop File Doc and open it manually.
- Now, choose the company file you want to repair from the dropdown menu. However, if you don’t see the file, choose Browser and browse to locate the file
- Then, choose Check your file, and then select Continue
- Lastly, enter the QB admin password, followed by selecting Next.
Remember that the scanning and repairing process of the company file will take up to 15 minutes. After completing the scan, it may say that it was unsuccessful even after resolving your issue. Now, check whether the issue is resolved. If you are still facing the QuickBooks status error 3170, then follow the next possible method.
Method 3: Edit the Duplicate Name from the Consumer or Vendor List
When you face the QuickBooks error 3170 while changing the vendor/customer list element, this issue can be fixed by editing the duplicate name from this list. However, to do so, it is essential to create copies of both files before performing the instructions below:
Step 1: Verifying the Activity Log
Error code 3170 can arise if there is a duplicate name present in both the QB software and the Point of Sale software. You should check the activity log to locate the name. If you already know the name, you can avoid this step. However, if you want to do so, then follow the upcoming instructions:
- Start by navigating to the Customers menu and tapping on Customer List
- Next, right-click on a column header
- Now, tap on the Customize Column option and tap on QB Status
- Verify the status of any name that shows Not Posting or Error Status
- You can also repeat the process for the Vendor list and then follow step 2 to edit the customer and vendor name.
Step 2: Edit the Customer/Vendor Name
After ensuring that there are no errors in the customer or vendor, reach the respective center by following the path mentioned below:
- Go through the Customers > Customer Center or Vendors > Vendor Center
- Next, right-tap on the name that is outlined, followed by selecting the Edit option
- Now, add a ‘1’ digit after the name
- Lastly, tap on the OK button and then run the financial exchange
Now, follow the next outlined step for merging the names.
Step 3: Merge the Names
Once you have edited the similar names, you should follow the instructions below to merge them together to fix the error:
- Start by right-tapping the edited name and then choose the Edit option
- Next, remove the number ‘1’ that we have added to the name
- Now, tap on the OK button
- Here, you will get a prompt to merge the newly edited customer or vendor with the one created by the financial exchange
- Hit the Yes option to confirm
Hopefully, following the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods will help you resolve the QuickBooks status error 3170. Now, let’s end this with a quick view of everything we have gone through in the information mentioned below.
A Quick View of QuickBooks Status Error 3170
The quick view table below provides a condensed version of the information, including causes and fixes for QuickBooks status error 3170.
| Most common reasons for QuickBooks Point of Sale error 3170 | Corrupted company files, outdated QuickBooks software, or duplicate names in the vendors and consumers list can cause this error. |
| Here are the solutions to resolve this error | Verify and rebuild the company file data integrity, use the QuickBooks Tool Hub, or edit the duplicate names in the consumers and vendors list. |
Conclusion
This detailed troubleshooting guide covers all about the QuickBooks status error 3170. It has provided you with the most potential reasons, such as a corrupt company file or an outdated QB application. Moreover, this post has mentioned the top ways to resolve this issue. It is advised that you try the troubleshooting methods in the given order.
However, if you need support in fixing this error due to technical difficulties, our specialists are just a call away. Reach out to us by dialing +1(855)-738-0359 and let the QB professional guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The QuickBooks status error 3170 is a technical issue that commonly arises while trying to edit the consumers or vendors list. This error arises when there is a duplicate name present in both the QB software and its POS application. Furthermore, error 3170 can also arise when there is any corruption or damage in the company file.
To resolve the error 3170 in the QuickBooks Desktop, first, you need to check whether your QuickBooks Desktop is updated. If it is not up to date, then you should update it to the latest version. If this doesn’t work, then you should verify and rebuild the company file’s data integrity. You can also try to run the Quick Fix My File and QuickBooks File Doctor to repair the company file. Even after attempting this, if you are still experiencing the same issue, then you should verify whether there is no duplicate list of duplicate names present in both the QB application and its POS software.
To repair the faulty QuickBooks company file, the first thing you can try is to verify and rebuild the company file’s data integrity. For that, you will need to run the Verify and Rebuild data utility from the QuickBooks Desktop. If even that doesn’t work, then you should run the QuickBooks File Doctor from the Tool Hub application.
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.