How to Fix QuickBooks Won’t Open or Doesn’t Start Error?

Millions of people and organizations use the robust accounting program QuickBooks to manage their finances. But it can occasionally have problems, just like any piece of software, and one of those is when QuickBooks won’t open error. This mistake can be annoying, don’t worry; we’ve put together a detailed article to assist you in troubleshooting and fixing it.

Understanding the QuickBooks Won’t Open Error

There can be various reasons why QuickBooks won’t open or launch properly. It’s essential to diagnose the problem correctly before attempting to fix it. Here are some common scenarios and their potential causes:

1. QuickBooks Won’t Open After Update

QuickBooks updates are designed to improve the software’s functionality and security. However, sometimes, these updates can conflict with your system or other software, causing QuickBooks not to open.

Solution: Try the following steps:

Solution 1: Uninstall the recent update and check if QuickBooks opens. If it does, wait for a stable update or contact QuickBooks help desk.

Solution 2: Repair or reinstall QuickBooks. Download the latest version from the official website and install it.

2. QuickBooks Opens Then Closes Immediately

This issue may occur due to damaged program files or a conflict with third-party software.

Solution: Follow these steps:

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks in Safe Mode by holding down the Ctrl key while opening it. This disables add-ons and can help identify conflicts.

Solution 2: Disable or uninstall any recently installed third-party software that might be causing conflicts.

3. QuickBooks Won’t Open in Multiuser Mode

Multiuser mode may fail to open due to network issues, data corruption, or problems with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

Solution: Resolve this issue with the following steps:

Solution 1: Check your network connection. Ensure all computers can access the server.

Solution 2: Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the computer hosting your company files.

4. QuickBooks Takes a Long Time to Open

This issue might occur if your computer has insufficient resources or if your company file is too large.

Solution: Try these solutions:

Solution 1: Close unnecessary programs and background processes to free up system resources.

Solution 2: If your company file is large, consider condensing it to improve performance.

5. QuickBooks Desktop Won’t Open in Windows 10

Compatibility issues between QuickBooks and Windows 10 can prevent it from opening.

Solution: Resolve this by:

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks to the latest version, ensuring compatibility with Windows 10.

Solution 2: Run the QuickBooks Compatibility Tool to troubleshoot compatibility issues.

Must Read:- How To Fix QuickBooks Desktop Freezing Up Error?

Step-by-Step Solutions for QuickBooks Won’t Open Error

Now that you have a better understanding of the possible causes, let’s dive into the step-by-step solutions to fix the “QuickBooks won’t open” error.

Solution 1: Suppress QuickBooks Desktop Installation

• Click the QuickBooks Desktop icon on the right first.
• Select “Open” after pressing the “CTRL key”. Hold down the “Ctrl key” until the “No Company Open” window has appeared.
• Launch QuickBooks Desktop now.

Solution 2: Create a new Windows Admin User

• Navigate through the “Control Panel” by clicking on it.
• To add a user, double-click “User Account,” then select “Manage Users,” and finally click “Add.”
• After that, input the administrator’s name and domain and press the “OK” button.
• Choose “Administrator” if you are running Windows 10.
• Following this, select Finish to be taken to the ‘User Accounts’ dialogue box. Click “OK” now.

Solution 3: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the Tools Hub

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Click Installation Issues in the tool hub.
• The QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool should be installed. Run the program. Up to 20 minutes may pass during this.
• Restart your computer after the tool has been completed.
• Open your data file in QuickBooks Desktop after starting it.

Solution 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

• Repairing the installation can help if QuickBooks still won’t open. Locate the QuickBooks entry in the list of installed programs by opening the Control Panel on your computer and choosing the option to fix it. To finish the repair procedure, adhere to the instructions. Restart your computer after the repair is finished, then attempt to launch QuickBooks once more. Continue to the following step if the problem doesn’t go away.

Solution 5: Suppress QuickBooks Desktop Installation

• Click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon
• Select “Open” after pressing the “CTRL key“. Hold down the “Ctrl key” until the “No Company Open” window has appeared.
• Launch QuickBooks Desktop now.

Solution 6: Close the QBW32.exe process

• Select “Start Task Manager” from the context menu by performing a right-click on the system’s “Windows taskbar”.
• The processes will now be arranged alphabetically if you click the “Process tab” and then the “Image Name” header.
• then look for “EXE” and click it.
• To finish, select “End Process” to end the “exe process.”

Solution 7: Rename the QBWUSER.ini file

• Attempt to access the folder containing the ini file; if you are unable to locate it, allow hidden files and folders.
• Click the “QBWUSER.ini.file” once the folder has been located, and then choose the “Rename” option.
• After that, add “Insert. old” to the end of the file name.
• Change the name of the “ecml. file” now. If QuickBooks starts up after renaming the file, the problem is fixed.

Preventing Future QuickBooks Opening Issues

To avoid encountering the “QuickBooks won’t open” error in the future, consider implementing these preventive measures:

Regular Backups:

Always backup your QuickBooks company file. This ensures that you have a safe copy in case of data corruption or file issues.

Update QuickBooks:

Keep QuickBooks up to date with the latest software updates and patches to benefit from bug fixes and compatibility improvements.

Use Reliable Hardware:

Ensure that your computer and network infrastructure meet the system requirements for QuickBooks. Outdated hardware can lead to performance issues.

Manage Add-ons Carefully:

Be cautious when installing third-party add-ons or software that integrate with QuickBooks. Ensure they are compatible with your QuickBooks version.

Train Your Team:

If you use QuickBooks in a multiuser environment, provide training to your team to prevent accidental data corruption or misuse.

Conclusion

When you encounter the “QuickBooks won’t open” error, it can be frustrating, but with patience and the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue and get back to managing your finances efficiently. Remember to follow the steps outlined in this guide, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance from QuickBooks support if needed at +1-888-905-3553.

Frequently Asked Questions