How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code: Company File Not Found?

QuickBooks Desktop users often encounter a frustrating message that says, “Warning: The company file you selected could not be found.” This issue, commonly known as QuickBooks Error Code: Company File Not Found, can interrupt your workflow and delay critical accounting tasks. The good news is that this error is usually easy to fix once you understand what causes it and how to locate or restore your company file.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn why QuickBooks can’t find your company file and how to resolve the issue whether your file is stored on a network server or saved locally on your computer.

What Causes the “Company File Not Found” Error in QuickBooks?

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s important to understand why this error occurs. In most cases, QuickBooks shows this warning due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The QuickBooks company file was moved to a new location
• The file was renamed or deleted
• Your computer is disconnected from the network where the file is stored
• The server hosting the file is offline or unreachable
• QuickBooks is trying to open a file from an invalid or outdated path

Once you identify how you usually access your company file, you can apply the correct troubleshooting steps.

Fixing QuickBooks Company File Not Found Error When Accessing Over a Network

If your QuickBooks company file is stored on a server or another computer on the same network, follow the solutions below in order.

Solution 1: Check Network Connectivity by Pinging the Server

The first step is to confirm that your workstation can communicate with the server where the company file is stored.

Step 1: Identify the Server Name

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. Type CMD and click OK.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
4. Note the Host Name listed. This is your server name.

Step 2: Ping the Server

1. In the same Command Prompt window, type: ping [server name]
2. Press Enter.

What the results mean:

• If you receive replies for all packets, your computer is connected to the network.
• If you see packet loss or delayed responses, a network issue likely exists. In this case, contact a qualified IT professional to inspect your network.

If the network connection is stable and the error persists, move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Search for the QuickBooks Company File on the Server

Sometimes the file still exists but was moved to a different folder. A wildcard search helps locate it quickly.

Perform a Wildcard Search

On the server computer, type the following file extensions into the Windows search bar one at a time. Always include the asterisk (*) before the extension:

• *.qbw – Working company files
• *.qbb – Backup files
• *.qba – Accountant’s copy files
• *.qbx – Accountant’s transfer files
• *.qby – Accountant’s change files

If you find the file, note its exact location and continue to Solution 3. If no files appear, an IT professional may need to help recover or restore the data.

Solution 3: Open or Restore the File in QuickBooks Desktop

The steps to open your file depend on its file type.

A. Open a Company File (.qbw) or Accountant’s Copy (.qba)

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click File → Open or Restore Company.
3. Select Open a Company File, then click Next.
4. Browse to the file location and select the file.
5. Click Open.

B. Restore a Backup File (.qbb)

1. Go to File → Open or Restore Company.
2. Choose Restore a Backup File, then click Next.
3. Select Local Backup and click Next.
4. Browse to the backup file and select it.
5. Choose a location to save the restored file and click Save.

C. Convert an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File (.qbx)

1. Select File → Open or Restore Company.
2. Choose Convert an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File.
3. Click Next and acknowledge the information window.
4. Select the .qbx file and click Open.
5. Choose a location to save the converted file and click Save.

Fixing QuickBooks Company File Not Found Error for Local Files

If your QuickBooks file is saved on the same computer you’re using, the troubleshooting process is simpler.

Solution 1: Locate the Company File on Your Computer

Use a wildcard search to find the file on your local system.

Search Using File Extensions

In the Windows search bar, type the following (one at a time):

• *.qbw
• *.qbb
• *.qba
• *.qbx
• *.qby

Once you locate the file, write down its folder path and continue to the next step. If you can’t find the file, professional data recovery assistance may be required.

Solution 2: Open or Restore the File in QuickBooks

Use the same opening or restoring steps based on the file type.

A. Open a Company File (.qbw or .qba)

1. Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to File → Open or Restore Company.
3. Select Open a Company File and click Next.
4. Choose the file and click Open.

B. Restore a Backup File (.qbb)

1. Select File → Open or Restore Company.
2. Choose Restore a Backup File and click Next.
3. Select Local Backup, then choose your backup file.
4. Pick a location to save the restored file and click Save.

C. Restore an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File (.qbx)

1. Go to File → Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Convert an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File.
3. Click Next, then choose the .qbx file.
4. Select a save location and click Save.

Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Company File Errors in the Future

To avoid seeing the “company file not found” error again, follow these best practices:

• Always store company files in a dedicated folder
• Avoid renaming or moving QuickBooks files manually
• Maintain regular backups on an external drive or secure cloud storage
• Ensure your network connection remains stable
• Use proper folder permissions for multi-user access

Final Thoughts

The QuickBooks Error Code: Company File Not Found can seem alarming, but it rarely means your data is lost. In most cases, the file was moved, renamed, or temporarily inaccessible due to network issues. By checking your network connection, searching for the file, and opening or restoring it correctly, you can regain access to your company data quickly and safely.

If the file remains missing after following these steps, consider reaching out to an IT expert or QuickBooks professional at 1-888-820-7278 to prevent permanent data loss and ensure your accounting system stays reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions