Fix QuickBooks Error -6000 When Opening Company File

Experiencing a QuickBooks -6000 series error can be frustrating—especially when you’re trying to access your company file and get back to work. These errors often appear with additional digits (for example, -6000, -83 or -6190, -816) and typically indicate issues involving file corruption, hosting configuration, firewall settings, or network setup.

In this guide, you’ll learn what the -6000 errors mean and how to resolve them quickly using proven troubleshooting steps. Whether you open your company file locally or across a network, this in-depth tutorial will help restore seamless access.

Understanding QuickBooks Error -6000 Series

QuickBooks -6000 errors occur in both local and multi-user network environments. They point to problems involving the company file (.QBW), network setup, or supporting files like .ND and .TLG, which help QuickBooks communicate across multiple devices.

Below are some of the most common -6000 series errors and what usually causes them:

Common -6000 Errors and Their Causes

• -6176, 0 – Firewall blocking connections
• -6000, -107 – Damaged .TLG file
• -6000, -1076 – Corrupted QuickBooks installation
• -6010, -100 / -6138, -105 / -6210, 0 – File hosted on a non-server workstation
• -6189, -83 / -6190, -83 – File hosted incorrectly or mismatch between .tlg and .qbw
• -6012, -1061 / -6144, -82 / -6000, -82 – Incorrect network configuration
• -6129, -101 – Wrong folder permissions or issues with Database Server Manager
• -6190, 816 / -6190, -85 / -6190, -82 – Conflict between .tlg and .qbw or single-user mode conflicts
• -6000, -832 – Hosting turned on or damaged .ND file
• -6144, -304 / -6190, 1005 / -6189, 1005 – Error while opening QuickBooks
• -6000, -305 – Network misconfiguration or company file damage
• -6073, -816 – Multiple computers hosting, firewall block, or file corruption
• -6144, -103 / -6144, 0 – Incorrect .ND file path or damaged server manager user account
• -6120, 0 – Workstation hosting error or blocked QuickBooks port 8019
• -6087, 0 / -6131, 0 – File opened locally on the wrong system
• -6147, 0 – Error opening or restoring a backup file

Follow These Steps to Fix QuickBooks Company File -6000 Errors

Follow these proven troubleshooting steps. Each solution below is designed to identify the root cause and guide you toward a quick and reliable fix.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Release

Before troubleshooting individually, ensure your QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest release. Updates often include patches and stability improvements that resolve -6000 errors automatically.

Step 2: Fix Errors Using the QuickBooks Tool Hub

1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Tool Hub provides powerful utilities to fix common issues, including -6000 errors.

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Download the latest Tool Hub version (1.6.0.8).
3. Open the installer (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the setup instructions and agree to the terms.
5. Launch the Tool Hub from your desktop or Windows search bar.

2: Run QuickBooks File Doctor

1. Open the Tool Hub.
2. Go to Company File Issues.
3. Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor (may take a minute to launch).
4. Choose your company file or browse to find it.
5. Select Check your file.
6. Enter your admin password and click Next.

If you still experience problems, move forward based on how you open your file—locally or over a network.

Fixing QuickBooks Error -6000 When Opening the File Locally

Opening the file locally means QuickBooks and your company file are stored on the same computer. If your company file is saved on the same computer where QuickBooks is installed, try these solutions.

Solution 1: Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

These files support network access. If they’re damaged, QuickBooks may fail to open the company file.

1. Open the folder containing your company file.
2. Locate the files:
   • company_file.qbw.nd
   • company_file.qbw.tlg
3. Right-click each and select Rename.
4. Add .OLD to the end (e.g., company_file.qbw.nd.OLD).
5. Reopen QuickBooks and try accessing your file.

Solution 2: Open a Sample Company File

This test determines whether the error is caused by QuickBooks Desktop or your specific company file.

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. At the No Company Open window, select Open a Sample File.
3. If the sample file opens, your QuickBooks installation is likely fine—continue to Solution 3.
4. If not, you must repair QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 3: Move the Company File to the Desktop

Long file paths or restricted folders can block QuickBooks from opening files.

1. Locate your .QBW file.
2. Copy and paste it to your Desktop.
3. Hold Ctrl while launching QuickBooks to open the No Company window.
4. Choose Open or restore an existing company, then open the file from your desktop.

If the file still doesn’t open, proceed to Solution 4.

Solution 4: Restore a Backup File

If your current .QBW file is damaged, restoring from a backup may fix the issue.

If you encounter errors while restoring:

• Make sure hosting is turned off on your computer.
• Confirm the file path is shorter than 210 characters.
• Attempt to restore again.

If unsuccessful, move to Solution 5.

Solution 5: Restore Using Auto Data Recovery

QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) can rebuild or restore a corrupted company file. Use this tool if your primary file is too damaged to repair.

Fixing QuickBooks Error -6000 When Opening the File Over a Network

When opening a company file stored on a server, network issues or hosting conflicts often cause -6000 errors.

Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings

Only the server computer should host company files.

1. Press F2 in QuickBooks.
2. Under Local Server Information, ensure hosting is OFF on all workstations.

Solution 2: Rename .ND and .TLG Files & Re-Scan Using QB Database Server Manager

Step 1: Rename Supporting Files

Same steps as in the local setup—rename both file extensions to .OLD.

Step 2: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Go to Network Issues.
3. Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
4. Run Start Scan on your company file location.
5. Try opening your file again.

Solution 3: Test a Sample Company File on a Workstation

If the sample file fails to open, your QuickBooks installation needs repair. If it opens, continue to Solution 4.

Solution 4: Copy the Company File to the Desktop

Test the file from the desktop to check for location-related issues. If it fails again, proceed to Solution 5.

Solution 5: Close All QuickBooks Processes

1. Log in as Administrator on the server.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
3. Select Users.
4. End all QuickBooks-related tasks (QBW32.EXE, qbupdate.exe, QBDBMgr.exe).
5. Try opening the company file in multi-user mode.

Solution 6: Verify Folder Permissions

Incorrect folder permissions can prevent network users from opening the file. Ensure full read/write access on the host computer or server.

Solution 7: Configure Firewall Ports and Antivirus Settings

Firewall or antivirus programs may block QuickBooks components. Make sure QuickBooks ports and program files are added as exceptions. If unsure, contact your antivirus provider.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks -6000 errors can stem from several causes—from hosting conflicts to corrupted supporting files. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring smooth access to your company data. Whether you work locally or in a multi-user environment, the solutions above provide a clear path to fixing QuickBooks Error -6000 and getting back to business without disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions