QuickBooks is a lifesaver for many small to medium-sized businesses, simplifying complex financial tasks. However, encountering errors like QuickBooks Error 6000, -83 can be frustrating and disruptive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to understand, diagnose, and fix this common error.
What is QuickBooks Error 6000, -83?
QuickBooks Error 6000, -83 usually occurs when users try to open, backup, or restore a company file. This error often signifies issues with the company file itself or problems within the network setup.
Common causes of QuickBooks Error 6000, -83
- Corrupt or damaged company files
- Incorrect hosting settings
- Blocked communication by firewall or security software
- Network issues or incorrect file paths
Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 6000, -83
Error messages
When this error strikes, you might see messages like "An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file" or similar notifications indicating issues with the company file.
Signs indicating the error
- Unable to open the company file
- Frequent crashes or freezes
- Slow performance while accessing files
Preliminary Checks Before Fixing the Error
Before diving into detailed solutions, perform some preliminary checks to rule out basic issues.
Ensuring QuickBooks is updated
Make sure you’re running the latest version of QuickBooks. Updates often include fixes for known issues and can resolve error 6000, -83.
Verifying file extensions and settings
Ensure your company file has the correct .QBW extension and the associated .ND and .TLG files are present.
Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error 6000, -83
1. Ensure QuickBooks is Updated
First, make sure you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks. Updates often include fixes for known issues and can help resolve error 6000, -83.
- Open QuickBooks.
- Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Click Update Now, then Get Updates.
2. Use QuickBooks File Doctor
QuickBooks File Doctor is a handy tool designed to diagnose and fix common problems with company files.
- Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
- Open Tool Hub and select Company File Issues.
- Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
- Select your company file from the list and let the tool diagnose and fix issues.
3. Rename .ND and .TLG Files
The .ND and .TLG files are configuration files that help QuickBooks access company files in a network or multi-user environment. Renaming these files can often resolve error 6000, -83.
- Open the folder containing your company file.
- Locate the files with the extensions .ND and .TLG that correspond to your company file.
- Right-click each file and select Rename, then add .OLD at the end of each filename (e.g., CompanyFileName.qbw.nd to CompanyFileName.qbw.nd.OLD).
- Open QuickBooks and try accessing your company file again.
4. Restore a Backup Copy of Your Company File
If your company file is damaged, restoring a backup can help.
- Open QuickBooks.
- Go to File > Open or Restore Company.
- Select Restore a backup copy and click Next.
- Choose Local Backup and click Next.
- Browse to the backup file location, select it, and click Open.
- Follow the prompts to restore your company file.
5. Check Hosting Settings
Incorrect hosting settings can cause issues with opening company files in a network environment.
- Open QuickBooks on all systems accessing the company file.
- Go to File > Utilities.
- If you see Host Multi-User Access, do not select it. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it.
- Ensure that only the server or main system is hosting the multi-user access.
6. Configure Firewall and Security Settings
Sometimes, your firewall or security software might block QuickBooks from accessing the company file.
- Open your firewall settings.
- Ensure that ports 8019, and ports 56726-56728 are open.
- Add QuickBooks programs (QuickBooks.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe) to the exceptions list.
7. Use UNC Path Instead of Mapped Drive
Accessing the company file using the UNC path instead of the mapped drive can sometimes resolve the error.
- Open QuickBooks.
- Go to File > Open or Restore Company.
- Select Open a company file and click Next.
- In the File name field, type the UNC path (e.g., \ServerName\SharedFolder\CompanyFile.QBW).
- Click Open and check if the error is resolved.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error 6000, -83 and restore your company file successfully. If the error persists despite trying these solutions, you might need to contact QuickBooks Support for further assistance. They can provide advanced troubleshooting and support to help you get back on track.
FAQs
Q1. What is QuickBooks Error 6000, -83?
QuickBooks Error 6000, -83 is an error that occurs when trying to open, backup, or restore a QuickBooks company file, often due to file corruption or network issues.
Q2. Can QuickBooks File Doctor fix all QuickBooks errors?
QuickBooks File Doctor can resolve many common QuickBooks issues, but not all. It’s a good first step, but further troubleshooting may be needed for more complex problems.
Q3. How often should I update QuickBooks?
You should update QuickBooks whenever a new version is released, as updates often include important fixes and improvements. Regular updates help prevent errors.
Q4. Is it safe to edit the Windows Hosts file?
Yes, it’s safe if you follow the instructions carefully. Editing the host file can resolve network-related QuickBooks errors, but incorrect changes can cause network issues.
Q5. What should I do if none of the solutions work?
If none of the solutions work, consider contacting QuickBooks Support for further assistance. They can provide advanced troubleshooting and support tailored to your specific situation.
