How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 6000?

For complex accounting software like QuickBooks, it becomes imperative to classify errors into different categories for simplifying resolution. Many of these errors are grouped and coded in specific ways to denote the commonalities they share in the steps for resolution or identify affected components. One such group is the error 6000 series which typically are seven or eight-digit codes that are accompanied by a message that conveys the inability of the software to open the company file the user wants. We will dig into the details of the QuickBooks error code 6000 series and consider the generic steps involved in resolving them.

Different 6000 Series Error Codes

There are as many as 27 different types of 6000 series errors. 

A typical 6000 series error can look like 60XX, XXXX, 61XX, XXXX or 62XX, XXXX. For instance, a couple of errors with error code 6189 look like -6189, -83 and -6189, 1005.

Here’s a summary of the possible causes for the different 6000 series errors.

• Blocked firewall
• Corrupted .TLG, .QBW, .QBB or, .ND file
• Improper network configuration
• Incorrect file path
• File hosting or access issues

How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 6000?

Before you proceed with any of the diagnostic steps, ensure that you have the updated version of QuickBooks. If not, update it to the latest available version. If you are lucky, that should solve the problem.

Having said that, QuickBooks error code 6000 can be displayed for both local and network issues. So, upgrading the version might be sufficient for some of these errors, most of which are likely to be local. 

The next step would be to test if the error is because of the local or on the network.

Step 1: Rename Transaction Log and Network Descriptor Files

Regardless of the network or local issue, renaming the .TLG and .ND files by appending .OLD to them and reopening the company file will recreate these files again after scanning with QuickBooks Database Server Manager. There is a chance of seeing the 6000 series error if either of these files is corrupted or there is a mismatch between them. Users can continue to use QuickBooks in multi-user mode without losing QuickBooks data once the new files are generated.

Step 2: Confirm If the Issue is With the Network or on the Local

Intuit QuickBooks provides a sample company file on every QuickBooks installation. A simple way to determine if the issue is on the local QuickBooks installation or in the network is to try an open the sample company file. If the file does not open on the local, there is a higher probability that the issue is with the local QuickBooks installation. If it does open, proceed with the diagnostic steps for resolving the network issues.

Step 3: Try a Different File Path

Based on the results in step 2, if you suspect that the issue is on the local, try moving the file to the desktop or another folder with a smaller path to identify if there is an issue with the file path. If that doesn’t work either, it could indicate that the file is damaged, which could be a local issue, or that there is an issue with the network. If the company file is damaged, proceed with the next step.

Step 4: Retrieve the Company File Backup

QuickBooks allows you to save the updates of your work regularly. These backup files are stored as .qbb files which can be saved locally. This .qbb file can be used to create a new .qbw company file. Ensure that the multi-user access is disabled when you do this and the path to the .qbw file is no longer than 25 characters. Use the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery tool to try and recover the lost data if you have confirmed that the QuickBooks file is damaged.

While these steps should be able to resolve local issues, some additional steps need to be performed to identify and resolve network issues.

Step 5: Scan for Network Issues

If you haven’t already run a scan after renaming the .ND and .TLG files, use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the QuickBooks Tools Hub to troubleshoot network issues. The tool will automatically update the firewall settings and open up blocked ports if those are the issues. It will also help you narrow down the possible errors if the issue cannot be automatically resolved.

Step 6: Open the Local Copy of the File

If you are operating on the multi-user mode with the QuickBooks file hosted on another server, try copying the company file from the networked drive to the local. If the file opens on the desktop, it could be a confirmation of a network issue such as a firewall blocking a port, incorrect setup or file hosting issues.

Step 7: Restart QuickBooks Processes

Some of the 6000 series QuickBooks errors are caused due to issues with the various QuickBooks processes. Force stopping and restarting processes on the server hosting QuickBooks should be able to restore the files. This can be done only by users with admin rights on the server. Specific processes like qbw32.exe, qbupdate.exe, and qbdbmgr.exe have to be terminated and restarted. These executable files are responsible for controlling operations like updating QuickBooks and managing its database. The issue has been resolved if you can open the company file in multi-user mode. 

Step 8: Anti-Virus Software Issues or Blocked Ports

Anti-virus software often overrides some settings for security reasons. This could hamper the normal operations of QuickBooks which requires an internet connection. Usually, this is because of the firewall settings of the anti-virus software. QuickBooks requires firewall port 8019 to be open and some anti-virus applications update the internet settings to block them. Updating the anti-virus software settings and restoring internet settings should resolve the issues.

Conclusion

As versatile and robust QuickBooks Desktop is it is still susceptible to several errors. Many of these QuickBooks codes are hard to decipher for novices. Solving QB errors is a challenge in its own right. Considering the number of things that could possibly have gone wrong when users see the QuickBooks error code 6000, the solution is seldom straightforward. On one hand, it could be as trivial as two users trying to access the same company file in a single-user mode, on the other hand, the entire file might have been corrupted and cannot be repaired using the suggested tools. Such hassles can be avoided altogether if you opt for hosted QuickBooks Desktop.

A managed services provider can save you the time and trouble of setting up and maintaining the accounting software. You get 24/7 QuickBooks support via phone, chat, and email from a service provider like Apps4Rent whose experts deal with these errors and more day in and day out. Contact us today.