QuickBooks File Doctor is a powerful tool designed to diagnose and repair common issues that can prevent you from opening your QuickBooks company file. If you’re encountering errors like -6150, -6000 -82, -6000 -305, -6000 -301, -6147, or -6130, or notice missing lists of customers, vendors, or employees, the File Doctor In Quickbooks can help resolve these problems efficiently. This guide will walk you through the steps to download, install, and use the QuickBooks File Doctor to get your company file back in working order.
Step 1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub
The QuickBooks Tool Hub is your central point for fixing various QuickBooks errors, including company file issues. Before proceeding, ensure QuickBooks is completely closed. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use the Tool Hub on a Windows 10, 64-bit system.
- Close QuickBooks Desktop. Make sure QuickBooks is fully shut down before starting the installation process.
- Download QuickBooks Tool Hub. Get the latest version (1.6.0.8 as of the last update) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit download link: QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file to a location you can easily access, such as your Downloads folder or desktop.
Note: If you’re unsure whether you have the latest version installed, open the Tool Hub and navigate to the Home tab. The version number is displayed at the bottom. Keeping your Tool Hub updated ensures you have access to the latest fixes and improvements. - Install the Tool Hub. Locate and open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, agreeing to the software license terms and conditions.
- Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub. Once the installation is complete, double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on your desktop to open the application.
Note: If you can’t find the desktop icon, you can easily search for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in the Windows search bar and select it from the search results to launch the program.
Search for QuickBooks Tool Hub in Windows Start Menu
Step 2: Utilize Quick Fix my File
The Quick Fix my File option within the Tool Hub provides a swift initial repair attempt for your company file.
- Navigate to Company File Issues. In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select the Company File Issues tab.
- Run Quick Fix my File. Click on the Quick Fix my File button. This utility will attempt to resolve basic company file issues automatically.
- Restart QuickBooks. Once the Quick Fix process is finished, a confirmation message will appear. Click OK and then try to launch your QuickBooks Desktop application to see if the issue is resolved.
Step 3: Run QuickBooks File Doctor for In-Depth Repair
If Quick Fix my File doesn’t resolve the problem, the next step is to run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool, which offers a more comprehensive diagnostic and repair process.
- Access QuickBooks File Doctor. From the Company File Issues tab in the Tool Hub, select Run QuickBooks File Doctor. It may take a moment (up to one minute) for the File Doctor to launch.
Note: In some cases, the QuickBooks File Doctor might not open directly from the Tool Hub. If this happens, you can manually search for “QuickBooks Desktop File Doc” in Windows and open it from the search results. - Select Your Company File. In the QuickBooks File Doctor interface, use the dropdown menu to choose your company file. If your file is not listed, click Browse to manually locate and select your company file (.QBW).
- Choose File Check Option. Select the Check your file option (the middle option) and then click Continue to proceed. This option is specifically designed to diagnose and repair file issues.
- Enter Admin Password. You will be prompted to enter your QuickBooks administrator password. Type in your password and click Next to start the file diagnosis and repair process.
The duration of the scan depends on the size of your company file and the complexity of the issues. It can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It’s important to note that the scan might sometimes indicate that it was unsuccessful, even if it has resolved the underlying problems. After the scan is complete, regardless of the outcome message, attempt to open QuickBooks and your company file.
If QuickBooks File Doctor is unable to fix your company file issue, more advanced data recovery methods may be necessary. Intuit provides further resources on how to Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file, which you may need to consult for further troubleshooting steps.
