Why Should I Download the QuickBooks File Doctor?

As a user of QB Desktop, you are susceptible to various errors in your workstation, such as company file errors or network errors. To tackle these issues smoothly, QB released the QuickBooks File Doctor in the year 2012. The process for downloading this tool has changed over the years. 

Now, it comes with the QuickBooks Tool Hub, which is a hub for all the useful tools needed for troubleshooting errors with your QB app. In this blog, you’ll learn how to download and use the File Doctor, but first let’s discuss its advantages.

Want to know more about the File Doctor? Contact our QB experts now at +1(855)-738–0359.

Advantages of Using QuickBooks File Doctor

The various benefits you can get while using the QuickBooks File Doctor are listed below:

• This tool will help you save your important time and efforts by fixing various issues on its own

• It can help you diagnose and troubleshoot file issues and internet-related problems.

• It can also fix corrupted data while scanning various files and folders

Things to Keep in Mind Before Using the File Doctor

• Ensure that you have downloaded and updated your QB app to the latest version

• If you’re using the 2015 version of QuickBooks, you will get a built-in file doctor tool. But it is recommended to still use the tool from the QB Tool Hub

• Microsoft 3.5 .NET Framework on Windows 10 is required to run the File Doctor

• File Doctor can only be used on Windows

• Log in to QB as an admin before you use the File Doctor

• Your company file should be smaller than 2 GB

How to Download and Run the QuickBooks File Doctor

Steps to download and run the QB File Doctor are given below:

• Open the official Intuit website

• Download the newest version of QB Tool Hub

• Open the downloaded file

• Install the QBTH with the guided instructions on your screen

• Now, double-click on the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon

• Press Company File Issues

• Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor

• Wait for the tool to open

• In the QuickBooks File Repair Tool, select your company file

• If you’re unable to find the file, select Browse and Search to find the file

• In the options you’d see, choose Check Your File

• Press Continue

• Enter your QB admin password

• Click Next

  
  

After using the File Doctor you will detect any issues with your company files or network problems. For fixing the issues, read the section below.

Error that You Might See after Using the File Doctor

1. Hosting Mode is Off

File Doctor will display this error when the server is not configured to host the company file. 

To address that, here are some things we can do:

• Open your QBDT app

• Navigate to the File menu

• Click on Utilities

• Select Switch to multi-user mode

  
  

This error should be resolved.

2. No Network Connectivity

Your QB workstation needs a minimum one TCP/IP adapter to function. This ensures the network connectivity with the environment is proper. You can run the IPConfig tool to fix and verify the TCP/IP configuration of your system.

To do that, follow the steps below:

• Open the Windows Start menu

• Then, type CMD in the search bar

• From the results, open Command Prompt

• In the command prompt, type ipconfig

• Press Enter

  
  

Given below is a list of common IPConfig commands that you can use to troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

Also read about:- How To Fix QuickBooks Error 80004?

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed the QuickBooks File Doctor and the benefits of downloading it. Moreover, we gave you steps for installing, running the tool, and fixing various errors found by it. If you still need any assistance in understanding the same, contact our QB professionals at +1(855)-738–0359.

Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks File Doctor

What is QuickBooks File Doctor and why is it important?

QuickBooks File Doctor is a powerful diagnostic tool developed by Intuit to help users fix common company files and network-related issues. It plays a crucial role when users face errors while opening company files or when QuickBooks fails to connect in multi-user mode. It’s designed to automatically detect and repair file damage or connectivity problems that can disrupt workflow.

How does QuickBooks File Doctor help in fixing company file issues?

QuickBooks File Doctor scans your company file for data corruption or structural damage. If any issues are detected, it attempts to repair them by rebuilding the file or correcting internal file inconsistencies. This helps restore access to your data without requiring complex manual troubleshooting or external assistance.

When should I use QuickBooks File Doctor?

You should use QuickBooks File Doctor when you experience problems such as being unable to open your company file, encountering QB error codes like 6000 series, or facing multi-user setup problems. It is especially useful when the company file is stored on a network and not loading properly on a workstation.

Is QuickBooks File Doctor compatible with all versions of QuickBooks?

QuickBooks File Doctor is compatible with most modern versions of QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. However, it works best when used with the latest release of QuickBooks. It is not available for QuickBooks for Mac or QuickBooks Online, as those versions use different support tools and environments.

Where can I download the latest version of QuickBooks File Doctor?

You can download the most recent version of QuickBooks File Doctor directly from the official Intuit website. It also comes bundled with the QuickBooks Tool Hub, which is a centralized toolset for resolving various QuickBooks errors. It’s recommended to download it from a trusted source to ensure software integrity.

How do I run QuickBooks File Doctor properly?

To run QuickBooks File Doctor, install the QuickBooks Tool Hub, open it, and select the Company File Issues tab. From there, launch File Doctor and select the company file you want to diagnose. The tool will scan for issues and either fix them automatically or guide you through additional steps if required.

What kinds of errors can QuickBooks File Doctor fix?

QuickBooks File Doctor is designed to fix various types of errors, including those related to 6000 series file access errors, network problems, and H-series multi-user configuration issues. It can also help resolve certain forms of data corruption that affect the opening or functionality of your company file.

Does using File Doctor risk damaging my company file?

QuickBooks File Doctor is built to preserve your data. It creates a backup of your company file before attempting any repairs, which ensures your information is safe during the process. However, it is always a good practice to manually back up your file before running any diagnostic or repair tool.

What if QuickBooks File Doctor doesn’t fix the problem?

If QuickBooks File Doctor is unable to resolve the issue, it may be due to severe data corruption, third-party conflicts, or an unsupported file structure. In such cases, further troubleshooting might be needed, or you may need to consult a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor or use the data recovery service offered by Intuit.

Is internet access required to use QuickBooks File Doctor?

Internet access is typically required during the installation of QuickBooks Tool Hub and File Doctor. However, once installed, the tool can often run diagnostics without needing an active internet connection, unless it requires online validation or updates during the scan.

Can QuickBooks File Doctor fix network issues for multi-user access?

Yes, QuickBooks File Doctor is equipped to detect and fix common network configuration errors that prevent users from accessing the company file in multi-user mode. It verifies the server setup, file hosting permissions, and network ports to ensure that QuickBooks can function properly across multiple systems.

How long does QuickBooks File Doctor take to scan and repair a file?

The time required by QuickBooks File Doctor to complete a scan depends on the size of your company file and the nature of the issue. Smaller files may take only a few minutes, while larger or heavily damaged files could take significantly longer. It’s advisable to let the scan complete without interruption for best results.