Address QuickBooks CannotFind Your Company File Issue

There are different cases when QuickBooks can’t find your company file. For example, the very first scenario we will consider is accessing your QuickBooks file over the network, and the other one is accessing the file saved locally on the same computer. It means that you may face such an issue while accessing the files in a multi-user mode or even when you want to utilize the file that is locally saved on your computer itself. 

You will see the following message when you fall into such issues: 

Warning: The company file you selected could not be found. You can try one of the following: Choose the 'Open or Restore Company...' command from the 'File' menu to look for this file in a different directory. (or)  Use the 'Search' tool from the Windows 'Start Menu' to search for this file on your computer.

But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through the resolutions for. Read the blog from top to bottom and bring your QB program back to its working state.

This blog should be enough to help you find your company file in QuickBooks. In case you are still wondering about what to do, give a call to 1.855.738.2784 and seek professional help.

Possible Origins: Why QB Fails to Find Your Company File

To help you better understand the problem, we have mentioned some specific factors that might be contributing to the occurrence of this issue.

You may get into this problem if the company file was moved or renamed. This can further take place if your computer is disconnected from the path where the QB file is located. Additionally, if the company file has been deleted from your device. This also occurs if QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file.

Practical Fixes That Work for QuickBooks Can’t Find Your Company File

You must follow the steps based on the case where you are encountering this problem.

Case 1: If you are unable to find your company file over the network, it means that you are connected to the server.

Solution 1: Ping the server to make sure that you are connected to the network

1. First, you need to recognize the name of your server computer.
   • For this, press Win+R to open the Run window.
   • In the search dialog box, enter CMD and hit OK.
   • Now, enter ipconfig /all and then hit Enter.
   • Note down the Host Name(servername).
2. Now, you are required to type ping [name of your server] and then choose Enter.
3. You must see a reply for each packet after this:
   • If you are able to see a reply for each packet, it means that your computer is connected to the network.
   • On the other hand, if you see a packet loss or slow reply, consult an IT professional and get this checked.

Solution 2: Search for all company files

Move to the server computer and perform a wildcard search for all company files, which will be done by typing one of the following into the search bar:

Don’t forget to include the Asterisk (*) before the extension type.

• *.qbw (Working Files)
• *.qbb (Back Up Files)
• *.qba (Accountants Copy Files)
• *.qbx (Accountants Transfer Files)
• *.qby (Accountants Change Files)

Solution 3: Open the file in QB

Open the file depending on the type of QB file.

1. Open the company file .qbw or an accountant’s copy .qba.
2. Go to the File menu.
3. Choose Open or Restore Company.
4. Click on Open a Company File.
5. Choose Next and pick the company file.
6. Tap Open.

Restore a backup .qbb

1. Head over to the File menu.
2. Choose Open or Restore Company.
3. Click on Restore a Backup File.
4. Tap Next, and choose Local Backup.
5. Choose the company file and then click on Next.
6. Now, you need to pick a location where you will save the restored company file. 
7. Choose Save.

Restore an Accountant’s Copy Transfer File(.qbx)

1. Move to the File menu and choose Open or Restore a company.
2. Click on Convert and Accountant’s Copy Transfer File.
3. Choose Next.
4. Now, you need to click on Next if you see the What the Accountant's Copy Can and Can't Do window.
5. Choose the transfer file (.qbx).
6. Click Open and then pick a location where you want to save the Accountant’s Copy File.
7. Last, choose Save.

Case 2: If you are unable to get the company file stored on the same computer locally.

Solution 1: Search for all company files

For this, you need to perform a wildcard search by entering one of the following. Remember to add (*).

• *.qbw (Working Files)
• *.qbb (Back Up Files)
• *.qba (Accountants Copy Files)
• *.qbx (Accountants Transfer Files)
• *.qby (Accountants Change Files)

When you have found the file, note down the file’s location and jump to the next solution. If you are still unable to get the file, consult a professional. 

Solution 2: Open the file in QB

Follow the steps from case 1 to perform this method.

Summing It Up

We hope that this blog clearly depicts why QuickBooks can’t find your company file. For this, you have been given a list of factors that can be responsible for this. Moreover, you have been provided with some practical methods to resolve it. If you still can’t find your file, don’t wait any longer to talk to our certified QB professionals. Dial 1.855.738.2784 to connect.

You may also read: QuickBooks Error 1009, How to Fix it?