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How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 6143

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error Code 6143 occurs when there is an issue opening the company file in QuickBooks Desktop. This error is usually linked to damaged company files, incorrect file setup, or issues with the QuickBooks installation. Resolving Error 6143 is crucial for uninterrupted access to your company’s financial records.

This guide provides detailed steps to troubleshoot and fix QuickBooks Error Code 6143.

Causes of QuickBooks Error Code 6143​

  1. Corrupted Company File: The company file is damaged or incomplete, preventing QuickBooks from accessing it.
  2. Improper File Location: The company file is stored in an incorrect folder or a location that QuickBooks cannot access.
  3. Damaged QuickBooks Installation: Issues with QuickBooks software files can trigger this error.
  4. Windows System Issues: Corrupted or missing system files in Windows may interfere with QuickBooks operations.
  5. Incomplete Backup Restoration: Restoring an incomplete or damaged backup file can result in this error.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error Code 6143​

  • QuickBooks displays the error message: “Error 6143: There is a problem with opening the company file.”
  • QuickBooks crashes or freezes when opening a company file.
  • You are unable to access the company file in multi-user or single-user mode.
  • The system slows down or becomes unresponsive during QuickBooks operations.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 6143​

Step 1: Open the Sample Company File​

Opening a sample company file helps determine whether the issue lies with the software or the specific company file.

  1. Launch QuickBooks:
    • Open QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.
  2. Select Open a Sample File:
    • In the No Company Open window, click on Open a Sample File.
  3. Choose a Sample File:
    • Select a sample company file from the list provided.
  4. Analyze Results:
    • If the sample file opens successfully, the issue is with your company file. Proceed to Step 2.
    • If the sample file does not open, the issue is with your QuickBooks installation. Proceed to Step 5.

Step 2: Move the Company File to a New Location​

If the company file is in a restricted or problematic location, moving it to a new folder can resolve the error.

  1. Locate the Company File:
    • Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored. The file typically has a .qbw extension.
  2. Copy the File:
    • Right-click on the company file and select Copy.
  3. Create a New Folder:
    • Create a new folder on your desktop or in an accessible location (e.g., C:\QuickBooks Files).
  4. Paste the File:
    • Paste the company file into the new folder.
  5. Open the File in QuickBooks:
    • Open QuickBooks, click on File > Open or Restore Company, and browse to the new folder to open the file.

Step 3: Rename the .ND and .TLG Files​

The .ND (Network Data) and .TLG (Transaction Log) files help QuickBooks access your company file over a network. Renaming these files forces QuickBooks to recreate them.

  1. Locate the Files:
    • Go to the folder containing your company file.
    • Look for files with the same name as your company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd and CompanyName.qbw.tlg).
  2. Rename the Files:
    • Right-click on each file and select Rename.
    • Add .old to the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd.old).
  3. Retry Opening the File:
    • Open QuickBooks and attempt to access the company file.

Step 4: Run QuickBooks File Doctor​

The QuickBooks File Doctor tool can detect and repair issues with your company file and network setup.

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub:
    • Visit the Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  2. Run File Doctor:
    • Open Tool Hub and navigate to the Company File Issues tab.
    • Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
    • Browse to your company file and let the tool scan for issues.
  3. Retry Opening the File:
    • After the tool completes the repair, try opening the company file again.

Step 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation​

A damaged QuickBooks installation can cause Error 6143. Repairing the software may resolve the issue.

  1. Open Control Panel:
    • Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Locate QuickBooks:
    • Find QuickBooks Desktop in the list of installed programs and select Uninstall/Change.
  3. Select Repair:
    • In the QuickBooks installation window, select Repair and follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Restart Your System:
    • Once the repair is complete, restart your computer.
  5. Retry Opening the File:
    • Open QuickBooks and try accessing the company file.

Step 6: Restore a Backup File​

If the company file is damaged, restoring a backup may help recover the data.

  1. Open QuickBooks:
    • Go to File > Open or Restore Company.
  2. Select Restore a Backup Copy:
    • Choose Restore a Backup Copy and click Next.
  3. Browse to the Backup File:
    • Locate your backup file, which usually has a .qbb extension.
  4. Follow On-Screen Prompts:
    • Complete the restoration process and open the restored company file.

Step 7: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks​

If none of the above steps work, performing a clean installation of QuickBooks can resolve the issue.

7.1: Uninstall QuickBooks​

  1. Go to Control Panel:
    • Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Uninstall QuickBooks:
    • Select QuickBooks Desktop and click Uninstall.

7.2: Use the Clean Install Tool​

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub:
    • Open Tool Hub and navigate to the Installation Issues tab.
  2. Run the Clean Install Tool:
    • Follow the prompts to remove all QuickBooks files.

7.3: Reinstall QuickBooks​

  1. Download the Installer:
    • Visit Intuit’s website and download the latest QuickBooks installer.
  2. Install QuickBooks:
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Additional Tips​

  • Backup Regularly: Always create backups of your company file to prevent data loss.
  • Keep QuickBooks Updated: Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Use a Dedicated Server: If using QuickBooks in multi-user mode, host the company file on a dedicated server for better stability.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error Code 6143 can disrupt your workflow, but it is manageable with the steps outlined in this guide. Whether it’s moving the company file to a new location, repairing QuickBooks, or restoring a backup, these solutions address the most common causes of the error.

If the problem persists, consider contacting QuickBooks Support or consulting a certified QuickBooks expert for advanced troubleshooting.