How to Fix QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding

When QuickBooks users encounter the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error, it can be a frustrating and disruptive experience. This error indicates that QuickBooks has become unresponsive or has crashed, rendering it unusable for accounting and financial tasks.

The “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error can result from a variety of factors, primarily stemming from issues within the software environment. Common causes include corrupted company files, damaged program files, conflicts with third-party applications, inadequate system resources, or issues with the Windows operating system.

To resolve the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error, users can explore several potential solutions which may involve verifying and rebuilding damaged company files, repairing QuickBooks installation, ensuring system resources meet the software’s requirements, disabling conflicting third-party applications, or updating Windows to address compatibility issues.

By implementing these solutions, users can overcome this error and restore QuickBooks functionality, allowing them to continue their accounting tasks without disruptions.

eBetterBooks: Quick Fixes

• Cause: QBWUSER.INI File Corruption  can trigger the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error. This file contains essential configuration settings for QuickBooks.
• Solution: To address this issue, you should take action by changing the name of the corrupted QBWUSER.INI file. QuickBooks will create a new, functional INI file, resolving the corruption problem and allowing the software to function correctly.
  
• Cause: Missing Program Files is a common reason behind the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error. These files are vital for the proper operation of the software.
• Solution: To rectify this issue, you can download the QuickBooks Tool Hub, a valuable utility for addressing common errors. Within the tool, you can run the “Quick Fix My Program” feature, which identifies and rectifies missing or damaged program files.
  
• Cause: An improperly done or incomplete QuickBooks Desktop installation can lead to the error in question, disrupting the software’s functionality.
• Solution: To resolve this issue, you have multiple options. You can employ the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool to identify and repair installation problems.If your program files are missing or corrupted, download the QuickBooks Tool Hub and run Quick Fix My Program.
  
• Cause : Insufficient disk space on your computer can hamper QuickBooks’ operation, causing the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working or Not Responding” error to appear.
• Solution: To alleviate this issue, it is advisable to use disk cleanup tools to eliminate unnecessary files and free up space on your storage device. By doing so, you can ensure that QuickBooks has the necessary resources to function smoothly, mitigating the error.
  
• Cause: QuickBooks Company File Connection Failure leading to  difficulties connecting to or locating your QuickBooks company file, it can lead to the error in question. This error may prevent you from accessing your company data.
• Solution: To resolve this issue, you can try accessing your company file from a different folder location. This alternative approach can help bypass connection problems and enable seamless access to your company data, ultimately resolving the error.

What Gives rise to QuickBooks not responding or stopped working error?

There are a variety of reasons that may lead to QuickBooks has stopped working or not responding error; some of the most common ones are as follows:

1. QBWUSER.INI file Corruption:  If QBWUSER.INI file is missing, corrupted, or damaged, you may encounter the QuickBooks not working issue.
2. Missing Program Files: Missing or damaged program files may also cause the QuickBooks has stopped working error.
3. Improper or incomplete QuickBooks Desktop Installation: If the QuickBooks Desktop is installed improperly or partially, you may come across QuickBooks not opening or working issue.
4. Insufficient Disk Space: If there’s not enough disk space, then QuickBooks suddenly stops working or lags too much.
5. QuickBooks company file connection failure: When QuickBooks fails to connect to the company file or cannot locate the company or sample file, you will likely bump into the same error.

Do you have to deliver the work on time, but has QuickBooks has stopped working or not responding? No need to worry about it; just share your concern with our customer service executives and get your problem rooted out in one go.

What happens when QuickBooks has stopped working or not responding?

Is your QuickBooks not opening or working? Below, we have listed some indicators that help you determine and spot the issue more easily. Let’s take a look:

• Performance Slowdown: The QuickBooks Desktop work slowly and hinder your ongoing task.
• Unresponsive Hardware: Your mouse and keyboard stop responding to your clicks.
• Frequent Freezing or Lagging: Your QuickBooks Desktop freeze or hang now and then while trying to run the software in your system.
• Repeated Crashes: QuickBooks suddenly crashes and stops working regularly when you try to open it.
• Unexpected Shutdown: The Windows Operating System shuts down suddenly without stating any warning prompt.

Simple Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Not Working Error!

Experiencing QuickBooks has stopped working or not Responding problem? Alright, we are here to come up with multiple solutions that will definitely tackle the issue if performed in a given sequence. Here’s how:

Case 1: When QBWUSER.ini file is Damaged or Corrupted

You have to change the name of the QBWUSER.ini file. Below are the steps you need to carry out for the same:

1. To begin with, locate the folder where you stored the QBWUSER.ini file. Adhere to the following file path:

Users[Your user name]AppDataLocalIntuitQuickBooks [year]

2. You must enable hidden files and folders if you cannot find the folder.
3. Now, hit right-click on the QBWUSER.ini file and choose the Rename option.
4. Add .old at the end of the file name. For example, QBWUSER.ini.old.
5. After that, rename the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.
6. Finally, try to reopen your QuickBooks Desktop and check if it is working.

Case 2: When the Program Files are either missing or corrupted

You must download the QB Tool Hub and run Quick Fix My Program if your program files are missing and corrupted. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Download and Install QB Tool Hub

1. The initial step is to close QuickBooks and download the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub version.
2. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it, such as your Downloads folder or Windows desktop. Always remember that if you have already installed Tool Hub, you must find out which version you have. For this, hit the Home tab, and the version will start appearing on the bottom right corner, or you can also choose About to view the version option.
3. After this, open the file you downloaded named QuickBooksToolHub.exe and follow all the on-screen instructions to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Once the installation finishes, click the Windows desktop icon twice to open the tool hub program.

Step 2: From the Tool Hub, run the Quick Fix My Program

1. Choose Program Problems under the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Next, click on Quick Fix My Program.
3. Restart the QuickBooks Desktop application and open your data file.

Case 3: When QuickBooks Desktop Installation is improper, incorrect, incomplete, or partial

To fix QuickBooks Installation-related problems, use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, repair the QuickBooks Desktop Application, run the QuickBooks Refresher Tool, or perform a clean installation. Below is explained how it would be possible:

Step 1: Make use of QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

1. Firstly, open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Now, select Installation Issues under the Tool Hub.
3. Click on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and let it run. It may take up to 20 minutes to diagnose and fix the issues.
4. Once done, restart your system to save changes and check whether the issue is fixed.

Step 2: Repair QuickBooks Desktop

1. For this, restart the computer and log in to an Admin account on Windows. 
2. Navigate to the Control Panel from the Windows Start menu.
3. After this, choose the Programs and Features option and then select Uninstall a Program.

Note: If you fail to locate the Programs and Features option, click Programs instead.

1. From the list of Programs, select QuickBooks Desktop and hit the Uninstall/Change tab.
2. Click on Continue and then select Repair.
3. Press the Next button and wait for the tool to start repairing.
4. At last, choose Finish.

Step 3: Run the QuickBooks Refresher Tool

1. Close QuickBooks in the first place.
2. Now, download the QuickBooks refresher tool and save the file on your system.
3. Hit the Run tab and start running the QBRefresher tool once the download process is completed successfully.
4. Select the Fix My QuickBooks option. After this, the tool will detect the issue automatically and fix it independently.
5. At last, open QuickBooks and check for the error status.

Step 4: Reinstall QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool

Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

1. Hold and press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
2. Enter the Control Panel into the search bar and then hit the Enter key.
3. Select Programs and Features and click on Uninstall a Program option.
4. After this, choose the QuickBooks Desktop you wish to remove from the list of programs.
5. Click on Uninstall/Change, Remove, then press the Next button.

Note: If you don’t get this option on your screen, sign out and then sign back into Windows as an Admin.

Reinstall QuickBooks on your System

1. In the beginning, open the file QuickBooks.exe.
2. Now, follow all the on-screen instructions, accept the software license agreement, and press Next.
3. You must enter your product and license numbers. Then, hit the Next tab at the end.

Case 4: When QuickBooks stops working or lags too much due to insufficient disk space

To get enough Disk Space, you must use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete unnecessary Files. Below are the instructions for the same:

1. Hold down the Windows key, or hit the Start menu to open the taskbar.
2. Now, type Disk Cleanup and select the Disk Cleanup icon from the results.
3. After this, choose the file type you wish to delete under the Files to Delete tab.
4. To get the detailed information about the file, click on it.
5. You can delete your system files if you want to free up more space. For this:
6. Choose Clean up system files under Disk Cleanup.
7. Next, opt for the file type you’d like to remove. To get more info about the file, click on it.
8. Press OK in the end.

Case 5: When QuickBooks fails to connect or locate the company file/ sample file.

You are suggested to access the company file from a different folder location to resolve the QuickBooks connection failure. Adhere to the steps given below:

1. To start, press the Windows + E keys together on your keyboard. This will open up the  Windows Explorer browser.
2. Now, look for the file location on the network server with the .qbw file extension. You are recommended to do it in the Network drive where the data file is found.
3. Hit right-click on the file and select the Copy option.
4. After this, locate the C: drive and create a New folder there.
5. Then, rename it as QBTEST.
6. Open the new QBTEST folder, then paste the company file.
7. Now, open QuickBooks while hitting the CTRL tab.
8. Select the option Open or restore an existing company and check the C:\QBTEST folder created earlier.
9. Finally, try accessing the company files you copied in the QBTEST Folder.

Last Words!

Thus, we can conclude that you can easily tackle whether QuickBooks has stopped working or not responding after going through the steps presented here.

However, if you are still confused or have any query related to the issue, feel free to ask our customer helpdesk to get your problem rooted out without any trouble.

FAQs

Why is my QuickBooks not working or not responding?

There are various causes that give rise to QuickBooks has Stopped Working Problem, including QBWUSER.INI file Corruption, improper or incomplete QuickBooks Desktop Installation, QuickBooks company file connection failure, insufficient Disk Space, your company file name having more characters than required, etc.

How to troubleshoot QuickBooks not responding or stopped working after the Windows 10 Update?

If you end up with the QuickBooks Desktop not Responding issue after installing the Windows 10 update, you must run the program in compatibility mode to eliminate compatibility-related issues. The steps to be performed for the same are as follows:

1. Firstly, enter QuickBooks under the Windows search bar.
2. When you find the QuickBooks application, right-click on it and choose Open File Location.
3. Select and click right on the QB file, then hit the Properties tab.
4. Select the Compatibility option under the Properties dialog box.
5. After this, choose Windows Operating System (8.1/8/7) from the ‘Run the program in the compatibility mode for’ drop-down menu.
6. Press Apply, and press the OK button to confirm.
7. At last, try to open QuickBooks to start working on it.

What should I remember before troubleshooting “QuickBooks Has stopped working or not responding”?

Below, we have mentioned everything you have to remember when your QuickBooks crashes or stops working. Let’s have a glance at each one:

• The company file name should not exceed 35 characters, including spaces.
• Ensure you have the latest updates of the QuickBooks Desktop application installed on your system.
• Always log in with an account that has administrator rights on Windows.
• Don’t forget to disable the antivirus protection on your computer before running QuickBooks, and in case the issue gets fixed, you need to exclude QuickBooks from your antivirus scan list.
• Try to reinstall QuickBooks software using the Clean Install Tool.