A Comprehensive Resolution Guide to QuickBooks Error the File Exists

Users occasionally get the QuickBooks error the file exists when trying to open the two distinct company files. Error warning “The file you specified cannot be opened” appears on the screen along with the error. Make sure that’s not a read-only file or being utilized by another software right now. The issue comes up when performing several different tasks, including downloading payroll updates and paying scheduled liabilities, among others. If you are experiencing the QuickBooks Windows issue the file exists, read the entire blog to see what is causing it and how to resolve it.

“Are you unable to fix QuickBooks Error the File Exists yourself? Consider getting help from the QuickBooks Desktop specialists at +1-855-856-0042 and have a chat with the professionals who can resolve any error within a fraction of a minute.”

You may also see:      How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 1328

What is QuickBooks Error The File Exists? A Short Summary

The QuickBooks File exists error you may encounter when you need to open the company file to the added new Entries, and it says “the file specified cannot be opened.”

The primary reason for this issue is the File is already being in use by other users, and the File is on the read-only network. Below we have enlisted instances when you mostly confront it.

1. When downloading updates for QuickBooks payroll service, QuickBooks the windows error was the file exists error can emerge.
2. While making payments for scheduled liabilities.
3. QuickBooks error file exists issue can also take place when opening state or federal forms.
4. When you try to print from within the QuickBooks application.

The company file being read incorrectly can lead to QuickBooks the file exists problem. Users working with multiple company files at once get this error frequently, and traditional methods might not be able to solve the issue. This error also relates to the user account control settings. Users are unable to close the application without accessing the task manager and face restrictions from QB or Windows. Creating forms can become challenging. Further, downloading the payroll updates and scheduling liabilities can also lead to a QuickBooks error the file you specified cannot be opened. 

What Are the Prime Reasons Behind the QuickBooks Error The File Exists?

QuickBooks payroll update error the file exists can occur due to several reasons as described in the below-given list:

1. When your Internet connectivity is not intact.
2. Inappropriately configured Internet security settings.
3. When QuickBooks is not updated to the latest maintenance release, the file exists error QuickBooks desktop can emerge.
4. An outdated or improperly functioning Firewall.
5. Partial or damaged installation of the QuickBooks application can also promote QB file exists error.
6. Insufficient admin right is also one of the apparent reasons behind the QuickBooks file read only error.
7. Accessing two company files at a time may lead to the file exists issue.
8. The routine QuickBooks functioning gets interrupted by Windows User Account Control Settings.
9. Even when Windows Firewalls are not updated, or its settings are not proper, its protective authentication settings won’t work properly, causing QuickBooks the file you specified cannot be opened the Windows error was the file exists.

These reasons are more than enough for users to implement troubleshooting right away and fix the error affecting their system. the file you specified cannot be opened QuickBooks can considerably impact the system’s functioning. This includes the consequences happening as follows.

Recommended To Read – How to fix Fix QuickBooks Keeps Crashing

After effects of QuickBooks Error the File Exists

QuickBooks the file specified cannot be opened error causes the following problems encountered by QB users when using the app:

1. As the name suggests, the file you are trying to open isn’t accessible due to the factors mentioned above. 
2. Updating payroll also becomes a hassle.
3. Payment for scheduled liabilities might not go through due to the file you specified cannot be opened error.
4. Opening state or federal forms or printing them doesn’t go seamlessly.
5. General lagging of the system and the QuickBooks application. 
6. The QuickBooks performance downgrades with the app freezing, hanging, or crashing. 
7. Even other applications might not work properly because of the file exist error in QuickBooks desktop. 

How to Remove QuickBooks Error the File Exists from QB?

After discussing the possible reasons behind the QuickBooks the file you specified cannot be opened make sure that it is not currently, and follow the below-given solutions to get it fixed:

Solution 1: Make Sure That Your Internet Connection Is Stable

While resolving the file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not currently a problem, your Internet connection should be stable. If not, you need to perform the suitable steps to establish a secure connection to the Internet. Once you are done, try to open a secure domain using your Internet Explorer. Moreover, also check that the SSL settings are correct and there is no dropped packet.

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks To the Latest Release

There are various issues, like the Windows error was the file exists QuickBooks, that can be caused due to an outdated version of the QB application. Update QB to the latest release by following the suitable steps and verify that the file exists QB error is fixed. If not, jump to the next solution.

• Run QuickBooks Desktop as the administrator. (Right-click and select Run as Administrator)
• Click the Help tab and select the Update option.
• Select all the options available to update and click Update Now.

• Once QuickBooks finishes installing the updates, make sure to restart the PC.

Solution 3: Set Never Notify in UAC(User Account Control) settings

• press the “windows ❖” button and then type “UAC“.
• Now, Select the ‘Change User Account Control Settings. There you will see a vertical slider.

• Drag the slider to the bottom.
• Click Ok.

Solution 4: Use the Reboot.bat File to re-register Essential QB .DLL and .OCX

Hope this guide will help you to fix your issue

• Start with closing the current instance of the QuickBooks application.
• Now, Press the ‘Alt + Enter’ key to open the properties of the QuickBooks Desktop Icon.

• At the bottom left side of the window, click on the ‘open file Location‘.
• Search for the ‘Reboot.bat’ file in the QuickBooks Directory, and once the search retrieves the Reboot.bat file, press the ‘right-click’ to open with ‘administrator rights’.
• Wait till the process is finished of re-registering of .DLL and.OCX file.
• Finally, Restart the Computers and Check whether the error file exists resolved or not.

Solution 5: Reinstall QuickBooks Application

Damaged functions of an improperly installed QuickBooks application can also promote QuickBooks file exists errors. In this case, you need to reinstall the QuickBooks application using QuickBooks install diagnostic tool. Once you are done, turn off User Account Control to complete the troubleshooting procedure. These solutions can help you in troubleshooting the QB payroll update error “the file exists”.

Caution: During the install or uninstall process you might encounter Error 1334 and Error 1328, So it is all up to you either follow the Article solutions or Place a call at +1-855-856-0042 to get it Fix instantly. 

Solutions 6: Configure Firewall port according to your QuickBooks version

• Press the window button after that search firewall.
• Now, Open the Firewall settings and in firewall settings select the advanced settings.
• Once the advanced settings open, Now select the Inbound Rules and thereafter choose for new inbound rules.

• Select the port option, then TCP.
• Now repeat step 3, For outbound rules.

Here’s are the Ports According to QuickBooks Version

QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, XXXXX
QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX.
QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, XXXXX, XXXXX-55382.
QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, XXXXX, XXXXX-55377.

Here’s are the QB service essential and You need to create a firewall exception rule for all

DBManagerExe.exe, QBServerUtilityMgr.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe

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Solution 7: Authorize Complete Access to the User

1. Select “Open file location” by clicking RMB on the QB Desktop icon.
2. Then, press the backspace key
3. Choose “properties” by clicking RMB on the QuickBooks folder.
4. Move towards the next step by clicking “edit” and then selecting “Add.”
5. Select “Everyone” and then “OK.”
6. Then you have to go for the option -> Full Control.
7. Simply click on option -> Apply.
8. Lastly, you must follow the foregoing steps. Ensure selecting the “User” option over selecting “Everyone“.

Solution 8: Repair QuickBooks Desktop from CP

Let the Control Panel’s repair function do the work by running its repair utility. Do so as follows:

1. You need to visit the Control Panel from the Windows start menu, desktop, run Window, etc., for this method.
2. Next, go to the Programs and Features section. 
3. Select the Uninstall a program option. 
4. Find QuickBooks from the list of programs installed on your system that display on the screen. 
5. Further, hit the Uninstall/ Change option.
6. Keep following the repair process by hitting the repair option and agreeing to the wizards appearing on the screen.
7. Once this procedure is over, you are free to hit the Finish button. 
8. Now, reboot your system and see if the error persists.

Solution 9: Erase the QBPRINT.qbp file

Follow the steps mentioned below to resolve the error as follows:

1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Windows and R keys simultaneously. 
2. Go to the Control Panel and hit OK.
3. Right-click all the options and remove all the devices and printers that are not in use.
4. These processes will continue after exiting from QB Desktop and launching the task manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del together. 
5. From the processes tab, end the QBW32.exe process. Select Yes for confirmation. 
6. Now, locate and delete the QBPRINT.qbp file from the folder, launch QB app, and process the print.

Read Also – Fix QuickBooks Error 1606

Need More Help?

In this post, you can find the best solutions to fix the QuickBooks error the file exists warning message. If you have any other doubt related to the error, feel free to dial QuickBooks Support Number 1-855-856-0042. In no time, you will be connected with our experts to get all your queries related to the error fil exists resolved.

FAQ’s on QB error the file exists

Erica watson

Erica Watson is writing about accounting and bookkeeping for over 7+ years, making even the difficult technical topics easy to understand. She is skilled at creating content about popular accounting and tax softwares such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Quicken, etc. Erica’s knowledge of such softwares allows her to create articles and guides that are both informative and easy to follow. Her writing builds trust with readers, thanks to her ability to explain things clearly while showing a real understanding of the industry.