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Get Insights into QuickBooks Error 3140 and its Resolution

QuickBooks error 3140 is an update interrupting error, occurring due to a variety of reasons. Let us know the exact reasons why this error emerges, what it says, and how you can fix it easily without any headache. 

QuickBooks is one of the leading accounting software of all time and helps several businesses automate their accounting procedures. Due to the multitude of features, tools, and components offered by the application, it has become a favorite of all. However, despite these advantages, this technical application encounters errors and glitches that interrupt and waste a user’s time. Let’s look into one such error code known as QuickBooks error code 3140. 

Error 3140 in QB can take place when a QB user tries to update the application. Inappropriate start-up or shutdown of the Windows can also give rise to error 3140 in QuickBooks. Furthermore, the error can also be cited when users import their orders using the QuickBooks Web Connector. QuickBooks remembers the last deposit account, due to which you may encounter the error code 3140. In this post, we will discuss the steps that can help you in the resolution of QuickBooks error 3140.

“Dealing with QuickBooks installation error 3140 and need immediate technical resolution? Dial QuickBooks Desktop Direct Support Number 1-(855)-856-0042 to get help from experienced QB professionals”

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QuickBooks Error Code 3140: Description

When QuickBooks error 3140 occurs, you may see any of the below-given error messages on your screen:

  1. Status code 3140 or 3120: The specified account is invalid or of the wrong type.
  2. Status code 3140: There is an invalid reference to QuickBooks AR/AP Account “###### – #########” in the Receipt or Bill.
  3. Status code 3140: Status Message: There is an invalid reference to QuickBooks Account “###### – #########” in the item Non – Inventory. QuickBooks error message: The expense account is invalid.

These error messages might arise when the user attempts to update the application. It may also emerge while starting or shutting the application and Windows Operating System. Other times, QB error code 3140 might emerge when the user inputs sales orders or invoices or imports them from Excel or a text file to a QuickBooks company file. Whatever the scenario may be, the end result is an interruption in the user’s operations and ineffective performance. Therefore, knowing why it happens and ending them is critical to avoid problems. 

There can be various reasons that can promote QuickBooks Desktop error 3140. To resolve the error, it is important to dig out the possible reasons in the first place.

Possible Reasons Behind Intuit Error Code 3140

Error 3140 can take place due to several reasons as described in the below-given list:

  1. Inappropriate installation or corrupt download of the QuickBooks application is one of the most apparent reasons behind the error.
  2. Partial or damaged installation of the QuickBooks can also evoke the error code 3140.
  3. Infection caused due to virus or malware attacks.
  4. Accidental deletion of the essential QB related files.
  5. Corruption in the Windows registry can also trigger the QB error 3140.
  6. Outdated QuickBooks Web Connector can lead to QuickBooks error message 3140. 
  7. Inserting special characters in the invoice or product names can evoke this error.
  8. While entering tax code in QuickBooks, any mistake can cost you and lead you to this error.
  9. Accessing files stored on another computer in multi-user mode can be a cause of this error. 

Knowing these reasons isn’t enough. You need to confirm the presence of QuickBooks error 3140 on your system before proceeding to troubleshoot it. So, let’s look into the signs and symptoms exhibited by this error.

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Symptoms of QuickBooks Install Error 3140

Below is the list of the symptoms that can help you identify the error 3140:

  1. First of all, you will get to see QuickBooks error message 3140 on your screen crashing an active program window.
  2. You can get the error again and again when running the same program.
  3. Computer freezes periodically for a few seconds.
  4. Sluggish performance of Windows towards the mouse or keyboard inputs.
  5. Accessing files in the multi-user mode stored on another server will become a hassle.
  6. You may not be able to update your program due to the error.
  7. Other programs like Notepad, PC and other things might also experience lags and frequent crashing due to this error.

Resolving Specific QuickBooks Error Messages 3140

Since QuickBooks presents you with any of the three messages mentioned above, let’s look into how you can rectify them as soon as possible:

Status code 3140 or 3120: The specified account is invalid, or of the wrong type

This error message appears due to incorrectly mapped accounts. So the following steps need to be taken to resolve this QuickBooks error message 3140:

  1. Launch your QB Desktop Point of Sale.
  2. Head to the File menu and proceed to click on Preferences. 
  3. Further, choose the Company option, and from under the Financial tab, select Accounts. 
  4. Tick-mark the Basic and Advanced tabs. Check the accounts mapping and make sure it is correct. Hit Save, and if you see brackets around an account name, it indicates that it has not been mapped. 
  5. Now, operate the financial exchange and see if it runs error-free. 

Status code 3140: There is an invalid reference to QuickBooks AR/AP Account “###### – #########” in the Receipt or Bill

This error also occurs due to incorrect mapping and indicates where the wrong settings lie. To resolve this message, undertake the following steps:

  1. Open the QB Desktop Point of Sale and move to the File menu.
  2. Go to Preferences and choose Company.
  3. Under the Financial section, select the Accounts option. 
  4. Ensure that the accounts get mapped to A/R and A/P type accounts respectively and save the settings.
  5. Now, try doing the financial exchange. 

Status code 3140: Status Message: There is an invalid reference to QuickBooks Account “###### – #########” in the item Non – Inventory. QuickBooks error message: The expense account is invalid

This error message usually appears when the mapped item account in the QB Point of Sale is incorrect. Other reasons may be inactive or deleted item account in QB financial. Rectify it as follows:

  1. Launch the QuickBooks Financial software and move to the Lists menu.
  2. Further, choose the Chart of Accounts.
  3. Opt for Accounts at the bottom, and choose the option Show Inactive Accounts. (Inactive accounts have an X beside their name.)
  4. Hit the X mark or right-click the account to select the Make Account Active option. 
  5. Now, try running another financial exchange to see if the error persists.

In cases where the error 3140 appears out of other reasons or doesn’t display these error messages, try out the following methods. 

How to Fix Error 3140 In QuickBooks?

To resolve the error code 3140 in QuickBooks, you need to suppress its root causes. Follow the below-described solutions with full attention:

Solution 1: Clean System Junk File

In the first place, you need to clean your system junk file by following the below-given steps:

  1. Click on Windows Start icon and then type “cmd” in the given area.
  2. Now press CTRL + Shift keys together on your keyboard and press Enter.
  3. When a pop-up dialogue box appears on your screen, click Yes.
  4. Next thing you will is a black window where you need to type “Cleanmgr” and press Enter key.
  5. When you see the disk clean-up box, checkmark your selections and click OK to finish the task.

If error 3140 continues, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Install the Latest Updates for Your System

In this troubleshooting method, you need to install the latest system updates to resolve the error.

  1. Click the Windows Start icon and type Update in the search box.
  2. Hit Enter, and it will open a new Windows dialogue box on the screen.
  3. Check if the new updates are available and click on Install Updates option.

If QB error 3140 continues to trouble you, move to the next solution.

Solution 3: Update System Drivers

To update system drivers:

  1. Click on Settings option and then select update and security option.
  2. Next, select Windows update and then further select check for updates.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install a new driver on your system to finish the task.

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Solution 4: Fix the registry entries and take backups of error-related keys

Look for all the registry entries related to the error 3140 and fix them. The steps to initiate this solution are as follows:

  1. Go to the start menu and type command in the search box to get the results. 
  2. Once the command prompt option appears. Press Ctrl and shift keys together and then hit Enter on the command prompt icon. 
  3. Press Yes when a permission dialog box appears and you’ll get a blank black window with a twinkling cursor on your screen.
  4. Here, type regedit and Enter.
  5. The Registry-editor window will open where you need to find the error key related to 3140. Create a backup of this file.
  6. Go to the Export option in the File menu.
  7. Find the folder where you wish to save the backup from the save-in list.
  8. Give a name to the backup file in the name box.
  9. Mark the selected branch in the Export range box. 
  10. Choose the save option and store the file with the .reg extension.
  11. Save the backup of registry entries related to QuickBooks to end the process. 

Solution 5: Initiate an antivirus or malware scan

Protect your system from infections like a virus or malware from attacking your system. If you have an antivirus installed on your device, initiate and complete the scanning process.

Solution 6: Clean Install QuickBooks Program

Reinstalling QuickBooks application can help fix several errors in your system. Let’s look into the steps to implement it:

  1. Initiate uninstallation of the program through Control Panel. 
  2. Go to the Control Panel window and under the Programs and Features tab, select the Uninstall a program option.
  3. You’ll find a list of currently installed applications on your device from which you need to pick QuickBooks.
  4. Uninstall all the files related to QuickBooks and clear your system. 
  5. After uninstallation, you need to reinstall the application to continue your functioning. 
  6. This time ensure you download QuickBooks from a genuine source and see if the installation goes successfully.
  7. Keep product information and license number in hand to enter when needed. 
  8. Once done, setup your application and see if the error persists. 

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Solution 7: Run Windows System File Checker

The system file checker is a utility helping you diagnose and repair files in your system that are damaged or corrupt. You can operate it as follows:

  1. Go to the run window using the Windows icon and R keys shortcut (press the keys together). 
  2. Now, type cmd to reveal the System File checker window. 
  3. Type sfc/Scannow in the command prompt window and enter to begin the scanning process. Once done, rectify your PC for any errors with the scan and continue functioning normally. 

Solution 8: Update your Windows

Update your Windows OS with the latest security patches to protect and continue functioning smoothly. Check for updates as follows:

  1. Press the Start icon and type update in the search field. 
  2. Select the Windows Update option and follow it up by the Check for Updates option. 
  3. Mark the relevant update boxes on the screen and initiate the downloading process of updates.
  4. Once done, restart your PC, and install updates successfully. 

Contact Expert QB Team!

The solutions discussed in this post can help you in troubleshooting QuickBooks error message code 3140. If you are unable to resolve the error using the given solutions, dial QuickBooks Support Helpline Number 1-(855)-856-0042 to get further assistance in the resolution of QuickBooks error 3140.

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