QuickBooks Point of Sale Cannot Open Company File: What to Do to Fix the Error?

When working on QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale, you might receive an error due to which you fail to access the company files. Damaged company files can be the main reason behind such an error. Some of the POS services might not work due to which you cannot open the company file properly. If you get this “QuickBooks POS failed to open company” error, we will help you to diagnose the main cause.

By diagnosing the main cause, you can effortlessly fix the error. In this technical guide, you will explore a number of troubleshooting methods that will help you to fix the “QuickBooks POS failed to open company” error.

Why QuickBooks POS Failed to Open Company?

There can be numerous factors that affect the company file. As a result, you fail to access the company files when needed. If your QuickBooks POS failed to open company, the following could be the major reasons:

• Your company file has been damaged.
• The company file connection is lost.
• QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale database service manager is inactive.
• QB POS is trying to reconnect with your company file.

Due to such activities, you might not be able to open the company file in a timely manner in QB POS. To get rid of such an error, one has to take immediate action as it might affect your QB POS data.

How to Fix QuickBooks Point of Sale Cannot Open Company File?

Before proceeding with any troubleshooting method, one should restart the PC. This helps you to start the services with better performance. Thereafter, you have to ensure the Windows system is logged in as an administrator to avoid any restrictions.

If QuickBooks Point of Sale cannot open company file, we have a compiled list of repairing methods. For instance, you can restart QB POS, prepare a test file to open, restore the company file backup, rename your company files, repair QB POS, or try reinstalling the QB POS software. By using these methods, you can easily fix the error and access your company files. Let’s get through each method with detailed information:

Fix 1: Restart QuickBooks Desktop POS

When you receive errors in QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale, you should always try the basic troubleshooting methods. For instance, by restarting the QB POS, you can repair minor bugs and can access the company files. Follow these steps to restart the service:

• Make sure “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale” is closed on your computer.
• Then, open the “Run” window using the “Windows + R” keys simultaneously.
• After this, start typing “services.msc” in the text field.
• Press the “OK” button to continue.
• When you get into the “Services” window, search for the “Intuit Entitlement Service”.
• Once found the service, double click on it. In case you find multiple options, make sure you select the one with a higher number of versions.
• Go to the “General” tab and then select the “Automatic” option from the “Startup Type”. Here, you need to make you see the service status as “Running”.
• Now, switch to the “Log On” tab.
• Select the “Local System account” and place the checkmark for the “Allow service to interact with desktop” option.
• Click on the “Apply” and then the “OK” button.
• Then, move to the “Recovery” tab.
• After this, select the “Restart the Service” option from 1st, 2nd, and subsequent failures.

Once the QuickBooks Desktop POS service is restarted, you can try accessing the company file. If your QuickBooks Point of Sale cannot open company file then move ahead with the next solution.

Fix 2: Prepare a Test Company File

By preparing the test company file, you can check if you are able to open the new company files. This will let you understand if your existing company file contains errors or QB POS has some issues. Let us help you create the new file in QB POS:

• Launch “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale”.
• Then, click on the “File” menu.
• After this, select the “Company Operations” option.
• Here, you need to make a new company file and go to the “Next” button.
• Once done, you can add a company file, e.g., “Test File”.
• Then, press the “Create” button.

If you are able to open the Test File, it indicates there is an issue with the existing file. In this case, you should rename the company file which we will discuss later. However, if you fail to open the Test File, it indicates the problems lie within your QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale.

Fix 3: Restore the Backup Company File

Even after creating the new test file, if you cannot open the file, it is time to restore your backup company file. This will help you to use the company file when it is in the working state. Have a look at the following steps if your QuickBooks Point of Sale cannot open company file:

• Select the “File” menu.
• Then, click on the “Company Operations” option.
• Select the “Restore from backup” option.
• Click the “Next” button.
• Click on the “Browse to an alternate backup file” option.
• Hit the “Browse” button.
• Once done, go to the following location:
  • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\Data\” Your Company Name”\Backup. Please note that here “XX” represents the version of your software.
• From here, choose the recent backup and press the “Open” button.
• Hit the “Next” button and then type “Yes” to confirm the action.
• Press the “OK” button.

As you perform these steps, the backup company file can be restored easily. Now, you can open the company files in QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale. If you are still having issues opening the company file then we have more solutions you can try out.

Fix 4: Change the Company File Name

There can be occasions when you are able to open the test file but fail to access your original company file. On such occasions, one should rename the company file. In the following steps, we will show you to change the company file name to resolve the “QuickBooks POS failed to open company” error:

• Make sure “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale” is closed on your computer.
• Then, navigate to the following location:
  • C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale XX\Data\” Company File. Please note that here “XX” represents the version of your software.
• Now, click right on your company file for which you want to change the name.
• Select the “Rename” button.
• After this, you can add the new name to the company file.
• Now, launch the “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale”.
• Navigate to the “File” menu.
• Select the “Company Operations” option.
• Here, you can click on the “Open existing company” option.
• Hit the “Next” button.

Once done, you can continue following the instructions given on your screen. As you have renamed the company file, you should verify this by opening the file.

Fix 5: Repair Your QuickBooks Desktop POS Software

If your QB POS software is affected by severe errors due to which you cannot open the company file then you should repair this software immediately. When working on this method, make sure the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale is not opened. Now, follow these steps if your QuickBooks POS failed to open company:

• Open the “Run” command by using the “Windows + R” keys on the keyboard.
• Then, type “Control” in the field and press the “OK” button.
• Go to the “Programs” option.
• Select the “Programs and Features” option.
• From the list of installed programs, you can select the “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale” software.
• Then, click the “Repair” button.
• If prompted, click the “Yes” button.

By executing these steps, you can easily repair the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale. This will also help you to remove other errors affecting your software.

Fix 6: Remove the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale

If repairing the QuickBooks Point of Sale does not work, you can simply uninstall the software. To do so, the following steps can be followed:

• Open the “Run” command by using the “Windows + R” keys on the keyboard.
• Then, type “Control” in the field and press the “OK” button.
• Go to the “Programs” option.
• Select the “Programs and Features” option.
• From the list of installed programs, you can select the “QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale” software.
• Then, click the “Repair” button.
• If prompted, click the “Yes” button.

Once done performing the aforementioned steps, you can restart your computer to refresh. If required, you can reinstall the software as well.

Fix 7: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale

If you recently removed the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale, you can reinstall it on your computer. Make sure you download the compatible version of the software. Let us help you with the same:

• Open the “QuickBooks Download Page” here.
• Then, start selecting the following and hit the “Search” button.
  • Country
  • Product
  • Edition
  • Version
• Select the “Download” button.
• Now, click twice on the “QuickBooksPOSVXX.exe”. Do remember that “XX” represents the version of your software.
• Press the “Yes” button to allow.
• Then, click the “Next” button.
• Here, accept the “License Agreement” and select the “Next” button.
• Press the “Install” button. The process may take some time to install the software.
• Once done, you can hit the “Finish” button.

After following these steps, you can launch the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale on your computer. This should be working properly now.

In a Nutshell

QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale works efficiently, however, it might bring some technical issues. If QuickBooks Point of Sale cannot open company files, there can be numerous reasons such as damaged company files or outdated QB POS software. By working on your company files and software, you can easily fix the error. Here, we have listed helpful methods to troubleshoot the error.

QuickBooks Desktop may bring other types of errors as well. If you are facing any of the following errors, we have prepared dedicated guides for you:

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• How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1402?