QuickBooks Error “The File Exists”

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What does mean QuickBooks Error: “The File Exists”

When the user tries to access their QuickBooks software or company file they might encounter an error message persistently stating “QuickBooks Error “The File Exists”. This error can be due to the following reasons:

  • The file might already be in use with a different program or application.
  • The file could be opened in another application.
  • Last reason for this error could be that the file is set as ‘Read -Only’ format.

QuickBooks Error The File Exists

The error should be resolved under the expert guidance of the QuickBooks Customer Support team. The user can also try to resolve the problem by trying the following listed two solutions as recommended by Intuit. The first solution is more of troubleshooting steps while the basic solution is the second one.

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At times when Windows is unable to download the QuickBooks updates, “QuickBooks Error: The File Exists” may pop-up. In this error, whenever you are trying to print from QuickBooks, Windows will show the message box that the file exists. It is only after clicking OK several times that you will be able to process the print. The issue persists when trying to open the file from the printer setup.

Causes behind the QuickBooks Error File Exists

  • The main cause behind this error, when the internet is not active in your system.
  • Firewall is outdated or unacceptable .
  • Also if the internet setting is wrong or improper.
  • The QuickBooks Desktop application is also outdated.
  • QuickBooks software and windows user control conflict .
  • Incomplete or improper QuickBooks installation.
  • The user does not have credentials to access the windows

How to resolve QuickBooks Error: The File Exists?

Resolution 1: When the user tries to access the portal for Payroll which is currently getting updated and ready to install the recommended changes or if there is some imperative component missing from the system user will encounter the message QuickBooks Error “The File Exists”. In such a case, user can simply ignore the error message which will not permanently resolve the error but a user might be able to continue working on the system as after ignoring the message a few times, the error prompt goes away on its own after a while. The possible reason for this could be that a new screen is launched. Another trick is to update the QuickBooks software to the latest edition available in the market.

Resolution 2: This method of resolving QuickBooks Error “The File Exists” is a little more complicated and should be performed with guidance from  QuickBooks experts. As already informed above possible scenarios for this error to occur are when the software is installing payroll updates or the user is trying to access an imperative federal or state form. Another possible scenario could be that the user is processing liabilities payments that have been scheduled. In such cases the user will encounter pop-up messages as listed below:

    • The file user is trying to open is already open with another application. Herein, the user will have to try and locate which application is using the file and close the access of the file. Another reason could be that the file has been saved under Read-Only format which stops the user from making any changes within it.
    • The error could occur if there are certain components missing from the Windows operating system.
    • The QuickBooks software might have read the file required inaccurately which could lead to QuickBooks Error “The File Exists”.

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The above points might help to resolve the issue. However, the user can try additional troubleshooting steps listed below to resolve the same:

  • Upgrade your Windows operating system
  • Reset the setting of security software like antivirus, and firewall, etc.
  • Run Reboot.bat.

If the additional steps do not work and the user is still encountering the error, they should connect with the QuickBooks technical support team as the error could be because of a technical issue with the software. You can also try to contact an alternative support agency like 99Accounting in case the customer support cannot be connected due to a long queue.

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