QuickBooks Error 6138 | Fixing the Company File Error 

One of the most crucial components of QuickBooks—and of your business—is your company file. If you’re unable to open the company file and encounter QuickBooks Error 6138, -105, it can significantly disrupt your ability to manage financial data and perform essential tasks.

This error typically occurs when the company file is being hosted on a computer that is not designated as the server, but rather a workstation. In a multi-user setup, only the server computer should host the company file. 

To resolve error code 6138, ensure that only the server computer has hosting enabled and that all workstations have hosting turned off. Explore this detailed guide to learn the steps required to ensure you can open the company file without any interruptions.

What Causes Company File Error 6138 in QuickBooks? 

There are multiple reasons why you failed to open your company file and are getting error code 6138 in QuickBooks. Let’s explore each in detail:  

• Using an outdated version of QuickBooks 
• Possible data damages or corruption 
• General network connectivity issues
• Hosting might be enabled on the workstation 
• Damaged or corrupted .ND and .TLG files 
• Damaged or incorrect installation of QuickBooks Desktop
• The company file might be in too many folders 
• The original company file folder might be damaged 
• Incorrect or insufficient folder and Windows access permissions
• Windows Firewall might be blocking QuickBooks Desktop 

Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Error 6138 When Opening a Company File 

Let’s walk you through the detailed troubleshooting steps that will help you get past the issues we discussed above and resolve QuickBooks error 6138 promptly. 

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop

Running an older edition of QuickBooks can leave you without important security updates and new features. It may also create compatibility issues with Windows, potentially disrupting tasks such as accessing a company file over the network. Updating QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release helps keep your system protected and ensures smoother, more reliable performance.

2. Run QuickBooks File Doctor 

QuickBooks File Doctor scans your company file to detect possible data corruption and network connection problems, and then performs a brief repair process.

Important: Be sure to download and install the most recent version of QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.8) before running the tool.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Select Company File Issues in the left pane. 
• Hit on Run QuickBooks File Doctor. It may take a minute or longer for the File Doctor tool to launch.

Note: If it doesn’t open automatically, search for QuickBooks Desktop File Doctor on your computer and start it manually.

• In the File Doctor window, select your company file from the drop-down list. If it’s not listed, choose Browse and locate the file yourself.
• Select Check your file (the middle option), then click Continue.
• Type in the QuickBooks admin password to grant access, and then click Next.

3. Check if Hosting is on for all workstations

It is best practice to designate a single computer as the server for storing and managing your company’s files.

• Press F2 to access the Product Information window.

• Locate the Local Server Information section.
• Ensure that hosting is disabled on all workstations.

4. Rename the .ND and .TLG files, and run the Database Server Manager from the QuickBooks Tools Hub

The .TLG (Transaction Log) and .ND (Network Data) files are support components created automatically by QuickBooks Desktop to monitor data changes and control multi-user access.

If you rename the .ND and .TLG files, QuickBooks will generate fresh copies the next time the company file is opened, which can help eliminate issues caused by file damage or corruption that may be blocking network access. Afterward, run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager again to rescan the company file and restore proper hosting configuration.

a. Rename the .ND and .TLG file

• Open the folder where your QuickBooks company file is saved.
• Find the files that match your company file name but end in .ND and .TLG.
  For example:
  • company_file.qbw.nd
  • company_file.qbw.tlg
• Right-click on each of these files.
• Select Rename, then add .OLD to the end of the file name.
  Example: company_file.qbw.nd.OLD

b. Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager allows you to host company files across a network. After renaming the .ND and .TLG files, you’ll need to restart and rescan using the Database Server Manager.

Follow these steps:

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• From the left panel, select Network Issues.
• Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager. (If QuickBooks is not installed on your server computer, install it first.)

• In the Database Server Manager window:
  • Click Start Scan if your company files are already listed.
  • If they are not listed, select Browse to locate the company file, then click Start Scan.
• Once the scan finishes, open QuickBooks Desktop and attempt to access your company file again.

5. Open a sample company file from a workstation

When you open a sample company file, it runs a test on your company file to determine whether the problem is with the company file or QuickBooks. If you fail to open a sample company file and get an error, it means the QuickBooks installation is damaged and needs to be repaired. 

• Open a Sample File and then choose from the list of your sample company files. 
• If you open the sample company file, go to the next solution. 

6. Repair the QuickBooks installation files

To fix an incorrect QuickBooks installation or resolve damaged or corrupted program files, you can use the available tools in the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

a. Run the Quick Fix my Program 

The Quick Fix My Program tool closes any background processes related to QuickBooks and performs a brief repair of the application.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Select Program Problems.
• Click on Quick Fix My Program.

• After the repair is complete, reopen QuickBooks Desktop and access your company file.

b. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool 

If the installation did not complete properly, it may cause errors while using QuickBooks. The Install Diagnostic Tool helps resolve common installation-related problems.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• From the left panel, select Installation Issues.
• Choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and allow it to run (this may take up to 20 minutes).

• Once the scan finishes, restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks Desktop and your company file.
• Make sure QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest version to benefit from current fixes and security improvements.

6. Copy the QuickBooks file to the Desktop

Move your company file to the desktop and try opening it to determine whether the problem is related to its current storage location.

1. If the file opens successfully from the desktop, the original folder may be damaged.
2. The issue might also be caused by the file being saved within multiple subfolders, which can exceed the system’s file path length limit.
3. If the file does not open even after being moved, the file itself may be corrupted.

Steps to move and test the file:

• Open the folder where your company file is currently saved.
• Find the file with the .QBW extension.
• Right-click the file and select Copy. Then navigate to your desktop, right-click on an empty area, and choose Paste.
• Press and hold the Ctrl key while launching QuickBooks to bring up the No Company Open window.
• Select Open or restore an existing company, browse to the desktop, choose the company file, and attempt to open it.

7. Close all QuickBooks processes

Background QuickBooks processes may interfere with the update, causing QuickBooks error 6138.

To resolve this, follow these steps:

• Log in to the server computer using an Administrator account.
• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Click Show processes for all users, then go to the Users tab.
• Locate any QuickBooks-related processes (such as QBW32.EXE, qbupdate.exe, and QBDBMgr.exe) and select End Task for each one.
• After closing these processes, try opening your company file again in multi-user mode.

8. Check the folder permission manually

Improper Windows file or folder permissions can stop QuickBooks from accessing important company and payroll files. As a result, payroll updates may fail, errors can occur while downloading tax tables, and paycheck processing may be interrupted.

Correctly configuring folder and Windows access permissions ensures payroll runs smoothly, reduces the risk of update issues, and safeguards sensitive employee and tax information from permission-related conflicts.

9. Configure firewall ports and Anti-Virus Software

Windows Firewall is a built-in security application in Windows that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It manages system ports and blocks unauthorized access to help protect your computer from security threats.

You may experience errors if your firewall or antivirus software blocks certain QuickBooks programs or files. To prevent this, configure your Windows Firewall settings and create an exception for QuickBooks in your antivirus program.

Note: Since Intuit does not develop antivirus software, we’re unable to provide detailed steps for setting up exceptions within those programs. For specific guidance, please contact your antivirus provider or refer to their official support documentation.

Conclusion 

Not being able to open a company file can cause data damage or permanent data loss. Avoid such incidents with the detailed causes and troubleshooting steps mentioned for QuickBooks error 6138. Make sure you have enough permissions and that files or folders are not damaged. 

If the error persists or you need professional assistance, we recommend consulting with QuickBooks ProAdvisors. Dial +1 (866) 500-0076 to talk to a certified expert now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What causes QuickBooks error code 6000 77?

QuickBooks error 6000 77 is primarily caused by trying to open a company file stored on an external storage device, a mapped drive, or a restricted folder rather than a local hard drive.

How do I fix QuickBooks error code 6138?

To fix it, verify and reactivate inactive customers/suppliers in QuickBooks, check for duplicate names, correct your system date/time, or update SSL settings in Internet Options. 

What is the -6000 error in QuickBooks?

QuickBooks error -6000 occurs when you’re unable to open a company file. It’s commonly caused by damaged files, incorrect file permissions, network issues, or firewall settings in QuickBooks. Fixes include using File Doctor and renaming .ND/.TLG files, or checking hosting settings.

What is a QuickBooks error code 6000 83 & H202?

QuickBooks error 6000 83 and H202 are network-related issues indicating that a workstation cannot connect to the company file on the server. Error 6000 83 usually means the file cannot be opened or accessed due to permission issues, while H202 indicates a multi-user hosting setup error.