Here’s the Guide to Fix QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error

Accounting

Undoubtedly, QuickBooks is a highly popular accounting software widely used by small and medium-sized businesses to manage their financial operations. Despite its robust features and user-friendly interface, users may occasionally encounter technical issues. Among them, one such common technical glitch is the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” issue. This blog aims to provide an in-depth understanding of this error, its causes, and step-by-step solutions to resolve it effectively.

If your QuickBooks is continuously crashing or not working, it’s better to contact our technical support team at 1-844-266-9345. Call us and have a one-on-one conversation with our experts. 

Understanding the QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error

The “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” error usually appears when the software fails to open or crashes unexpectedly. Users may see an error message on their screen stating that QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. This issue can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when you are in the middle of critical accounting tasks. Now, understanding the root causes of this issue is essential to permanently fix this problem. So, let’s move to the next section and find out the reasons. 

Also Read: QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

What Makes QuickBooks Not Responding to the Users? 

Multiple factors can trigger this QuickBooks not responding error. Understanding these causes is crucial for diagnosing and resolving the problem. Have a look at the below given common reasons:

Corrupted or Damaged QBWUSER.INI File: The QBWUSER.INI file in QuickBooks contains crucial user preferences and settings. If this file becomes corrupted or damaged, QuickBooks may fail to read necessary configuration data during startup. Eventually, it can prevent the software from launching properly or cause it to become unresponsive. Renaming or rebuilding this file can often resolve the issue and restore normal functionality.

Damaged Hard Drive: A damaged hard drive can cause QuickBooks not responding by corrupting essential program files and data. Bad sectors or physical damage can hinder the software’s ability to access necessary files, leading to crashes and startup failures. Regular hardware maintenance and timely backups can help prevent data loss and ensure smooth operation. Replacing a damaged hard drive may be necessary to restore QuickBooks functionality.

Outdated QuickBooks Version: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can lead to compatibility issues with your operating system or other software, causing QuickBooks to become unresponsive. Updates often include critical bug fixes and performance improvements that ensure smooth operation. Without these updates, the software may encounter conflicts and fail to run properly. Regularly updating QuickBooks helps prevent these issues and maintains optimal performance.

Compatibility Issues: Another reason for QuickBooks not responding could be the compatibility issues that can arise when QuickBooks is not fully compatible with your operating system. As a result, it results in QuickBooks crashes and unresponsiveness. These conflicts can prevent QuickBooks from accessing necessary resources and functioning correctly. Running QuickBooks in compatibility mode or updating your system can help resolve these issues.

Corrupted Program Files: Corrupted program files can cause QuickBooks to become unresponsive by disrupting the software’s ability to execute essential functions. This corruption can result from improper installations, system crashes, or malware infections. Repairing the QuickBooks installation can often restore these files and resolve the issue.

Virus or Malware Infection: Virus or Malware infections can cause QuickBooks to unexpectedly stop by damaging essential program files and interfering with their normal operations. Malicious software can corrupt data, alter system settings, and consume system resources, leading to performance issues. QuickBooks has stopped working errors. Running regular antivirus scans and keeping your security software up to date can help prevent infections. Removing any detected malware can restore QuickBooks functionality and improve system stability.

Read More: QuickBooks Outlook is Not Responding

What Signs Do Users Notice While QuickBooks Not Opening?

When QuickBooks fails to open, users may notice several signs indicating underlying issues. These signs include:

• Error Messages: Users may see specific error messages such as “QuickBooks has stopped working” or “QuickBooks is not responding.”
• Freezing or Crashing: The software may freeze or crash during startup, preventing access to the dashboard.
• Blank or White Screen: While QuickBooks not opening, it may open to a blank or white screen without loading any content.
• Slow Performance: The application may take an unusually long time to load or may hang indefinitely during the loading process.
• Operating System Prompts: Users might receive prompts from the operating system indicating that QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close.
• Unresponsive Interface: Clicking on QuickBooks’ icon or menu options may result in no response, indicating that the program is not functioning correctly.

Stepwise Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error 

Do not panic while encountering the QuickBooks has stopped working error messages. Just perform the methods given in the section below and root out this problem. Resolving this error requires a systematic approach, so we have explained the easiest steps below: 

Solution Method 1 – Change the QBWUSER.INI File’s Name 

As we noted, corruption issues related to the QBWUSER.INI file can make QuickBooks unresponsive. However, renaming the QBWUSER.INI file can help resolve the corruption. Here are the steps to rename the QBWUSER.INI file:

1. Firstly, ensure that QuickBooks is not running on your system, and close the application if it is open.
2. Now, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Once it appears, type %appdata% in the Run dialog box and press Enter. 
3. After this, once you see the Roaming folder within the AppData directory, start locating the Intuit folder in the Roaming folder. 
4. Following this, open the folder and find the QuickBooks folder.
5. Open the QuickBooks Folder, and now search for the QBWUSER.INI file in the QuickBooks folder.
6. Afterward, right-click the QBWUSER.INI file and select the Rename option from the context menu.
7. To rename, you must add .old to the end of the filename (e.g., QBWUSER.INI.old).
8. Now, press Enter to save the new name, and open QuickBooks again to see if the issue is resolved. If not, let the next approach fix the QuickBooks not responding issue.

Know More: QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error

Solution Method 2 – Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool is specifically designed to fix issues related to damaged QuickBooks program files and components. Since such files can make QuickBooks stop while running, it’s crucial to repair these files. Follow these steps to run the tool: 

1. Start this procedure by first visiting the official Intuit QuickBooks Tool Hub download page. 
2. Next, click the download link and save the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file to your computer.
3. Afterward, open the downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe file and start performing according to the on-screen instructions to install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
4. Once installed, you need to double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on your desktop to open it.

5. At this point, in the QuickBooks Tool Hub, you must click the Installation Issues tab and choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
6. Well, the tool will automatically start but may take up to 20 minutes to run according to your internet speed and the system’s performance.
7. Following this, you must allow the tool to run completely without interruption. 
8. It will scan and repair any issues related to QuickBooks program installation files and components.
9. Finally, once your computer has restarted, you must open QuickBooks to see if the issue has been resolved.

Also See: QuickBooks Database Server Manager Stopped

Solution Method 3 – Scan for Malware if QuickBooks Not Opening after the Windows Update 

If your QuickBooks is not opening after the Windows update, you must scan for malware and virus infections. Such scanning attempts ensure QuickBooks remain secure and well-functional. Have  a look at the following steps: 

1. Initially, you must make sure that your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions. For this, open your antivirus program and check for updates.
2. Next, disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent malware from communicating with external servers during the scan.
3. Afterward, to perform a full system scan, you must open your antivirus software.
4. Following this, select the full or comprehensive system scan option. This scan will thoroughly check all files and folders on your computer.
5. Now, start the scan. This process may take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of system files.
6. Here, if the antivirus software detects any threats, it will prompt you with options to remove the malicious files. 
7. For this, follow the on-screen instructions to deal with the detected threats.
8. Finally, after the scanning and removal process is complete, you must restart your computer to ensure all the applied changes. 

Solution Method 4 – Create a New Windows User

If you notice that QuickBooks not opening after the Windows update, try creating a new Windows user. Creating a new Windows user account can help resolve issues caused by a corrupted user profile. Take a look at the penned-down steps to do so:

1. Begin this method by first pressing Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. Next, click Accounts in the Settings app window. Now, in the Accounts section, select Family & Other Users from the menu on the left.
3. Afterward, under the Other users tab, click the Add someone else to this PC option.
4. Now, you will be prompted to enter an email or phone number for the new account. 
5. However, if you want to create a local account, you must click the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option.
6. Following this, click the Add a user without a Microsoft account alternative and enter a username, password, and password hint for the new account.
7. Done? After this, click Next to create the account. Finally, once you finish all these steps, try opening your QuickBooks application. If it’s still not opening, perform the following method. 

Solution Method 5 – Run QuickBooks in Compatibility Mode

By running QuickBooks in Compatibility Mode, you can resolve issues related to compatibility with your operating system. Maybe these compatibility issues caused your QuickBooks has stopped working. Perform the instructions carefully: 

1. Firstly, you must search for the QuickBooks desktop shortcut or the executable file (usually QBW32.exe or QBW64.exe, depending on your version).
2. Once you find the file, right-click the QuickBooks icon or executable file. 
3. Following this, select the Properties alternative from the context menu, and hit the compatibility tab from the Properties window. 
4. Afterward, check the box that says, “Run this program in compatibility mode for.”
5. Now, from the dropdown menu, you must select an earlier version of Windows that is known to be compatible with your QuickBooks version.
6. Finally, you must hit Apply and then use the OK option to save all the above changes.

Learn More: QuickBooks Compile Error in Hidden Module

Preventive Measures to Avoid QuickBooks Not Opening Error

While troubleshooting can resolve the QuickBooks Has Stopped Working error, taking preventive measures can help avoid related issues in the future:

• Keep QuickBooks and your operating system up to date to ensure compatibility and security.
• Regularly backup your QuickBooks data to prevent data loss in case of an error.
• Only use trusted and authorized software to minimize the risk of malware infections.
• Regularly check and maintain your hardware to avoid physical damage that can affect software performance.
• Consider seeking our professional support for complex issues or if you are unsure about performing certain troubleshooting steps. You can call us at 1-844-266-9345.

For More Help, Contact Us! 

The QuickBooks Has Stopped Working error can be a significant hindrance to your business operations, but with the right approach and troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved effectively. By understanding the common causes and following the solutions outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can get QuickBooks up and running smoothly again. Additionally, adopting preventive measures can help minimize the risk of encountering similar issues in the future. For further assistance, you can always reach out to our QuickBooks support via Live Chat Support.