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Fix QuickBooks Error 6147 & Regain Access to Company File

• 
• By Jonathan Browns
• Sep 24, 2025
• Accounting
• 7 min read

Are you struggling while trying to restore a company file backup? It happens due to the arrival of QuickBooks Error 6147. This error mainly pops up because of an invalid file path, corruption in the company file, or network-related problems. However, this issue prevents users from accessing the company file, which may disrupt the entire task. In this post, we have explained all the root causes along with the troubleshooting methods to overcome QuickBooks Error Code 6147,0.

What Do Understand By QuickBooks Error Code 6147, 0?

The QuickBooks Error Code 6147, 0 basically indicates the issues while trying to launch or restore the company file. Whenever it pops up, it shows the message indicating: “We’re sorry. QuickBooks couldn’t open your file. We’ll try to fix the problem. Click Start to begin. If the problem continues, contact support for assistance and report error codes: (-6147, 0).” So, if you are also experiencing the error, let’s first understand the possible causes behind the error below.

Why Does Error 6147 in QuickBooks Desktop Occur?

The users often experience Error 6147 in QuickBooks Desktop due to damage or corruption in the company file. Other factors which is responsible for the arrival of the error are as follows:

• The Error Code 6147 in QuickBooks is often seen when the company file location or network path is either incorrect or too long.
• You may also receive the error if the antivirus software blocks access to open the QuickBooks company file.
• Sometimes, the QuickBooks Error Message 6147 appears when you try to restore a backup file directly through a network drive.
• Any presence of damage or corruption in the .ND and .TLG files may be responsible for this issue.
• Users don’t have enough user permissions to launch the QuickBooks company file folder.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6147 With Easy Methods?

If you are struggling with the QuickBooks Error 6147, then try these rectification methods to fix it. Thus, it will help you regain access to your data file to accomplish your financial operations smoothly.

Method 1: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Running the latest version of QuickBooks is essential to protect your system against online threats that might hamper the company file performance. Therefore, keeping your QuickBooks Desktop up-to-date will help you enjoy new features that will enhance the overall accounting experience.

Method 2: Assign a New Name to Both .ND & .TLG Files

• Both .ND and the .TLG files play a vital role as these configuration files are responsible for running the data file in multi-user mode. However, if these files are damaged or corrupted, you may see errors like QuickBooks Error Code 6147 while opening the file. So, to resolve the issue, you need to change the name of these files.

• Under this process, browse to the QuickBooks folder holding the company file.
• After this, start looking for the files which is similar to your data file name, having different extensions.ND and TLG.
  • company_file.qbw.nd
  • company)file.qbw.tlg
• Now, you must right-click on the.ND and then the .TLG files one by one. Then, choose the Rename option.
• Following this, change the names of these files by adding.OLD at the end of these file names.
• Finally, open the QuickBooks application and then try to log in to your company file. If you continue receiving the QuickBooks error message 6147, then try using the next solution.

Method 3: Copy the QuickBooks File to your Desktop

While opening the QuickBooks data file, you must verify whether there is any issue with the location of your file.

• If you notice that the file launches from the Desktop, it reflects that there might be some issues with the location where the file is saved.
• There might be the possibility that the file may be present in multiple folders, which exceeds the file system path limitation.
• In case you are having trouble opening the file after changing the location, it’s possible that there is some file damage.

Below, we have provided you with the following instructions for copying the data file to your Desktop.

• To begin with, launch the folder holding your company file.
• After that, start looking for the data file with the extension.QBW.
• Now, you must right-click on the file, then choose the Copy option. Then, move to the Desktop, click anywhere on the desk, and tap on Paste.
• Thereon, you must hold the control key and then launch QuickBooks. As a result, it will open the No Company Open window.

• Finally, opt for the Open or restore an existing company. Then, move to your desktop, find your company file, and open it.

Method 4: Restore a Backup of the Company File

Restoring the backup of your company file will help you detect whether the issue lies with your file (.QBW). In case you are receiving the error while trying to restore the backup, then undertake the steps listed below.

• Firstly, verify that your computer isn’t hosting.
  • Start accessing your QuickBooks company file.
  • After that, move to the File menu and hit the Utilities tab.
  • If you see that the Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is mentioned:
    • You must choose the Stop Hosting Multi-User Access option.
    • Next, tap on the Yes option in Stop hosting multi-user access.
    • Again, hit the Yes tab from the Company file having the closed window.
• Afterwards, you must verify that the path to your data file is not longer than 210 characters.
  • For checking, access the location where you have stored your data file.
  • Thereon, copy the path from your address bar.
  • Next, you must paste the path into Notepad and then count the characters along with the spaces.
  • For example: C: Documents and SettingsAll UsersDocumentsIntuitQuickBooksSample Company FilesQuickBooks 2018Sample_company_file.qbw is 125 characters.
• Furthermore, you must try restoring your QuickBooks company file once again.
• If you are still receiving the QuickBooks Company File Error 6147, then try the next solution.

Method 5: Try Running the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool On Your Data File

QuickBooks File Doctor not only determines the problem with the company file, but also addresses the network connectivity issues. Therefore, this tool runs a quick scan and then repairs the issues with the file. As a result, it will help you fix Error Code 6147 in QuickBooks.

• Under this process, start downloading and installing the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• After this, launch the QB Tool Hub and choose the Company File Issues tab.
• Now, browse to the Run QuickBooks File Doctor tab, and it will take around one minute for the tool to launch.
• Thereon, start looking for the data file from the list of options that is creating problems. If you are unable to find the file, then go with the Browse and search option to locate the file.
• Next, you must head to the Check your file option and click the Continue tab.
• At last, mention your QuickBooks admin password correctly and tap on Next.

Method 6: Open a Sample Company File on your computer

By opening a sample company file will help you detect whether the issue lies with your file or the QuickBooks application itself. If you fail to open the sample company file and you receive an error, it states that the QuickBooks installation is damaged and has to be repaired.

• From the No Company Open window, tap on Open a Sample file and pick any from the list of sample files.
• If you are able to access the sample file, try another solution. If you notice that your data file is popping up the same error message, begin repairing your QuickBooks installation files.

Let’s begin running the QuickBooks install Diagnostic Tool to get rid of the error.

Method 7: Utilize Auto Data Recovery for Restoring the Backup

If you notice that your data file is damaged, then start recovering the damaged file by running the
QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery Tool. By running this tool, you restore your lost company file data. Thus, it will help you resolve QuickBooks Error Code 6147 quickly.

Method 8: Manually Examining the Folder Permissions

Sometimes, the users might fail to access the QuickBooks company file when they don’t have enough folder permissions. Therefore, to rectify the issue, you must verify the folder permissions for sharing the data files.

Check that the permissions are set properly

• Under this process, launch the Start menu and then open the File Explorer.
• After that, right-click the folder that contains the company file and tap on the Properties option.
• When you are on the Security tab, choose the Advanced option.
• Now, head to the QBDataServiceUserXX and click Edit.
• Next, you must apply the following settings to Allowed:
  • Traverse Folder/Execute File
  • List Folder/Read Data
  • Read Attributes
  • Read Extended Attributes
  • Create Files/Write Data
  • Create Folders/Append Data
  • Write Attributes
  • Write Extended Attributes
  • Read Permissions

If you notice that the permissions aren’t set appropriately:

• Firstly, you must right-click on the folder containing the data file and click the Properties tab.
• After this, choose the Security and then the Edit tab.
• Now, you must opt for the QBDataServiceUserXX and tap on the Full Control option.
• Next, the users must click the Allow > Apply and then hit the OK tab.

Change the Folder Permissions Accurately

If you wish to adjust the folder permissions, then apply the steps instructed below.

1. In the initial stage, open the Start menu and then access the File Explorer.
2. After this, locate and then right-click on the folders listed below;
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6.0
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v5
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v3
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client
   • C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)
   • C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT
   • C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT\QUICKBOOKS
   • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\FAMXX (XX = year)
   • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
   • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)

The users must carry on with the steps instructed below for any folder mentioned below. You must verify that you may not have all of these folders. These are specific to certain versions available in the QuickBooks Desktop.

• Primarily, you must right-click on the folder and then pick the Properties option.
• Afterwards, when you are on the Security tab, choose the Everyone tab.

Note: If you notice that Everyone isn’t mentioned in the Group or User Name checkbox, then hit the Add and type in the Everyone option. Then, you must hit the OK tab.

• Thereon, choose the Full Control and click Apply, followed by the OK tab.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 6147 is a challenging issue that may prevent users from opening the company file. But by implementing the above solutions, you can easily fix the issue without any hindrance. As a result, it helps prevent users from accessing the company file. If you still have any issues accessing the company files, then connect with our QB professionals for help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: How do I restore my QuickBooks company files?

Ans. To restore the QuickBooks company files, launch the QuickBooks File menu, click the Open or Restore Company option. After this, choose ” Restore a backup copy and click Next. Thereon, choose the Local Backup > Next and search for your backup data file.

Question 2: Can I recover the company data that is affected by QuickBooks Error 6147, 0?

Ans. By running the Auto Data Recovery tool in QuickBooks, you can restore the lost or damaged company file data. Also, you have the option to recover your data through backup if you have generated the backup files.