Revealing the Easy Methods to Fix QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5

Did you get stuck with the QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5 in the call to NETShareGetInfo for the path? It is the error that majorly appears if the QuickBooks Database service user is restricted from opening the file location. The factors causing this issue might include invalid registries in the Windows Registry or insufficient company file permissions. Herein, this guide carries all the necessary details covering the root causes along with the troubleshooting methods to fix Unexpected Error 5 in QuickBooks.

Table of Contents

What Does the QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5 Mean?

QuickBooks Unexpected error 5 usually occurs while trying to open the software or accessing the data files. This issue mainly indicates problems associated with installation files, user permissions, or software conflicts.

Why Does Unexpected Error 5 in QuickBooks Desktop Appear?

Unexpected Error 5 in QuickBooks Desktop mainly occurs due to corruption in the Windows Registry. It can also appear because of the causes listed below.

The problem lies with the inappropriate installation of the QuickBooks Desktop.
In certain cases, the Unexpected Error in QuickBooks is seen due to the availability of invalid entries in the Windows Registry.
Users don’t have sufficient privileges to access the Windows User Account.
If the user accesses the incorrect folder for saving the shared download of the QuickBooks POS update, this error may arise.
Sometimes, the interference of the antivirus or the third-party application also gives rise to the Unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks Desktop.
You may notice the damage or corruption in the company file.
At times, incorrectly closing the system or forcibly closing the system may also be responsible for this error.

Read More – Download QuickBooks Desktop

Proven Methods to Fix Unexpected Error 5 in QuickBooks

Once you get to know the actual reason that triggers Unexpected errors in QuickBooks, find the troubleshooting methods to fix them. Herein, we have described the fixation methods to overcome the issue in the best possible manner.

1. Recreating the Particular User File

Launch the QuickBooks application and move to the particular Company tab.
Following this, opt for the Users and choose the Set Up User and Roles option.
Now, look for the errors that are creating issues for the users available on the particular user list and then delete them.
Thereon, start searching for the button to locate a New Account and then include your specific username and password. Later on, fix roles for the user and hit OK to generate a new user.

2. Disable the User Account in Windows

Sometimes, you can get rid of the QuickBooks Unexpected error by turning off the user account in Windows. So, let’s carry on with the steps below to accomplish the task.

Launch the Run Command Window by pressing the Windows + R key and then move further.
After this, include the control panel and hit the OK button to access the Control Panel window.
Now, all you require is to select the user accounts and opt for the user accounts (classic view).
Moving further, select the Change User Account Control Settings option.
If you receive any prompts from UAC, tap on the Yes option to move further.
Following this, drag the slider towards the never notify option and hit OK to turn UAC OFF.
Next, make sure that you set it to always notify and go for OK to turn UAC ON. Then, if asked, go with the Yes option to move ahead.
At last, complete the process by relaunching your Windows PC.

3. Begin Installing the Latest QuickBooks Point of Sale Updates

By updating the QuickBooks Point Of Sale application, you can easily deal with the Unexpected error 5 in the call to NetShareGetInfo for the path. You must follow the instructions described below to install the latest updates properly.

Under this process, make sure that you log in to the QuickBooks Point of Sale application as an administrator.
After this, move to the Help menu and head to the Software Update option.
Now, select the Updater Preference tab and return to the General tab.
Moreover, it is necessary to automatically download updates.
Following this, click on Notify me to get the notification associated with the new updates whenever they are available.
Next, you must hit the OK tab once you are all set.
As a result, you will notice that the software will eventually begin to download and install the newly launched updates when available.

4. Providing the File Share Access

You may come across the Unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks when you don’t have the proper file sharing option for the data files. Go through the steps below to turn on the shared access option.

To begin with, you must open the Windows File Explorer.
After this, right-click on the folder where you have saved your company file.
Now, browse to the Properties tab and click the Sharing tab.
Following this, choose the Partial or Full Sharing as per the business necessities.
At last, complete the process by hitting the Apply and then the OK tab.

5. Start Downloading and Installing the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

Even after performing the above solutions, you fail to rectify the QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5, then try running the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool.

To begin with, start downloading and installing the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Afterwards, head to the Company File Issues.
Now, browse to the Run QuickBooks File Doctor. This tool may take some time, around one minute for the file doctor to open.

Note: If the QuickBooks File Doctor fails to open, then look for the QuickBooks Desktop File Doc and open it manually.

Next, move to the QuickBooks File Doctor, and opt for the company file that is creating issues from the options available. For that, click on the drop-down menu. If you fail to locate your file, choose Browse and search to find your file.
Following this, choose the Check your file (middle option only) and then Continue.
Now, mention the QuickBooks admin password and then choose Next.
You will notice that the scanning process time depends on your file size which may take up to 10–15 minutes. If you see that the scan may say it was unsuccessful, even if it fixes your issue. Once the scanning process is over, open QuickBooks and your company file.

6. Give a New Name to the .ND file in the QuickBooks folder

To begin with, you must browse to the QB folder, then look for the file having.ND extension.
After this, you must right-click on the.ND file and then rename the file by adding “.old” to the name.
Thereon, click anywhere to save the new name and then start running the QuickBooks application.
At last, verify if the QuickBooks Error 5 Access Denied issue is fixed.

Conclusion

With this, we ensure that this blog has enlightened you regarding the causes and the easy troubleshooting ways to fix the QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5. Thus, it will let you access your company file without making any further delays. Furthermore, if this issue is still interrupting you, then have a quick consultation with our QB professionals for immediate help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: What do you understand by an unexpected error in QuickBooks Online?

Ans. Users often encounter an unexpected error in QuickBooks Online due to numerous factors, such as unstable internet connections and issues with installed browser extensions.

Question 2: What are the different instances when QuickBooks unexpected error 5 occurs?

Ans. The following are instances when QuickBooks Unexpected Error 5 occurs.

You might face trouble with the PDF printing.
Issues with the PDF printing and corruption may generate this issue.
This issue may also appear while accessing the company file.
Users may obtain an error message on their computer screen when the Unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks arises.

Question 3: How can you prevent Unexpected Error 5 in QuickBooks from occurring in the future?

Ans. You can prevent the Unexpected error 5 in QuickBooks by considering a few facts in your mind.

Make sure that you have sufficient rights to access the company file.
Ensure that your Windows PC is well-linked with a stable internet connection.
Also, verify that you are using the latest QuickBooks Desktop and Windows operating system.

Question 4: How can I verify if the QuickBooks installation is corrupted?

Ans. You can identify the corruption in the QuickBooks installation by launching the data file. If you notice that the QB installation is corrupted, then try running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool.

Question 5: Does updating the QuickBooks Desktop help me fix the QuickBooks Unexpected error 5?

Ans. Yes, installing the latest QuickBooks Desktop updates will help in resolving the QuickBooks Unexpected error.

About The Author

Jonathan Browns

Jonathan Brown is a trained QuickBooks professional with 10 years of experience in the accounting sector. Moreover, he is passionate about helping businesses reduce the stress of managing accounts. Also, he is proficient in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners to use QuickBooks and enhance their accounting experience.

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