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QuickBooks Desktop company file slow or crashing

QuickBooks Desktop takes a long time to open the company file, freezes while running reports, shows an unrecoverable error, or closes unexpectedly.

On Windows Desktop: File, then Utilities, then Verify Data or Rebuild Data. Program repairs use QuickBooks Tool Hub (a separate download from Intuit), typically under Program Problems or Company File Issues. Menus differ in Desktop for Mac.

Likely causes

• The Desktop program is not on the latest release for your version, or the version is past its service end date.
• The company file has data issues that Verify Data can find.
• The file has grown very large over many years, or the transaction log has not been reset by a full verified backup.
• Network, multi-user hosting, or antivirus settings on the computer or server are interfering.

Quick fixes

1. Make a backup copy of the company file before you change anything (File, then Back Up Company, or your normal backup routine). Keep it somewhere safe.
2. Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release for your version. Confirm on Intuit's discontinuation page that your Desktop year is still supported.
3. Run File, then Utilities, then Verify Data. If it reports a problem, run Rebuild Data, allow it to create another backup, and then run Verify again. Intuit notes that a second rebuild is sometimes needed.
4. If the program itself crashes, download and run Intuit's QuickBooks Tool Hub and use the program-repair option (for example, Quick Fix my Program). Restart the computer and try again.
5. For an old or very large file, talk with your accountant before condensing — Condense Data removes detail and cannot be casually undone. Clearing unused list entries and keeping regular full backups can also help performance.

A few more questions

Is Rebuild Data safe?

It is an Intuit utility, but always back up first. Rebuild creates its own backup, and if it cannot fix the issue you still have your original copy.

Should I condense my company file?

Only after talking with your accountant. Condense removes transaction detail for earlier periods and can affect reports and audits.