Troubleshooting Unknown Error: Could Not
Start QuickBooks
Sometimes, when you try to open QuickBooks, you might get an error message that
says “Unknown error: could not start QuickBooks” or
This error usually happens when there are problems with the settings and configurations in
QuickBooks, especially if multiple people are using the software at the same time. It can also
happen if you try to open QuickBooks in single-user mode while someone else is already using
it.
The error message might also appear if the QuickBooks file name doesn’t match the original one
or if a feature called “Quick Start” is turned on.
The error message indicates that QuickBooks couldn’t start properly.
Reasons Why QuickBooks Could Not Start
Here are the potential reasons that might cause could not start
QuickBooks error message.
 “Unknown error: could not start QuickBooks” appears when
QuickBooks is already open in single-user mode, and someone
else is trying to access it at the same time but gets the error
message.
 Sometimes, setting up the Quick Start feature can cause
QuickBooks not to start and may lead to QuickBooks error code
80040408.
 Issues with file names can also trigger this error.
 Changing the file location can trigger this issue.
Solutions to Fix Could Not Start QuickBooks
Error Message
Let’s learn the effective methods to resolve this issue.
Solution 1: Disable Quick-Start Option
 Open the QuickBooks window and go to the ‘General’ menu.
 Select ‘My Preferences’ from the options available.
 Locate the Quick Startups checkbox and uncheck it.
Solution 2: Adjust QQube Settings to Fix the Error
Improper settings can lead to such QuickBooks errors, so correcting them
is necessary.
 Open the ‘QQube Configuration Tool’ window.
 Navigate to the ‘Advanced’ section.
 Click on ‘Database,’ then press the ‘Show More’ button.
 Ensure that the ‘Synchronizer’ and ‘Database Manager’ boxes are
checked.
 Adjusting these settings should help you fix the error if it does not
move to the next solution.
Note: Make sure that the name of the company file in QuickBooks is the
same as the name of the file saved on your computer. The names must
match perfectly, including any spaces, numbers, or capital letters.
Solution 3: Move the Company File
If changing the location of your company file triggers this error, then
follow the below steps to fix the issue.
 Locate the company file on your computer.
 You can also use the ‘Search’ bar in File Explorer to locate the files.
 Copy the file with the (.qbw) extension.
 Paste it on your desktop to make it easier to move.
 Open QuickBooks.
 Select ‘Open or restore an existing company.’
 Choose ‘Open a company file.’
 Then, click ‘Next.’
 Browse to the desktop, then select the file, and click ‘Open.’
 You can access your file now.
Conclusion
With the help of this guide, you can easily fix this Unknown error:
could not start QuickBooks error message and can open the program
and access your files successfully.