QuickBooks file crashes when opened

Summary

One of my QuickBooks data files crashes every time I try to open it. I suspect that it’s crashing while processing the reminders or the memorized transactions. How can I suppress the processing of the reminders and memorized transactions when opening a file?

Question

One of my QuickBooks data files crashes every time I try to open it. I suspect that it’s crashing while processing the reminders or the memorized transactions. How can I suppress the processing of the reminders and memorized transactions when opening a file?

Answer

We have found a few situations like this in version 2000. We have had less luck opening these files in version 2000 than in earlier versions. First, run Scan Disk to see if the QuickBooks data file reports a different size or structure than the QuickBooks program reports. If Scan Disk finds no problems, then start QuickBooks while holding down the Ctrl key. This will start QuickBooks without opening a company. Go to File: Open Company and click once on the company file you want to open. This will put the QuickBooks company file name in the File name box. Make sure that the ‘Open file in multi-user mode’ box is unchecked. Hold down the Alt key and click Open. If QuickBooks prompts you for a password, let go of the Alt key, type the password, hold down the Alt key again, and click OK. This will suppress the processing of Reminders and Memorized Transactions and any other screens that would normally open on startup. If the file opens, then Verify and Rebuild Data, if necessary. Sometimes the company file still will not open if the file is damaged. In this case, the next step is to copy the file in Explorer and see if the file size changes, indicating corruption. Try the above steps on the copy. If it still does not work, the next step is to restore a backup or create a new company.