QuickBooks Error 6190, 816: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Are you repeatedly encountering QuickBooks Error 6190, 816 while trying to open your QuickBooks company file? This error, with the warning message “QuickBooks was unable to open the company file [path] on the hosted system”, often arises because of the conflicts between QuickBooks transaction logs and company files or insuffidient access in single-user mode. This detailed guide explains every possible cause and provides step-by-step solutions to eliminate the error permanently.

Understanding QuickBooks Error 6190, 816

QuickBooks Error 6190 816 usually occurs when QuickBooks Desktop fails to open a company file due to mismatched transaction log files (.TLG) and company files (.QBW) or unauthorized access in single-user mode. The error codes -6190 and -816 indicate a critical conflict that may lead to data corruption if left unresolved.

Detailed Causes of QuickBooks Error 6190, 816

1. Mismatched Transaction Log and Company File
   • The transaction log file (.TLG), which records all transactions, does not align with the company file (.QBW). This often happens when the company file is updated on a different workstation without synchronizing the transaction log.
2. Single-User Mode Access Conflict
   • Multiple users attempt to open the company file in single-user mode simultaneously, causing QuickBooks to crash.
3. Damaged or Corrupted Company File
   • The .QBW file becomes corrupted due to abrupt system shutdowns, malware attacks, or incomplete software installations.
4. Outdated QuickBooks Software
   • Running an unsupported or outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop that lacks compatibility with current system updates.
5. Windows Registry Errors
   • Invalid registry entries from previous QuickBooks installations or third-party software conflicts.
6. Incomplete QuickBooks Installation
   • Partial installation files or corrupted downloads disrupt QuickBooks operations.

Also See: How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code -6000-832?

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 6190, 816

• The error message “QuickBooks was unable to open the company file [path] on the hosted system. Error Codes: (-6190, -816)” appears repeatedly.
• QuickBooks freezes or crashes abruptly when attempting to open the company file.
• The system operates sluggishly, with delayed responses to keyboard and mouse inputs.
• Frequent system freezes or unresponsive QuickBooks windows.
• Mismatch warnings between the .TLG and .QBW files, indicating potential corruption.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Error 6190, 816

Solution 1: Troubleshoot the Mismatch Between Transaction Log and Company File

1. Locate the Company Folder
   • Open File Explorer on your workstation or server.
   • Navigate to the folder containing your company file (default path: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files).
2. Identify the Transaction Log and Company File
   • Search for two files with identical names but different extensions:
     • Company_file.qbw (company file)
     • Company_file.tlg (transaction log file)
3. Rename Both Files
   • Right-click the .qbw file > Select Rename from the context menu.
   • Add “_OLD” to the filename (e.g., Company_file_OLD.qbw) > Press Enter.
   • Repeat the process for the .tlg file (e.g., Company_file_OLD.tlg).
   • Critical: Do not modify the file extensions (.qbw/.tlg).
4. Restart QuickBooks Desktop
   • Close QuickBooks completely.
   • Reopen QuickBooks and attempt to access the company file again.

Why This Works: Renaming forces QuickBooks to regenerate fresh, synchronized .TLG and .QBW files, resolving mismatches.

Also Read: How to resolve QuickBooks error code 6131?

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version

1. Launch QuickBooks as Administrator
   • Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop shortcut > Select Run as Administrator.
2. Access the Update Menu
   • Click the Help tab in the top menu bar.
   • Select Update QuickBooks Desktop > Click Update Now.
3. Reset Existing Updates
   • Navigate to the Options tab > Check the box next to Mark All.
   • Click Save > Check Reset Updates > Click Save again.
4. Download and Install Updates
   • Click Get Updates and wait for the download to complete.
   • Close QuickBooks and follow on-screen prompts to install updates.
5. Restart Your Computer
   • Reboot your system to ensure updates are fully integrated.

Note: Enable Automatic Updates under Edit > Preferences > Desktop View to avoid future issues.

Solution 3: Perform a Single-User Mode Check

1. Ensure All Users Log Out of QuickBooks
   • Confirm that no other users are accessing the company file.
2. Reboot All Connected Systems
   • Restart every workstation and server linked to QuickBooks.
3. Copy the Company File to a Temporary Location
   • Navigate to the company file folder > Right-click the .qbw file > Select Copy.
   • Paste the file to your desktop or another temporary folder.
4. Restore the Company File to Its Original Location
   • Copy the file from the temporary location > Return to the original folder.
   • Right-click > Select Paste > Overwrite the existing file if prompted.
5. Reopen QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode
   • Launch QuickBooks > Go to File > Switch to Multi-User Mode.

Important: Multi-user mode requires QuickBooks Database Server Manager installed on the host machine.

Solution 4: Repair Company File Using QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

1. Download QuickBooks File Doctor
   • Visit the official Intuit website > Search for QuickBooks File Doctor.
   • Download the tool compatible with your QuickBooks version.
2. Run the Tool as Administrator
   • Right-click the downloaded file > Select Run as Administrator.
3. Select the Scan Type
   • Choose Both File Damage and Connectivity > Click Continue.
4. Enter Admin Credentials
   • Type your QuickBooks admin password when prompted.
5. Specify File Location
   • Select Workstation if the file is stored locally or Server for network-hosted files.
6. Initiate the Repair Process
   • Click Proceed > Wait for the tool to scan and repair errors (may take 15–30 minutes).
7. Verify the Repair
   • Reopen QuickBooks and check if the company file opens without errors.

Solution 5: Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the Host Server

1. Download the Database Server Manager
   • Go to Intuit’s official website > Search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager > Download the installer.
2. Install the Tool on the Host Server
   • Run the installer > Follow on-screen instructions to complete installation.
3. Update the Database Server Manager
   • Open Start Menu > Search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager > Launch the tool.
   • Click Update to install the latest version.
4. Restart the Server
   • Reboot the server to apply changes.
5. Reconnect Workstations
   • Launch QuickBooks on all connected workstations and attempt to open the company file.

Advanced Troubleshooting Methods to Fix QuickBooks Error 6190 816

Method 1: Repair Windows Registry Entries (For Advanced Users)

Caution: Incorrect registry edits can destabilize your system. Backup first!

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Press Windows + R > Type cmd > Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. Launch Registry Editor
   • Type regedit > Press Enter.
3. Backup the Registry
   • Click File > Export > Save as QB_Registry_Backup.reg.
4. Delete Corrupted QuickBooks Entries
   • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Intuit\QuickBooks.
   • Right-click corrupted keys (e.g., Company Files) > Select Delete.
5. Restart Your Computer
   • Reboot to allow QuickBooks to regenerate default registry entries.

Method 2: Clean Temporary Files Using Disk Cleanup

1. Open the Run Dialog Box
   • Press Windows + R > Type cleanmgr > Press Enter.
2. Select the Target Drive
   • Choose the drive where QuickBooks is installed (typically C:).
3. Clean System Junk Files
   • Check Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and Thumbnails > Click OK.

Method 3: Perform a System Restore

1. Open System Restore Utility
   • Type System Restore in the Windows search bar > Click Create a restore point.
2. Choose a Restore Point
   • Select a date prior to encountering Error 6190, 816 > Click Next.
3. Confirm and Start Restoration
   • Follow on-screen instructions > Restart your PC after completion.

Conclusion

We hope you will be successfully able to fix QuickBooks Error 6190, 816 by following the methods provided in our detailed guide. In case, you face any problems or if the error still persists despite following all solutions, contact our certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors at Transync Pro via Chat or Email and we will be more than happy to help you our with all your problems related to QuickBooks. Our team will remotely diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring minimal downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What should I do if QuickBooks File Doctor fails to fix the error?

• Answer: Try renaming the .ND file (e.g., company_file.qbw.nd) or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop using the original installer.

Q2. How can I prevent QuickBooks Error 6190, 816 in the future?

• Answer: Regularly back up company files via File > Backup Company > Create Local Backup. Avoid opening files in single-user mode when others are logged in and ensure all software updates are installed promptly.

Q3. Can antivirus software trigger this error?

• Answer: Yes. Temporarily disable your antivirus and add QuickBooks installation folders to the exclusion list.

Q4. What is the purpose of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager?

• Answer: It enables multi-user access to company files over a network. Ensure it’s installed on the host server and updated regularly.

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