Written ByDavid HernandezSenior Technical Writer

Reviewed ByPatricia WalshFormer Intuit Technical Support Lead

QuickBooks Error 6147, 0: Can't Open or Restore the Company File

Get Back Into Your Books, Step by Step

Error 6147, 0 usually shows up at the worst moment: you're opening your company file to catch up on bills, or restoring a backup after a computer problem, and QuickBooks refuses. It can happen in single-user and multi-user setups, and with old and new versions alike.

The fixes below start with the quickest and safest. Most people are back in their books within the first three.

"Error -6147, 0: An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file. Please try again."

What's in This Guide:

▶ What Is QuickBooks Error 6147, 0?

▶ Why Does Error 6147 Happen?

▶ Quick Reference

▶ How to Prevent Error 6147

▶ FAQs

Restaurant owner fixing QuickBooks Error 6147 while restoring a backup

What Is QuickBooks Error 6147, 0?

Error 6147 means QuickBooks tried to open or restore the company file and couldn't complete the job. It's most often linked to:

Restoring a backup (.QBB) to a network folder or cloud-synced folder
Opening a file stored on a server or another computer
A company file or backup that's been damaged
A file marked read-only

Why Does Error 6147 Happen?

The restore location isn't suitable

Restoring directly to a network share, external drive or OneDrive folder often fails. QuickBooks restores most reliably to a local folder.

The file is read-only

If the company file or its folder is marked read-only, QuickBooks can't open it for editing.

Damaged support files

The .ND and .TLG files next to the company file can become damaged and block access.

A damaged company file or backup

Power cuts, crashes during backup, or failing drives can damage the file. File Doctor or Auto Data Recovery can often help.

Network or hosting problems

In multi-user setups, hosting and Database Server Manager issues can trigger 6147 on workstations.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6147, 0, Step by Step

FIX #1

Restore the Backup to a Local Folder

Step 1 Create a new folder on your C: drive, for example C:\QBRestore.

Step 2 Copy your .QBB backup file into that folder.

Step 3 In QuickBooks, go to File > Open or Restore Company > Restore a backup copy > Local backup.

Step 4 Choose the backup in C:\QBRestore and save the restored company file into the same folder with a short, simple name.

FIX #2

Remove Read-Only Settings

Step 1 Right-click the company file (.QBW) and choose Properties.

Step 2 On the General tab, untick Read-only if it's checked, then click Apply.

Step 3 Do the same for the folder containing the file, applying the change to all files inside.

Step 4 Try opening the file again.

FIX #3

Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

Step 1 Close QuickBooks.

Step 2 In the company file folder, rename the matching .ND and .TLG files by adding .old to the end.

Step 3 Open QuickBooks and the company file; fresh support files are created automatically.

FIX #4

Run File Doctor

Step 1 Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub and click Company File Issues.

Step 2 Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor and select your company file.

Step 3 Choose Check your file and network and let the repair finish.

Step 4 Open QuickBooks and try the file again.

FIX #5

Use Auto Data Recovery (ADR)

QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise keep automatic recovery copies of your company file. If the main file is damaged, ADR can get you back to a very recent point.

Step 1 Open the company file folder and look for a folder named QuickBooksAutoDataRecovery.

Step 2 Inside, find files ending in .QBW.adr and .TLG.adr.

Step 3 Copy both into a new folder on your desktop and remove .adr from the end of each file name.

Step 4 Open the recovered .QBW in QuickBooks and check your recent transactions. Re-enter anything missing since the recovery copy was made.

Work on copies only. Never rename or move the original ADR files. Copy them first so you always have the originals if you need to try again.

Quick Reference

Situation	Try first
Error while restoring a backup	Fix #1: restore to a local folder
File copied from a CD or USB	Fix #2: remove read-only
Error opening a file you use every day	Fix #3, then Fix #4
File appears damaged	Fix #5: Auto Data Recovery

How to Prevent Error 6147

Back up to a local drive first, then copy backups to the cloud or USB
Don't restore directly into OneDrive, Dropbox or network shares
Run File > Utilities > Verify Data monthly to catch damage early
Use a UPS (battery backup) on the computer that stores the company file

Frequently Asked Questions About Error 6147

Will I lose data with Error 6147?

Usually not. Most cases are fixed by restoring to a local folder, removing read-only settings or renaming support files. If the file is damaged, Auto Data Recovery or your latest backup gets you back.

Why does Error 6147 happen when I restore a backup?

Most often the restore location is a network folder, external drive or cloud-synced folder. Restore to a simple local folder on your C: drive instead.

What is Auto Data Recovery in QuickBooks?

It's a feature that keeps automatic recovery copies of your company file and transaction log. It can restore your file to a very recent point if the main file is damaged.

Still Can't Open Your File? Talk to Us.

We're real people who know QuickBooks inside and out.

Phone: (870) 232-6314

Email: info@accountingscart.com

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