Written ByDavid HernandezSenior Technical Writer

Reviewed ByPatricia WalshFormer Intuit Technical Support Lead

QuickBooks Error 6177, 0: "QuickBooks Is Attempting to Open This Company File"

Fix the File Path Problem in Five Steps

You're trying to open your company file, usually from a workstation in a multi-user office, and QuickBooks stops with Error 6177, 0. The message says QuickBooks is attempting to open the file but can't use the path to it.

In plain English: QuickBooks knows where the file is supposed to be, but something about that location, the folder, the network path or the permissions, won't let it in. The data inside the file is almost always fine.

"Error -6177, 0: QuickBooks is attempting to open this company file. Before you open the file, you need to have QuickBooks update the location of the company file."

What's in This Guide:

▶ What Is QuickBooks Error 6177, 0?

▶ Why Does Error 6177 Happen?

▶ Quick Reference

▶ How to Prevent Error 6177

▶ FAQs

Office administrator fixing QuickBooks Error 6177 on a workstation

What Is QuickBooks Error 6177, 0?

Error 6177 is part of the -6000 family of company file errors. It happens when QuickBooks can't use the stored file path to reach your company file. You'll typically see it:

On a workstation opening a company file stored on a server
After the company file or its folder was moved or renamed
After the server's name or drive mapping changed
After restoring a file to a new location

Your data is probably safe. Error 6177 is about the route to the file, not the file's contents. Don't delete or re-enter anything yet.

Why Does Error 6177 Happen?

The file path changed

The company file was moved, renamed or the folder was renamed, and QuickBooks or Database Server Manager is still pointing at the old location.

The file is opened through a mapped drive

Mapped drive letters like Z:\ can change or disconnect. QuickBooks prefers a full network path such as \\SERVER\QBData.

Database Server Manager hasn't scanned the folder

In multi-user setups, the server needs to scan the company file folder so it can manage connections and the network data (.ND) file.

Folder permissions are wrong

If the Windows account or the QuickBooks database service can't fully access the folder, QuickBooks can't use the path.

A damaged .ND file

The small network data file that sits next to your company file can become damaged and point QuickBooks the wrong way.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6177, 0, Step by Step

Work through these in order. Make sure everyone has closed QuickBooks before you start.

FIX #1

Run QuickBooks File Doctor From the Tool Hub

File Doctor checks the file and the network setup and fixes many path problems automatically.

Step 1 Download and install the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit's website.

Step 2 Open the Tool Hub and click Company File Issues.

Step 3 Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor, choose your company file and select Check your file and network.

Step 4 Enter your admin password when asked and let it finish, then try opening the file again.

FIX #2

Move the File Locally, Open It, Then Move It Back

This classic fix forces QuickBooks to refresh the file location.

Step 1 On the server, open the folder that contains your company file (.QBW).

Step 2 Copy the .QBW file to a new folder on the server's C: drive, for example C:\QBTest.

Step 3 Open QuickBooks on the server and open the copy from C:\QBTest. If it opens, close QuickBooks.

Step 4 Copy the file back to the original shared folder, replacing the old one (keep a backup first).

Step 5 Open the file from a workstation using the full network path, not a mapped drive letter.

Back up first. Before replacing anything, make a backup of the original company file so you can always go back.

FIX #3

Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

QuickBooks recreates these support files automatically, and fresh copies often clear path errors.

Step 1 Open the company file folder on the server.

Step 2 Find the files with the same name as your company file ending in .ND and .TLG.

Step 3 Right-click each one and add .old to the end of the name.

Step 4 Open QuickBooks and the company file. New .ND and .TLG files will be created.

MyCompany.QBW.ND   →  MyCompany.QBW.ND.old
MyCompany.QBW.TLG  →  MyCompany.QBW.TLG.old

FIX #4

Scan the Folder With Database Server Manager

Step 1 On the server, open QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Start menu or from the Tool Hub's Network Issues section.

Step 2 Click Browse or Add Folder and select the folder that contains the company file.

Step 3 Click Start Scan and wait until it finishes and lists your company file.

Step 4 Open the file from a workstation again.

FIX #5

Check Folder Permissions

Step 1 On the server, right-click the company file folder and choose Properties > Security.

Step 2 Make sure your QuickBooks users and the QBDataServiceUser account for your version have Full Control.

Step 3 On the Sharing tab, confirm the folder is shared and the share permissions allow full access.

Step 4 Apply the changes, restart the server if possible, and try the file again.

Quick Reference

Situation	Try first
Error started after moving the file	Fix #2: move locally and back
Error on workstations only	Fix #4: Database Server Manager scan
Error after a server name change	Open the file using the full network path
You're not sure	Fix #1: File Doctor

How to Prevent Error 6177

Open shared files using a full network path rather than a mapped drive letter
Don't rename or move the company file folder without re-scanning it in Database Server Manager
Keep QuickBooks and Database Server Manager on the same year and release
Keep company files out of cloud sync folders

Frequently Asked Questions About Error 6177

Does Error 6177 mean my company file is corrupted?

Usually not. Error 6177 is about QuickBooks being unable to use the file's location. Fixing the path, permissions or support files normally resolves it with no data loss.

Why do I only get Error 6177 on workstations?

The server can reach the file locally, but workstations reach it over the network. That points to a sharing, permissions or Database Server Manager issue rather than a problem with the file.

Is it safe to rename the .ND and .TLG files?

Yes. QuickBooks recreates them automatically. The .TLG file is a transaction log that's rebuilt from your next backup, so make a fresh backup after things are working.

Can I store my company file on a NAS drive?

Many NAS devices can't run Database Server Manager, which causes errors like 6177. A Windows computer or server is the more reliable host.

Still Seeing Error 6177? Talk to Us.

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