Troubleshooting QuickBooks Accountant Copy Failed Error

An Accountant's Copy (.QBX) in QuickBooks is a unique version of a company's financial file. It lets business owners share their financial data with their accountants while still working on their own files. This feature allows accountants to make changes and review the books for a specific time without disrupting the client's work.

The QuickBooks Accountant Copy Failed error occurs when users encounter issues while trying to create or send an Accountant's Copy. This error can arise from various reasons, such as network problems, large file sizes, outdated software, or data corruption. When this error occurs, it can hinder the workflow between clients and accountants and delay important adjustments.

Reasons For Accountant Copy Failed Error in QuickBooks

The reasons for the accountant copy failed issue in QuickBooks are as follows.

• If the company file (QBW) exceeds 200MB, QuickBooks may struggle to create or send the Accountant's Copy.
• Copying and pasting text from MS Word can introduce special characters, such as long dashes, that QuickBooks does not recognize. These unsupported characters can lead to errors when creating an Accountant's Copy.
• If the company file has corrupted data, it can prevent the successful creation or sending of an Accountant's Copy.
• Utilizing an outdated version of QuickBooks software can lead to compatibility issues.

Ways To Fix Accountant Copy Failed Error in QuickBooks

Here are the solutions to resolve this issue so that you can create and send the accountant copy smoothly.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks

• Go to the Help menu.
• Click on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Access the Update Now tab.
• Check the box for Reset Updates.
• Click on Get Updates, and the download process will start.
• Once complete, restart QuickBooks.
• Follow the on-screen prompts.
• Install the new release. 

Step 2: Make a portable company file

• Open QuickBooks.
• Sign in as an admin.
• Go to the File menu.
• Choose Create Copy.
• Select Portable company file.
• Then click Next.
• Name something unique to your portable company file so it stands out from your regular file.
• Choose a location to save it, like your desktop, so it’s easy to find.
• Click Save and then OK.
• Now, you have a portable company file that you can share online or put on a USB drive. The file will be named [Unique company file name].qbm.

Note: The file is password protected, and anyone you give it to will need the password to open it.

Step 3: Repair your company file using the Rebuild Data tool

• Go to the File menu.
• Hover over Utilities.
• Select Rebuild Data.
• Open the QuickBooks Information window.
• Select OK.
• Follow the steps to save a backup.
• Let the tool repair your file.
• This may take time.
• Even if QuickBooks seems stuck, as long as you can move your mouse, the tool will work.
• When the tool finishes, select OK.
• Go to the File menu.
• Hover over Utilities.
• Select Verify Data.
• Let the tool check for data issues.
• If no issues are found, select OK and continue using your file.
• If there are issues, select Rebuild Now.

Conclusion