QuickBooks Error 6000 83 is one of the most common issues users encounter when working with QuickBooks Desktop. This error generally occurs when users are trying to access, open, restore, or back up a company file. The error code 6000 83 is part of the QuickBooks -6000 series, which is related to issues with the company file. When it strikes, users often see a message that reads, “An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file.”

There are several reasons behind QuickBooks Error 6000 83, and resolving it involves a series of steps that target the root cause of the problem. In this detailed guide, we will explore the causes of Error 6000 83 and provide a step-by-step guide to fixing it so that you can resume working with QuickBooks smoothly.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 6000 83

Before diving into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why this error occurs in the first place.

There are several reasons behind this error code:

1. Damaged or Corrupted Company File: One of the primary reasons for Error 6000 83 is a damaged or corrupted company file.

2. Incorrect File Extension: Sometimes, QuickBooks files may have incorrect file extensions, which can trigger this error.

3. Network Issues: If QuickBooks is trying to access the company file over a network, network issues may cause the error. This typically happens when the company file is stored on a server, and network configurations are incorrect.

4. Inadequate Permissions: If the user does not have the proper permissions to access the company file or folder, Error 6000 83 may appear.

5. Improper Installation of QuickBooks Desktop: If QuickBooks is not installed correctly, it can cause errors when opening or accessing files.

6. File Hosting Issues: If the hosting settings on the server or workstations are not configured correctly, the error can appear.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 6000 83

Users may experience the following symptoms when encountering QuickBooks Error 6000 83:

1. QuickBooks becomes unresponsive or crashes when trying to open or access a company file.

2. Error message “Error -6000, -83: An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file.”

3. Inability to back up or restore the company file.

4. The system responds slowly to inputs when using QuickBooks.

Now that we’ve outlined the causes and symptoms, let’s go over the solutions. There are several steps to fixing QuickBooks Error 6000 83, and we recommend following them in the order they are presented to achieve the best results.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 6000 83

Step 1: Verify that Your Company File Name and Extension Are Correct

The first step in resolving QuickBooks Error 6000 83 is to verify that the company file name is correct and does not contain any special characters. Additionally, make sure that the file has the correct file extension.

1. Rename the Company File:

   1. Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored.

   2. Right-click on the file and select Rename.

   3. Ensure that the file name does not contain any special characters or spaces.

   4. The file name should look something like `CompanyFile.qbw`.

2. Check the File Extension:

   1. QuickBooks company files should have the `.qbw` extension. If the extension is something else (e.g., `.qbm` or `.adr`), change it to `.qbw`.

Once you’ve renamed the file and corrected the extension, try opening the company file again. If the error persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check Folder Permissions

If the folder that contains the company file does not have the appropriate permissions set, you may encounter QuickBooks Error 6000 83. Make sure the folder has full access permissions for the user trying to open the file.

1. Right-click on the Folder:

   1. Navigate to the folder where the company file is saved.

   2. Right-click on the folder and select Properties.

2. Set Permissions:

   1. In the Properties window, go to the Security tab.

   2. Select Edit and then add the required users to the permissions list.

   3. Grant full control by checking the box next to Full Control.

3. Apply and Save Changes.

After adjusting the folder permissions, try opening the file in QuickBooks again. If the issue is not resolved, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Disable Hosting on All Workstations

QuickBooks Error 6000 83 can often occur due to hosting issues. If multiple computers are configured to host the company file, conflicts may arise. Only the server should have hosting enabled, while all workstations should have hosting disabled.

1. Open QuickBooks on the Workstation.

2. Go to File Menu:

   1. Click on File > Utilities.

   2. If you see the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click on it to disable hosting. If it says Host Multi-User Access, leave it as it is.

3. Repeat on All Workstations: Perform the above steps on all workstations to ensure that only the server is hosting the company file.

4. Verify Hosting on the Server: On the server, ensure that Host Multi-User Access is enabled.

Once the hosting settings are correct, try opening the company file again.

Step 4: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, the QuickBooks File Doctor tool can help. This tool is designed to fix various company file and network issues, including Error 6000 83.

1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub: Visit the official Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.

2. Run QuickBooks Tool Hub:

   1. Install and open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

   2. In the Tool Hub, select Company File Issues and click Run QuickBooks File Doctor.

3. Select the Company File: In QuickBooks File Doctor, select your company file from the drop-down menu. If the file is not listed, click Browse and navigate to the file manually.

4. Choose the Repair Option:

   1. Select Check Your File and then click Continue.

   2. Enter your QuickBooks Admin credentials and let the tool scan the file for issues.

5. Wait for the Process to Finish.

Once QuickBooks File Doctor completes the scan, try opening your company file to see if the error is resolved.

Step 5: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

In some cases, QuickBooks Error 6000 83 may be caused by incorrect firewall or antivirus settings, which block communication between QuickBooks and the server. Make sure the firewall is properly configured to allow QuickBooks to communicate over the network.

1. Open Firewall Settings: Go to your firewall or antivirus software and access the settings.

2. Create Inbound and Outbound Rules: Create new rules in both the Inbound and Outbound sections that allow QuickBooks to access the network. You will need to allow the following QuickBooks executables:

   1. QBW32.exe

   2. QBDBMgrN.exe

   3. QBDBMgr.exe

3. Restart the Computer: After configuring the firewall, restart the computer to apply the changes.

4. Check Antivirus Settings: Ensure that your antivirus is not blocking QuickBooks or its components from running.

Once the firewall and antivirus are properly configured, open QuickBooks and attempt to access the company file again.

Step 6: Restore the Company File from Backup

If none of the above methods work, you may need to restore the company file from a backup. QuickBooks allows you to restore a company file from a previously created backup.

1. Go to the File Menu: In QuickBooks, go to File > Open or Restore Company > Restore a Backup Copy.

2. Choose Local Backup: Select Local Backup and then browse to the location where your backup file is stored.

3. Select the Backup File: Choose the appropriate backup file (with the extension `.qbb`) and click Open.

4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the prompts to restore the company file.

After restoring the file, check to see if the error is resolved.

Preventing QuickBooks Error 6000 83 in the Future

Here are some tips to help prevent QuickBooks Error 6000 83 from occurring in the future:

1. Regular Backups: Regularly back up your QuickBooks company file to avoid data loss in case of corruption or file issues.

2. Keep QuickBooks Updated: Make sure to install all available QuickBooks updates and patches to prevent compatibility issues.

3. Check Network Connections: If using QuickBooks in multi-user mode, ensure your network is stable and properly configured.

4. Use Correct File Names: Avoid using special characters or excessively long file names for your QuickBooks company file.

Conclusion

Error Code 6000 83 can be frustrating, but by following these step-by-step solutions, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively. By ensuring proper file naming, setting correct permissions, using QuickBooks File Doctor, and configuring firewall settings, you can minimize disruptions to your accounting work. Additionally, regularly backing up your files and keeping QuickBooks updated will help prevent this error from occurring in the future.