How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code -6144, -301?

While opening the company (QBW) file or restoring the backup, you may encounter the QuickBooks error 6144, 301 in QuickBooks. This 6000 series error usually occurs when the QuickBooks application fails to read the QBW file you are trying to open or access. You may also encounter this error while opening the QBW file in a multi-user mode if the communication between the QuickBooks company file and the QuickBooks server manager gets disrupted. Below, we will discuss the reasons that can lead to the error -6144, -301 in QuickBooks and see how to fix it.

Causes of QuickBooks Error -6144, -301

This QuickBooks error can occur due to various reasons, such as:

• Corruption or damage in the company file.
• Issue with the .QBB file (while restoring the backup file).
• QuickBooks version is not up-to-date.
• Incorrect Firewall Settings.
• Issue with the Hosting Settings.
• QuickBooks Services are not running.

Some Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve QuickBooks Error -6144, -301

Though damage or corruption might be the cause behind the QuickBooks error -6144 -301, it may also occur due to various other factors. So, first, you can try the below troubleshooting steps and see if these can help resolve the error:

• You can check and update QuickBooks application to the latest version as an outdated application version can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in such errors.
• Ensure that the services required by QuickBooks for accessing the QBW file on a network are not blocked in Firewall Settings. You can check and reconfigure the Firewall Settings (if required).
• Check if the network configurations on both the server system and workstations are set up correctly. Make sure Host Multi-User Access is enabled only on the server system. If the Hosting settings are not correct, then change them accordingly.
• If you are facing the error while restoring the QuickBooks backup file, then make sure the backup file (.QBB) is compatible with your QuickBooks version.
• Check and ensure that your company file name does not contain special characters (like /, \, <, >, !, $, etc.). If there are any special characters in the company file name, then rename the file.

Methods to Resolve QuickBooks Error -6144, -301

If the above troubleshooting steps didn’t resolve the error, then follow the below methods.

Method 1 – Restore the Backup (QBB) File

Corruption in the company file is one of the major reasons for the error 6144, 301 in QuickBooks. If the company file is corrupt, then the first thing you can do is restore the backup file. Here’s how to restore a backup (QBB) file in QuickBooks:

Note: Before restoring the backup file, ensure you have a stable internet connection. If the backup file is on an external media, it is recommended to copy the backup file to your local system. 

• Open your QuickBooks application.
• Click the File menu and then click Open or Restore Company.
• Click Restore a backup copy and click the Next option.
• Click on the option labeled “Local Backup” and then click Next.
• Select the backup company file (with .qbb extension).
• Select a location where you want to save the restored company file and then click Open.
• Click Save.

If your backup file is not updated or unavailable, then follow the next methods to repair the corrupt QuickBooks company file.

Method 2 – Rebuild your Company File

If the company (QBW) file is corrupt, you can rebuild the company file data using the QuickBooks Verify and Rebuild Data tool. The Verify Data utility identifies integrity or other issues in the company file. The Rebuild Data utility rebuilds the company file. This can help fix minor company file data issues. To verify and rebuild the company file, follow these steps:

• Open your QuickBooks application and go to the File menu.
• Select Utilities and then click on the Verify Data option.
• The Verify Data tool will begin verifying the file for any problems.
• If it detects any problem, it will show a message like “Data damage was found in the file. Rebuild your data to fix it.”
• Now again, go to Utilities and then select Rebuild Data.
• The QuickBooks Information window will be displayed. Click OK.
• You will be prompted to create a backup of the company file. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a backup.
• Once the backup is finished, the tool starts rebuilding your file. Wait till the process is complete. Then, click OK.

After rebuilding the company file data, check if there are any remaining issues by running the Verify Data tool.

If the Verify Data tool finds any other issues, then you can use the QuickBooks File Doctor tool. This tool is available in the QuickBooks Tool hub. This tool, recommended by Intuit, addresses common company file issues and errors including 6000 series errors. It also contains a QuickBooks database server manager to fix errors in QuickBooks that users encounter due to network issues.

Note: The QuickBooks File Doctor tool may stop responding while repairing large-sized QuickBooks company files (beyond 2 GB). Also, it can address only minor company file issues.

Method 3 – Use a Professional QuickBooks Repair Tool

If the QuickBooks® Tool Hub fails to fix the company file issues, then use an advanced QuickBooks® repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for QuickBooks®. A professional QuickBooks repair tool that can easily repair severely corrupted company files without any file size limitations. It can restore all the data from the damaged company file to a new QBW file with complete precision and integrity. It helps in resolving all the corruption-related errors in QuickBooks company files. The tool is compatible with Windows 11 and earlier versions.

Conclusion

Corruption in QBW files is one of the common causes of QuickBooks error code 6144, 301. Although you can repair QuickBooks company file using QuickBooks File Doctor, the tool has some limitations. If this tool fails to repair your QBW file due to its limitations, you can use an advanced QuickBooks file repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for QuickBooks. This tool can repair highly corrupt, large-sized QBW files with complete integrity. It supports all editions of QuickBooks, including Pro, Premier and enterprise solutions.

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About The Author

Monika Dadool

Monika Dadool is a Senior Content Writer at Stellar with over 5 years of experience in technical writing. She is a tech enthusiast and expert who specializes in writing about SQL Server, MySQL Server, MariaDB Server, Microsoft Access, Active Directory, email recovery, Microsoft 365, pattern recognition, machine learning, data recovery, file repair, and operating systems like Linux, Windows, and Mac. She also writes about accounting software such as QuickBooks and Sage 50, as well as web-scripting languages like HTML, JavaScript, Python, PHP, Visual Basic, ASP.NET, and AJAX. Monika is passionate about researching and exploring new technologies, and she enjoys developing engaging technical blogs that help organizations and database administrators resolve various issues. When she's not creating content, you can find her on social media, watching web series, reading books, or exploring new food recipes.