Rebuild and Verify a QuickBooks Company File

Modified on Sun, 26 Jul at 2:16 AM

Overview

Some Intuit Software Development Kit (SDK) errors indicate a data-integrity problem within the QuickBooks company file. When a QQube troubleshooting article instructs you to rebuild the company file, use the QuickBooks Rebuild Data utility before performing a complete QQube clear and reload.

A Verify Result Is Not a Substitute for a Rebuild

For QQube troubleshooting, a rebuild may be required even when Verify Data reports that QuickBooks detected no problems. When the applicable QQube error guide requires a rebuild, complete the rebuild procedure before continuing.

Before You Begin

Open the affected company file in QuickBooks Desktop.
Switch QuickBooks to Single-user Mode. The Rebuild Data utility is not available in Multi-user Mode.
Allow enough time for QuickBooks to create a backup and complete the rebuild.
If the company uses QuickBooks Desktop Assisted Payroll, contact Intuit before rebuilding the company file.

Rebuild the QuickBooks Company File

1. Close Open QuickBooks Windows

In QuickBooks, select Window > Close All.

2. Start the Rebuild

Select File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.

QuickBooks File menu showing Utilities, Verify Data, and Rebuild Data

3. Create the Required Backup

QuickBooks requires a company-file backup before the rebuild begins. Select OK, choose a backup location, and save the backup under a new filename. Do not overwrite an existing backup.

4. Allow the Rebuild to Finish

Wait until QuickBooks displays the Rebuild has completed message, and then select OK.

QuickBooks may temporarily appear unresponsive during the rebuild. When the mouse pointer still moves, Intuit advises allowing the process to continue.

Verify the Rebuilt Company File

Select Window > Close All.
Select File > Utilities > Verify Data.
Review the result displayed by QuickBooks.

Verify Result	Required Action
QuickBooks detected no problems with your data	Continue with the complete QQube clear and reload.
QuickBooks reports another error or remaining damage	Resolve the remaining QuickBooks issue before reloading QQube. Follow the instructions displayed by QuickBooks or contact Intuit Support.

Clear and Reload the QQube Database

A QuickBooks rebuild can change internal transaction and list information. The existing QQube database must therefore be cleared and loaded again from the rebuilt company file.

Open the QQube Configuration Tool.
Select Run All.
Select Clear all data on synch start.
Start the synchronization.

Both options are required. Review When to Clear the Database and Reload for the complete QQube procedure.

Expected Result

The QuickBooks rebuild completes, Verify Data reports no unresolved company-file problem, and the complete QQube clear and reload finishes without the original Intuit SDK error.

If the Error Returns

Return to the QQube article for the specific Intuit SDK error. That article contains the additional diagnostic files and escalation steps required for that error.

Intuit Reference

For Intuit's current instructions, review Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop.