The Verify Data utility detects many types of data damage. The utility looks at the data and then logs any errors it finds in a file named Qbwin.log. This log file is contiguous. Each time you verify, rebuild, condense, or update your data, any integrity issues found will be appended to the end of the file. It is common for the Qbwin.log to become very large.

An easy way to identify only current errors in the data file is by re-naming the Qbwin.log file, located in your QuickBooks directory, to Qbwin.old. QuickBooks will create a new Qbwin.log file to store the results of the Verify process that were most recently performed.

Perform the Verify process to check for damage under the following conditions:

• You receive errors such as Invalid Protection Faults or Fatal Errors when operating QuickBooks.

• You notice discrepancies on reports, such as invoices or bills that are posting with a negative value. Do not forget to check for the correct dates and report basis (cash versus accrual) when troubleshooting report discrepancies.

• Balance sheet reports are not showing all accounts.

• There are names missing from lists.

• You are missing transactions.

• You would like to run a well-data checkup to make sure the data is error free.

1. Pro/Premier: Go to the File menu, click Utilities, and then click Verify Data.

   SimpleStart: Go to the File menu, select Maintenance, and then Verify Data.

   • If the Verify completes with the message QuickBooks detected no problems with your data, your data is clear of issues.

   • If the Verify completes with the message Your data has lost integrity..., there is damage in the file, and QuickBooks will display a message with instructions for running the Rebuild Data utility to attempt to repair the data damage:

     1. Before starting the Rebuild process, note the file information in the Product Information window for future reference (press F2 to open the Product Information window).

     2. If the file is on a network drive, it should be copied locally before running the Rebuild Data utility.

        The Rebuild Data utility should never be run across a network.

     • Click Yes at the prompt to make a backup of the data file. Rename your data file to avoid overwriting the existing data file.

       Do not overwrite your existing backup file.

       The Rebuild Data utility will run as soon as the backup completes, and it should only be run once.

     1. When the Rebuild process has finished, close your company file and then reopen it in order to refresh the lists in the file.

     2. Run the Verify Data utility again to check for any remaining data damage.

3. If you would like to view the Qbwin.log file before running the Rebuild utility:

   1. With your QuickBooks company file open, press the F2 key on your keyboard to display the Product Information window.

   2. Press Ctrl + 2 on your keyboard to open the Tech Help window.

   3. In the Tech Help window, click the Open File tab.

   4. Double-click Qbwin.log , and then press Ctrl + End on your keyboard to move to the bottom of the document.

   5. Gradually scroll up through the document until you see: Begin Verify Log. You will see the file path for your company, along with the date and time that the Verify ran. Any errors found will be listed between Begin Verify Log and End Verify Log. You may want to print the Qbwin.log file, or you can copy the relevant portion of it to another document, and then print it.

4. If the Verify that was run after rebuilding the file indicated that there is still damage, you can try restoring a recent backup. Make sure that you do not overwrite your existing company file. Select the File menu and select Open or Restore Company. Select Restore a backup copy and click Next. Follow the prompts to restore the company file. Any information entered in the company file since the backup was made will need to be manually reentered after you restore.

5. Once the backup is restored, run the Verify utility again to ensure that the restored file does not contain data damage. If the Verify indicates data damage, you can run the Rebuild utility one time on the restored file, and then check it again with the Verify Data utility.

6. If this solution does not resolve the issue, review other available QuickBooks product support options for additional guidance.