What to do When QuickBooks Won’t Restore Backup Error?

Published by John Smith at April 19, 2019

When does QuickBooks won’t restore backup error occur?

A QuickBooks user can get this error when he or she is trying to restore QuickBooks backup under the following conditions -

The name of the QuickBooks company file consists of special characters.
A QB user is attempting to restore the backup over an existing QB company file.
The backup from a pen drive was restored to a network drive (QuickBooks Error 6189 816).
A newer version of QuickBooks, for example - QuickBooks 2018, was used to create the backup, but the QB user is trying to restore the backup in an older version, for example - QB 2017.
The file that a QB user is attempting to restore is actually not a backup file.
There is some problem with the QuickBooks company file – it is damaged.

Solutions to fix QuickBooks won’t restore backup error

Various solutions are available to fix QuickBooks restore failed or QuickBooks won’t restore backup error. You can apply any of the solutions given below. But it is recommended that for getting the best troubleshooting results, apply the below-given solutions in the same order as shown here.

QuickBooks Won't Restore Backup

Before you start applying the solutions given below, a QuickBooks user should check whether the file he wants to restore is an actual backup file or not. Backup file size should not be less than 6 MB. If in case, the file size is less than this, chances are good that the file in question is not a true backup file, and therefore, QB user is required to create a new backup file from the working file. File size can be checked by right-clicking on the file and then clicking Properties.

Solution 1 - Look for special characters

Your company file should not have any special characters in its file name. The special characters include - /, \,<,>, !,and $.Follow these steps –

First of all, search where your company file is located.
When you have found your file, right-click the file name.
From the options that appear on right-clicking, look for Rename and click it.
Now, type a file name that does not consist of any special character.
Hit Enter.
You will find that the company file name has been changed.

Solution 2 - Do not overwrite

When you restore a backup, do not overwrite an existing file. Follow these steps -

When you are prompted for the location to save your file, save the file in your standard location.
If in case, the file name is the same as the name of some other file present in the folder, a message will flash on the screen. The message window states that the file name already exists and will ask you whether you want to overwrite.
You have to click the No button.
Now, you are required to change the file name.
Now, check for QuickBooks won’t restore a backup

Solution 3 - Copy backup from pen or network drive

In this solution, you need to create a copy of the backup from a pen or network. After that, restore this backup where you can find it easily. You are also recommended to create a local copy of the backup so that the backup operation will not terminate in case of disrupted network.

Solution 4 - Copy to a new folder

First of all, you need to make sure that the company file is valid QBB format or not. If you are attempting to restore the backup on the file which is invalid QBB format, then there are chances of getting an error message “QuickBooks restore failed”.

Solution 5 - Make use of a same or newer version of QB

You have to remember that backup can be restored to a QB’s newer version, but cannot be restored to an older version. Now, check for QuickBooks won’t restore backup error.

Solution 6 - Repair file

If in case, company file is damaged, you have to identify data damage and resolve it.

If QuickBooks won’t restore backup error is still not resolved, attempt restoring a different backup file copy.

Conclusion:

Expectantly, you have got a clear understanding of “How to troubleshoot QuickBooks won’t restore backup”. The above-mentioned solutions will provide you the exact guidance to get rid of the same error. If you are unable to troubleshoot restore backup error, then you are suggested to get in touch with us at our QuickBooks Error Support Phone Number on 1-877-221-952O.