QuickBooks Error 6073
Free Step-By-Step Fix Guide
QuickBooks Error 6073 appears when the company file is locked by another user or process. This usually happens when a previous QuickBooks session did not close properly or when file access permissions are incorrect.
Before You Start — Try This First
- Ask all users to close QuickBooks completely before you try again
- Check if QuickBooks is still running in Task Manager
- Restart your server if possible
Step-by-Step Fix
Close QuickBooks on All Computers
Ask every user to: File → Close Company → Exit QuickBooks. Wait 2 minutes then try opening again
End QuickBooks in Task Manager
On the computer showing the error: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Task Manager → Look for QBW32.EXE or QuickBooks → Right click → End Task. Try opening the file again
Delete the .ND and .TLG Files
Navigate to your company file folder. Look for files with same name but extensions .ND and .TLG. Example: CompanyName.QBW.ND and CompanyName.QBW.TLG. Delete BOTH files (they auto-recreate). Try opening your company file again
Restart the Server
If company file is on a server: Restart the server completely. Wait for it to fully boot up. Try opening company file again
Check Folder Permissions
Right click company file folder → Properties → Security → Make sure your user account has Full Control. If not: Edit → Add your username → Check Full Control → Apply
Run QuickBooks File Doctor
QuickBooks Tool Hub → Company File Issues → Run QuickBooks File Doctor → Select your company file → Check your file and network
Did these steps fix your error?
Yes
Make sure all users properly close QuickBooks in future to prevent this recurring.
No
Persistent file locking usually means a deeper permission or network configuration issue.
Still Locked Out By Error 6073?
If your company file remains locked after these steps, there is a deeper permission or network issue preventing access. Our accounting experts unlock company files fast.
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