How to handle a corrupt data file?

I am corrupt file issues, too.  I assume that the portable file has to be restored on the server?  Thanks

No, you can have a corrupt file when you have it on your c drive.  Restore the portable to the desktop and see if it works.  If it does, delete the damaged file and move the restored portable one to your server.

Is rebuilding the Portable file different from rebuilding the original data file?

Yes, as Lynda said, it re-indexes the file.  I have had corrupt files in the past that I could not fix. However, when I did as Lynda suggested and created/restored a portable file and then ran the utilities, it gave me no more problems.

I don't think that Clean Up Company Data is what I need to do.  I don't want to consolidate my file, I just want to get the bugs out.  I will try Lynda's solution today while everyone is at lunch & let ya know how it turns out!  Thanks!!!

I can not say THANK YOU!!!!! enough! I was not changing anything, no updates (windows or QB) I just restarted my computer because I lost my internet connection. (I do that at least once or twice a day) I closed all programs before I restarted. I have no idea what happened but when I tried to open QB to start doing payroll, I got the error message (-1629,0). I could not open my company at all. I was SOOOO worried because I had to do a lot of catch-up work to get my books straight. I fell behind because of a family memeber being very sick. I did all that work yesterday, and I ALWAYS faithfully back-up, but I hit the restart button at the same time my heart sank when  realized I had closed QB without backing-up! I never thought I would have any problems like this. If I would have went with the first 2 solutions I read, I would have lost all of my work from that day, 3 MONTHS of work I got caught up! THANK GOD! I found this solution, IT WORKED PERFECTLY! I did not loose any of my work, and I even managed to get my employee's their paychecks on time today! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

I too had corrupt files and did as Lydia said and it did not fix the corrupt files.  I called a QB expert and did the Utilities clean up - it did not consolidate my files and now I am working fine.  The expert says this happens in not only QB but Peachtree and other accounting softwares.  A clean up is very simple.  But try that way first, but if it doesn't work for you as it didn't for me, clean up is similar and easier.  Good luck

Thank you for posting this as it is very helpful.  When you did the clean up, did you delete the prior entries or compress them?

I know I did not delete the prior entries and since this was just six months after starting to use Intuit, I do not recall compressing them either.  I had to use an expert since I truthfully am not as I am no expert by far.  So they walked me through the whole process.  I wish I could remember.  But I do know I did not delete anything.  Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Wow, you had data file corruption after only using for 6 mos?  When you click clean up company data, there are two choices, to compress to journal entries or remove the transactions.  Not sure which one you used.  I have seen many people have trouble with the compressing, but I hear the newer programs have a better clean up feature.

Here is a blog post I wrote on keeping your data file healthy:

http://quickbooks-help.blogspot.com/2010/07/data-base-fragments-how-to-keep-your...

Lynda,

Just read your blog.  So I guess 281 fragments is a few too many?  LOL

Yes, that is way too many.  :)

Lynda,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Your solution worked great!  We went from 281 fragments down to 1!  All our numbers tied back to where they were supposed to and the file actually seems to be working a little faster!

Thanks so much!

Theresa

You are very welcome.  Glad I could help.  Hang onto the blog post.  This is something I do to my client's files at least once a year to keep them in good shape.  Just keep checking with F2 and keep an eye on the db fragments every quarter or so.