How to use the Verify Data utility
PrintOverview
The Verify Data utility checks for damage to your company file. You might want to verify your data in the following situations:
- You receive errors such as Invalid Protection Faults or Fatal Errors when you use QuickBooks.
- You notice discrepancies on reports, such as invoices or bills that post with a negative values. Be sure to check for the correct dates and report basis (cash versus accrual) when troubleshooting report discrepancies.
- Payments that have been deposited show up in the Payments to Deposit window.
- Balance sheet reports do not show all accounts.
- Names are missing from lists.
- Transactions are missing.
- You want to run a well-data checkup to make sure your company file is error free.
Assumptions
You want to check that your QuickBooks data is error free or you want to correct data errors.
Expected Outcome
You will learn whether your QuickBooks data contains errors.
Details
To use the Verify Data utility:
Choose Window > Close All.
Choose File > Utilities, (or File > Maintenance in Simple Start), and then select Verify Data. If the message QuickBooks detected no problems with your data appears, you do not need to take further action.
If the message Your data has lost integrity appears, there is damage in the file. QuickBooks displays instructions for using the Rebuild Data utility to attempt to repair the data damage.
- You can view the Qbwin.log file before using the Rebuild Data utility.
- Before using Rebuild Data, press F2 or Ctrl + 1 to open the Product Information window and note the file information in the window for future reference.
After you use Rebuild Data, use the Verify Data utility again to check for any remaining damage.
If there is still damage, you can try restoring a recent backup. Make sure that you do not overwrite your existing company file.
- Choose File > Restore.
- Any information entered in the company file since the backup must be manually reentered after you restore.
After the backup is restored, use the Verify Data utility again. If there is still damage, you can rebuild the restored file again, and then check it again with the Verify Data utility.
If you still have file damage, review the QuickBooks support options for additional guidance.
