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Best Troubleshooting Tips to Resolve QuickBooks Event Id 4 Error

    QuickBooks Event Id 4 Error

    QuickBooks Event ID 4 is caused by the corruption of the .NET Framework. This happens when users try to start the QB Integration Manager, damage to system files(QBW), corrupt installation, conflict with third-party programs, or corrupt Windows registry.

    Certain users will have unreadable data, such as company file data, and some other important data might be lost.

    This error is mainly triggered in instances when the .NET Framework 4.0 on Windows 7 has unexpected glitches. Although specific to Windows, it is possible that QuickBooks was affected even when it was installed on a server.

    When the error occurs, you will see the following error messages on your computer screen:

    “Integration Manager could not connect to QuickBooks. Please make sure that it is open” when it takes place.”
    “QuickBooks event ID 4 – An unexpected error has occurred in QuickBooks: Returning NULL QBW in Instance Handle”.

    Facing QuickBooks Event Id 4 Error repeatedly and unable to solve? Contact us at 1.833.802.0002 to get instant help from QuickBooks professionals to resolve it easily and quickly.

    Table of Contents

    QuickBooks event i 4
    QuickBooks event i 4

    The QuickBooks Event ID 4 error is caused by problems relating to the .NET framework. A certain .NET Framework 4.0 SP 1 is the primary culprit behind the occurrence of this error.

    However, this error is not solely related to the .NET framework. Many other causes may trigger it.

    Here are other causes that have been known to initiate this error:

    1. Corruption of QuickBooks Company File (QBW): Being a core file for QuickBooks, any damage or corruption to this particular file can result in the system being rendered unusable, thus resulting in this error. 
    2. Third-party software may conflict: This error can occur when any third-party software conflicts with QuickBooks work.
    3. Virus or malware attack: Virus and malware attacks upon QuickBooks files can incur QB Event error ID 4.
    4. Incomplete installation: The error can also be attributed to an incomplete QuickBooks installation or corrupt files in it.
    5. Windows registry issue: Windows registry errors can also cause QuickBooks error ID 4. The operating system and its applications store their settings within the Windows registry. An error in this database may well affect the functioning of QuickBooks and the entire system.
    6. Accidentally missed removing a file essential for QuickBooks: Occasionally, some application running in the background may accidentally delete an essential file required for QuickBooks, causing the situation.

    Grasping these causes may help greatly conduct proper troubleshooting and removal of QuickBooks Event ID 4 quicker.

    You may read also: How to fix QuickBooks Error 80070057

    Here are the symptoms that may accompany the cache error gaining speed while saving:

    1. The QuickBooks application freezes, hangs while performing, or even crashes.
    2. Typically, an error message appears.
    3. The system slows down severely, failing to respond to mouse and keyboard commands frequently.
    4. An extremely slow-performing computer might lead to errors in freezing and crashing of the Windows OS.
    5. Quitting all of the Run commands sets the error off, which causes any running Windows app to crash.
    6. The functionality of the software is slated to decrease due to this error.
    7. The troubleshooting must be undertaken with utmost seriousness and haste to solve the issue effectively. Thus, proceed to the troubleshooting section of this site.

    QuickBooks is an accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses, and like any software of Windows origin, QuickBooks can also run into errors while performing operations but can be easily and quickly resolved, preventing any extended downtime. This is especially true with the Event ID 4 error, which arises when the QuickBooks Integration Manager tool is launched by QBi, where a user may see the error message: “Integration Manager could not connect to QuickBooks. Please make sure it is open”. Another possible error message is “QuickBooks Event ID 4-an unexpected error has occurred” “QuickBooks: Returning NULL QBWinInstance Handle” under Windows Event Viewer. This Windows-related error may affect the QuickBooks installed on the server as well.

    If such error messages are shown to the users in their window in the case of QuickBooks Event ID 4:

    An unexpected error has occurred in “Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: Manufacturing and Wholesale 19.0”: DB error -210 ErrorMessage:’User ‘456964656e’ has the row in ‘LOCKS’ locked’ from file:’src\sadbsess.cpp’ at line 4727 from   function:’SADBSession::AcquireLock
    An unexpected error has occurred in “QuickBooks: Point of Sale 2020”: WPR: OpenPrinter call failed.
    An unexpected error has occurred in “QuickBooks: Desktop Pro 2020”: WPR: calling ABORT_CLOSE.
    An unexpected error has occurred in QuickBooks: MainFrame must have already been created by now as this dll is demand-loaded
    An unexpected error has occurred in “Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: Manufacturing and Wholesale 19.0”: DMError Information:-6123 Additional Info: The server we are attempting to attach to can’t be found.
    WPR: calling ABORT_CLOSE in the event log – not on the server, but on the client machine.
    An unexpected error has occurred in “QuickBooks: Premier Edition 2020”: WPR: SetNameDriverAndPort call failed.
    An unexpected error has occurred in “QuickBooks: Premier Accountant Edition 2020”: WPR: validation failed.

    Some remedial actions can simply help you fix the Enterprise Integration Manager Event ID 4 Error in QuickBooks. Given below are some of the best ones out of them. Try each of them one by one until your problem is fixed.

    Solution 1: Download .Net Framework on Windows

    A corrupt Windows component is one of the main reasons causing QB error Event ID 4. Follow the directions below to reinstall .NET Framework 4.0 on Windows:

    1. To open the Run window, press the Windows and R button simultaneously.
    2. Type “appwiz.cpl” on the Run dialog box and hit the Return button.
      Appwiz Run Command
    3. You will see an option named Add/Remove all programs under the programs and featured list.
    4. Find and select Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (or later versions).
      uninstall .NET framework
    5. Select Uninstall.
      Note: This will take approximately 1-2 minutes.
    6. When the uninstallation process is done, restart your system.
    7. When the system reboots, repeat step 1 to again open the Run window.
    8. Type Control Panel and launch the Control Panel.
    9. Now, you will see the Add/Remove or Add/Remove Programs Programs window.
    10. Add or Remove Windows Features on the left side of the window.
    11. Select the option: Add or Remove Windows Features.
    12. From the list of programs, click to expand Microsoft .NET Framework.
    13. Check the first two boxes.
    14. Click OK to begin the .NET Framework installation. Wait till the installation finishes.
    15. Click the Finish button after the task is completed.

    After Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 is successfully installed, exit the program, reboot your system, and open QuickBooks Integration Manager again.

    Solution 2: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

    You will be able to resolve several installation errors with the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool in conjunction with the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Here’s how:
    QuickBooks Install Diagnostic

    1. Follow this blog to Install QuickBooks Tool Hub, and then launch it.
      QuickBooks Tool Hub
    2. Shut All Programs from Running Per Windows.
    3. Perform the QB Install tool and Restart your computer.

    Microsoft even encourages carrying out the Windows Registry Checker Tool (Scanreg.exe) to fix the event ID error in Windows.

    Solution 3: Repair the .NET Framework Manually in Windows

    You would need to manually repair the .NET Framework if the unexpected QuickBooks error 5 with event ID 4 crops up. Follow these steps:

    1. Type Control Panel in the Start menu, and hit Enter.
    2. Launch the Control Panel window from the search results.
    3. Then, select Programs and Features.
    4. Then, choose Uninstall a Program.
    5. Then click Turn Windows Features on or off.
      Note: Administrator permission or privilege is required to turn Windows Features on or off.
    6. Check for .NET Framework on the list of programs displayed.
    7. Make sure to verify the settings on both.NET Framework 4.5 (4.6, 4.7 & 4.8 versions) and 3.5 SP1.

    Go on with the given below steps if the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) option is not checked:

    1. Select the checkbox for ‘.NET Framework 4.5 (or later) `.
    2. A click with OK is required to save the changes.
    3. Then restart your PC.

    If the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox is checked, do the following:

    1. Then disable the checkbox for ‘.NET Framework 4.5 (or later)`.
    2. A click with OK is required to save the changes.
    3. Then restart your PC.
    4. Repeat the above steps to enable your .NET Framework 4.5 after logging into Windows.

    Walkthrough the steps if the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox is not checked:

    1. Check out the box next to the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 option.
    2. Click OK to start applying your changes now.
    3. Thereafter, Restart the computer.

    Go with these steps if the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox is checked:

    1. Avoid marking the box next to the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 option.
    2. Click OK to apply your changes now.
    3. Reboot the computer.
    4. Log back into Windows and repeat the instructions to activate your .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

    If switching the .NET Framework on and off does not work, try fixing the installed .NET Framework program. If you still get the issue, try uninstalling and reinstall the framework altogether.

    Solution 4: Modify the Registry Editor

    Before making any changes to your registry, it’s very important to back it up with great care.

    Back up the Windows registry as follows:

    Step 1: Use the Run Dialog Box

    • Tap the Windows + R key to open the run dialog box.

    Step 2: Make changes in the Registry

    • Type “regedit” and press Enter, then click File > Export.

    Step 3: Take a File Backup

    • Save your backup file in an easy-to-find location.

    To rectify the Windows registry, proceed as follows:

    Step 1: Open the Registry

    • In the Registry Editor, go to the following key using the left sidebar:

    “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\OptionalComponents\IMAIL”

    Step 2: Find and Change the Key

    • Look for the subkey that relates to QuickBooks error ID 4, right-click on the subkey, and select Modify to change the key.

    Step 3: Change the contents of the Value Data box

    • If the current string value in the Value data box is “1”, then change it to “0,” and if it is “0”, make it “1”.

    Step 4: Save the changes

    • Click `OK` to save your changes.

    Step 5: Restart the system

    • Restart your computer for Windows to automatically apply the changes. Launch QuickBooks to verify whether the error still occurs.

    Solution 5: Run Windows System File Checker

    The System File Checker (SFC) is a utility that reproduces and checks for malfunctioning system files and repairs them, which can be helpful in troubles related to QuickBooks files, among similar ones.

    The steps on how to use the Windows System File Checker:

    Step 1: Open Cmd

    • Click on the Start button and search the bar for “cmd.” The application will be found under search results with the name “cmd.” Right-click on it.

    Step 2: Open Command Prompt as an administrator

    • Select “Run as administrator.” (This allows Command Prompt to make changes to your system files.) This will open up into the Command Prompt with Administrator access-black background.

    Step 3: Perform a Scan for System Files

    • In this window, you shall see command lines in which you would type commands. Type the word “SFC/Scannow” and hit enter. The Application initiates the System File Checker and begins scanning your system files for drive defects or corruptions.

    Solution 6: Update your QuickBooks Software to The Latest Version

    An outdated version can generate compatibility issues, which can trigger errors like Quickbooks event ID 4.

    The steps on how to update your QuickBooks software:

    Step 1: Open QuickBooks Application

    • Launch the QuickBooks Desktop.

    Step 2: Go to the help menu

    • Find the “Help” menu in the application toolbar at the top.

    Step 3: Now select the “Update QuickBooks” option

    From the drop-down list, select the “Update QuickBooks” option.

    Step 4: Start the update on the new window

    • Now, the other window has a button named “Update Now,” which will update it.

    To function effectively, we recommend you restart QuickBooks.

    Solution 7: Apply Quick Fix My Program

    QuickBooks Tool Hub contains many utilities to resolve the Event Id 4 in QuickBooks, one of which is Quick Fix My Program. These include:
    Quick Fix My Program

    1. Install the QB Tool Hub by downloading it from the official Intuit website.
    2. Save the installer in your downloads folder or wherever you would like.
    3. Once it has been downloaded properly, navigate to the file location and double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
    4. Go with the installation prompts and agree to the terms of use.
    5. Once installed properly, double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon from the desktop.
    6. Now, go over to the Program Problems section.
    7. Opt for Quick Fix My Program to fix the Event ID 4 errors that cause performance issues and lagging.

    Solution 8: Uninstall QuickBooks and Reinstall it

    Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop for using the QuickBooks Event ID 4 can be useful. Here is the step-by-step guide:

    Things to be Done  Before Reinstalling QuickBooks:

    Secure your data before reinstalling:

    1. Backup your QuickBooks company file for your business data’s safety.
    2. Obtain your QuickBooks Desktop download or installation CD, along with your license and product number.

    Uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop

    1. From the Start menu (Window icon), go to search, type in “Control Panel,” and press enter.
    2. Programs and Features for uninstalling a program.
    3. Locate QuickBooks from the list of programs that come up and left-click once to select it.
    4. Select the Uninstall/Change option and go on with the prompts to uninstall QuickBooks from your machine.
    5. Restart your PC and boot it in Safe mode after the uninstallation by pressing the F8 key when starting up and then selecting Safe Mode from the options that pop up.

    Install QuickBooks Desktop

    1. Having QuickBooks download file in Safe Mode, double-click the QuickBooks.exe file and if using an installation CD, insert it into your CD/DVD drive.
    2. The installation wizard should open automatically. Begin by following the onscreen prompts and accepting the Software License Agreement when it is requested.
    3. Enter the Product and License numbers into the respective text boxes when requested during the installation.
    4. Continue to follow the wizard’s instructions to choose the appropriate installation types and options for your setup.
    5. Restart the computer in normal mode after the installation process.
    6. Open the QuickBooks application to check whether it has been installed properly and works fine.

    Solution 9: Uninstall QuickBooks and Use the Clean Install Tool

    QuickBooks clean install tool
    QuickBooks clean install tool

    Uninstall QuickBooks

    To uninstall QuickBooks manually, complete the following steps:

    Step 1: Go to the Control Panel

    • Click rather the start button. Type into the search bar “Control Panel” and hit “Enter”.

    Step 2: Access Program & Features

    • Open the ‘Programs & Features’ tab.

    Step 3: Go to Uninstall Option

    • Right-click on the QuickBooks Staff and select the Uninstall option from the drop-down menu, then go with the onscreen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

    Reinstall QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool

    After the installation of the QuickBooks application, Download and run the QuickBooks clean install tool, and then reinstall QuickBooks.

    Perform the clean installation using the following process:

    Step 1: Open the QB clean install tool.

    • Before proceeding with the clean installation, ensure that the QB clean tool is open.

    Step 2: Run QuickBooks Clean Installation.

    • Then, perform the QuickBooks Clean Installation.

    Solution 9: Close QuickBooks Running Background-Monitor Program And Log Into Your System As Administrator

    Before proceeding to apply any solutions, consider the following:

    1. Back up your important data, as this typically presents a safeguard for your information in the event something goes wrong during the process of troubleshooting.
    2. Shut down all background applications.
    3. Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
    4. Moreover, ensure that your antivirus is temporarily disabled.

    The steps that follow will help you to close QuickBooks and log in as an administrator:

    Step 1: Closing QuickBooks running background processes

    1. To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
    2. Close all ongoing programs.
    3. Also, go to the Processes tab.
    4. Look for any particular processes related to the QuickBooks program, for example, QBW32.EXE, qbupdate.exe, and QBDBMgrN.exe.
    5. Select each of those processes and then click the End Process button.

    Be advised not to end a process if you are not sure what it does. Ending those important system processes can probably cause more problems.

    Step 2: Log into Your System as Administrator

    1. Click on the Start button and select the user icon in the upper-left corner of the menu.
    2. Choose the administrator account from the list. If a password prompt appears, enter it.
    3. From that point, you can put some necessary changes into QuickBooks or any other programs on your system, following your authorization as administrator.

    Be careful when you are logged in as an administrator due to the full control over the system. Misuse of this authority can mess things up, possibly causing data loss or system failure.

    Resolving the Event ID 4 error in QuickBooks usually relates to a .NET Framework issue. It can sometimes appear due to corrupted company files, viruses, Windows registry issues, and others. All possible solutions to help you troubleshoot this error have been listed. Even if it doesn’t, we hope this article helps. In case of any further questions, you can reach out to the technical team at 1.833.802.0002 for assistance 24/7.

    What is error 4 in the QuickBooks application?

    “Error 4” in QuickBooks usually refers to a Windows-specific error known as “Event ID 4,” which usually arises due to issues with the .NET Framework 4.0 on your system; this usually leads to an unexpected error in the QuickBooks application, such as a crash or slow performance, and often occurs while processing through the QuickBooks Integration Manager.

    Can QuickBooks Event ID 4 Error lead to data loss?

    The QuickBooks Event ID 4 error indeed stands a chance of losing data in that it usually indicates a corrupted company file; if left unattended, data would become unreachable or corrupted within the QuickBooks application, though immediate fixing of the file could help save the situation with minimal loss.

    How do we allow Windows Firewalls through port exceptions?

    To allow a port through the Windows Firewall, you will have to go to the Control Panel, navigate to “System and Security” > “Windows Defender Firewall,” then choose “Advanced settings” > “Inbound Rules” > “New Rule,” select “Port” as the rule type, specify the desired port number, choose “Allow the connection” to create an exception for that port on your firewall; basically, you’re trying to create a new rule that allows traffic on that particular port number.

    Is it safe to attempt to fix the QuickBooks Event ID 4 Error on my own?

    Usually, if it becomes necessary, a user can learn how to fix QuickBooks Event ID 4 errors on their own following prescribed troubleshooting steps; it is, however, best to be careful here because wrong moves could also damage the company data, and it would be good to seek the assistance of a QuickBooks professional if you have any doubts regarding that.

    What scenarios prompt QB Event ID 4 error to emerge?

    A QB event ID 4 error is given when some form of damage or corruption is done in the QuickBooks company file, which might have happened due to a partial or corrupt QuickBooks installation, issues with the Windows registry, a virus or malware attack, or the unintended deletion of a critical QuickBooks-related file typically by some other running application; it just indicates any situation through which the integrity of the running QuickBooks program on your system gets disturbed.

    What is the role of the .NET Framework in QuickBooks functionality?

    .NET Framework is a fundamental programming platform that allows QuickBooks to render a range of functions, from managing data to providing user interface elements, network connectivity, and integration with other applications, essentially rendering the foundation technology that brings QuickBooks features to life.

    Are there any prerequisites before attempting to fix QuickBooks Event ID 4 Error?

    Yes, you should very much consider backing up your QuickBooks company file before you proceed to fix a QuickBooks Event ID 4 error and ensure you have access to the required installation files and license information to enable good troubleshooting practice; this is deemed mandatory to avoid data loss during repairs.

    Why do I keep getting an Event ID 4 Error on my Server 2012R2?

    You can expect an Event ID 4 error to crop up in a Windows Server 2012R2 environment if there is damage or corruption in the QuickBooks company file or, one way or another, there is corruption within the installation of the QuickBooks software.