Error 136 in QuickBooks Desktop is an issue that affects your system (as opposed to being a problem with your company file). Since there are many different reasons why a particular access problem may occur, the causes of QuickBooks Error Code 136 differ from most. The primary causes of Error 136 are improper installation (of program components), incorrect configuration of your PC, and external items (such as antivirus programs) installed on your system.
In this article, we’ll clearly define the causes of the error code, its symptoms, and effective solutions to fix the issues.
Quick View Table for QuickBooks Error 136
Let’s have a quick look at the points we discussed above.
| Error description | Error 136 in QuickBooks Desktop in the Operating System can happen anytime in such a random manner. The presence of such an error implies that QuickBooks is failing to open certain vital services. This issue might be caused by several factors, including software corruption, background programs running in conflict, or even a system-related issue. |
| Why does it occur? | Error code 136 in QuickBooks Desktop may arise from issues with the network server configuration or folder permissions. This problem may result from damaged or misconfigured ND and TLG files. Corruption in QuickBooks installation files can cause this error. |
| How can you fix it? | QuickBooks Error 136 can be resolved by upgrading to the latest version, which will eliminate the glitches. The network configuration problem may be solved by renaming the ND.TLG files, which may be preventing the software from accessing the file. Another way is to transfer the company file to the computer. |
Before You Fix Anything: Do These Quick Safety Checks for Error 136 QuickBooks
- Always make sure to back Up Your Company File.
- Choose Local Backup.
- Save it somewhere safe (ideally not the same folder as the live file).
- Once that is done, double-check your backup file.
- Restart the Computer and Services
- Properly restart your system: Shut down your computer.
- Or shut down the server if applicable.
- Test for File Specificity
- See whether the problem is caused by: Opening another company file or trying the QuickBooks sample file.
- Confirm Single vs Multi-User Mode
- If you’re in a shared environment:
- Ask who’s in the file right now
- Confirm where hosting is happening (server vs workstations)
Go through these steps before you face any trouble.
Simple Methods to Solve Error 136 in QuickBooks
Go through this section to uncover the methods that have been given to help you eliminate Error 136 in QuickBooks Desktop.
Solution 1 – Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop helps to solve the problem of QuickBooks error 136
To provide new functionality and correct errors, all applications are updated continuously. Therefore, we suggest that you should always upgrade QuickBooks as soon as its new version is released. To help you out with installing the update for QuickBooks, below are the steps to be followed:
- Firstly, open the QuickBooks application using the Ctrl key.
- Next, click the Help menu, then the Update menu.
- Further, select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Select the Update Now button after that.
- Then, hit the Get Updates button.
Always make sure you upgrade QuickBooks Desktop, and if you are facing problems, go to the next solution.
Fix 2 – End QuickBooks Processes in Task Manager to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 136
If error code 136 in QuickBooks persists even after stopping the QBDT service, you need to terminate the QB processes in Task Manager.
- First, open Task Manager by clicking the taskbar.
- After Task Manager, proceed to the Processes tab.
- In the process tab, go to Image Name Header.
- It will help you in arranging your results in alphabetical order.
- Now, search for the QBW32.exe file and select the End process option.
- Once you click on the End Process button, all the QB processes will be terminated automatically.
If you still encounter Error 136 in QuickBooks Desktop, try another solution.
Fix 3- Using QuickBooks Tool Hub
Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to resolve issues such as Error 136.
- Exit the QuickBooks application.
- Download QuickBooks Tool Hub (updated version)
- Launch and open QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Click the Program Problems tab
- Click on: Quick Fix My Program

- Wait for completion and then restart
Fix 4 – Rename.TLG and .ND Files
The.TLG and ND files are the configuration files that facilitate QuickBooks Desktop to launch the company file in network/multi-user mode. The corruption or damage to these.TLG and .ND files can cause issues while opening the QuickBooks Desktop version.
- First, locate the folder where the company file is located.
- Search for files with the same name as the company file but with the extension.TLG and ND.
- Right-click on the respective.TLG/.ND file, and click Rename.
- Now, add the extension “.old” to the file extension and press Enter.
To resolve error 136 in QuickBooks Desktop, rename the.TLG and ND files as mentioned above. Proceed to Fix 5 in case you are not able to do so.
Fix 5 – Move The Company File to Another Location
This is the most probable reason why you are experiencing the above-mentioned error, because it can be solved by moving your company file in the following way:
Here is how to perform it:
- Open the folder where your QuickBooks company files are saved.
- Find the .QBW file from the location of the file.
- Click on the file to select it.
- Then click Copy to copy it. If not, use the Ctrl+C key combination to copy it.
- Then move to the desktop by clicking anywhere on the desktop.
- After that, click on Paste from the drop-down menu through right-clicking
- Now start the QB Desktop application and hold down the Ctrl button until the ” No Company Open Error appears on the screen.
- Finally, click on Open.
Find the company file that you have just copied to the desktop.
What Causes QuickBooks Error Code 136?
Here, we have discussed the common reasons why we get stuck with QuickBooks Error Code 136:
- Incomplete Repair or Reinstallation
An incomplete repair may still leave some hidden problems. Files and registry settings from previous installations may cause the problem to persist. - Unsteady background process
Processes like QuickBooks Database Manager Services can experience interruptions in their operation, causing recurring errors. - Security program restrictions
Antivirus or firewall restrictions may consistently interfere with the proper functioning of QuickBooks. - Windows system issues
Corrupted Windows system files prevent QuickBooks from functioning properly and must be addressed for the program to work again. - Corrupted QuickBooks components
Some dependencies, such as the .NET Framework, MSXML, and so forth, could still be damaged after attempted fixes.
Knowing the cause of your error is considered the most important and common step in fixing it.
Conclusion
We have tried to explain QuickBooks Error 136. For this, we have covered different segments, such as the causes and the resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting my computer fix QuickBooks Error 136?
Answer – It may temporarily resolve small glitches, but this is not guaranteed to resolve the problem.
What is the first thing I should check if I receive Error Code 136?
Answer – First, make sure that when you launch your QuickBooks Desktop application, it launches without issues or freezing up.
Also, check whether you have the latest version available to download, so you won’t run into issues from using an outdated version of QuickBooks.
If everything has checked out so far, then you can begin testing your files and your network.
You May Read Also-
QuickBooks MSXML6.dll Error: Simple Solutions That Work
QuickBooks Web Connector Error QBWC1085: Fix Guide
Facing QuickBooks Error Code 15241? Here’s How to Resolve It
Change QuickBooks License Number Easily – Complete Guide
Fix QuickBooks Error 80070057 Quickly with Easy Steps

James Richard is a skilled technical writer with 16 years of experience at QuickBooks Data Migration. His expertise covers data migration, conversion, and desktop errors for QuickBooks. He excels at explaining complex technical topics clearly and simply for readers. Through engaging, informative blog posts, James makes even the most challenging QuickBooks issues feel manageable. With his passion for writing and deep knowledge, he is a trusted resource for anyone seeking clarity on accounting software problems.
