If you’ve ever opened QuickBooks in the middle of a busy workday only to be greeted by an error message, you know how stressful that moment feels. One of the most common frustrations users report is QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open, often followed—or sometimes replaced—by QuickBooks Error Code 80070057.

You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck. This guide is written specifically for small business owners and accountants who need clear, practical steps without jargon overload. We’ll walk through why these issues happen, how to fix them, and what to do when payroll check transactions don’t match what QuickBooks is showing.

Why QuickBooks File and Error Issues Happen in the First Place

QuickBooks relies heavily on stable file permissions, accurate accounting data, and clean network access. When even one of these pieces slips, errors surface fast.

Some of the most common root causes include:

• Multiple users trying to access the same file incorrectly
• Corrupted or mismatched company file extensions
• Network setup problems in multi-user mode
• Accounting data mismatch caused by interrupted updates
• Payroll configuration or sync issues

Understanding the “why” makes troubleshooting much easier—and faster.

Understanding the “Company File Already Open” Message

What This Error Really Means

The message QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open doesn’t always mean another user is actively inside the file. Often, it signals that QuickBooks thinks the file is locked.

This can happen due to:

• A background QuickBooks process still running
• Improperly closed sessions
• Damaged network descriptor (.ND) files

The good news? These are usually fixable without reinstalling QuickBooks.

Quick Fix Steps to Release the File Lock

Try these steps in order:

• Close QuickBooks on all computers
• Open Task Manager and end any QBDBMgr.exe or QBW32.exe processes
• Navigate to the company file folder
• Delete .ND and .TLG files (QuickBooks will recreate them)
• Reopen QuickBooks as Administrator

If the file opens normally, you’ve confirmed it was a session-lock issue.

Dealing with QuickBooks Error Code 80070057

What Triggers This Error?

QuickBooks Error Code 80070057 usually appears when QuickBooks cannot read or write data properly. This often points to permission problems or incorrect file paths.

Typical triggers include:

• Opening a file over a network without proper access
• Firewall or security software blocking QuickBooks
• Company file stored on an external drive or cloud sync folder

This error can also surface during payroll tasks, especially when data integrity is compromised.

Step-by-Step Fix for Error Code 80070057

Follow these technical but beginner-friendly steps:

• Right-click the QuickBooks icon and select Run as Administrator
• Ensure the company file has a .QBW extension
• Move the company file to a local drive (like C:\QuickBooks) temporarily
• Update QuickBooks to the latest release
• Check folder permissions:
  • Right-click the folder → Properties → Security
  • Grant full control to “Everyone”

Once permissions are corrected, reopen the file from within QuickBooks—not by double-clicking it.

Fixing Payroll Check Transactions Not Matching

This is where things get especially frustrating. Payroll discrepancies can cause serious accounting confusion if not resolved quickly.

Why Payroll Checks Don’t Match

Common reasons include:

• Payroll liability payments recorded incorrectly
• Manual check edits after posting
• Partial sync between payroll service and company file
• Accounting data mismatch due to interrupted updates

These issues often appear alongside broader QuickBooks errors, so fixing file access problems first is critical.

How to Reconcile Payroll Check Discrepancies

Use this checklist to perform a clean payroll discrepancy fix:

• Run a Payroll Summary Report and compare it to check stubs
• Verify employee payroll items and tax mappings
• Check the Payroll Liability Balances report
• Rebuild company data:
  • File → Utilities → Rebuild Data
• Verify data immediately after rebuilding

If checks still don’t align, avoid manual edits. They often make the mismatch worse.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues

If basic fixes don’t work, it’s time to dig a little deeper.

Network and Multi-User Checks

• Use QuickBooks File Doctor to scan file and network issues
• Confirm hosting is enabled on only one server
• Test opening the file in single-user mode

System-Level Checks

• Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall and test access
• Ensure Windows is fully updated
• Confirm QuickBooks services are running

If you’re still seeing QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open or QuickBooks Error Code 80070057 after this stage, expert help can save hours of trial and error.

You can always reach a dedicated QuickBooks Helpline at +1(800) 780-3064 for guided, real-time support.

When to Call Expert Support

Sometimes the smartest move isn’t more DIY—it’s knowing when to escalate.

Consider calling support if:

• Errors return after every restart
• Payroll data discrepancies affect filings
• Multi-user access keeps failing
• You suspect file corruption

Certified experts can diagnose issues without risking your accounting data. For immediate assistance, the QuickBooks Expert Support line at +1(800) 780-3064 is a reliable option many businesses use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does QuickBooks say a company file is already open when no one is using it?

This usually happens due to leftover background processes or damaged network descriptor files that make QuickBooks think the file is locked.

Is QuickBooks Error Code 80070057 a data corruption issue?

Not always. It’s often related to permissions or incorrect file access paths, though unresolved errors can eventually lead to data issues.

Can payroll mismatches be fixed without redoing checks?

Yes. In many cases, rebuilding data and correcting payroll liability settings resolves the mismatch without reissuing checks.

Should my company file be stored on a network drive?

For multi-user setups, yes—but it must be configured correctly. Improper network permissions are a major cause of QB errors.

Does rebuilding data delete information?

No. The rebuild utility fixes internal links and data structure without removing transactions.

When should I contact QuickBooks support directly?

If errors persist after troubleshooting or involve payroll tax calculations, expert help is strongly recommended.

Can antivirus software cause QuickBooks errors?

Yes. Some security programs block QuickBooks processes unless exclusions are set properly.

Final Thoughts: Get Back to Business Without the Stress

QuickBooks errors feel overwhelming, especially when they interrupt payroll or lock you out of critical company files. But with the right steps, most issues—whether it’s QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open, QuickBooks Error Code 80070057, or payroll check mismatches—can be resolved safely.

Take it step by step, avoid rushed manual edits, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you want fast, expert-led resolution without risking your data, reach out to the QuickBooks Helpline at +1(800) 780-3064. Sometimes one call is all it takes to get everything back on track.