So QuickBooks tech support just told you your QuickBooks file is too big.
Can that be true?
Indeed it can!
HOW BIG IS TOO BIG?
While there are no hard and fast rules (or even any printed documentation from the makers of QuickBooks on the topic), my experience has shown that QuickBooks Pro and Premier data files are "too big" once they move past the 150 megabyte size.
If your business is using the Enterprise version of QuickBooks, my experience shows that a file is "too big" once it hits the 1 gigabyte level.
You'll know when your file is too big when:
- It takes forever to run reports
- Your QuickBooks crashes or locks up for no apparent reason
- Strange error messages begin appearing when you work in QuickBooks
HOW DO I KNOW JUST HOW BIG MY FILE IS?
That's easy. Tap the F2 key on your keyboard (or CTRL + 1 also works). Look for the line that says "File Size" on the left hand side of the window that appears.
For reference purposes, a file size of 150,000 as it appears in this window is equal to the 150 megabytes mentioned above.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS NOW?
Some businesses will simply decide to forge ahead and continue using a data file that is too big. This is a really bad idea, as their business runs a significant risk of having their entire file become corrupted and even unusable at some point in time in the future. I wouldn't want to be around the office the day that happens!
Others will take a more thoughtful approach and give careful consideration to this issue, as they realize their critical accounting and financial data may be at risk.
GET THE UNBIASED INSIGHT YOU NEED! DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE
Since this issue tends to creep up on thousands of businesses each year (after all, there is no early warning system built into QuickBooks!), it is essential you understand the pros and cons of each option available to fix the problem.
Learn more about the options available when your QuickBooks file is too big in my special guide.
QUESTIONS? CONFUSION?
Feel free to post a comment in the box below or contact me to further explore the specifics of this issue within your business.
RELATED INFORMATION:
- QuickBooks Enterprise Resource Center
- QuickBooks Data File Shrinking Service
- QuickBooks New File Creation Service
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