It seems that in recent weeks I have seen a rash of C= errors in QuickBooks data files that I have been sent for file analytics & datametrics, or repair services. We use to see a lot more C= errors years ago, but in recent years they have not been as common as in times past until recently.
Identification and Interpretation of “C=” Errors like C=88
Occasionally you may see a Fatal Error message or an Unexpected Error message similar to this one:
## R# (M=1153, L=133, C=88, V=28 (FFFFFFF4))
“C-errors” errors, typical of syntax errors, logical errors and data errors, appear in the QBWin.log in the above format. Because of the significant improvements made in QuickBooks, and the quality of Alpha-/Beta-testing associated with most releases, ‘C-errors’ are far more rare in newer versions of the program, than in older versions.
Understanding Message components:
The M=1153 code represents the module within QuickBooks associated with the error, it is intended to provide technical support and programmer personnel with a frame of reference about the operation in progress at the time of the error.
The L=133 code represents the line number at which the error was encountered, once again intended to provide details as to the exact point in program execution at which the error resulted in shut-down.
The C=88 code (in our error message example) represents a specific error code. Fatal errors producing messages containing the value C=88 result from data damage when QuickBooks does not know what to do with a damaged transaction.
The V=28 in the error message represents a debugging value which technical support and programmer personnel may find useful in resolution of the error.
Under some circumstances C=88 errors occur repeatedly in the same program location or function, and can usually be reproduced. The common causes of data file damage are:
- Power surge or power drop out
- Abnormal shutdown or computer crash
- Network interruptions
- Low Resources on the workstations or network including: Processor clock speed and/or memory (RAM), or Network interface (cards, cables, switch, router, etc.)
Error C=88 may occur while you are working in QuickBooks or while verifying data within the company file and there is some form of data problem. In some circumstances it may be possible to repair your data using standard QuickBooks data repair methods.
Attempting Repairs
- Resort your lists.
- Run the Rebuild Data Utility.
- Run the Verify Data Utility.
- Open the Qbwin.log file and check for error messages.
- Resolve error messages in the QBwin.log file, and repeat steps 1 – 5 as necessary.
If the error persists:
- Professional data services may be able to repair your file, but it is doubtful that QuickBooks internal utilities will be able to do so.
- You may wish to restore a recent company back up file but do not overwrite your current file (save it in a ‘safety directory’ along with the QBW.tlg file.)
- Test the restored back-up to see if the same errors occur while performing the same steps as you were performing in the original data file when the error occurred
- If the error does not occur, then begin reentering data from the period since the back-up was made
- If the error does occur, then restore an earlier back up and repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 as necessary.