When a QuickBooks company file stops working, the problem often comes from a damaged TLG file. The TLG file, or Transaction Log file, stores every change made since the last backup. When it gets corrupted, QuickBooks can slow down, crash, or refuse to open.
This guide explains how TLG file recovery works, why it matters, and what steps you can take to get your company data back.
What a TLG File Does
QuickBooks uses two files to store company data:
- QBW file – This is your main company file with all transactions and lists.
- TLG file – This logs every change after the last backup. It allows QuickBooks to sync with Intuit Data Services and supports recovery if the QBW file becomes damaged.
When the TLG file grows too large or becomes corrupted, QuickBooks can fail to open.
Common Causes of TLG File Damage
TLG file damage usually comes from one of these situations:
- Power failure during a QuickBooks session
- Network drop when using QuickBooks in multi-user mode
- Hard drive errors or bad sectors
- Interrupted backup or restore process
- Sudden system shutdowns
Knowing the cause helps you prevent future damage once the file is repaired.
Symptoms of a Corrupt TLG File
You know there is a TLG problem if you see:
- QuickBooks taking longer than usual to open
- Error messages like “QuickBooks is unable to open this company file”
- Frequent crashes when saving or running reports
- Large TLG file size compared to the QBW file
If the TLG file is several gigabytes, recovery is often needed.
Why TLG Recovery Matters
Ignoring TLG corruption puts your data at risk. The log file is key for restoring recent changes if the main QBW file fails. Without it, you risk losing weeks of work.
Recovery services can rebuild the TLG file, clean bad transactions, and re-link it with the QBW file. This brings your company data back to a consistent state.
What Professional Recovery Involves
A typical TLG recovery service follows these steps:
- Assessment – The service team examines your QBW and TLG files to confirm the corruption level.
- File Repair – Damaged sections of the TLG file are rebuilt or trimmed.
- Data Validation – The QBW file is checked for missing or out-of-sequence transactions.
- Re-Sync – The repaired TLG file is re-linked with the QBW file.
- Testing – The file is opened in QuickBooks to verify that reports and lists work.
This process keeps your data accurate and prevents future errors.
Preventing Future TLG Problems
Once your file is fixed, take steps to avoid the same issue again:
- Back up daily. Use QuickBooks scheduled backups so the TLG file resets often.
- Run File Doctor regularly. This built-in tool checks for file corruption.
- Store files on a stable network. Use a reliable server or workstation.
- Keep QuickBooks updated. Newer versions handle TLG management better.
- Shut down properly. Avoid forcing QuickBooks to close from Task Manager.
These steps keep your TLG file from growing too large and reduce corruption risks.
When to Get Help
If QuickBooks will not open and you have no recent backup, professional recovery is the safest option. Attempting manual fixes, like deleting the TLG file, can result in data loss.
Look for a recovery service with:
- Experience handling QuickBooks data corruption
- A no-data-no-fee policy
- Secure, private handling of your company file
- Same-day turnaround when possible
Final Thoughts
TLG file corruption is one of the most common causes of QuickBooks failure. Fixing it quickly protects your recent transactions and keeps your business running. Professional recovery services repair the damage, sync your data, and help you avoid future problems.
Consistent backups, regular maintenance, and safe shutdowns keep your QuickBooks files healthy. When things go wrong, a focused recovery process gets you back on track fast.
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