Company file won't open

Your company file is a .solid folder holding an encrypted database and its attachments. If it won't open, work through these in order. Before you try anything that changes files, copy the whole .solid folder somewhere safe.

Forgotten password

Company files open with a username and password. If you've forgotten the Admin password:

1. On the sign-in screen, choose Forgot password? Use recovery phrase — this works if you set up a recovery phrase (Settings → Recovery Phrase, or the optional step when you created the company).
2. Otherwise, restore a backup (below). An encrypted cloud backup uses its own recovery phrase (12 words; 24 for backups set up before version 26.10), not the company file password.

Without a recovery phrase or a backup, an encrypted company file can't be opened — there's no back door. Contact support and we'll help you start fresh from your most recent statements.

"This company file needs Solid Accounting X or later"

The company file was last saved by a newer version than the one you're running. Update with Help → Check for Updates.... Newer releases need active Updates & Cloud Services. In an office that shares a company file, update every computer together; a computer on an older version is asked to update when it connects.

"Recorded as encrypted, but the database on disk is NOT encrypted"

The database was replaced or rolled back to an older, unprotected copy. The app refuses to open it on purpose. Restore a known-good backup, or contact support@solidaccounting.com before using the file.

A Mac keeps asking for the keychain

The key that opens the company file is saved in the macOS Keychain and read once per session. If you deny the prompt, the app doesn't ask again until you quit and reopen it; it opens the company file with your company login or recovery phrase instead.

The app closed mid-save, or the file seems damaged

1. Quit the app completely, then open the company again with File → Open Company.... The database recovers unfinished writes on open in most cases.
2. Don't delete the extra files inside the .solid folder (names ending -wal or -shm) — they hold the unfinished writes.
3. Still won't open? Restore a backup. If the drive itself is failing, check its health before you keep using it.

Another program holding the file open (a sync tool, a second copy of the app) can also block it. Close it and try again.

Restoring a backup

• Backup on this computer, a folder or S3: open Settings → Backup & Restore and click Restore…, or Restore from a file instead… for a backup folder you pick.
• Encrypted cloud backup: choose Restore from cloud backup on the Welcome screen. See Cloud Backup.

If none of this works, use Help → Send Diagnostic to Support... and tell us what you've tried.