Syntax error when restoring portable data file

Sue Renouf
Sue Renouf Member Posts: 34 Reckoner Reckoner
in Reckon Accounts (Desktop)

I have a client with a huge file trying to upgrade to 2025. The backup won't work so we are using a portable data file. When trying to we get the error message Syntax error near '-' on line

The company file is 2,570,204 kb.

A full verification backup hasn't been done for a long time and the backup now doesn't work.

They have been upgrading from the portable file for many years.

The name of the file is the company name. ABC company for example. Nothing fancy.

This is in answer to questions on a previous post about this.

  1. How large is your company file in KB? (You should be able to see this value by going File → Open or Restore → Open Company File)
  2. When was the last time you did a Full Verification Backup? (File → Save Copy or Backup → Save Backup File (.QBB) → Options → Full Verificaiton ticked)
  3. How many years have you been upgrading via Portable File?
  4. What is the portable backup copy named?

Hoping to be saved…

Regards,

Sue Renouf

Answers

  • Tanvi_kataria
    Tanvi_kataria Reckon Staff Posts: 565 Reckon Staff Reckon Staff

    Morning @Sue Renouf

    I wanted to check with you, if the issue still persists and requires any further assistance. Thank you!

    Regards

    Tanvi

    Tanvi.png
  • Sue Renouf
    Sue Renouf Member Posts: 34 Reckoner Reckoner

    Yes it does. And I can't get a backup to work. I am being helped at the moment for both by a tech support representative and might need to send the file to data recover. So thanks Tanvi.

  • Reeta
    Reeta Reckon Staff Posts: 379 Reckon Staff Reckon Staff

    Hi @Sue Renouf ,

    Thank you for your query.

    That is definitely a large file size. While portable files have worked without any issues, their ability to work smoothly may decrease as the file grows and if a full verification hasn’t been done in a while.

    To help avoid issues like the “Syntax error near '-' on line” message, I’d recommend considering a file size reduction. This can be done by condensing old transactions, cleaning up unused list items, and archiving historical data. Our data recovery champion @Datarec has posted a helpful guide on this process here:

    https://community.reckon.com/discussion/7945481/how-to-reduce-data-file-sizes-larger-than-500mb-for-reckon-accounts-business-desktop

    If you’d prefer hands on support, our Data Recovery Team can assist with reducing the file size, repairing any corruption, and ensuring a smooth upgrade. They’re great at assisting you resolving file-related issues directly.

    Let me know if you need any further assistance !!

    Regards,

    Reeta

    Reeta.png

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