Tally is an essential tool for accountants and business owners alike. But like any software, it occasionally runs into issues—company data not opening, slow performance, or exporting problems. If you’re experiencing these or similar challenges, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down the most common Tally issues and shows you how to fix them step by step. It’s also a great starting point if you’re looking to master Tally professionally—more on that later.
1. Tally Not Opening or Crashing
Symptoms: Tally doesn’t launch, crashes at startup, or freezes.
Fixes:
- Run as Administrator.
- Reinstall or repair Tally.
- Check antivirus/firewall settings.
- Ensure .NET Framework is installed and updated.
- Reconfigure or delete
Tally.ini
file.
2. Company Not Showing or Not Opening
Symptoms: Company not listed or fails to open.
Fixes:
- Manually browse the
Data
folder from “Select Company”. - Use Ctrl + Alt + R to rewrite company data.
- Check version compatibility (ERP 9 vs TallyPrime).
3. Forgotten Admin or User Password
Symptoms: Locked out of a company file.
Fixes:
- Restore a recent backup.
- Regularly export backups to avoid permanent lockout.
- Tally does not allow admin password recovery for security reasons.
4. Ledger Balance Mismatch or Trial Balance Errors
Symptoms: Inaccurate trial balance or balance sheet figures.
Fixes:
- Use Data Verification (Ctrl + Alt + F12).
- Check for incorrect dates in voucher entries.
- Ensure accurate opening balances.
- Investigate Suspense Accounts or misgrouped ledgers.
5. “File Not Found” or “Access Denied”
Symptoms: Errors while accessing data files or backups.
Fixes:
- Right-click > Run Tally as Administrator.
- Adjust folder/file permissions.
- Disable antivirus and test again.
- Ensure folders are not marked as read-only.
6. Issues Exporting Reports to Excel or PDF
Symptoms: Export fails or files are blank.
Fixes:
- Ensure Excel or PDF reader is properly installed.
- Export to a simple folder like
Desktop
orD:\
. - Avoid special characters in filenames.
- Use short paths and names.
7. Problems During Backup or Restore
Symptoms: Backup not saving, or restore fails.
Fixes:
- Check for permission errors.
- Use shorter folder names without spaces or special characters.
- Stick to
.900
backup format for TallyPrime.
Want to Master Tally and Avoid These Issues Altogether?
Troubleshooting helps in the short term—but building a strong foundation in accounting software like Tally makes problem-solving quicker, easier, and more confident.
That’s where the Advanced Diploma in Financial Accounting (ADFA) comes in.
What you’ll learn:
- Full training in TallyPrime
- GST & taxation workflows
- Payroll & inventory management
- Excel for accountants
- Real-world accounting scenarios
Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or business owner, the ADFA course helps you go beyond basic troubleshooting and become a confident, job-ready financial professional.
Explore the course now and start building real-world skills.

8. Tally Running Slowly or Freezing
Symptoms: Delays in loading or during entry.
Fixes:
- Remove unused companies or ledgers.
- Reindex using Ctrl + Alt + R.
- Upgrade your system RAM.
- Disable background sync settings.
9. Wrong Date or Financial Year
Symptoms: Transactions posted to incorrect years.
Fixes:
- Use Alt + F2 to set the correct period.
- Confirm the financial year during company creation.
- Check your system’s date settings.
10. Printer Not Working in Tally
Symptoms: Nothing prints or incorrect print layout.
Fixes:
- Use the correct printer driver (Generic/Text Only for dot matrix).
- Ensure Windows detects the printer correctly.
- Adjust paper size and print settings inside Tally.
Final Thoughts
Tally is an incredibly capable tool, but it can run into issues that affect your daily work. Knowing how to fix common errors—like company file problems, export issues, and incorrect trial balances—can save time and reduce stress.
But if you want to go beyond troubleshooting and truly understand accounting tools like Tally, consider taking a structured course. The Advanced Diploma in Financial Accounting (ADFA) equips you with both the knowledge and confidence to work professionally in the field of accounting and finance.