Don't worry Mr. Edwards this is a common error of QuickBooks that can be fixed very easily. A few days back I came across with this error as well.
What I did was that I googled this error and found a solution on Medium.com article which I will leave a link so that you can read the detailed solution.

Here is the link for the article- QuickBooks Error 6177, 0 Solution

So let me provide you the solution in short if you can understand-

• Change the Company file location to avoid location error.
• Update you QuickBooks to fix most of the errors.
• Use QuickBooks File Doctor on the computer receiving an error message.
• Delete ".ND" files.
• Optimize Database manager 

Hi Smith,

When the QuickBooks company file moved from one machine to another or to another drive the permission properties will be affected, and the file integrity needs to be checked.

Resolution:

• Open the location of the company file.
• Right click on the file and select Properties.
• Click on the Security window.
• Select all the users one by one and provide Full Control by clicking on the check box next to allow.
• Click on the Advanced button and navigate to the Owner tab.
• Change the owner to the Administrator or to the person who has logged in to the system.
• Click on OK to close the Advanced Security Settings and OK again to close the file properties window.
• Please open the following location to download and install the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.
• Click the following link to download the diagnostic tool – https://community.intuit.com/articles/1284324-quickbooks-connection-diagnostic-tool.
• Enter your e-mail address and check the option I agree to the terms and conditions and click on Download Tool button.
• Once downloaded, double-click on the file to install the tool.
• Click Start > All programs > QB connection diagnostic tool > QB connection diagnostic tool on your Windows operating system.
• Under Test Connectivity, click on Browse and select the company file and click on Test Connectivity.
• If you see File Open successful (all Advanced statuses have green check marks) your network connection is working fine, and you should be able to open the file.
• Try opening the QuickBooks company file again.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Lokesh