Resolve QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Issue [Fixed]

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QuickBooks Multi-user mode is an inbuilt feature of the QuickBooks application. It allows multiple users to work on the same company file simultaneously without any bar of time or location. Users need to have a QuickBooks License on their workstations to access the multi-user mode feature. It involves multiple components to work coherently. A slight failure in any of these components can result in QuickBooks multi-user mode not working.

It mainly occurs when you try to open a company file located on the server computer. Sometimes, you won’t see the error, but QuickBooks will continue to open in single-user mode. However, several other reasons can trigger this issue. We have covered all such reasons in the next section of this blog.

Are you confused about how to enable multi-user mode in QuickBooks? Well, in that case, you must contact our expert team and get the answers to all such queries. You can reach us by calling the Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number.

What Is QuickBooks Multi-user Mode?

Multi-user remote access in QuickBooks allows multiple users to access the same QB company file simultaneously from different locations. This functionality is particularly useful for businesses with remote teams or multiple offices.

With multi-user remote access, each user can log in to QuickBooks from their own computer or device, regardless of where they are located. They can then work on the company file in real time, entering transactions, running reports, and performing other tasks as needed.

There are the top 3 methods to get QuickBooks company file Multi-user Remote Access:

1. Peer-to-peer Hosting
2. Dedicated Hosting
3. Alternate Hosting

Read the blog to set up multi-user remote access in QuickBooks.

Let’s Understand QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Issues

There could be a number of problems that you may run into if you’re using QuickBooks in Multi-user mode. Let’s understand some of them:-

• Hosting Configuration Issues: In case of QuickBooks installation not being available in the server or improper hosting configuration, users might face preference in accessing the shared company file in multi-user mode.
• Network Problems: The wrong network setting may cause QuickBooks to believe it is opening the company file, which is required for all types of operations.
• Firewall Interference: Users’ computers may be blocked by firewalls or antivirus software alike, disconnecting the multiuser functionality.
• Windows Permissions: This Windows file permissions problem could prevent users from sharing or accessing company files over the network.
• Switching Modes: When switching from a single-user mode to a multi-user mode, violations can occur, and others may be unable to log in after the switch is made.
• Database Server Manager: To activate multi-user access, the QuickBooks Database Server Manager should be installed and running on the server, which would allow company files to be managed.
• File Location: For efficient performance, company files are stored on the server computer’s local hard drive. Subsequently, they can be shared more easily on the network.
• Folder Access Permissions: The folder where the company file resides should have the proper sharing and security settings so that multi-user access is possible.
• Service Interruptions: Routine maintenance or updates on the host server will cause it to be offline due to the online multiuser mode.
• Hardware Limitations: Insufficient server hardware may cause performance problems during peak workloads when many users are working simultaneously.
• User License Management: Proper license management is required to prevent access issues; every user must hold a valid license for a multipoint connection to Quickbooks.
• File Locking: It is possible that when only one user is working on a certain type of task, the company document may be locked. Thus, nobody else will be able to make necessary changes until the task has been finished.

Why QuickBooks Freezes When Switching To Multi-User Mode?

Several reasons such as inconsistent network settings, can also result in QuickBooks multi-user mode not working. However, there are other possible causes as well. Below we have listed most of them:

1. You wouldn’t have installed QuickBooks on the server computer.
2. Firewall or antivirus software is restricting QB from communicating between user computers.
3. QuickBooks Database Server Manager is unable to access your QuickBooks company file.
4. Windows file permissions are not set correctly.
5. Incorrect hosting settings on the QuickBooks Desktop application.
6. Corrupt or incorrect DNS settings also trigger QuickBooks freezes when switching to multi-user mode.

How to Fix QuickBooks Multi User Mode Not Working Issue

Now that you know that various reasons can cause QuickBooks multi-user mode not syncing error, you can resolve the issue by addressing the above reasons properly. The detailed troubleshooting resolution to fix unable to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode error has been mentioned below for you:

Solution 1: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

There might be a situation where you cannot switch to multi-user mode in QuickBooks. In such a situation, we would recommend you use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool. For that, you have to download it from Intuit’s Official website (if not integrated with your QuickBooks). It will help you understand if your computer system is correctly set up for using QuickBooks multi-user mode or not. Once installed, run the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool and let it scan and diagnose the company file-related issues and resolve them automatically.

Note: However, one needs to know that the time for the scan process may vary depending on the size of your company file.

Moreover, you check for the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error after the scan completes, and if the issue persists, then you have to make sure that the folder permissions are set as necessary. If you don’t have any idea about that, you may follow the next troubleshooting solution.

Solution 2: Verify the Folder Permission on the Server Computer

Make sure that the folders that are hosting your company file should have the right permissions so that you can access it through other systems on the network. To make sure, if the folder permissions are set correctly or not, you may proceed with the below-mentioned steps:

• Open Windows Explorer and go to the folder that contains your company file.
• Right-click on the folder and select the Properties option.
• Go to the Advanced tab and select ‘QBDataServiceUserXX’.
• Now, click on Edit followed by Allow all the important settings options.
• Once you have corrected the settings, make sure to enable hosting on your server computer as well. For doing so, you may follow the below-given steps:
  1. Go to the File menu and click on the Utilities section.
  2. Now, click on the Host Multi-User Access option.
  3. At last, click on Yes to confirm the changes.

Solution 3: Rename the *.TLG and the *.ND Files

Network data (.ND) and transaction log files (.TLG) are the configuration files that help QuickBooks connect and open the company file. Slight damage in any of these files can restrict you from accessing the company file in QuickBooks and thus, results in QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error. Thus, in that case, you must try to rename these files by following the below-given steps and resolve QuickBooks keeps opening in single-user mode issue:

• Firstly, you have to open the QuickBooks Desktop company file.
• Press F2 key on the Home page to open the Product Information window.
• You will find the location of your Company File under File Information. The .TLG and .QBW.ND files are found in the same folder.

• Right-click the above-mentioned files to rename them.

Solution 4: Utilize QuickBooks Database Server Manager

QuickBooks Database Server Manager is one such tool; it allows you to access the multi-user mode with ease when connected. Besides, multiple users can work on the same company file by sharing it with other computers over your network. You have to install the tool for each QuickBooks Desktop version. Running QuickBooks database server manager will provide you the option to scan for the company file on the server computer and ultimately help you resolve the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error.

Solution 5: Verify the Services on your Server

There are several applications running in the background that help QuickBooks to run efficiently in multi-user mode. You might face difficulties running QuickBooks in multi-user mode if any of these services stop running or functions automatically stop when Windows starts. You may also end up with a QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error. However, by following the below-given steps, you can make sure that the QB database service is set to run automatically:

• Click on the Windows icon and type Run in the text box to open the Run command window.
• Type services.msc into the Run window and press the Enter key.

• Double-click on the QuickbooksDBXX.
• In the Startup type, set it to Automatic. Make sure that the service status is set to either Running or Started.

• Go to the Recovery tab and click on Restart the Service from the drop-down menu.

• First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures.
• Lastly, click on Apply followed by OK to save the changes.

Note: Repeat the same steps for QBCFMonitorService.

Solution 6: Configure the Windows Firewall Settings

If you fail to configure the Windows Firewall component of the Windows operating system correctly, it can restrict each and every single operation on Windows. Thus, you must follow the below-given steps to re-configure Windows Firewall settings to allow QuickBooks to run in multi-user mode and fix the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error.

• Click on the Windows icon and go to the Control panel.
• Search for Windows Firewall and press the Enter key.

• Click on Allow an app through the Windows Firewall option.

• Now, click on the change settings option and checkmark the box under the Public list for QuickBooks application. Then, click on OK.
• Lastly, select Public for the application and try to run QuickBooks in the multi-user mode once again.

Solution 7: Add your Server to the Windows Host File

• Try to access the Windows host file by using the Notepad on the computer that has encountered a multi-user mode issue.
• The host file is located at:
• C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc).
• If required you may open the Notepad as an Admin.
• Further, you need to type the server’s IP address after the last IP address.
• Now, press the Tab key and type in the server name.
• Go to the File menu, and from there click on Save followed by Exit.

Solution 8: Ping your Server from a Workstation

Note: Make sure to turn on the Network Discovery on the server and workstations before you begin to fix the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error.

• Click on the Windows icon and type Network and open Network and Sharing Center in the search bar.

• Now, click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings and select the Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing option from the drop-down menu.

• Further, note down the name of your server.
• Simultaneously press the Windows+R key to open the Run window and type CMD in the text space. Then, press the Enter key.
• In the CMD window, type ipconfig/all text and press the Enter key.

• Note down the Host and server Names.
• To test the server, go to the workstation. Click on the Windows icon and open the Run command window. Type CMD in the text space
• Then, type “ping_[your server name],” and press the Enter key. Make sure to type in the server name without the brackets.

Can’t Use Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2019 or Earlier – Solutions

If the Mac’s multi-user mode of QuickBooks Desktop behaves bizarrely in the 2019 version or older version, you can find the corrective actions outlined below. First, we need to check that everything is connected correctly over the network and that all your computers have the latest version of QuickBooks software. Fulfill that each laptop is system qualified and configure the firewall so that it is possible for all the QuickBooks connections. Verify that everyone with access to the shared files has the necessary permissions and that the file is hosted on one computer in multi-user mode. But if the file exists for the long shoot, you can try setting the multi-user configuration, establishing all devices, and running QuickBooks Database Server Manager. The tech support for QuickBooks can back you up if everything has turned out negative, so consult them. By using these steps, you will see that using QuickBooks Desktop Mac is a smoother process.

If QB Multi-User Mode Not Working in POS- Solutions

Suppose the multi-user mode is not working as it should in QB POS. Further, change the server mode to multi-user/multi-instance. A possible step to take would be to single out the user who is entangled in connectivity problems. On the other hand, examine that the firewall settings are not obstructing communications between the servers and workstations. Another way to address this problem is to amend the Windows host file. The article also lists the instructions to confirm if all the services related to QuickBooks are properly running and are working correctly when accessing the data. If these steps do not make you successful, you can open the Desktop Point of Sale Connectivity instrument, which assists you in finding the problem with the connection and fixing it. Leading a new WSActivity file and giving the server computer a fixed IP address other than a dynamic one are the likely solutions for persistent issues. To achieve my desired outcome, if the above-said techniques don’t work, I may need further assistance from an IT service expert. Ensure that QuickBooks is in the suitable mode for dedicated hosting on the server and keep the Windows file sharing locked to possible Windows users.

Note: Repeat the above steps on all the workstations that are unable to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

Need Help To Allow QuickBooks To Run In Multi-User Mode!

We hope the troubleshooting methods mentioned in this blog have helped you resolve QuickBooks Multi-user mode not working without any hassle. However, if you get stuck while following any of the above-listed solutions, then we would suggest you give us a call at Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at +1.855.738.0359 and take the assistance of our experts.

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Alastor Moody

Alastor Moody is an Author at Asquare Cloud Hosting with experience in technical and functional writing. He loves travelling for adventure and fun.