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Y
York Signs
February 28, 2019
Solved

Sharing the desktop version between two computers

  • February 28, 2019
  • 12 replies
  • 12 views

At my shop we currently have 2 computers running QuickBooks, a main computer and then a laptop. I have downloaded the same version on the laptop as the computer and logged in with the same product key. Is there a way to make my computer match with the other one so that when I enter a transaction on the laptop it shows up on the desktop and vice versa? Is that even possible?

    Best answer by SterlingD

    Hi @York Signs.

     

    Thanks for reaching out to the Community about running QuickBooks Desktop on two computers. I'll be happy to explain how to set this up.

     

    QuickBooks Desktop uses a database file manager to communicate with the company file.

    Use the Recommended mode to set up your file: The Recommended multi-user set up is having the company file stored on the Host computer.

     

    To turn on Hosting:
     

    Important: Turn on hosting only for the Host computer or where the company file is stored. If you're using a server to host your file, one computer still has to act as a Host. You must not turn on hosting for workstations.

    1. From the File menu, select Utilities.
    2. Click Host Multi-User Access.
    3. Click Yes on the confirmation window.

    After turning this on, you'll want to follow these steps:

    1. Go to your server computer (computer that physically stores your company file).
    2. At your server computer (computer hosting your company file/s), open the start menu and type database.
    3. ​Click on QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
    4. If no folder locations are shown, click Browse and browse to the folder where you store your company file(s).
    5. Click OK.
    6. Click Start Scan, which will repair the firewall permissions to allow QuickBooks to communicate over your network and resolve your error.
    7. When finished, click Close and try opening QuickBooks in Multi-User mode on your workstation(s).

    For more information on Multi-User mode, click Here.

     

    Please keep me posted on your results with this here, the Community has you covered. Thanks again, I'll be standing by for your response.

    12 replies

    Show previous replies
    T
    toddtnt
    August 28, 2022

    My desktop hard drive died.  I have the Quickbooks data file on the server, but accessed it from the desktop pc.  Multi-user license.  I have my laptop at the office now and hooked to the network.  I need to access the QB data file, but I don't have Quickbooks on the laptop.  How can I install QB on the laptop and access the datafile?????????

    Rubielyn_J
    Rubielyn_J
    Level 8
    August 28, 2022

    I'm here to provide some steps on how you can install QuickBooks on your laptop and access your data files, @toddtnt.

     

    To begin, let's install QuickBooks Desktop on your laptop. We have to download QuickBooks Desktop, then follow the steps in this article to complete the process: Install QuickBooks Desktop. 

     

    While installing the software, create a backup company file from your desktop. We can use this to restore your data and transfer it to your laptop. 

     

    Once you have the backup copy, we can use it to restore your accounting data. If we put it on external device like a USB, make sure to move it to your local hard drive first. Then follow the steps.

     

    1. In QuickBooks, proceed to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
    2. Choose Restore a backup copy and then Next.
    3. Click Local Backup and then Next.
    4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
    5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select Open.
    6. Once ready, click Save. If you see any messages about possibly overwriting your data, select the option that best fits your needs. Don't overwrite anything unless you know you want to.

     

    Now you have a new company file you can work from. For more information, you may also check out this article: Restore a backup of your company file.

     

    If you run into problems restoring your backup file, you can utilize this article for ideas how to resolve it: Fix backup company file issues in QuickBooks Desktop.

     

    Feel free to leave a comment below if you have further concern about installing and accessing your data file in QuickBooks. I'll be around to help. Keep safe!

    N
    Niznog
    March 26, 2024

    Can i have the desktop version be able to work from my house and work at the same time without being on the same host?

    K
    KimberlySModerator
    Moderator
    March 26, 2024

    We appreciate you joining here in the thread, Niznog.

     

    I'll share information regarding QuickBooks Desktop hosting to access company files from different locations.

     

    Yes, you can have your QuickBooks Desktop version working from your house and work simultaneously without being on the same host. With this, we recommend online hosting.

     

    Intuit has authorized several hosting providers. You can visit this page to choose which plan fits your business needs: Hosting providers authorized by Intuit.

     

    Moreover, you can review these materials to learn how to access your company file remotely using an internet browser or remote desktop connection from your home or office: How to host a QuickBooks Desktop company file.

     

    Furthermore, you might want to scan these resources for guidance to install and set up QuickBooks Desktop on a server and resolve related issues:

     

     

    Feel free to get back to us in the thread if you have additional questions regarding hosting QuickBooks Desktop or other related concerns. We're always around to help.

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