How to fix Error 6189, 816

Learn what Error -6189, 816 is and what to do if you see it in QuickBooks Desktop.

The message An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file (-6189, -816) there’s an issue with your multi-user network, not with your data file.

Here’s how to get your QuickBooks Desktop multi-user network up and running again.

Solution 1: Run Quick Fix my Program from the QuickBooks Tool Hub

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Tool Hub helps fix common errors. You'll need to close QuickBooks to use the tool hub. For the best experience, we recommend you use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the most recent version (1.6.0.8) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab. The version will be on the bottom.
3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

Note: If you can't find the icon, do a search in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub and select the program.

Step 2: From the Tool Hub, run the Quick Fix my Program

1. In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select Program Problems.
2. Select Quick Fix my Program.
3. Start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

If you still see Error -6189, 816, move on to Solution 2.

Solution 2: Restart all of your computers and servers

Sometimes your whole system needs a full reset. Follow these steps in order.

1. Restart your server computer (the one hosting your company files).
   

   Important: Where is your company file hosted?

   If you’re using instead of a server computer,

   reach out to our support team

   so we can help you restart. If you use one of our affiliated Intuit Hosting Providers or another cloud service to host your company files, contact them to help restart the service.

2. Restart each workstation (the other computers connected to the network that don’t host your company files).
3. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
4. Open QuickBooks Desktop on each workstation.

If QuickBooks opens, you’re good to go. If you still see Error -6189, 816, move on to Solution 3.

Solution 3: From the Tool Hub, run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server

Your server computer stores your QuickBooks company file(s). QuickBooks Database Server Manager will help keep your multi-user network stable.

1. In the tool hub, select Network Issues, then select Quickbase Database Server Manager. You’ll get a prompt to install QuickBooks on your server if it isn’t already.
2. Select Start Scan if you see your company file(s). If you don't, Browse to the location of your company file and then select Start Scan.
3. QuickBooks Database Server Manager will auto repair your firewall permissions.
4. Select Close.
5. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer and then your workstations.

Solution 4: Move your company files to your local hard drive

If you you access your company file (.QBW) on a removable or online drive, move your company files to your local hard drive.

Important best practices:

• Store QuickBooks files, including your company file, on your server computer’s hard drive. Online file hosting services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.net are convenient, but they can cause issues.
• Don’t store files on removable or external drives. External hard drives, USB flash drives, and Network Attached Storage [NAS] devices aren’t designed to run QuickBooks or multi-user networks.
• Don’t encrypt your QuickBooks files or the hard drive storing them. This can block your multi-user network connection.