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Troubleshoot multi-user issues in Point of Sale

SOLVED•by QuickBooks•4•Updated 1 year ago

Get help with multi-user issues in QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale to get your client workstations communicating and connected to the server.

The issues you are experiencing may vary from the workstation not connecting to the server to any of the following:

Error: Fixing the Connection

Error: You are not connected to the server

Error: Specify the Server and Company Data File

Point of Sale is grayed out

This application has encountered a problem and needs to close

POS Message 181002: The Server Workstation is not running or the company data is not accessible

Below are the possible reasons why these issues happen:

  • The server is not in multi-user mode
  • Firewall and/or third-party application is blocking the connection between the server and workstation(s)
  • Network connection issues
  • The IP address used is a dynamic IP
  • Network sharing and folder permissions are not configured properly
Important

Before performing the recommended solutions below, make sure you have:

  • Reviewed the Quickbooks Desktop Point of Sale System Requirements.
  • Rebooted the server computer and client workstations.
  • Restarted the connection and ensured all cables and ports are properly connected.
  • Designated client workstations to a local area network that's connected to the server, and made sure they can communicate (ping) with each other.
  • Logged on to Windows as an administrator.
  • Turned on Network Discovery:
    1. Open Control Panel, click Network and Sharing Center.
    2. On the left pane, select Change advanced sharing settings
    3. Expand the network profile currently assigned to your network connection.
      Note: It is marked with the words Current Profile on the right side of its name.
    4. In the Network discovery section, select Turn on network discovery.
    5. Expand the All Networks category of settings.
    6. In the Password Protected Sharing section, select Turn Off Password Protected Sharing.
    7. Close the settings window.

Solution 1. Check the Server if Point of Sale is in multi-user mode.

If multi user is active, select Switch Company File to Single User Mode. 

Select File and then select Switch Company File to Multi User Mode to refresh multi User connectivity.

Solution 2. Configure Firewall.

Solution 3. Edit Windows hosts file.

Pro tip: We recommend that your server computer’s IP address should be Static; otherwise, connectivity issues may recur. If you need to ensure that your computer’s IP address is Static, please contact an IT professional.

Solution 4. Rename the WS Activity.

  1. Open the folder where WSActivity is saved.
    Location: C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale XX\Ini
    Note: XX is the version of your Point of Sale.
  2. Right-click the WSActivity file and select Rename.
  3. Rename the file to OLDWSActivity.
  4. Close and re-open Point of Sale in all workstations.

Solution 5. Use the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale Connectivity Tool.

Follow Download and use QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale Connectivity Tool and perform its recommended fix.

 

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