Fix locked file errors in QuickBooks Desktop
by Intuit• Updated 3 months ago
Learn what to do if you see "file in use" or other errors that temporarily block you from using your company file in QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.
Do you see one of these errors when you try to open or edit your company file?
- Company File in use. Please wait.
Only one user at a time is allowed to do (a task). - Another QuickBooks user is currently performing a task which must finish before you can continue.
- Sorry, you cannot change this (transaction) now. (Another user) is currently doing a task that uses that in this transaction.
- The automatic entry of (transactions) is being skipped because (another user) is accessing them.
Don't worry, your company file is still in good shape. Here’s what to do in these situations so you can get back to business.
If the error says another user is doing something
Usually these errors happen when another user is doing a QuickBooks task that's limited to one user at a time, even in multi-user mode.
In that case, you can start your task as soon as the other user finishes. If you know who the user is, you may want to reach out and ask for a heads-up when they're done.
If you're sure the error isn't because of another user, here are other solutions to try.
If the error consistently refers to a specific user
If the error consistently refers to a specific user, and that user is not actually doing a task in QuickBooks, try these steps:
- Have the user that’s referred to in the error close and reopen QuickBooks on their workstation.
- On another workstation, open QuickBooks. Go to the Company menu and select Users, then View Users.
- Have the user that’s referred to in the error sign out of QuickBooks on their workstation.
- Go back to the list of users. If the specific user no longer appears as signed in, you should be able to do the task without the error. If the user still appears as signed in, try the solutions below for both “Waiting for Company File” and “error on multiple workstations.”
If the error says "Waiting for company file" or "Company File in Use. Please Wait”
These messages usually indicate performance issues. Examples include network issues, database issues, conflicting programs, and a server or workstation that doesn't meet the system requirements for QuickBooks. Try these articles for help:
- Resolve QuickBooks Desktop performance issues: Manage your computers
- Resolve QuickBooks Desktop performance issues: Manage your data file
If the error appears on multiple workstations
If the error persists on only a single workstation
If the error keeps happening on only 1 user’s workstation, there may be a problem with their QuickBooks or Windows permissions. Here’s what to do:
If you’ve tried all the solutions above and are still stuck, reach out to our support team. We’ll work with you to fix this problem.
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