Can no longer open company file on mapped network drive

I'll provide the steps on how you can fix your company file in QuickBooks, @Patrick.

Before that, can you share with us if you're seeing any specific error messages or warnings about the issue? This way, I can provide you the appropriate steps to rectify this.

If you're not getting any error message, then we can proceed to the following steps to open your company files.

First, let's make sure you're using the correct file extension. Since there are a lot of file types in QuickBooks Desktop, it could be possible that your file extension is incorrect. For you to open your company file (QBW), it should be with a .qbw extension at the end of the filename.

You can also follow these steps to trace what's causing this issue:

1. Open the Windows Start menu.

2. Type “File Explorer” into the search and open File Explorer.

3. Search for and find the QuickBooks.exe file. It’s usually in your QuickBooks folder.

4. Hold down CTRL on your keyboard and double-click QuickBooks.exe. Don’t let go of CTRL until QuickBooks opens.

Once done, open your company file to check if it works. If not, try using a Sample File. This way, we'll able to point out if the issuing steam within the program. You can fix this by following the steps in this link: How to fix QuickBooks if it doesn't open.

If the sample file opens normally, you can proceed to the succeeding steps on how to fix general problems when your company file won't open.

Additionally, if you see a specific error message like this "Cannot communicate with the company file due to a firewall", don't worry. This usually means your network firewall is interrupting the connection. Just follow the steps provided in the article to fix this: How to fix "Error: Cannot communicate with the company file due to firewall".

I've also added this link about access permissions to share company files. This is to check if your manager can penetrate the folder: Set up folder and Windows access permissions to share company files.

I'll be right here to continue helping if you have any other concerns or questions about QuickBooks. Assistance is just a post away.

Hi, @PatrickM2021.

Hope you’re doing great. I wanted to see how everything is going about opening your company file you had the other day. Was it resolved? Do you need any additional help or clarification? If you do, just let me know. I’d be happy to help you at any time.

Looking forward to your reply. Have a pleasant day ahead!

Hey it worked for me, thank you

Hello, BBQ-Bill. It's nice to hear that the details shared by my colleague help you fix your current issue. We're always happy to help you. If you need tips and related articles, visit our QuickBooks Community help website for reference: QBDT Self-help. 

You can always go back to this thread if you have other questions. Take care, BBQ-Bill!

I know this post is old but it helped me out today to fix my quickbooks. My question is how or why does this work? Is it something specific with Quickbooks or is it a Windows thing? Could you possibly explain what this action specifically does?

I appreciate you for posting your query here, rez3. 

First, it's great to hear that the solution provided by my colleague above has fixed your QuickBooks company file. 

Instances like this will mostly happen if you've set up your file inaccurately. Also, issues like these aren't caused by the QuickBooks program or any Window-specific issues. One of the possible reasons is how you've managed your files and used the correct file extension.

To achieve our goal and prevent this from happening again, let's ensure everything's in a good place and has already been set up accordingly. Doing so guarantees your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) company file is mapped and working seamlessly. 

I'm adding this article to guide you in accessing your QBDT account remotely: Open a company file on a remote computer.

You can always reply below if you have additional questions about managing your desktop company file. We'll gladly assist you anytime. Take care!

@rez3 

Copy the company file to your local drive. Can you open it?

The problem comes up so often that I set up a separate computer to act as the server on our LAN. I set up a mapped network drive on the three computers that access the company file. This usually works fine. But recently, for example, on one computer although the mapped network drive automatically reconnects when rebooted, QuickBooks cannot find the company file when I select it on the list of files in QuickBooks on the 'No Company Open' dialog box. If there I click on 'Open or restore an existing company,' the file dialog box shows the mapped network drive, and I can open the file. Or, if instead I close QuickBooks and double-click on the company file in File Explorer in the mapped network drive, it opens just fine. But why doesn't the list of files in QuickBooks work after a reboot?

I have some steps to help you fix the issue, Patrick.

There are times, you'll encounter issues when opening the list of files in QuickBooks. This happens when your company file was moved or renamed. Other times, you'll get this error if your computer is disconnected from the path where the QuickBooks file is located or your QuickBooks files have been deleted from your computer. 

You'll want to ping the server to ensure you're connected to the network. Here's how:

1. Identify the name of your server computer.
   1. On your keyboard, press the Windows logo+R.
   2. Enter CMD then click OK.
   3. Enter ipconfig /all then press Enter.
   4. Take note of the Host Name (servername).
2. Type ping [name of your server] then press Enter.
3. You should see a reply for each packet.
   1. If you see a reply for each packet, it means your computer is connected to your network.
   2. If you see a packet loss or a slow reply, your network should be checked out by a qualified IT professional.

However, if you're still getting the same error, you can proceed to solution 2 found in this article: Company File Is Missing Or Cannot Be Found.

Moreover, you'll also want to fix some issues that you are experiencing such as company file issues, install errors, printing errors, or even QuickBooks crashing, go through this article for more details: Fix Common Problems And Errors With The QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub.

Please get back to us if you have any questions about your company files. We're always right here to help you all the time.

Thank you for your quick reply. There is no issue with the file being renamed or moved as two of the other computers can still open the file. I get a response when I ping the server as well.

I can open the file by double-clicking on the file in the File Explorer; QuickBooks starts up and lets me log in. If I close the file, I can open it again. But if I close and reopen QuickBooks without rebooting, the file cannot be opened from the list of previously opened company files.

Any ideas how to proceed?

Thanks for getting back to us, @PatrickM2021. I appreciate the details you've provided, and let me share some steps so you can open your company file.

Since you can't open your company file without rebooting, I'd suggest updating your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. This way, you'll receive the most recent critical updates and access your data in no time.

Here's how:

1. Close your company files and QuickBooks.
2. Open the Windows Start menu.
3. Search for QuickBooks Desktop. Right-click the icon and select Run as administrator.
4. While on the No Company Open screen, go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop. 
5. Go to the Options tab. Select Mark All and click Save. 
6. Go to the Update Now tab and select the Reset Update checkbox.
7. Select Get Updates. 

You can also get updates directly from our website. To know more about this, refer to this article: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

Also, I'd suggest verifying and rebuilding your data if the issue persists. This process scans your company files for errors or data damage. For more details, check out this article: Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop.

Additionally, I'll be sharing these articles that will guide you in accessing your accounts in different folders:

• Set up a folder and Windows access permissions to share company files
• Open a company file on a remote computer

If there's anything you need, leave a reply in this thread. I'm always here to help. Take good care.

Thanks for responding!

I checked; we are already running the latest release (R17_23).

I've followed the instructions for 'Set up folder and Windows access permissions to share company files' and have run QuickBooks Tool Hub and QuickBooks File Doctor a number of times - on the computer physically hosting the company file.

I've also followed the instructions for 'Open a company file on a remote computer' - indeed two computers can access the company file without problems. Network Discover is turned on, and password protected sharing is turned off.

It seems strange that QuickBooks is unable to reopen a company file after I close QuickBooks and then reopen QuickBooks. I can see the mapped network drive is available in the File Explorer, and can open the company file by double-clicking on it in the File Explorer.

I mean strange that QuickBooks is unable to open a company file from it's list of previously opened files.

Hello, PatrickM2021.

I appreciate your time in doing all the suggested steps given by my colleagues. I'd like to add one more solutions to help you open the company file properly.

It does sound like a program-related issue. Something may be preventing your team from opening the file from the list. In this case, we'll want to do a clean reinstall on the computer that's having issues. 

We'll want to follow the complete steps and details here: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

If you're still having issues opening the company file, we'll want to contact our support. They'll use their tools to check the system and see what's preventing you from opening the file correctly. 

Here's how to reach them: 

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop, and press the F1 key (we can do this on the No company open window). 
2. On the Have a Question? window, click the Contact Us button.
3. In the text box, enter something like "Cannot open company file properly."
4. Hit Continue.
5. You may be prompted to log in. Just enter your credentials, then choose how you want to reach us (phone or chat). 

After fixing the issue, do you need to verify and check your financials through reports? I'll add this article if you need help in the future: Understand reports.

Feel free to drop by again if you have more concerns about your data, network settings for QuickBooks, and entries. I'm here to help.