Networked Data File

Hi there, Bill_Stone.

I can share some insights about the issue you've encountered.

Generally, QuickBooks File Doctor is used to fix data integrity and networking issues in your company file. Since you're hosting the file on a Windows server, you'll want to make sure that the folder and Windows access permissions to share company files are properly configured.

You'll have to verify that the permissions are set correctly and QuickBooks has the right level of access to prevent issues while working with your company files over the network. Feel free to read this article to be guided in doing it: Set up folder and Windows access permissions.

Another thing that you can do is reviewing the Windows firewall and security settings for QuickBooks Desktop. At times, Windows firewall causes network issues by blocking internet access for specific QuickBooks programs or files. You may also open your antivirus settings and check if QuickBooks has general permissions so it won't be blocked.

Lastly, I've included some articles that will help you fix unexpected results as you in the program in a networked environment:
 

• How to resolve "Error: Cannot communicate with the company file due to firewall"
• How to resolve network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor test results

You can always find me here if you need more help in managing your company files and books. Stay safe and have a great rest of the day.

@Bill_Stone 

Do you have QBD Pro/Premier? How big is your file size? 

Thanks for the replies. I referenced the above linked article regarding folder permissions for networking QuickBooks while troubleshooting this issue. The security settings were already set as required according to the article.

The Windows Firewall is not in use internally, it is turned off due to its propensity to inhibit internal communication and cause issues. We have an active UTP firewall at the network perimeter.

The File Doctor application includes an option to check specifically for networking issues. I ran that option and it did not report any issues.

We have QuickBooks Pro 2020 with the latest available update installed. The data file is 189MB.

Hi @Bill_Stone,

Thank you for your prompt reply, as well as for sharing an update on your current situation.

At this point, I suggest you contact our Technical Support team for further assistance. They can remotely access your computer with your permission, and investigate this issue further.

See this article for the steps: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support. It includes their hours of operation, so you know when they're available.

I have your back whenever you have other concerns with your QuickBooks Desktop company file. Post a comment below, and I'll handle it for you. 

@Bill_Stone 

Consider running the Condense Data utility. You may also consider to split the files if required. In our experience, once the file size > 150 MB, we got many funky issues. 

I made a copy of the company file and condensed it. This got it down to 143MB. I also checked the Product Information screen (F2) and all of the numbers were well below the published maximums for Pro.

Unfortunately the file still behaved the same way when accessed on the server.

I'm just going to leave it as is. As long as we only have one staff member accessing the file and daily backups are going to the server, this will work fine. 

I will be alerting the FO to the file size issue and recommending condensing or upgrading to Ent.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Upgrading to QBD Enterprise will be the last resort. You may still consider splitting the file or purchasing a 3rd party condense service to compress it < 100-110 MB.

I have a similar issue and would appreciate any insight that anyone has. Instead of a server I have the company file saved on a Netgear NAS device. No rights issues invoked so both of my desktop computers can access the company file with no problem. However one to two times a day QB stops responding and gives the error message regarding losing connectivity to the company file. The file is never in use by the two computers at the same time. I either have to run file doctor, reboot the NAS, or restore a backup to get it working again. Very simple setup but this problem extremely frustrating...Running QB 2019 Desktop Premier Non Profit Edition. Fully updated 

Hi there, RonE.

Let me share some information about networked company files.

The error that you've encountered might be caused by compatibility issues with your network. Please know that QuickBooks Desktop doesn't support NAS (Network Attached Storage) since this only provides file storage for other devices on the network. It doesn't have the full computer functionality that the program requires. 

To ensure stability and performance, you'll want to make sure that you're using the recommended networks. You may read this article to learn more about the networks that work best with QuickBooks Desktop: Recommended networks. Keep in mind that our technical support team cannot provide assistance beyond QuickBooks configuration to networks other than the recommended ones.

In addition, we encourage keeping your company files on your server computer's local hard drive. This makes it easier to share them over your network. 

Lastly, I've included some articles that will help you fix common data and network issues:
 

• Resolve data damage on your company file

• Resolve potential data issues
• Resolve network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor test results

You can always find me here if you need more help in managing your company files and books. Stay safe and have a great rest of the day.

@RonE 

QBD doesn't run on NAS natively. Consider hosting the file on one of the computers to lower the risk of damaging your file.