Quickbooks 2016 on NAS

jason12 · ‎December 10, 2018

Quickbooks 2016 accountant edition, we have multiple users so I am using a NAS (network attached storage) to store our company files. I'm getting an error saying it's open on another computer and it is not. I go to the computer that had it opened last and it works so I open on and run the cleanup utility as instructed but it says the file can not be located on a network drive. Do I need to purchase a server and stop using my nas?

IntuitYve · ‎December 10, 2018

Hi Jason,

NAS (Network Attached Storage) is no longer applicable in QuickBooks 2016. QuickBooks now requires the Database Server Manager to be installed on a computer with a supported Windows OS, that’s designated to function as a Host. This is to ensure stability and performance. Opening a data file over a network without your Database Manager is less secure and places your data at risk for corruption.

Here’s a link where you can read more about the multi-user access change:
http://support.quickbooks.intuit.com/support/articles/SLN89214

Have a good day!

View solution in original post

IntuitYve · ‎December 10, 2018

Hi Jason,

NAS (Network Attached Storage) is no longer applicable in QuickBooks 2016. QuickBooks now requires the Database Server Manager to be installed on a computer with a supported Windows OS, that’s designated to function as a Host. This is to ensure stability and performance. Opening a data file over a network without your Database Manager is less secure and places your data at risk for corruption.

Here’s a link where you can read more about the multi-user access change:
http://support.quickbooks.intuit.com/support/articles/SLN89214

Have a good day!

Jeremy3 · ‎December 10, 2018

The above-referenced link (that pops up in nearly all of the "official" responses to this question that I've found) appears to be dead, returning a "File Not Found" message.

That being said, requiring the files to be running from a Windows OS seems like a major step backward in security for the database file(s), and most NAS units these days have good enough network connections available to make performance issues virtually non-existent from a throughput standpoint.  Requiring a full-blown Windows system (meaning all of the hardware and OS licensing that entails) is a very cost-prohibitive solution for SOHO and SMB environments.

I did find a reference to a Linux version of the Database Manager while I was digging around for a solution, but I'm unsure as to whether or not this will actually work as it is expected to.  My thought is to possibly run that from a Docker container on the NAS, but I'm not sure if that is even a workable solution.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://community.intuit.com/articles/1020440-system-requirements-for-linux-database-server-manager"...>

I'm severely disappointed in this change by Intuit, as the security of a good, well configured and maintained NAS is far superior to that of a Windows desktop/server OS.  Have enough people brought this to your attention to make you actually reconsider this decision and implement a real solution for users who want to use a NAS?

@IntuitYve

steve17 · ‎December 10, 2018

I agree!!

steve17 · ‎December 10, 2018

The WD EX2 allows for apps to be installed to its system. A device manager that is a lite version from QB would potentially fix these issues.

steve17 · ‎December 10, 2018

I agree completely Jeremy! QB should release a database manager lite version, stand alone app to use on NAS devices that allow for third party installations.

sacred42054 · ‎December 10, 2018

I believe they just want to sell you their own file hosting product and are not interested in helping you create your own

annarborhardwood · ‎December 10, 2018

what ever they can do to make more money.....

lance1 · ‎December 10, 2018

very disappointing - this will cost intuit in the long run - when you treat your customers like children, expect them to turn on you.

qbteachmt · ‎December 10, 2018

The Database manager is stand alone and can work on any Operating System. That's what everyone keeps overlooked; a NAS has no Operating System. There is no Brain involved.

g_hosa_phat · ‎December 10, 2018

@qbteachmt - Many modern NAS devices DO have an OS in place for maintenance functions. For example, Synology's NAS devices have a Linux-based software platform called DSM (DiskStation Manager) as an OS. DSM is capable of running a number of server components like a SysLog server, Docker, AV, etc. They even have a "Package Center" where you can download and install additional "approved" applications and services to extend the functionality to the NAS. I'm fairly certain that even "unapproved"/unsupported things can be installed - whether in a Docker container or otherwise.

However, in contradiction to your statement that it "can work on any Operating System", the response given by @IntuitYve indicates that the Database Manager must run "on a computer with a supported Windows OS". If it truly can be used on any OS, then perhaps there is a way to get it to work on a NAS.

Spinky · ‎March 18, 2019

That's not correct. You might be thinking about a JBOD box or a disk array. QNAP and Synology definately have an operating system. And much more stable than MS Server

ITBC · ‎April 03, 2019

so...is there a way to run quickbooks manager on a QNAP device? that's where we are storing our qbooks files.

JaneD · ‎April 03, 2019

Hi there, ITBC.

Thanks for joining us in this thread. Let me provide a few details about running QuickBooks on Quality Network Appliance Provider (QNAP).

Right now, running QuickBooks Database Server Manager and later on QNAP device will not install since it's an unsupported operating system.

As a reference, you can also check out this article about certain types of networks you can use to run QuickBooks: Recommended networks for QuickBooks.

This should point you in the right direction. Feel free to comment again if you have further questions. I'm always here to help.

SingingAngel · ‎April 16, 2019

Exactly Jeremy! I came across this thread while having issues attempting to install QB Pro across out network. A Synology NAS exhibits as much network security as any MS server we have on our network ... which is why we use them in our campus style network to reduce the workload on our servers. Looks like this office will be requesting a refund for this purchase and opting for a different software solution from a competitor that actually employs software and network engineers that have knowledge and skill sets necessary to deploy a product to customers adequately.

Charies_M · ‎April 16, 2019

Hello there, SingingAngel.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Let me share some information about this.

The Network Attached Storage (NAS) is considered to be one of the unsupported network types for QuickBooks since it doesn't have full computer functionality which QuickBooks requires.

You may want to consider using a network type that is compatible with QuickBooks. Please refer to this article to know more about the list of recommended Networks compatible with QuickBooks Desktop: Recommended networks for QuickBooks.

Feel free to reach out to us if there’s anything else you need help with QuickBooks. I'll be around.

cyberlaw · ‎May 01, 2019

My QB PRO 2016 data file worked fine on my FreeNAS server... now that I've updated to 2019....

Screwed.

Takes 5 mins to open.... 5 mins to make changes... horrible.

MaryLandT · ‎May 01, 2019

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, @cyberlaw.

I also suggest checking the minimum stem requirements since you've already upgraded to QuickBooks Desktop 2019. This is to ensure compatibility and prevent system related issues when you start using the program.

QuickBooks' performance decreases as the size of the company file increases. You have the option to reduce the size of your company file or optimize QuickBooks operations. Feel free to go through this article for the detailed steps and additional information: Resolve QuickBooks Desktop performance issues: Manage your data file.

That will sort this out.

Keep in touch if you need clarifications. I'm always around whenever you have follow-up questions.

davidsco27 · ‎May 14, 2019

What about this? Will this work to enable us to store the Data file on a NAS?

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Help-Articles/Multi-User-access-changes-in-QuickBooks-Deskto...

Enable Alternate Setup Mode

This is intended for NAS drives or similar devices and if you run into problems with Multi-User mode.

Important: The following steps are technical in nature, if you're not comfortable doing it on your own, please reach out to a qualified computer professional or IT person.

On each workstation, you will need to perform the following steps. You do not need to edit anything on the server or NAS drive for these steps, just the workstations that are getting H-series errors.

Make sure QuickBooks Desktop is closed and the QBW32.exe is not running in the task manager.
Go to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year).
Edit the QBW.ini file in notepad.
Enter ENABLENONRECOMMENDEDMODE=1 directly under the [MISC] section. It should look like this:
Save the QBW.ini file and open QuickBooks Desktop and try to switch to Multi-User mode.
When you get the H202 error again, you should see the Alternate Setup button has returned if the .ini file has been correctly edited.
Select Alternate Setup and select Yes to any proceeding UAC messages and QuickBooks Desktop should now work in the alternate setup mode and Mult-User access restored.

Important:

Although not recommended, you can store the file on a server or NAS drive using Alternate Setup Method. Keep in mind that whoever opens it first in MU mode and select Alternate Setup becomes the host. If the host reboots or logs off while others are working in the file, QuickBooks Desktop will kick the other users out of the file and they may lose the work they’re doing prior to the crash.
If you’re using NAS or similar device, it’s still best to use QuickBooks on a Windows machine to properly install the DataBase Manager and to maintain optimal stability.

davidsco27 · ‎May 14, 2019

What about this? Will this work to enable us to store the Data file on a NAS?

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/community/Help-Articles/Multi-User-access-changes-in-QuickBooks-Deskto...

Enable Alternate Setup Mode

This is intended for NAS drives or similar devices and if you run into problems with Multi-User mode.

Important: The following steps are technical in nature, if you're not comfortable doing it on your own, please reach out to a qualified computer professional or IT person.

On each workstation, you will need to perform the following steps. You do not need to edit anything on the server or NAS drive for these steps, just the workstations that are getting H-series errors.

Make sure QuickBooks Desktop is closed and the QBW32.exe is not running in the task manager.
Go to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year).
Edit the QBW.ini file in notepad.
Enter ENABLENONRECOMMENDEDMODE=1 directly under the [MISC] section. It should look like this:
Save the QBW.ini file and open QuickBooks Desktop and try to switch to Multi-User mode.
When you get the H202 error again, you should see the Alternate Setup button has returned if the .ini file has been correctly edited.
Select Alternate Setup and select Yes to any proceeding UAC messages and QuickBooks Desktop should now work in the alternate setup mode and Mult-User access restored.

Important:

Although not recommended, you can store the file on a server or NAS drive using Alternate Setup Method. Keep in mind that whoever opens it first in MU mode and select Alternate Setup becomes the host. If the host reboots or logs off while others are working in the file, QuickBooks Desktop will kick the other users out of the file and they may lose the work they’re doing prior to the crash.
If you’re using NAS or similar device, it’s still best to use QuickBooks on a Windows machine to properly install the DataBase Manager and to maintain optimal stability.

Angelyn_T · ‎May 14, 2019

Hi there, @davidsco27.

Please allow me to join the thread and help share additional information about storing data file on Network Attached Storage (NAS).

As mentioned by my colleague above NAS is one of the unsupported network types. This is because NAS doesn't have the full computer functionality which QuickBooks requires. However, though it's not supported/recommended, yes, you can store the file on NAS drive using the Alternate Setup mentioned in this article: Multi-User access changes in QuickBooks Desktop 2016 and later.

On the other hand, it's still best to use QuickBooks on a windows machine to properly install the DataBase Manager and to maintain optimal stability.

If you have any other questions about networks for QuickBooks, just add a comment below. I'll be always here to help you.

djgeorg3 · ‎June 18, 2019

You are abusing your monopole status, you should be taken to court in a class action law suit.

djgeorg3 · ‎June 18, 2019

you are abusing your monopole status you should be taken to court in a class action law suit.

djgeorg3 · ‎June 18, 2019

you are abusing your monopole status you should be taken to court in a class action law suit.

strictlymacin · ‎July 18, 2019

This is untrue. Synology DSM is a great OS that runs on all Synology Diskstation NAS boxes. This server OS os far superior to any server (Windows/Mac/Linux) that I hav ever used. If Intuit would make a Database Server App for Synology DSM the world would be a better place. Synology is the most secure NAS/Server OS out there.

Topics

Training

Community

Resources

Quickbooks 2016 on NAS