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meadowmt
July 23, 2020
Solved

Multi User Mode Issues

  • July 23, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 5 views

I am using QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020 on two machines running Windows 10 Pro and having issues with multi-user mode. Computer 1 hosts and uses QuickBooks daily and has to run a routine that requires QuickBooks to go into Single user mode sometimes multiple times a day. When computer 1 switches to single user mode and then back to multi-user mode, computer 2 can no longer login to QuickBooks. The only way I can get multi user to work is for Computer 1 (Hosting Computer) to close QuickBooks, Computer 2 then logs into QuickBooks and switches from Single User to Multi-User. Then and only then can computer 1 and computer 2 be logged into the same company file simultaneously. Computer 1 cannot successfully switch the company file to multi-user, only computer 2.  I have had countless setups before where the computer hosting the file was also running QuickBooks and never had this issue on older versions of QuickBooks.

 

I have completely disabled and uninstalled all firewalls, checked network settings, ran File Doctor which says it finds issues but the problem persists. I was able to move the file to host on another computer that does not run the QuickBooks desktop software and multi-user mode works fine this way, however this third computer is not a viable option as it is a laptop and leaves the office regularly. What else can I try to resolve this?  Sorry to be long winded and thanks for your help in advance.

 

 

Best answer by DivinaMercy_N

Thank you for providing details of your concern, @meadowmt.

 

The following are some reasons for QuickBooks multi-user mode not working: 

 

  • QuickBooks is not installed on the server.
  • Possibly that the hosting settings are not properly configured.
  • Firewall or antivirus software is not allowing communication between user computers.
  • The database server is unable to open the company file.
  • Windows file permissions are not properly set.

 

To resolve this, here are some troubleshooting steps that we can perform:

 

First, check the folder permissions on your server computer, so we can make sure that the folder holding your company files has permission to be on your network.

 

Second, make sure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on your server computer. This way, your company files will be shared with other computers over your network.

 

Next, set the Windows admin rights . This will let you change your firewall settings and folder permissions. 

 

Then, scan your folder using the Database Server Manager to access your file over the network.

 

Lastly, turn on hosting on your server computer:

 

  1. Go to the File menu and hover over Utilities.
  2. Select Host Multi-User Access. Then click Yes to confirm.

 

For more details, please visit this link: Set up a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

You might also consider reading this handy article that will discuss you more about access limits in single or multi-user mode: Tasks that can be performed in a single or multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have additional questions about the multi-user mode. I'll be around to help. Take care always. 

6 replies

N
Nick_M
Level 4
July 23, 2020

Hi meadowmt. 

 

Thanks for stopping by this afternoon, I'm happy to shed some light on what's going on. It sounds like the issue is occurring when you're switching the host computer from Multi-User mode to Single-User mode. This is because the Host computer puts out a signal for your second computer to work off of. When you break that line, the only way to get it back is to restart the program hence why it's working when you close QuickBooks and reopen it. I;m attaching an image below that represents the connection between the Hosting device and the secondary workstation to better illustrate what I'm referring too. 

 

Unfortunately there's no way around this as QuickBooks Desktop is internally based, If you want to be able to access your QuickBooks products on multiple platforms and different times then our cloud based storage system utilized with QuickBooks Online may be a direction you would want to explore. 

 

There's a couple more pieces of information you may find insightful on hosting and multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop I'm sharing below:

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to post them here. Thank you for your time and have a nice afternoon. 

M
meadowmtAuthor
July 23, 2020

Thank you for the fast reply. I do understand that when the company file is switched to single user the other computer will no longer be able to access the file until it is restored. My issue is that when the file is switched back to multi user mode in QuickBooks on the hosting computer, the second computer is still not able to login to the company file. I have tried closing QuickBooks and also rebooting the computer. The only way for the second (non-hosting) computer to login is for the hosting computer to close QuickBooks, the second computer then logs with the file under single user mode, switches to multi user mode, and then computer 1 can log back into QuickBooks. I hope this makes more sense. Thanks again!

    DivinaMercy_N
    DivinaMercy_NModeratorAnswer
    Moderator
    July 23, 2020

    Thank you for providing details of your concern, @meadowmt.

     

    The following are some reasons for QuickBooks multi-user mode not working: 

     

    • QuickBooks is not installed on the server.
    • Possibly that the hosting settings are not properly configured.
    • Firewall or antivirus software is not allowing communication between user computers.
    • The database server is unable to open the company file.
    • Windows file permissions are not properly set.

     

    To resolve this, here are some troubleshooting steps that we can perform:

     

    First, check the folder permissions on your server computer, so we can make sure that the folder holding your company files has permission to be on your network.

     

    Second, make sure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on your server computer. This way, your company files will be shared with other computers over your network.

     

    Next, set the Windows admin rights . This will let you change your firewall settings and folder permissions. 

     

    Then, scan your folder using the Database Server Manager to access your file over the network.

     

    Lastly, turn on hosting on your server computer:

     

    1. Go to the File menu and hover over Utilities.
    2. Select Host Multi-User Access. Then click Yes to confirm.

     

    For more details, please visit this link: Set up a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop. 

     

    You might also consider reading this handy article that will discuss you more about access limits in single or multi-user mode: Tasks that can be performed in a single or multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop. 

     

    Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have additional questions about the multi-user mode. I'll be around to help. Take care always. 

    J
    Jackie1968
    September 4, 2021

    Hi guys ! I feel your pain honestly. I recently upgraded to the multiuser Pro 2021 I think. So make a very long story short there are two computers one on in an out building that serves as a an office and one in the house where I work a couple days a week. The problem is I have to turn on her computer in the office to get mine to come on and of course be on multiuser but I can only get her computer to stay on for a maximum of one hour and it takes forever for it to get started and the cycle will repeat itself over and over again and it’s very time consuming. I was told by the IT people for into it that they attempted to upgrade her computer so that they could make changes and make it possibly on a different setting stay on for longer periods of time but to no avail. She’s not very wild about the fact that I have overhaul the whole situation and she’s been our secretary for a long time so unfortunately this is causing a rift between the two of us and I’m not even able to help as much as I can because her computer keeps shutting off when she’s not here..any suggestions?

    MariaSoledadG
    MariaSoledadGQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    September 4, 2021

    Let's make sure to fix the issue you're experiencing, Jackie1968.

     

    You'll want to make sure that your office computer downloads and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix the issue. To do this, follow the steps provided below:

    1. Close QuickBooks.
    2. We recommend you download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've already installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab.  The version will be displayed on the bottom right or you can select About to view the version.
    3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
    4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
    5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

     

    Once done, select the set of tools that address the type of problem you're experiencing. Go through this article for more details: Fix common problems and errors with the QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub.

     

    If the same thing happens, you can check the folder permissions on your server computer and ensure that the folder holding your company files has permission to be on your network.

     

    Then, make sure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on your server computer. This way, your company files will be shared with other computers over your network without any issues. Next, set the Windows admin rights . This will let you change your firewall settings and folder permissions.

     

    After that, scan your folder using the Database Server Manager to access your file over the network. Lastly, turn on hosting on your server computer. Here's how:

    1. Go to the File menu and hover over Utilities.
    2. Select Host Multi-User Access. Then click Yes to confirm.

     

    In addition. here are the tasks that can perform single or multi-user mode. I've added this article for your reference: Features Available and Tasks You Can Perform In Single or Multi-user Mode.

     

    Fill me in if you have additional questions about multi-user mode issues. I'll be right here to help you always. 

    N
    NickConder
    October 28, 2021

    This is the only support forum post I've seen remotely close to what we have going on.

    Currently we have a client who has a 2 workstation setup.  One workstation hosting the company file, the other just accessing in multi-user mode.

     

    In order for the second system (the one not hosting the file) to access QB, the hosting workstation must close QB, then and only then can the second system log in, follow by the hosting system.

     

    To break it down, if system 1 has the company file open, the second system cannot access at all until the first system closes.

     

    We tried all the normal troubleshooting steps and even talked to level 2 support.  They have not been able to come up with a solution.  Our client continues to be upset, since this has been going on for 6 months +.

     

    Support is blaming the firewall, but when I explain to them that it works if system 2 opens first, it blows their minds.

     

    I'm not sure issues posted here are not file corruption or actual software problems. Getting a developer or an actual technician who can assist or understand is impossible.

     

    Please do not reply with links to check hosting, ini, services, file doctor, or any other thing you can google for answers. The software is broke. QB support doesn't seem to care, even with a support contract. 

     

    Take a look at the error we get without an Error code (attachment). If the company file is opened by system 1 first and system 2 tries to open it.




     

      C
      CharleneMaeFQuickBooks Team
      QuickBooks Team
      October 28, 2021

      I know this hasn't been an easy process for you and your clients, NickConder. 

       

      Let me make it up to you by making sure your clients can access the file at the same time. 

       

      The error code that you've encountered usually means that the network firewall is interrupting the connection. I'd suggest following the steps below to resolve this.

       

      To start, I'd suggest downloading the QuickBooks Tool Hub. This tool helps fix common errors. Here's how:

       

      1. Close QuickBooks.
      2. Download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
      3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
      4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
      5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

       

      Then, use the QuickBooks File Doctor. This tool runs a mini repair of your server and firewall.

       

      1. From the tool hub, select Company File Issues.
      2. Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor. It can take up to one minute for the file doctor to open. 
      3. In QuickBooks File Doctor, select your company file from the drop-down menu.
      4. Select Check your file (middle option only) and then Continue.
      5. Enter your QuickBooks admin password and then select Next.

       

      Once done, I'd recommend downloading and installing the latest release of your version of QuickBooks Desktop. This keeps your software up-to-date to ensure you always have the latest features and fixes.

       

      If the issue persists, I'd suggest following Step 3 in this article: How to Fix "Error: Cannot Communicate with the Company File due to Firewall".

       

      Additionally, I've added this article that'll help you learn about the tasks that can be performed in single or multi-user mode: Features Available and Task you can Do With a Single or More Than One License.

       

      Please keep us posted on your progress in getting this error message resolved, NickConder. It's our priority to ensure your clients can access the file at the same time.

      N
      NickConder
      October 28, 2021

      CharleneMae_F,

       

      Unfortunately as I stated earlier, QB support and my team have tried all of you mentioned steps below.  This is why this has been frustrating.  Our issue has not been resolved, and every time I schedule for someone at QB to call us back to discuss we never get a call-back.

       

      We are past the point of "easy fixes",  something else is up.

       

      To further our frustrations the last two reps we spoke to knew less about your product than we do.  They had only been taking calls for a couple of days and refused to escalate our call.

       

      -Nick

        L
        liann62
        March 23, 2023

        SOLVED!! I spent many hours researching this issue and tried everything in all the solutions posted here without success. Through a series of testing steps I discovered an article that said to either restart the QuickbooksDB Service (which I had tried several times) or disable QUICKBOOKS MESSENGER! What?? Apparently it wasn't shutting down properly and kept thinking that the user was the host. Not sure about all of that but my issue was solved. Just wanted to let you know.

        L
        liann62
        March 25, 2023

        UPDATE...since it's impossible to delete my post above. Disabling QB Messenger did NOT solve the issue. It is still happening. Unbelievable that I cannot find a solution to this issue!! I've done everything in every article I've read and I still (on the host computer) have to log out of QB in order to let a user in. So frustrating!

         

        C
        ChristieAnn 11
        Level 9
        March 25, 2023

        Thank you for visiting the QuickBooks Community, liann62. I understand that things have been challenging for you with managing multi-user in QuickBooks Desktop. I also appreciate you for performing some steps to fix the issue. With this, let's perform another troubleshooting instruction so your user can log in to the other computer without logging out of your host computer.

         

        Since disabling QuickBooks messenger nor restarting the Quickbooks DB Server didn't work. I suggest opening this article: Fix locked file errors in QuickBooks Desktop. This provides different methods how to fix multi-user issues, then start following solution three so you can begin resolving your concern.

         

        If the issue persists, I suggest contacting our QuickBooks Desktop Support Team. They have the tools to pull your account and investigate the cause of the issue.

         

        1. Press F1 to open the Help window.
        2. From the search icon, type Contact Support.
        3. Click Contact us at the bottom part.
        4. Give a brief description of your issue about the multi user and click the Search button.
        5. You'll be routed through How to connect with a QuickBooks expert and you choose which one is best for you.

         

        Lastly, you may refer to this article to view unexpected errors that you might encounter that can block the multi-user connection and how to fix them: How to fix Error H202 and H505.

         

        Please don't hesitate to let me know if you should have any questions about this or anything else about the multi user. Take care and have a good one, liann62.

        G
        gckaccounting
        July 8, 2023

        I am encountering issues with QuickBooks Enterprise 2023 in Multi-user mode. Specifically, I am receiving Error H202 and H505, which are preventing me from using the application effectively.

        B
        bonzii34
        July 14, 2023

        PROBLEM:

        I know this is an old post but here it is 2023 and still having same problem.  I have had this problem a lot lately on Enterprise Solutions 23.0.  Usually we get a QB or Win update and that messes up anyone trying to log in except for host computer.  Sometimes running file doctor and database manager and restarting all PC's fixes it.  Today for 3 hours i go around and around and none of the fixes work just like everyone above says.... 

         

        FIX:

        Finally I saw somewhere about the "CompanyFile.QBW.ND" file has the hosting information.... I opened that file in notepad, and instead of the host pc's local ip showing "ServerIp=192.168.1.X"  it was showing 169.125.x.x or some address that is unknown to me.  I changed that ip to the local host pc and that fixed the problem instantly.  Not sure why we should have to edit ip's on our own but here it is.  Hopefully this helps someone else down the road.... 

         

        ProTip: if you don't know how to find IP's, on server PC hit WIN+R, type CMD.  then type ipconfig /all and look for IPv4 address.  Good luck!

          G
          gckaccounting
          July 15, 2023

          @bonzii34 

           

          Thank you for sharing the solution that helped me to fix the issue with QuickBooks Error in multi-user mode. I'm sure it will be helpful to others who encounter a similar issue.

            K
            KristinaG980
            February 26, 2024

            Hi Everyone,

            I spent over 30 hours working with Quickbooks support to try to solve our Multi user mode issue and kept going in circles without a resolution.

            We found a AMAZING IT Company that has delt with a lot of quickbooks issues and scenarios

            They were able to solve our multi user mode issue and plus more.

            Highly recommend them!

            name of the company is MTech Solutions 

            Website:   mtechsolutions.tech

            Ask for Mark

             

            Hope they can fix all your guys issue also 

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