Open a company file on a remote computer

Learn how to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely from a host or server computer.

You can work in QuickBooks Desktop from a different computer than your server. Before you can access QuickBooks Desktop remotely, you need to map Server or Host computer as a network drive. Set up computers that'll access the files for multi-user mode and then set the folder where the company file is stored.

Note: If you have trouble when you map the network drive when you use the UNC, try to use the IP address of the server. Contact an IT professional if you aren't comfortable doing this.

Install the QuickBooks Database Manager on your remote computer

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is a utility that allows you to configure the QuickBooks Server for multi-user access.

1. Download & Install QuickBooks Desktop on the main computer.
2. From the QuickBooks File menu, select Switch to Multi-user Mode.
3. Select Yes in the Multi-user hosting setup required window.
   Note: QuickBooks Desktop installs and runs QBDBMgrN.exe as a background service. This service must be running on the computer storing the company file even if QuickBooks Desktop is not open.
4. Select OK on the Multi-user setup information window.
5. Add the necessary users by going to Company and selecting Users then Set up Users and Roles and then selecting New.

Optional: Turn Network Discovery On and Password Protected Sharing Off

The server needs to have Network Discovery turned on and is visible to try opening the file using a UNC path. In addition, Windows will ask for a network password if Password Protected Sharing is turned on. If this happens, you can either log in using the network password or turn off the feature.

Do this process on the Server or Host computer and all the workstations that need to access QuickBooks remotely over the network.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Choose Network and Sharing Center, then select Change advanced sharing settings.
3. Expand the Profile type that you are currently using.
4. Under Network Discovery, select Turn on network discovery.
5. Under Password protected sharing, select Turn off password protected sharing.
6. Select Save changes.

Locate then open the company file

1. From the File menu, select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Open a company file, then Next.
3. Browse the location of the company file.
   Example: if your company file is mapped to drive E, look for Company Files Name (E:) in the list.
4. Select the company file (with file extension .qbw) from the list and select Open.
5. If prompted, enter your user name and password.