Quickbooks POS v18 Client not connecting to Server

Hello there, @ehalai. Thanks for posting here. 

I'd be happy to share with you the steps to get rid of that error. Before this, let me share some scenarios resulting from this error. This happens when:

• The computer doesn't meet system requirements to run QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale.
• A damaged company file.
• The client's workstation can't find the server on the network.
• Windows security is set too high.
• The Point of Sale installation is damaged.

Then, to fix it here are the steps you can perform:

1. You'll have to empty the contents of the Entitlement Client folder.
2. By the use of Windows Explorer, go to: C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8.
3. Press Ctrl+A keys to select all the files in the folder, then press Delete.
4. Click Yes to confirm.
5. Once done, relaunch QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale and re-register the application.

If the resolution above does not work for you, follow these steps:

1. Display hidden files and folders on your computer.
2. Go to the Windows Explorer and navigate to: C:\Program Data\Intuit\ QuickBooks Point of Sale XX\Ini.
3. Right-click WSActivity and select Rename.
4. Type OLDWSActivity and then click anywhere to save the change.
5. Close the window and open QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale.

However, if the issue persists, please open this article for the other set of steps you can perform: 

This application has encountered a problem and needs to close.

For additional reference, check out this link: Troubleshoot multi-user issues in Point of Sale.

Also, you can always visit our Community help page to find articles you can bookmark for future use. Simply, enter a keyword of your concern on the search box or select any of the categories displayed.

Keep me posted if you have further concerns accessing your POS program. I'll be on the lookout for your response. Have a good one.

thanks alot for your reply and potential solution. but its still not working..

1- systems are visibile on network.

2-ping test works on all 

3- reinstalled client and server POS

4-deleted entitlement 

4- changed wsactivity

5-reset firewalls

still not working.

even triend installing v9 i have from 2010 files.. it is also having same problems

thanks again

Hi ehalai,

Thanks for keeping us updated on the solutions you've tested. I'd like to share information about the error in case the same thing happens in the future.

The error about the client not connecting to the server is encountered when the POS server is rebooted while the client workstation is still accessing it. Normally, we just let the client workstation close the POS, then restart the server station and let the client station access it again.

You've already gone through a handful of steps that we also suggest when the first solution will not work. At this point, it’s best to reach out to our QuickBooks POS Support. That way, they can use more tools to check this further.

On the other hand, I see that my colleague shared some references related to this issue. In addition to them, you can also check the QuickBooks Point of Sale FAQs for more references in the future.

I'm just a comment away if you need anything about the QB POS. Take care and more power to your business.

hello again.. i tried everything and didnt work out. 

well.. i started again with a fresh mind this morning, and switched off firewall on the server. and it started working on client. then one by one came to know that only when i turn off  windows defender firewall for private network it starts to work. 

now i know the problem.. but not sure what to do in firewall settings to so that i can leave it ONN..

more assistance will be appretiated.

edit: I tried opening ports (got in the solution link posted here yesterday) for both tcp/upd inbound/outbound.. but it still didnt work out. Only way for now it works is firewall off for private network..

please assist what else I shall do to rectify the problem.. Currently I have to use server with team viewer at client end for Billing.

Hi there, ehalai.

I appreciate you for performing the troubleshooting steps shared above to fix the issue. I'm also happy to know that your QB POS v18 on client machines already works. On the other hand, I'll ensure to share details about firewall settings and how it operates.

When a firewall blocks connectivity within the server and client workstations, Point of Sale automatically configures the firewall for you. However, there are times that manual configuration is required. I suggest performing the steps below to make sure your software or account stays accurate.

Here's how:

1. From your keyboard, press Windows+R to open the run command.
2. Type in control. Then, click OK to open the Control Panel.
3. Set the "view by" to Small Icons and select Windows Firewall.
4. Choose Advanced Settings and select Inbound.
5. Click New Rule. Then, select Port and click Next.
6. Enter the port numbers and click Next (See Point of Sale Firewall Ports section).
7. Select Allow Connection. Then, choose Next.
8. Name your firewall rule (e.g. POS) and click Finish
9. Follow steps 5-9 to create a new Outbound Rule.

To see additional information, you can click this article: Firewall configuration for QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale.

You can also open this article to see how setting up your Windows firewall and security settings for QuickBooks Desktop operate: Set up firewall and security settings for QuickBooks Desktop.

I'm moreover adding this article to view various links that may help you with the most frequently asked questions about POS: Get help with QuickBooks Point of Sale Frequently Asked Questions.

If you need any help with QuickBooks, let me know in the comment so I can get back to you immediately. I'm always here to get the assistance you need with our software. Have a lovely day!

thanks for assistance.. but i am still unable to connect clients to server. still i have to turn off(disable) the windows defender firewall to access the pos server from client.

dont know which port or file is still missing in firewall

Thanks for getting back to us, @ehalai.

Since the issue persists after following the steps shared by my colleagues above, I highly suggest contacting our Support team. They have tools such as screen-sharing (remote access) that can pull up your account in a secure environment and check the cause of this issue. They can also perform other troubleshooting steps if necessary.

You can refer to this article to get their most updated contact information: Contact Payments or Point of Sale Support.

For tips and other resources, I recommend visiting our website for reference: Self-help articles.

Please let me know how it goes or if you have any additional concerns or issues. I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you. I'm always here to help. Have a good one!

I fought this same issue, all of the port settings (TCP, UDP) had been added as inbound/outbound Defender firewall rules, the POS apps were added to run through the firewall, but everytime the defender firewall was up on the server, the client workstation could not find the company file.  With firewall on the server down, everything worked as normal on the client workstation.

The fix was to turn on Network Sharing for the "Private Network setting" on the Server in the Network and Sharing center of the server.