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kvioland
Level 2

Two users in different locations

We will be hiring someone to take over my full charge position in our small business.  I still have some expenses to enter from 2019.   The new person will primarily work on 2020 while I wrap up 2019, although they may also help with minor clean-up transactions.  I work from a home office and the new person will be in the company office.

 

With me working remotely, what options are there for both of us to work on the same company file?

I read about multi-user, but we do not have a server and my understanding is that multi-user won’t work unless we are in the same physical location.

 

What is the best and most efficient way to handle this situation so we can both get our work done without risking losing transactions?    We will each be using Desktop Pro Plus 2020.

Solved
Best answer February 10, 2020

Best Answers
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

@kvioland 

I am sorry to miread your post. You can use the current edition (i.e Pro) but with 2 user licenses. Make sure to have the same license code of QuickBooks for both machines. You don't need to install QuickBooks on the client's machine. She/he will run it virtually on the host.

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30 Comments 30
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

A remote desktop solution is the cheapest one but it will not meet your needs to work on the same file at the same time.

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

Your best option is to deploy a private cloud solution. One computer will be assigned as the host and the other one will become the client. You need to have a license of Premier for 2 users to run this multi-user feature. The cost for the private cloud solution is $25/access/month.

https://partners.myquickcloud.com/?pc=fiatlux

 

Hope it helps.

kvioland
Level 2

Two users in different locations

Thank you very much, I wasn't aware that this was possible.

 

For the private cloud, do I have to switch to Premier with 2 users, or can I just add another user to my existing Pro license?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

@kvioland 

I am sorry to miread your post. You can use the current edition (i.e Pro) but with 2 user licenses. Make sure to have the same license code of QuickBooks for both machines. You don't need to install QuickBooks on the client's machine. She/he will run it virtually on the host.

kvioland
Level 2

Two users in different locations

Thank you, this info is very helpful and should solve the problem!  :) 

Antoine_Sarragossa
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Kviland, 

I'm still very new to QB & working to assist someone who's been using QB for a while, but may not be as computer savvy.

The question posted is exactly the same scenario, new managers and a remote bookkeeper.

Here's the bookkeepers question:

"new owners would like view the files from their computers. They would only view files and print reports. I'd like to just set up the multi user network and not change anything else as opposed to putting QB online. I think all they would have to do is obtain a license and set up QB on their computers and my computer would be the server host."

 

Regarding your comment - "You don't need to install QuickBooks on the client's machine. She/he will run it virtually on the host."

 

Is management connecting via VPN and if so, how does one run it "virtually on the host" ?

Are you suggesting that with multi licensing that two instances can run on the host computer at the same time ?

 

JamesDuanT
Moderator

Two users in different locations

Welcome to the Community, Antoine_Sarragossa.

 

Hosting services are needed if you want the others users to access the QuickBooks Desktop file in multiple locations. Fiat Lux - ASIA's suggestion is also a hosting service.

 

While we've partnered with different hosting service providers, I would recommend reaching out to their supports to know know how this works. They can guide on the step by step process to make it work for you.

 

In addition, multi-user licensing allows the users to work on the hosted computer at the same time. You can also use this link to know more about adding a user license: Add a user license to your QuickBooks software.

 

We'll be right here if you have more questions about the process.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

@Antoine_Sarragossa 

If you wish to host your data file, you have 2 options:

1. Off-premise solution using an authorized QB cloud hosting

http://www.apps4rent.com/#a_aid=quickbooks

 

2. Off-premise or On-premise solution using MQC

https://partners.myquickcloud.com/?pc=fiatlux

For on-premise solution, you may combine LAN users and mobile users working on the same data file at the same time. 

Antoine_Sarragossa
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Thanks for the response.

I've also watched this YouTube video https://youtu.be/zQy5VojF0cA where this IT support person describes the same scenario, so hearing it yet again helps to solidify the landscape.

 

If I may persist with a question - Could this remote sharing be done with a VPN ?

If it's about file sharing with a remote user, does a hosted cloud have to be the only method ?

And or, why would a hosted cloud be better ? 

Antoine_Sarragossa
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Thanks for the response.

I've also watched this YouTube video https://youtu.be/zQy5VojF0cA where this IT support person describes the same scenario, so hearing it yet again helps to solidify the landscape.

 

If I may persist with a question - Could this remote sharing be done with a VPN ?

If it's about file sharing with one remote user at a time, does a hosted cloud have to be the only method ?

And or, why would a hosted cloud be better ? 

http://gamexcess.net We've got a new episode of Tales from IT today where Maniac tells of a story where he had to set up multi-user access for a local Quickbooks database on a network with no server.
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

The private cloud solution I have mentioned earlier is using SSL VPN. You can also setup your own RDP service with a VPN solution to run QuickBooks on your premise. 

MaulikH
QuickBooks Team

Two users in different locations

Hey there, Antoine_Sarragossa.

 

Short answer, yes you can use a VPN as a solution. There's multiple options for you when it comes to multi-user access from across different locations.Another option you could consider is Right Networks. They as well are a cloud hosting software to consider. I personally can't recommend which option is better or worse. It's really up to you as a user to make that final decision.

roxfriesen
Level 1

Two users in different locations

I have a client that I use Right Networks with.  She has two seats.  Problem is that we can't both be on the deposit screen at the same time.  Other than that, everything works fine.  Is there an Admin setting that will allow us to be on the deposit screen at the same time with no problem?

Ryan_M
Moderator

Two users in different locations

Hi @roxfriesen,

 

Since you're using a third-party app for hosting your QuickBooks Desktop company file, it's best to speak with their own Technical Support team for assistance. 

 

You can view this article for additional information: What is Right Networks hosting? It includes a link that goes directly to their technical support team. They can provide a resolution for the issue you stated above. 

 

In case you encounter network connectivity issues, you can refer to this article: Resolve network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor test results

 

Feel free to come back and tag me in a post below if you have other concerns with your company file hosting, and I'll handle it for you. 

RUBEN ENRIQUEZ1
Level 1

Two users in different locations

HI 

I NEED TWO USERS IN MY COMPANY THAT CAN BE USING HE SYSTEM AT SOME TIME OR SEE INVOCES OR CUSTOMERS 

I HAD THIS SERVICE BEFORE AND NEED IT FOR THIS COMPANY 

 

KlentB
Moderator

Two users in different locations

I can help you with that, RUBEN.

 

You can set up a multi-user network to allow multiple users to collaborate on the same company file at the same time. In this setup, you'll need one computer (server computer) that hosts your company files. Your employees will also access your company files through workstations, the computers that connect to your network that don't host your company files.

 

When you're ready, you can start by setting up QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer. Here's how:
 

  1. Download and then install QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
  2. Select Custom and Network install for the install type.
  3. Select I'll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I'll be storing option if you want the full version of QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
  4. If you just want your server computer to host your files, select I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the install.

We recommend keeping your company files on your server computer's local hard drive to easily share them over your network. However, if you want to keep your files on a network drive, you can map the drive in Windows. This way, you'll have access to folders stored in another drive, server, or computer over a network.

 

Once done, follow the remaining procedures in this guide to complete the multi-user mode setup: Install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop. I'm also adding this article to help manage your company files in a multi-user network: Features available and tasks you can perform in single or multi-user mode.

 

Don't hesitate to let me know if you any other concerns or questions by adding a comment below. I'll always have your back.

A C E S  U P
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Does it matter whether one person is on a mac and on pc?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

@A C E S U P 

It depends on which QB Desktop edition you have. QB Desktop (Windows) or QB Desktop for Mac. How many user license do you have?

A C E S  U P
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Quickbooks Desktop Premier Plus 2 users.

A C E S  U P
Level 1

Two users in different locations

It is pc desktop.  My husband is a pc guy I'm a mac.  Neither on one of us wants to switch.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Two users in different locations

@A C E S U P 

You may have 2 options:

1. Utilize Parallels to install Windows OS on your Mac, or

2. Setup a simple private cloud solution on the PC and you will access your company file by internet on your Mac's browser in multiuser mode. It costs $25 per month.

PBrown22
Level 1

Two users in different locations

How do I stop QB's from renaming invoice numbers if I have two people working on invoicing at the same time in Multi-user mode.  

 

MorganB
Content Leader

Two users in different locations

Hey there, PBrown22.

 

Thanks for joining this thread. I'd be glad to provide some info regarding invoicing while in multi-user mode.

 

Just to make sure I'm on the same page, how is the system renaming the invoice numbers? Are you seeing any duplicates?

 

QuickBooks is designed to name invoice numbers in consecutive order. When in multi-user mode, user A may begin working on invoice number 321, when user B logs on to create an invoice it will be 322, and the next one created by user A will be 323. The process will continue back and forth and so on as the two are working simultaneously. 

 

Let me know if you're seeing anything differently and I'll be happy to help.

PBrown22
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Morgan

 

The problem is the invoices numbers are not sequential and when one person puts in invoice 123 and another person is putting in 456 - it will change the first persons number to 457 or vice versa.  Our invoices are not sequential and one person works on different invoices than the other person.  QB's will not ask to rename the invoice it just renames it and then person one has to go back and figure out what QB's named the invoice and then correct it from there.  It is a real problem for us.

PBrown22
Level 1

Two users in different locations

Morgan

 

The problem is the invoices numbers are not sequential and when one person puts in invoice 123 and another person is putting in 456 - it will change the first persons number to 457 or vice versa.  Our invoices are not sequential and one person works on different invoices than the other person.  QB's will not ask to rename the invoice it just renames it and then person one has to go back and figure out what QB's named the invoice and then correct it from there.  It is a real problem for us.

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