QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working – How to Troubleshoot it?

Use these expert tips to fix QuickBooks Multi-User mode not working issue:

QuickBooks users! Are you tensed about the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error or facing this error time and again. Don’t worry! Take a chill pill. We are here to help you know about this error in detail. The QuickBooks software has a multi-user mode in it which enables multiple users to do their work at the same time on the same company file. Today, through this article, we will look at the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error – its causes and different ways to solve it. Thus, keep read on!

Read Also: How to Resolve QuickBooks Error H505 (Multi-User Issue)?

What is QuickBooks Multi-User Mode?

QuickBooks in multi-user mode allows multiple QB users to work on one company file simultaneously. This helps maximize productivity. At one time, various users can work on specific sections to complete the task. Whether it is about invoicing, report generation, or multi-user mode streamlines operation, all of it is possible. Thus, it is an essential tool for businesses.

A List of multi-user issues for QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks multi user-mode, an inbuilt feature in the accounting software package, enables more than one user to work on the same file simultaneously. Users, however, may receive some unexpected errors while working on this mode.

Error	Description
Error name:	Multi-user mode not working
Error description:	“This company file is on another computer and QuickBooks needs some help connecting”
Software:	QuickBooks Desktop
Prerequisites:	Make sure to install QuickBooks database server manager. Also, install the same version of server manager.
Quick solution:	Run QuickBooks file doctor tool

Why Does Multi-User Mode Not Working Error Occur?

QuickBooks errors just like other software errors are common. These occur at times and it’s not like that these errors are devoid of any solutions. Every error or mishap that occurs comes with more than one solution at a go. It’s just that the user needs to be patient and try to follow the solutions as provided by the professionals. There are several causes that leads to the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working error or Error H202. Some of the reasons are as follows:

• If the user has not installed QuickBooks server on the computer.
• If the hosting settings are not properly arranged on the network.
• Because of the firewall settings, if the computer systems on the user’s network are not compatible with each other.
• If the user has not granted the permissions to the files or folders in a proper manner.
• If the Database server manager is unable to open the company file on the user’s system.

Requirements to Resolve QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error

There are a few requirements that the system needs to possess before trying to resolve the error that is put into discussion. The user must make sure that:

• QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on the system.
• The version of the database server manager should be similar to the QuickBooks version present in the system.

Important Points Before Troubleshooting

There are two basic requirements for setting up QuickBooks multi-user mode, without which it won’t be possible, namely:

• A license of QuickBooks for more than one user.
• One system requirement that is to be used as the QuickBooks server.
• You need to install the QuickBooks database server manager.
• Ensure that you have installed the same database server manager as the current QuickBooks version.

Check Also: How to Enter or Manage an Opening Balances for Accounts in QuickBooks?

How to Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error?

Users of QuickBooks need not worry about resolving the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error or Error Code H202. There are numerous ways to resolve it. The thing is that, the user should keep patience and follow the prescribed methods step-by- step in a proper manner. Below are the methods to solve the error:

Procedure 1: By using QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• At the foremost, the user needs to open and go to the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the system.
• Open the Start Menu.
• Next, in the space provided, type “Database”.
• Following this step, click on Browse and search for the required company files.

• At last, Click on OK and Start Scan.

Procedure 2: The User needs to verify the Host Mode settings of every user’s server

• Firstly, on the computer system, search the QuickBooks File menu.
• After that open Utilities tab.
• If the list displays Host Multi-User Access then move to other system.

• In case, the Stop Hosting Multi-user Access is displayed, the user needs to enable the QuickBooks single-user mode and then disable the hosting.

• Finally, the user needs to crosscheck if after successfully disabling the hosting mode on all the computer systems, the error H202 still persists.

You may also like: How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 1601, 1603 and 1642?

Procedure 3: The User needs to check if the QuickBooks Services is Running in a proper manner

(Note: Before getting started with this procedure, the user needs to verify whether the server PC is running QBCF Monitor Service and QuickBooks DBXX (XX is the year of QuickBooks).

• At the very first, type services.msc in the Windows search box.

• And further, hit a click on Enter to continue.
• The user needs to search for the Services Window to see the QuickBooks DBXX service.

• By chance, if the Services window doesn’t appear, then the user has to follow the steps given below:
  • Make sure that the Database Server Manager is installed in a proper manner.
  • Look for the latest Database Server Manager.
  • Ensure that the hosting is enabled on the server in case the full software is running on the computer.
• Next, double-click on QuickBooksDBXX service. Two options are enabled: Run or Start.

• Under the Recovery tab, in case of the first, second and subsequent failures, choose he option QuickBooksDBXX service.
• Finally, repeat the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th bullet points for the QBCF Monitor Service.

Procedure 4: The User needs to check if QuickBooks must be able to send data

1. First of all, the settings of Firewall and Antivirus needs to be changed.
   • Press the Windows key.
   • After that hit a click on control Panel.
   • Find and Select the Windows firewall.
   • Now, select the prompt to approve An app through the Windows firewall option.
   • In the proceeding step, click on the Checkbox next to the public list for the QuickBooks application.
   • Later on, hit a click on Change Settings.
   • And then, hit a click on OK. Then, click on Public.
   • Now, try to run the user in the Multi-user mode.
2. Next, the user needs to test the path and make sure if the QuickBooks application can communicate with the server. (Note: Turn on Network Discovery)
   • Press Windows + R keys simultaneously. Type ping (server name). Press Enter. This will launch the Run command.
   • The user needs to use UNC (Universal Naming Convention) on the computer to access the server’s shared folder.
   • Finally, use the UNC path to return to the QuickBooks company file.
3. Thirdly, the user needs to go to the company file following the UNC path.
4. Create a New Company File Folder.
   • Create a New Folder for the Company File for the Company File.
   • Ensure to reach the Host system.
   • Next, configure the folder. For the new folder allow Windows to Access Permissions.
   • The Company files can be shared across systems.
   • At last, copy the .QBW File to the New Folder. Ensure that the company file is opening in multi-user mode.
5. Configure Firewall exception for QuickBooks Program and Port.

See Also: How to Fix a Subscription Error in QuickBooks Desktop?

Procedure 5: Install and Run QuickBooks File Doctor tool

• Firstly you need to download and install the QuickBooks tool hub program.
• Open the tool hub by clicking on the icon.
• Navigate to the Company file issues tab and choose Run QuickBooks file doctor tool option.

• You can also download the file doctor tool from here.
• This tool will help you analyze if your computer is appropriately set up for using QuickBooks multi-user mode.

Procedure 6: The user needs to rename the .TLG and the .ND Files

Find the .TLG and .QBW.ND files and rename them. You can also check the following steps:

Also Read: How to Update the QuickBooks Desktop to Latest Release?

Procedure 7: The user needs to configure the Windows Firewall Settings

• First, click on the Windows Start button.
• Access Control Panel.
• Then, search for the Windows Firewall.
• Once done with that, hit a click on Enter key.
• Next, click on Allow an app through the Windows Firewall.

• Lastly, you need to select the Public List > Change settings.

Procedure 8: Add the Server to Windows Host File

• First of all, the user needs to access the Windows host file.
• If required, the user can open Notepad as Admin.
• Type the server’s IP address as the last IP address.

• Hold on Tab. Enter the server name.
• Now go to the File menu. Select Save.
• Finally, click on Exit.

Related Article: How to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 15270?

Procedure 9: The user needs to switch to Multi-user hosting

• At first, you need to open QuickBooks and update the company file to the latest version.
• After that choose File menu and then navigate to the Utility.

• At last, select Host multi-user access and hit a click on Yes.

Procedure 10: The user needs to reinstall the QuickBooks Software

• Under this process, hit a click on Start > Control Panel.
• Search QuickBooks Programs and Features.
• Moving ahead, uninstall QuickBooks.

• Following the procedure of uninstallation, the user must go to the Intuit official website.
• Next, the user must download the latest version of QuickBooks.
• Finally, click on the Multi-user hosting mode and Switch the mode on.

• This procedure holds sure chances of resolving the error.

See Also: How to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 80070057?

Procedure 11: Ping the Server From Workstation

• Initially, open Start menu on the server.
• Heading forward, type network and open the Network and sharing center.
• Once done with that, now you are required to tap a click on Change advanced sharing tab and from there Turn on network discovery and also file and Printer sharing.

• And further, get the name of the server.
• Followed by, tap enter in CMD in the run window.
• And now hit on Enter button.
• In the CMD window, you need to enter the Ipconfig/all text and also click on Enter tab.

• Now you will see the Server name next to the Host name.
• You now have to note down the Host name and move to the Workstations.
• And then, hit a click on Start menu.
• Now open the run command window.
• Once done with that, type in CMD tab and then type Ping and hit Enter key.

• In the last step type in Server name without the brackets.

Conclusion:

The company files and activities of company business may be impacted by accounting errors. With the methods mentioned above, you might be able to fix QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error. Not paying proper heed to such errors can result in the damage of your QB files or data. So, it must be resolved quickly. If any doubt still persists regarding such errors, you can contact us at our 24X7 QuickBooks error support helpline i.e., 1-800-615-2347.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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