QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working? Try To Fix It With Ease

QuickBooks is a well-equipped accounting software that offers various features which makes the financial tasks more convenient. Multi-User mode in QuickBooks is one such feature that lets you work on the same company file simultaneously. Thus, it would promote team collaboration and efficiency to attain the desired goal. But, sometimes while using this feature users sometimes result in QuickBooks Multi-user mode not working. This issue is mainly triggered due to the misconfigured hosting settings. 

Unfortunately, the appearance of the QuickBooks Multi-User mode stopped working issue disrupts the ongoing process which might lead to delay in ongoing tasks. Therefore, it is crucial to overcome this issue using the right resolution methods explained ahead in this post. 

Does QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working is bothering you to work in a multi-user environment? Contact us at +1(866)408-0544 and communicate with our highly-certified QB professionals for immediate resolution.

Let’s Know More About QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Stopped Working Issue

The QuickBooks Multi-user mode stopped working issue is usually observed when the user fails to access the data file in multi-user mode and returns back to single mode. Whenever the users strikes with this error, the following error message reflects on their computer screen: 

“QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”

As a result, this issue fails to generate a connection with the company files on the network. So, it is important to get rid of this issue quickly and continue working in a multi-user environment without any hassle. But, before resolving the issue, let’s first understand the root causes behind the issue which is discussed in the next section of the blog. 

Possible Causes That Encourage Multi-User Mode Not Working QuickBooks issue

Knowing the actual causes that are responsible for the Multi-User mode not working QuickBooks issue is necessary to find the right resolution methods to figure out the problem. So, let’s thoroughly review the causes as elaborated below to get a better idea regarding the same. 

Issues with the Hosting Settings:- 

At times, the user fails to access the multi-user mode in QuickBooks if the hosting settings are not set up accurately. 

Inadequate File or Folder Permissions:- 

Another reason behind the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode stopped working issue is that the users won’t have enough rights to access the folder that contains the data file. 

Conflicts due to blockage of Windows Firewall:-

Sometimes, the interruption due to Windows Firewall might obstruct the users from accessing the multi-user mode in QuickBooks. 

Damage or Corrupted QuickBooks Company File:- 

At times, the users might confront the QuickBooks Multi-user mode not working issue if the data file they are accessing is either damaged or corrupt. 

Problems Generated Due to Incorrect DNS Settings:- 

In other instances, the users might come across QuickBooks Multi-user mode not working if the DNS Settings are incorrect. 

Flaws At the End of Database Server Manager:- 

It could be possible that the database server manager is creating issues while launching the company file. 

Read More: QuickBooks Save as PDF not Working

Signs & Symptoms Associated With QuickBooks Multi User Mode Stopped Working Issue 

Following are the signs and symptoms that will help the users to spot the QuickBooks Multi-user mode stopped working issue. As a result, knowing the symptoms will help you avoid the issue occurring in the future. 

1. There might be the possibility that the users might face trouble in switching from single-user mode to multi-user mode. 
2. Sometimes, the slow performance or sudden crashing of QuickBooks software might prevent the users from working in a multi-user environment. 
3. In other cases, the users might observe the sluggish performance of the Windows operating system. 
4. Another symptom may be that you might face problems while accessing the data file stored on another PC. 
5. It could be possible that you may get Error Codes such as H101, H202, and Error H505. 

Precautions Before Resolving Multi-User Mode Not Working In QuickBooks Issue

To get rid of the multi-user not working in QuickBooks issue, it is important to consider certain pointers which are explained below.

1. The users must confirm that they have installed the updated version of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. 
2. Another important thing is that you mustn’t launch more than one data file on the same workstation as it might create trouble enabling the multi-user mode.
3. Most importantly, you mustn’t miss to schedule the backup of your company file to prevent the data from any unauthorized access. 
4. Last but not least, never skip to get the newly launched updates of the QuickBooks Desktop application. 

Troubleshooting Techniques to Rectify QuickBooks Multi-user Mode Not Working Issue

You can easily get rid of the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode not working issue with the help of the troubleshooting methods discussed below. While implementing the steps, make sure you are well-connected to a stable and high-speed internet connection. 

Solution 1: Get the Updated Version of QBDBMgrN Installed 

It is mandatory that you must install the updated version of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the computer to share company files over the network. 

1. Before starting the process, ensure that you have closed all the active programs on your server computer including QuickBooks. 
2. After this, you must get the installation file downloaded which is named by .exe.
3. Thereon, proceed further by following the on-screen instructions to initiate the installation process. 
4. Subsequently, when you are asked to pick the install type, go with the Custom or Network options and then hit the Next button. 
5. In the next step, you must pick the suitable option for your network setup and then click Next. Herein, you will see that both of the options involve the installation of QuickBooks Database Server Manager. If you notice that the QBDBMgrN is already installed on the server, then this process will not overwrite any existing company data. 

   If you wish to utilize both Database Server Manager and QuickBooks Desktop on the server computer. In that case, the best decision is to pick the “I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I’ll be storing your company file here so it can be shared over our network.”
   Otherwise, if you want to access QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server computer only, then choose the “I will not be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer.”

6. Subsequently, you must go further with the on-screen prompts. Later on, once you are all set, hit the Install button. 
7. Thereon, assign the QBDataServiceUserXX (XX showing the user number) permissions to access the folders with the data files. You will notice that these users will be present while configuring the system-level permissions. 

Solution 2: Confirming that Windows User Has Admin Rights 

It is important to sign-in to Windows with proper administrative rights so that you can easily make changes to certain settings involving firewall configurations and folder permissions. As a result, it would also help the users in resolving the QuickBooks Multi-user mode stopped working issue. 

Steps for Generating a Local User Account

1. Begin the process by clicking the Start menu and then the Settings menu followed by Family & Other Users. 
2. After that, you must go with the Add Other User followed by the Add Account option. 
3. Thereon, choose the highlighted “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and then hit the “Add a user without a Microsoft Account” from the upcoming page. 
4. Now, you are required to add the details i.e, username, password, password hint or choose the Security Questions. 

Steps for Disabling a Local User Account to a Windows Administrator Account 

1. To commence with, click the Start menu, Settings and then the Accounts option. 
2. After this, browse to the section named “Family & Other Users”  and opt for the Account Owner Name > Change Account Type.
3. In the next step, below the section of Account Type, choose the Administrator option and give the confirmation by clicking the OK button. 
4. Finally, you are required to login with a new administrator account by entering the right details. 

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Solution 3: Confirming that the Folder Permissions Are Set Accurately

To verify that you have set the folder permissions accurately, you must apply the steps outlined below. 

1. In the first place, click the Start menu, and then open the File Explorer. 
2. Afterwards, you must right-click on the folder that contains your data file and then hit the Properties option. 
3. Thereon, go with the Security tab and then tap the Advanced option. 
4. In the next step, choose the QBDataServiceUserXX and opt for the Edit menu.
5. Subsequently, you are required to modify the following settings of the database server setting to Allowed. 

• Read Permissions
• Create Files/ Write Data
• Write Extended Attributes
• List Folder/ Read Data
• Transverse Folder/ Execute File
• Read Extended Attributes
• Write Attributes
• Create Folders/ Append Data
• Read Attributes

For instance, if you spot that the multi-user permissions are not configured appropriately, then follow the steps below. 

1. The first and foremost step is to right-click the company file folder and then choose the Properties option. 
2. After this, pick the Security option followed by the Edit menu.
3. Subsequently, click the QBDataServiceUserXX and then the Full Control > Allow option. 
4. Once everything is set, then tap the Apply button followed by OK.

Solution 4: Do the Proper Configuration of Multi-User Access Hosting Settings 

Whenever the user comes across QuickBooks multi-user mode not working, confirm only the server is hosting the computer. In short, you must verify that the host-multi-user option is turned off on all the workstations. 

1. In the first place, open the QuickBooks application on all workstations showing QuickBooks multi-user setup. 
2. After this, navigate to the File menu > Utilities option. 
3. Thereon, if you notice the Host Multi-User Access option, then avoid selecting it. 
4. On the other side, if you see the option stating “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access”, then click on it to proceed further. 
5. Furthermore, you must resume the same process on all the workstations where you see the QuickBooks problems with multi-user hosting setup. 

After verifying the workstations, move to your server computer that is hosting your company file. 

1. The users first need to open the QuickBooks application on their server computer. 
2. Afterwards, navigate to the File menu and then opt for the Utilities option. 
3. If you notice that the Host Multi-User Access option is visible, then opt for it. On the other side, if you see the Stop Hosting Multi-User Access option then prevent selecting it. 

Solution 5: Try Pinging Your Server From a Workstation 

To test the connection, you must ping your server from a workstation by implementing the steps outlined below. 

1. The first and foremost thing is to launch the Start menu on the server and the workstations facing this issue. 
2. You are supposed to include “Network” into the search panel to bring up the Network and Sharing Center. 
3. Subsequently, move to the Change Advanced Sharing option and from there pick the “Turn on Network Discovery” and file and printer sharing option. 
4. Afterwards, you must obtain the name of the server on which you are presently working. 
5. Soon after this, insert “CMD” into the Run search window and then hit the Enter key to open the Command Prompt window. 
6. Furthermore, you are supposed to add “ipconfig/all” into the black screen and hit the Enter key. 
7. With this, you will see that the server name next to the Hostname is presented on the computer screen. 
8. Thereon, the users must keep a note of the hostname and make sure to keep it private. 
9. Later on, for testing on the server, you must move to the workstations. For that, go to the Start menu and then launch the Run window on your workstation. 
10. In the next step, the users must include CMD in the Run window’s search panel to launch the Command Prompt window. 
11. Proceed further by inserting “ping_[your server name]” and press the Enter key. Herein, make sure that you note down the server name without the brackets. 

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Summarizing the Above!!

Through this illustrative post, we hope that you can easily resolve the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode not working issue. However, if you are still confronting issues while opening the data file in multi-user mode, then connect with our QB professionals at +1(866)408-0544and fix the issue. The experts will provide you with the proper assistance to come out of the issue quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: What Should I do to access multi-user mode in QuickBooks?

To move to multi-user mode in QuickBooks, navigate to the View menu from the upper left screen and choose the Switch to Multi-User Mode option. Later on, act according to the instructions given on the screen and hit the Proceed option. Furthermore, you can enable multiple users to work on the same reports simultaneously.

Question 2: Why does QuickBooks keep returning to single-user mode?

Most often, the users might witness that QuickBooks keeps going to single-user mode because of certain factors including improper network configurations, network related issues or if you see instability in multi-user mode. 

Question 3: What’s stopping me from opening a QuickBooks data file in multi-user mode?

The users might face difficulty while opening QuickBooks data file in multi-user mode due to the following factors such as network issues, inappropriate user permissions and file corruption. 

Question 4: Does reinstalling QB help to fix QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue? 

Yes, by reinstalling the QuickBooks application you can overcome the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue. For that, you first need to use the Control Panel to remove the older version of the application. Then, download the latest version of QuickBooks and use the online instructions for the successful installation of the program. 

Question 5: What are the consequences of receiving QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue?

Following are the consequences that the users might observe upon the arrival of QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue. 

1. Multiple users won’t be able to access the same data file simultaneously which might hamper the overall business tasks.
2. In other cases, you may experience downtime or delay in proceeding with your ongoing financial tasks. 
3. There might be the possibility that the simultaneous data entry can cause conflicts or inconsistencies while maintaining the financial records.