QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working! Try These Solutions

QuickBooks Multi-user mode is a feature built into QuickBooks and has aided a lot of businesses in working with the application. As the name suggests, multiple users can work on the same company file together without any confusion. To access the feature, each user must have the QuickBooks License on their workstation.

QuickBooks Multi-user mode not working is an issue that arises when the workstations try to launch a company file that is located on the server computer. At times, the error will not appear, but QuickBooks keeps opening in single-user mode. There are several reasons why QuickBooks cannot open the company file in Multi-user mode, and we have discussed them in this article. If your QuickBooks can’t switch to Multi-user mode or the QuickBooks Multi-user option is greyed out, you will find solutions to all these issues in this article.

Carefully following the troubleshooting steps, you can get rid of multi-user mode errors; however, if you still need help, you can give us a call at +1- 855 738 2784 for troubleshooting assistance.

Reasons Why QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Stops Working

1. QuickBooks is not installed on the server computer.
2. Windows firewall or antivirus software does not allow communication between user computers.
3. The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is unable to access your QuickBooks company file.
4. Windows file permissions are not properly set.
5. Incorrect hosting settings on the server that is hosting the company file.
6. When one or more systems connected to the server are set to host the company file.
7. The DNS settings are either corrupt or incorrect.

Steps to Implement when QuickBooks Keeps Opening in Single-user Mode (QuickBooks Multi-User Error)

Before you begin resolving this error, download QB File Doctor and QuickBooks Database Server Manager of the same version as QB.

Solution 1: Renaming the *.TLG and the *.ND Files

.ND and .TLG are the network data and transaction log files in QuickBooks, respectively, that help QuickBooks connect and open the company file. Damage in any of these files can trigger issues accessing the company file in QuickBooks, and thus renaming these files forces QuickBooks to create new ones that are free from any corruption and damage.

1. Before renaming the .TLG and .ND files; here are the steps to help you locate them-
2. Open the QuickBooks Desktop Company File.
3. While on the Home page, press the F2 key.
4. The Product Information window opens up. Under File Information, you will find the location of the Company File. The .TLG and .QBW.ND files are found in the same folder.
   

   QuickBooks Product Information Window

5. From the location, right-click on the above-mentioned files to rename them.

Solution 2: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Running the specialized QB Database Server Manager tool will help you scan the company file on the server computer and ultimately help you resolve the error running QuickBooks in multi-user mode or QuickBooks stuck in single-user mode.

1. Close the QuickBooks application and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub app by clicking HERE.
2. Once you have downloaded it to an accessible location, open QuickBooksToolHub.exe from there.
3. Agree to the Terms and conditions to install it.
   

   QuickBooks Tool Hub License Agreement

4. Open it once the installation is completed.
   

   Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

5. In QuickBooks Tools Hub, select Network Issues and choose QuickBooks Database Server Manager Multi-user mode.
   

   QuickBooks Tool Hub Network Issues

6. From there, Start Scanning for your company file if it is up on the screen. Otherwise, Browse it from the location and then Start to Scan.
   

   QuickBooks Database Server Manager

7. After the Scan has run, even the firewall permissions are repaired with QDSM.
8. Hit Close.
9. Try getting your workstations into the multi-user mode to see if the “Cannot switch to multi-user mode” trouble is fixed.

Solution 3: Check the Services on your Server

Certain services run in the background of your Windows PC and help QuickBooks to run efficiently in multi-user mode. If they stop working or are not set to run automatically when Windows starts, you might face difficulties running QuickBooks in multi-user mode. With the following steps, we will start the QuickBooks database service and set it to run automatically for error resolution:

1. On your server computer, open the Windows Start menu.
2. Type Run in the text box to open the Run command window.
3. Type services.msc into the Run window and hit Enter.
   

   Services.mcs Command

4. When you find the QuickbooksDBXX, double-click on it.
5. In the Startup type, set it to Automatic.
   

   Quickbooks DB Service

6. The service status should either be Running or Started. Else click on Start.
7. Move to the Recovery tab.
   

   Quickbooks DB Service Recovery Tab

8. From the following drop-down menus, choose to Restart the Service.
   • First failure, Second Failure, and Subsequent failures.
9. Select Apply and choose OK to save the changes.
10. Repeat the same steps for QBCFMonitorService.

Solution 4: Configure the Windows Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall is one such component of the Windows operating system which, if not configured properly, can obstruct each and every single operation on Windows. Follow the instructions listed below and re-configure Windows Firewall settings to allow QuickBooks to run in multi-user mode.

1. Open the Control panel from the Windows Start button.
2. Search for Windows Firewall and hit Enter.
   

   Windows Firewall Search

3. Click on Allow an app through the Windows Firewall option.
   

   Allow an app through the Windows Firewall

4. Press Change Settings and checkmark the box under Public list for the QuickBooks application.
5. Hit on OK and select Public for the application.
6. Try to run QuickBooks in the multi-user mode once again to see that errors like H202 and related re-appear.

Solution 5: Add your Server to the Windows Host File

Adding the server details to the Windows Host file will help Windows to identify and connect with the server computer that has the company file saved on it.

1. Using Notepad on the computer that is facing the Cannot switch to multi-user mode issue, access the Windows hosts file.
2. The host file is located at (C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\).
3. Open Notepad as Admin, if needed.
4. Type the server’s IP address after the last IP address.
5. Use the Tab key and type in the server name.
6. Click on Save from the File menu.
7. Hit on Exit.
8. Look out if the issue of QuickBooks multi-user mode not working is solved.

Solution 6: Ping your Server from a Workstation

Before starting with the steps below to solve the QuickBooks multi-user not syncing error, turn on the Network Discovery on the server and workstations facing errors.

1. Open the Start menu on your server and workstations facing QuickBooks stuck in single user mode Error.
2. Into the search bar, enter Network and open Network and Sharing Center.
   

   Windows Network and Sharing Center

3. Click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings. From there, Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.
   

   Windows Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing

4. Get the name of the server.
5. Into the Run window from the search bar, type CMD and hit Enter.
6. In the CMD window, after entering ipconfig/all text, press Enter.
   

   ipconfigall Command

7. On the screen, you can see the Server Name right next to the Host Name.
8. Note down the Host Name.
9. To test the server, move to the workstation.
10. Click on the Start menu and open the Run command window.
11. Type CMD in the Run window.
12. Then, type “ping_[your server name],” and hit Enter. Type in the server name without the brackets.

Solution 7: Get your QuickBooks Desktop Updated to Avoid Multi-user Errors

Updating QuickBooks not only ensures you get the best of QuickBooks but also gets rid of any bugs in the previous version due to which your QuickBooks is stuck in Single-user mode. Here is how you can quickly get the most recent updates for your QuickBooks Desktop.

1. Begin by launching the QuickBooks Desktop and make sure to have the admin rights on Windows.
2. Next, go to the Help tab and click the option that says ‘Update QuickBooks Desktop.’
3. This action will open the Update QuickBooks window, where you will find three tabs.
4. Go to the Update Now tab and click the Get Updates option to prompt QuickBooks to download the available updates.
5. Once the updates are downloaded, restart QuickBooks, and it will ask you to install the updates.
6. Click Install Now, and in no time, your QuickBooks will be updated.
7. Retry to open the company file on all systems where you were QuickBooks was not allowing Multi-user mode and check if the issue is resolved.

You must perform the above steps on every workstation that is unable to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

Troubleshooting methods given in this blog have served to provide a fix for the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue. Yet, the real root cause of why QuickBooks single-user mode cannot switch can vary, and you might require assistance. For technical help from Professionals, call +1- 855 738 2784.

Fixing QuickBooks Multi-User Errors on Mac OS

As with multi-user mode issues on Windows, you can also face the same on Mac OS. Here are some of the troubleshooting solutions you can try to fix multi-user mode issues on Mac OS.

Solution 1: Prevent the System from Going into Sleep Mode

You must ensure that your Mac system is not set to go into sleep mode after a certain period of inactivity. For this, go to System Settings and select Energy Saver. Now make the necessary changes to avoid multi-user errors.

Solution 2: Ensure the Server is Active and Hosting the Company File

From the Go menu, select Applications and launch the QuickBooks 20XX Server.app file. If you see that the file is set to NOT SHARED, click the Start Sharing option after selecting the file, and if you can’t find the file select the + icon to add it.

Solution 3: Make Sure MacOS Firewall is not an Issue

To ensure that the MacOS firewall is not restricting QuickBooks from hosting the company file in multi-user mode, go the System Settings from the Apple logo and click the Security & Privacy option. Now select Firewall > Firewall Options. Now if this option is greyed out, click the Lock icon and check if the QuickBooks Server app is set to Allow Incoming Connections.

Further troubleshooting includes:

• Verifying the file-sharing settings are properly configured on the host computer.
• Ensuring that the Bonjour service is running on all systems in the network.
• All systems in the network, including the server computer, must connect with each other.
• Properly set up a Peer-to-Peer direct connection.

FAQs

Why does my QuickBooks multi-user mode not work and throw errors?

The causes behind QuickBooks multi-user not working can range from antivirus apps blocking QB ports to database server manager malfunctioning. Further, corrupt DNS Settings, inaccurate Windows hosting, and file permissions may trigger this problem.

When does the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error arises?

You may face QB multi-user malfunctioning when doing the following:

1. Accessing files in multi-user mode
2. Workstations try opening files on the server computer

How does the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error is fixed?

Eliminating the QB multi-user mode not working error involves doing the following:

1. Changing ND and TLG files’ names.
2. Using Tool Hub’s QuickBooks Database Manager
3. Checking workstation and server connection
4. Starting database services

What does error H202 while switching to multi-user mode mean?

The error code H202 when switching to multi-user mode signals a deactivation of the multi-user connection on the server device, aka the computer where your company file is stored.

What to do if QuickBooks is not going to multi-user mode?

If you can’t switch to multi-user mode, do the following:

1. Exit QB from all devices.
2. Launch the company file on the host computer.
3. Click File.
4. Select Switch to multi-user mode.
5. Reboot all workstations.