When you use QB and suddenly encounter the ‘QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file’ error, it may be due to issues with the server. Windows Firewall can be one of the reasons behind this error, which can prevent QuickBooks operations and even the update process. If you are facing this error, an error message may pop up on your screen saying:
“It appears that the QuickBooks software on the USERS-PC is set up to allow shared access to the company file, but the QuickBooks software on your computer is unable to communicate with it.”
Usually, when you use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, the company file is saved on the server, which can also be the root cause of the issue. This blog outlines the essential steps to resolve this error.
If you need any further help with this problem in your QuickBooks application, feel free to get in touch with our experts at +1-(855)-955-1942.
Potential Reasons Why QuickBooks Cannot Communicate with the Company File
If you are struggling with the QuickBooks and company file communication issue in your system, here are the reasons behind it:
- An outdated version of QuickBooks can be the reason for this problem.
- The company file that you are using is outdated or corrupted.
- The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not installed or is not running correctly.
- If there is any incorrect hosting setup in your workstation.
- One reason could be that the Windows firewall is blocking or preventing your QuickBooks operations.
- The company file folder does not have accurate permissions.
These were the reasons behind QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file.
How to Fix QuickBooks Cannot Communicate with the Company File?
You may encounter connectivity issues when the QuickBooks application fails to open the company file or cannot connect to the server. Here are the solutions through which you can fix it:
Method 1: Utilize the QuickBooks File Doctor
The first step before using the QuickBooks File Doctor is to download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Launch the QB tool hub in your system.
- Go to the Company File issues section.
- Now, click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
The File Doctor helps you repair the corrupted company files in QuickBooks Desktop. If these steps don’t resolve your issue, proceed to the following troubleshooting method.
Method 2: Look for the Firewall Settings
To configure the firewall port settings, here are the steps to be followed:
- Click on the Start option.
- Include Windows Firewall under the search field.
- Now, the Firewall screen will be shown.
- Choose the Advanced Settings option.
- In the Inbound Rules section, right-click and choose the New Rule option.
- In the port option, click on the Next button.
After these steps are done, ensure that the TCP option is selected.
- Enter the QuickBooks Year Version under the field of local ports.
- After entering the port number, click the Next button.
- Enable the connection and tap on the Next button.
- Ensure that all the profiles are selected.
- Establish a rule and then add a name to it.
- Tap on the Finish button.
These steps will help you check and configure the firewall settings for your QuickBooks Desktop.
Method 3: Add Exceptions for QuickBooks in Windows Firewall
When you need to add exceptions for QuickBooks operations in the Windows firewall, follow these steps.
- Search for Windows Firewall in the search bar and press Enter.
- Under the Advanced Settings, right-click on the Inbound Rules.
- Click Next after pressing Port.
- Select the TCP from “Does this rule apply to TCP or UDP?”
- Add the QBDT version in the port-specific information section.
- If you have QuickBooks 2018, you need to add port 8019 to your firewall settings.
- Now, run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and assign a specific port.
- Click Next after adding the post details, and then select Allow Connection.
- Hit Next and ensure All the Profiles are checked.
- Then, click Next and add a name in the rule column.
- Click on Finish to save the changes.
If the issue persists, try updating the QBDT to the latest version.
Method 4: Update the QuickBooks Desktop
Staying on an outdated version of QuickBooks can also be a reason why QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file. To fix it:
- Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
- Move to the Help menu.
- Click the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
When a new or updated version of QuickBooks is available, download and install it. Once the installation is complete, you must restart the QuickBooks application.
Method 5: Turn ON the QuickBooks Desktop Program to Go via Firewall
Listed below are the components you need to add to the Windows Firewall exception to enable QuickBooks to pass through the firewall.
- QBUpdate.exe,
- AutoBackupExe.exe,
- DBManagerExe.exe
- QBLaunch.exe,
- OnlineBackup.exe,
- IntuitSyncManager.exe,
- Dbmlsync.exe
- QBServerUtilityMgr.exe,
- QBDBMgrN.exe,
- QBW32.exe,
- QBCFMonitorService.exe,
- QuickBooksMessaging.exe,
- FileManagement.exe,
- FileMovementExe.exe,
Here are the steps to help you with it:
- Go to the Windows Firewall Advanced Settings and right-click on the Inbound Rules option.
- Choose Programs and hit Next.
- Now, select the option with the message saying “This Program Path” and then verify the file.
- Look for every file in the list and hit Next.
- Tap on the Allow the Connection option and press Next.
- Ensure to select all the profiles, then press Next.
- Input a Name for the rule you made to complete the task.
These steps will help you resolve the QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file issue. If not, follow the next troubleshooting method.
Method 6: Launch the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
When an error occurs, QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file. Try using the QB Database Server Manager to resolve the issue.
- Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub on your system.
- Now, launch the tool hub.
- Under the Network Issues tab, click on the QuickBooks Database Server Manager option.
- Click on the Start Scan option to run the file check system.
These steps will help you fix the company file issue in your QuickBooks desktop.
Method 7: Verify the Hosting Settings
Recheck and verify the hosting settings in your workstation to fix the company file-related issue with the help of the steps below:
- Launch QuickBooks on the primary server machine and choose the File option.
- Tap on the Utility tap and verify the hosting setup.
- When the “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” message appears on the screen, it means the server is configured correctly.
- However, if the “Host Multi-USer Access” message appears on the screen, you must change it to “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.”
- Now, on every system in the workstation, check if any of the systems are showing the message ”Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.”
Once you have carried out these methods, check if you are still facing the “QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file” issue.
Method 8: Modify the Network-Related Settings
To change and verify the network-related settings in your system, here are the steps to help:
- Tap on the Windows Start menu.
- Under the search bar, write ‘sharing’ and choose the Manage advanced sharing option.
- Next, tap the “Turn off password-protected sharing” option.
- Click “Apply and Save” to save the features.
- Reopen the company file after relaunching QB.
If you continue to receive this error, follow the troubleshooting method below.
Method 9: Check if QBDBMgrn.exe is Running
Check if your QBDBMgrn.exe is running correctly. If you find the process is not running appropriately, then follow these steps to verify it:
- Hold the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys together on the keyboard to access the Task Manager.
- Under the Process tab, locate QBDBMgrn.
However, if you can’t find the process, try searching for QBDataServiceUser with administrative rights. Here’s how:
- Exit QuickBooks.
- Access the Control Panel and choose the User Accounts option.
- Choose the Manage another account option.
- Double-tap on the QBDataServiceUser option.
- Now, select the Change Account Type option.
- Here, choose the Administrator option.
After performing all the steps, save the changes made, and then check if the error still occurs.
Method 10: Make a QuickBooks Network Data File
If QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file, one method to troubleshoot this problem is to create a new QuickBooks network data file. Here’s how:
- Tap on the Start menu.
- In the search bar, write and search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
- After the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is launched, tap on the Add Folder.
- Now, locate the company file folder.
- Select the folder that contains the company file and then select Scan.
- Now, the scan will run for all the files in the QB company files list.
- Look for the Network Data (.nd) file in the same folder.
These steps will allow you to create a network data file for your QuickBooks application.
Method 11: Switch System to Previous Settings
When you recently updated the QuickBooks application and then encountered this error, the reason behind it could be issues during the update process. To resolve this issue in a situation like this, restore to your previous version.
- Log in to your Admin account.
- In Windows, move to the All Programs section under the Windows Start menu.
- Now, choose the System Restore settings option.
- Now, access the modernized reduction list and tap on the Next button.
After completing these steps, restart the system and verify if the error persists.
Conclusion
This detailed guide explains why QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file. We have discussed the potential causes of this error in your QuickBooks Desktop. Moreover, we have listed troubleshooting methods that can help you easily resolve this issue and prevent it from occurring in the future.
However, performing all these steps yourself can be time-consuming and tricky. You can instead opt for expert assistance for resolving and overcoming this issue. Contact them at +1-(855)-955-1942!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. If needed to restart the database service manager in the system, here are the steps required:
a. From the Start menu, move to the Control Panel.
b. Locate and move to the Administrative Tool section.
c. Now, from the list, choose the Services area.
d. Find the QuickBooks DBXX service and right-click on it.
e. Click on the Restart option.
A. Listed below are the steps you need to perform if the network data (.nd) file is not displayed on Windows:
a. Locate the Options menu.
b. Now, tap on the Change Folder.
c. Click on the Search button.
d. Tap the View option.
e. Unselect the extensions that are hidden for the preferred file types.
d. After completing the steps, click the OK button.
A. The key indications to identify a QB that cannot communicate with the company file are listed below:
a. Your system might start lagging and slow down the process.
b. The UI interface might stop responding to commands.
c. The installation of the update may not complete.
d. Accounting operations may not be processed.
