+1-325-244-1757 QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Won’t Switch? Proven Solutions That Work

The

in QuickBooks Desktop enables multiple users to access and work on the same company file at once, improving collaboration and productivity. However, there are times when QuickBooks refuses to switch from single-user mode to multi-user mode, disrupting workflow and slowing down your team. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry—this guide will help you understand the causes and walk you through proven solutions to fix it quickly.

---

Why QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Won’t Switch

Several technical and configuration issues can prevent QuickBooks from switching to Multi-User Mode:

1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration – If hosting is enabled on multiple computers or disabled on the main server, Multi-User Mode won’t function properly.

2. Database Server Manager Not Running – The QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QDSM) is essential for enabling shared file access. If it’s not active, the switch to Multi-User Mode will fail.

3. Firewall or Security Software Blocking Access – Firewalls or antivirus programs might block QuickBooks from communicating over the network.

4. Folder Permission Issues – The shared company file folder may not have the proper access permissions for all users.

5. Damaged .ND (Network Data) File – This file helps QuickBooks connect over a network. If corrupted, Multi-User Mode won’t work.

---

Proven Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Mode

1. Verify and Correct Hosting Settings

Incorrect hosting settings are one of the most common causes of this issue.

• On each computer, open QuickBooks.

• Go to File → Utilities.

• On the server computer, select Host Multi-User Access if it’s not already enabled.

• On workstations, make sure Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is selected.
  This ensures that only the server hosts the company file and other computers act as clients.

---

2. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The Database Server Manager allows multi-user connectivity.

• Open the

  This is the hidden content, please

  • Sign In
  • or
  • Sign Up
  and go to Network Issues → QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

• Click Browse, select the folder containing your company file, and then click Start Scan.

• Once done, restart the computer and try switching to Multi-User Mode again.

You can also manually restart the service:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

• Find QuickBooksDBXX (the version number varies by year, like 33 or 34).

• Right-click it and select Restart.

---

3. Check Firewall and Security Settings

After updates or installations, firewall settings may block communication.

• Go to Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app through Firewall.

• Ensure QuickBooks programs such as QBW32.exe and QBCFMonitorService.exe are allowed on both private and public networks.

• Restart your system before trying again.

---

4. Recreate the .ND File

If the .ND file is damaged, Multi-User Mode won’t work.

• Navigate to your company file folder.

• Locate the file with the extension .ND (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd).

• Delete it, then open the Database Server Manager and rescan the folder to recreate a new one.

---

5. Verify Folder Permissions

Ensure all users have permission to access the shared folder:

• Right-click the folder → Properties → Security tab.

• Select Edit and give Full Control to all users.

---

Conclusion

When

, it’s usually due to incorrect hosting, firewall blocks, or network configuration errors. By following the steps above—checking hosting settings, restarting the Database Server Manager, adjusting your firewall, recreating the .ND file, and fixing permissions—you can restore multi-user functionality in just minutes.