QuickBooks® Multi-User Mode allows multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously over a network. This feature is essential for growing businesses where accountants, bookkeepers, and employees need to collaborate. However, sometimes users encounter frustrating Multi-User Mode issues that prevent proper access or synchronization.

If you’re unable to switch to multi-user mode or receive error messages like “QuickBooks is unable to open the company file in multi-user mode,” you’re not alone. This guide covers the most common problems, reasons, and fixes for QuickBooks® Multi-User Mode issues.

For expert help, contact the QuickBooks Support Team at 1800-223-1608 — available 24/7.

???? Common Multi-User Mode Issues in QuickBooks
Here are the most frequently reported multi-user problems:

? Cannot switch to Multi-User Mode

? Error H202, H505, H101, or H303

? Company file only opens in Single-User Mode

? QBDBMgrN (QuickBooks Database Server Manager) not running

? Hosting mode is off or disabled

? Workstations can't connect to the server

? Performance issues while in multi-user mode

???? Causes of Multi-User Mode Errors
Understanding why QuickBooks can't run in multi-user mode helps in troubleshooting faster. The common causes include:

? Hosting not enabled on the server

???? Firewall blocking QuickBooks ports

???? Network connectivity issues

?? QBDBMgrN or QuickBooks services not running

???? Damaged .ND (Network Data) file

????? Incorrect folder permissions

???? DNS or IP address conflicts on the network

????? How to Fix Multi-User Mode Issues in QuickBooks
Follow these step-by-step methods to fix QuickBooks multi-user mode errors:

? Step 1: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
Download and install the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub (v1.6.0.8 or higher).

Open the tool

Go to Network Issues

Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Scan your folder containing the company file

Restart QuickBooks and try switching to multi-user mode again

Tool Hub can fix H-series errors like H202, H505, and connectivity failures.

? Step 2: Verify Hosting Settings
Only the server should host the company file. On each workstation:

Open QuickBooks

Go to File > Utilities

If you see Host Multi-User Access, DO NOT click it

If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it to disable hosting on that computer

Only the main server should show "Host Multi-User Access" as enabled.

? Step 3: Restart QuickBooks Services
Ensure the QuickBooks services are running on the server:

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter

Find these services:

QuickBooksDBXX (XX = version, like 32 for 2022)

QBCFMonitorService

Right-click each and choose Restart

Set Startup Type to Automatic

? Step 4: Configure Firewall & Add Exceptions
Make sure Windows Firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking QuickBooks.

Open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings

Add inbound and outbound rules for:

QBDBMgrN.exe

QBCFMonitorService.exe

QuickBooks.exe

Also add port exceptions for your QuickBooks version:

2024: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382

2023: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377

And so on...

? Step 5: Rename the .ND File
A damaged Network Data file may prevent multi-user access.

Locate the .ND file in your company file folder

Example: CompanyFileName.qbw.nd

Right-click and rename it to CompanyFileName.qbw.nd.old

Open QuickBooks and re-scan using Database Server Manager

? Step 6: Verify Folder Permissions
Ensure the folder containing your company file has full access for all users.

Right-click the folder > Properties > Security Tab

Grant Full Control to Everyone and Administrators

? Step 7: Ping the Server
Check if the workstation can connect to the server:

Open Command Prompt

Type ping [server-name] and press Enter

If you don’t get a reply, there’s a network issue

???? Still Need Help? Contact QuickBooks Support
If you’ve tried these steps and still face issues, call QuickBooks Multi-User Support at 1800-223-1608. Our certified technicians can help you:

Troubleshoot H-series errors

Configure network and firewall settings

Set up hosting correctly

Repair QuickBooks files

Support is available 24/7, so your business never has to stop.

???? FAQs – QuickBooks® Multi-User Mode Issues
Q1: What does Error H202 mean in QuickBooks?
Answer: H202 means QuickBooks can’t reach the server hosting the company file. It’s typically caused by blocked ports or network issues.

Q2: Why is QuickBooks stuck in Single-User Mode?
Answer: This can happen if the server is not hosting the company file or if the Database Server Manager isn’t running.

Q3: Can all users host the company file?
Answer: No. Only the server should host the file. All other workstations must disable hosting.

Q4: What if the QuickBooks Database Server Manager isn't running?
Answer: Restart the service from services.msc or reinstall QuickBooks Database Server on the server.

Q5: Do I need to call support if the tool hub doesn’t work?
Answer: Yes. If Tool Hub and manual fixes don’t help, call 1800-223-1608 for expert multi-user troubleshooting.

???? Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Multi-User Mode is a powerful tool for collaboration—but network misconfigurations or file corruption can bring it to a halt. By following the steps above or using QuickBooks Tool Hub, most issues can be resolved. For urgent help, always reach out to QuickBooks support at 1800-223-1608.