Why Can ’ t I Open QuickBooks Company File in Multi - User Mode ? Windows file permissions might not be established correctly , the firewall or antivirus software might not permit communication between user PCs , or QuickBooks might not be loaded on the server and the hosting settings might not be set up correctly QuickBooks helps many businesses keep track of their money , bills and employees QuickBooks ' multi - user mode , which allows many users to work on the same company file simultaneously , is a fantastic feature This blog will explore the common reasons behind this problem and suggest practical solutions to help you get back on track Understanding Multi - User Mode in QuickBooks Understanding how multi - user mode operates is essential before delving into the reasons QuickBooks is set up on a server or host computer that stores the company file in this mode Other users on the network can access the file from their workstations To make this possible , specific settings and services must be configured correctly Common Reasons It ’ s Not Working Here are some common reasons why QuickBooks multi - user mode doesn ’ t work and what to do about each one 1. QBCFMonitorService is not working QuickBooks needs something called QBCFMonitorService to run in the background so other computers can connect to the company file If you see the error “ QBCFMonitorService not running on this computer ”, it means this helper tool has stopped or crashed How to fix it : Press the Windows key + R Type Services msc and press Enter Find QBCFMonitorService Right - click on it and choose Start Also , set it to Automatic so it starts every time your computer turns on Now , Restart QuickBooks and try again 2. Another Important Service is Stopped QuickBooks also needs something called QuickBooksDBXX ( XX is your QuickBooks version , like DB 32 for 2022). If that ’ s not running , it can ’ t share files properly Fix it the same way : Open Services msc Find QuickBooksDBXX Right - click > Start Set it to Automatic 3. The Wrong Computer is Hosting the File Only one computer should be set to " Host " the company file All other computers should not host it To check : Open QuickBooks Go to File > Utilities Click " Host Multi - User Access " if it appears to activate it ( only on the server ). Verify that " Host Multi - User Access " is displayed on all other PCs ; do not click it 4. Firewall or Antivirus is Blocking it Sometimes your firewall or antivirus software blocks QuickBooks from connecting with other computers To fix : Verify that QuickBooks has been added to your firewall or antivirus software as an exception Also , make sure these ports are open : TCP : 8019. TCP : 5530–556. 3 ( depending on your version ). If you ’ re not sure how to do that , you can ask your IT person or QuickBooks support 5. File Folder doesn ’ t have the Right Permissions If the folder where your company file is stored doesn ’ t allow access to other users , they won ’ t be able to open the file Fix it like this : Right - click the Folder > Properties > Security tab Verify all users have Full Control or Read & Write access Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool ( Easy Fix ). A free tool called File Doctor It can scan your company file and fix problems with multi - user access Here ’ s what to do : Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit ' s official site Open it and go to Company File Issues Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor Let it scan and fix the file Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager ( if needed ) If your network setup is damaged , uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server computer After that , rescan the folder where your file is saved Tips to Avoid This Problem Keep QuickBooks updated Only open the file from your shared network , not from Google Drive or Dropbox Restart your server once a week Always back up your company file Final Words It can be frustrating when multi - user mode stops working in QuickBook s But in most cases , it ’ s an easy fix One of the most common causes is when QBCFMonitorService not running on this computer and starting that service usually solves the issue Follow the simple steps above , and your whole team will be back to working in QuickBooks together in no time If the problem continues , don ’ t delay in contacting QuickBooks support 1–855–542–9309