QuickBooks multi-user mode not working greyed out: Resolved quickly!

May 5, 2023

238 6 minutes read

QuickBooks multi-user mode not working greyed out

The QuickBooks multi-user mode helps multiple users to access the QuickBooks Company file and work on it simultaneously. But while switching from single-user to multi-user mode, you can encounter the ‘QuickBooks multi-user mode not working greyed out‘ error. This error related to multi-user mode can slow down productivity, further interrupting the users’ workflow. Different reasons can trigger this error in QuickBooks desktop, which we will discuss later in this post. This error could also occur if the users try to launch a company file stored on a server. To avoid this error, refer to the solutions we have listed. Make sure to move step by step to resolve this error successfully.

You can call us on +1-855-948-3646 if you have any queries about the ‘QuickBooks multi-user mode not working greyed out’ error. We have a team of QB experts who can answer all your questions.

What triggers the QuickBooks multi-user mode not syncing error?

Go through the causes below to understand the triggering points of this error.

Any corrupted or damaged .nd files may also cause this QuickBooks error.
An incorrectly set up Windows file permission could result in the QuickBooks multi-user mode not syncing.
If QuickBooks is not installed on the server computer, it may result in this error.
The error could result from improperly configured hosting settings.
Verify that your firewall is not obstructing the computer connection, resulting in this QuickBooks error.

You may also like to read:- Why I am getting the QuickBooks error ps107

Read the pointers below and make a note of them

Install the same version of QuickBooks Manager as QuickBooks.
Make sure you have QuickBooks database server manager installed.
Check if your QuickBooks is updated.

Solutions to troubleshoot the QuickBooks won’t switch to multi-user mode error.

We understand that it could be challenging for the users to fix this error, but you can do it easily with these solutions. For your reference, we have mentioned the solutions with steps so that it is easier for you to fix the QuickBooks won’t switch to multi-user mode error.

Solution 1: Grant the admin access to QuickBooks programs

Shut down QuickBooks.
Access the control panel by heading to the Windows start menu.
Select a user account.
For your desktop version, search for “QBDataServiceUserXX.”
Select administrator after selecting Change the account type.
To save the changes, tap on Change Account Type and choose Apply.
For each version of the QuickBooks database server manager you employ, repeat these instructions.

Solution 2: Run the tool hub on your pc

Step 1: Download the tool hub

Access the downloaded file once you download it.
Follow the on-screen commands.
Complete the installation of the tool hub.
Make sure to agree to the conditions.

Step 2: Launch QB file doctor

Head to company file issues once you open the tool hub.
Select run QuickBooks, file doctor.
It will take some time for the program to run.

Step 3: Utilize the QB database server manager

Open the tool hub and head to network issues.
Select QuickBooks database server manager.
Head to the database server manager.
If you cannot locate folders, use the browse section.
Tap on ok and click on the start scan button.

Solution 3: Check the host mode on all the pcs

Launch your QuickBooks software.
Head to the QuickBooks file menu and then tap on utilities.
Once you locate host multi-user access in the list, head to a different pc.
If you find the ‘stop using multi-user access’ option, select it and disable the hosting.
After your turn of the hosting mode on all the systems, see if the multi-user mode is not working error is fixed.

Solution 4: Try adding the server to the Windows host file

Access the Windows host file.
You can locate the host file at C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\.
Open Notepad as admin.
Write in the server’s IP address.
Using the tab key, type the server’s name.
Click on the save option.
At last, tap on the exit tab.

Solution 5: Attempt to switch to multi-user hosting

Access your QuickBooks and update the company file.
Head to the file menu and select the utility tab.
Select the host multi-user access option.
And last, click on yes.

Solution 6: Try pinging the workstation from the server

Head to the start menu on the server and workstation that are encountering this error.
Enter in network and open the network sharing center.
Tap on change advanced settings and then turn on network discovery.
Write in CMD in the run windows, and do not forget to hit on the enter key.
After this, enter in Ipconfig/all and click the enter key.
See if you can view the server name next to the hostname.
Take note of the hostname and save it somewhere.
Tap on the start menu and open up the run command window.
After that, type in cmd in the run window.
At last, enter ping your server name and then click on the enter key.
Once the process ends, try using QB in multi-user mode to check if the ‘unable to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode’ error is fixed.

Solution 7: Try to configure the default settings

Access your QuickBooks and tap on the file tab.
Click on utilities and then choose the host multi-user access option.
Now add the number of users with the company file.
Select cancel, and if the multi-user mode is enabled, disable it.
Create another login credential for the users, and the process is complete.

Move to the other solutions if the above fixes cannot help you fix this error on your QuickBooks desktop.

Solution 8: Reinstall your QuickBooks software

Hit on the start tab and head to the control panel.
Head to programs and features and search for QB.
Tap on QuickBooks and continue with the uninstallation process.
Download the required QuickBooks version again from the Intuit website.
Tap on multi-user mode hosting and then move to it.

Solution 9: Try to rename the .tlg and .nd files

Open the QuickBooks desktop company file.
Click on the F2 key, and the product information window will appear.
Under the file information, you can see the location of the file.
You can locate the .nd and .tlg files in the same folder.
Rename them by right-clicking.

Solution 10: Try configuring the Windows firewall settings

Move to the control panel from the Windows start menu.
Search for Windows firewall and hit on enter.
Hit on Allow an application through Windows firewall.
Click on Change settings and check the box under the public list.
Tap on ok and then Public.
Try running your QuickBooks in multi-user mode now.

Solution 11: Create a new company file folder

Make a fresh folder for the company file and make it on your host system.
Set up the folder and allow the windows to access permissions for the fresh folder.
Now copy the .qbw file to the fresh folder and check if the company file is in multi-user mode.
If it is opening correctly, that means the issues have been resolved.

Solution 12: Check if QB can communicate with the server

To launch the run command, hit on Windows + R key.
Write in Ping Server name and click on the enter key.
Use UNC to access the folder in the server now.
Take the help of UNC to switch back to the company file in QB.

Solution 13: Check if the QuickBooks services are running properly

Head to the Windows search bar and look for service.msc.
See if the QuickBooksDBXX service is in the service window list.
If the service is unavailable, ensure you have a database server manager on your pc.
Now double-tap on the QuickBooksDBXX service, and the value should be automatic.
Restart the QuickBooksDBXX service, followed by a failure under the recovery tab.
Check if the error has been resolved.

With the help of these fixes, you can quickly eliminate the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error. We understand that the users might face difficulty working with this error, so we have mentioned several fixes for you to eliminate this error quickly. Note that the QuickBooks tool hub is efficient for fixing many QuickBooks bugs. Keeping it downloaded to your system is always a safer option.

Also, make sure to update your QuickBooks when the updates are available. Not updating your QuickBooks and using an older version can trigger technical errors on your desktop. To avoid that, always download the recent updates available for QuickBooks.

Winding it up!

Follow this comprehensive guide to fixing the ‘QuickBooks multi-user mode not working greyed out‘ error. You can also contact us by dialing +1-855-948-3646 directly. We have a team of QuickBooks experts who are pros in dealing with such errors and can help you fix this error if you are still stuck on it. You can also address all your queries to our experts and resolve them quickly. For any further information, speak to our experts. They can be your best guide.