How to Fix “Company File In Use QuickBooks” Error Message

If you cannot open the company file in QuickBooks, especially when QuickBooks is running under multi-user mode, then there might be possibilities that the company file is in use by another user or application. When this happens, QuickBooks displays “Company File in Use QuickBooks,” and you might get frustrated, but it’s not time to panic yet. Resolving the error requires a bit of troubleshooting, and there are several ways to get rid of this error message. If you are also concerned about the impact of the “Company File in Use QuickBooks or QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open” error message on your QuickBooks application and crucial business data, then follow the complete article for a brief description of the error and a step-by-step solution.

If you are also totally exhausted and fed up with the “Company File in Use QuickBooks” error message, then Call Support Number +1- 855 738 2784  for Immediate Help

“Company File in Use QuickBooks” – Error Description

QuickBooks Desktop allows multiple users to work on the data file. Most of all, it is easy to set up multi-user hosting in QuickBooks. One of the root causes of the error message “Company File in Use QuickBooks” is the incorrect hosting setup. QuickBooks will not allow multiple users to access the data if file access rights are not assigned for security reasons. In some instances, QB Desktop might display different error messages depending upon the cause. Other error messages that you might get are as follows:

Company File in Use. Please Wait

QuickBooks has opened in multi-user mode because at least one other person is using the company file in multi-user mode.

Company File in Use (Not Responding): Another QuickBooks user is (unknown user) is currently performing a task which must finish before you can continue. QuickBooks will continue automatically when the other user’s task has completed.

The company file cannot be closed at this time because there is another application (add-in product or background task) which is using it. Before you can close the company file, you must either close that application or instruct the application to end its session with QuickBooks.

Reasons for QuickBooks already has a Company File Open Error Message

There could be several reasons you can get an error where even after not having the company open in QuickBooks, it gives you an error message stating the company file is already in use. Here is a list of all those reasons.

1. Imprecise multi-user hosting settings on the server and the workstations in the network.
2. Third-party applications are interrupting QuickBook’s background processes.
3. QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running on the computer, which is one of the primary causes of QB already having a company file open error message.
4. Another user is already making changes to the entries in the QB company file that you are trying to access, triggering a “QuickBooks Not Loading Company File” error message.

Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Company File in use not responding Error

Solution 1: Verify Multi-User Hosting on each Workstation

Verifying the hosting status on every system in the network, including the server that hosts the company file, will ensure that only the server computer is hosting the company file and all other workstations are running in a single-user mode which is the ideal setup for a multi-user environment.

1. Make sure only one system in the network is hosting the company file.
2. Open QuickBooks on each computer in the network and click the File tab.
3. Move your cursor over Utilities, and if QuickBooks displays Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it and hit Yes.
4. If you get the option Host Multi-User Access, this indicates that the hosting settings are correct.
5. Exit QuickBooks and follow the same steps on each computer in the network.
6. Follow the next troubleshooting step if you are still getting the QB company file in use not responding error message.

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop on Server and Workstation

Having an up-to-date QuickBooks Desktop eliminates the possibility of getting errors because of internal issues in the QuickBooks Desktop program because of bugs and glitches in the previous update.

1. Go to the Help tab in QuickBooks and select the Update QuickBooks Desktop… option that will get you the Update QuickBooks window.
2. Move to the Update Now tab and select all the program features to update.
3. Click Get Updates and wait till the updates are ready to be installed.
4. Restart QuickBooks once the updates are downloaded and when prompted, click Install Now.
5. Check if updating helps you resolve the error.

Follow our article How to Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Released Version for more detailed instructions on installing the latest updates of QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 3: Restart QuickBooks Database Service from the Task Manager

Restarting any application works like refreshing it. If QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running as expected due to some internal issues, restarting it can help rectify the issue.

1. Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your computer and select Start Task Manager.
2. Navigate to the Processes tab and locate the QuickBooks process named QuickBooks DBXX where (XX indicates the version of your QuickBooks Desktop).
3. Right-click the service and select End Process.
4. Click Yes to confirm and open QuickBooks Desktop again from your Desktop.
5. Try reaccessing the company file, and if the “Company File in Use QuickBooks” error reappears, follow the next troubleshooting step.

Solution 4: Sign in with an Admin Account on Windows

If your user account has limited permissions, you cannot perform several tasks on Windows, including accessing the company file. Make sure to run QuickBooks as an administrator. You can also sign in to your Windows with the admin account to avoid such errors in QuickBooks.

1. Click the Windows Start button, and from the Windows Startup options, select Log off.
2. Now click Switch User and enter the login credentials of the admin account.
3. Press Enter, and Windows will now log you in as an administrator.

For detailed instructions on signing in as an administrator of the Windows computer, follow the article How do I log on as an administrator.

Solution 5: Set up Permissions to the User in QuickBooks

If you are the admin user of the QuickBooks account, you will need to assign adequate admin rights to the users to access the company file without any restrictions.

1. Open QuickBooks on another workstation that is not getting the error.
2. Open the company file, and from under the Users section, click View Users.
3. Ensure that the user getting the error is currently not accessing the company file.
4. From the Company, section go to the Users tab and select Set up Users and Roles.
5. Click New and type a name for the new user.
6. Hit Add and add a role to the new account from the Roles section.
7. Click OK and then Close.

Hopefully, this article has enough explanation to get you back onto the right track, eliminating the “Company File in Use QuickBooks” error message. In case if the error is not resolved even after following all the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, you can always reach us at our Support Number +1- 855 738 2784. Our team of certified experts deals with errors where QB won’t open the company file on a regular basis. If you are also facing the same issue, we can provide you the solution in the shortest time possible.