Troubleshooting QuickBooks Hosting Mode Off: How to Enable It

QuickBooks Hosting Mode is a feature that allows multiple users to access the same company file at the same time. This feature needs to be enabled to allow remote access to the QuickBooks file over a network. However, sometimes users may face issues with QuickBooks Hosting Mode being turned off, preventing them from accessing the company file. In this blog, we will provide a troubleshooting guide on how to enable QuickBooks Hosting Mode.

Solution 1: Check if Hosting is Enabled on the Server

Before proceeding with any other troubleshooting steps, it is important to check if Hosting is enabled on the server. Here's how to do it:

1. Open QuickBooks and log in as an administrator.
2. Go to the File menu and select Utilities.
3. Check if the option “Host Multi-User Access” is available. If it is not available, then it means that QuickBooks Hosting Mode is off on the server.

If Hosting is not enabled, follow the steps below to enable it.

Solution 2: Enable Hosting Mode in QuickBooks

To enable Hosting Mode in QuickBooks, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks and log in as an administrator.
2. Go to the File menu and select Utilities.
3. Click on Host Multi-User Access.
4. Click Yes on the confirmation window to enable Hosting Mode.
5. Close QuickBooks and restart the server.

Read More: Download & Install  Latest QuickBooks Tool Hub

Solution 3: Check Firewall Settings

If the Hosting Mode is enabled, but the issue still persists, then it could be due to the firewall settings blocking access to QuickBooks. Here's how to check and configure the firewall settings:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “firewall.cpl” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. Click on Advanced Settings in the left pane.
4. Click on Inbound Rules in the left pane.
5. Click on New Rule in the right pane.
6. Select Port and click Next.
7. Select TCP and enter the port number used by QuickBooks (8019 by default) and click Next.
8. Select Allow the Connection and click Next.
9. Select the network type for which the rule should apply and click Next.
10. Give the rule a name and click Finish.

Solution 4: Check Network Connections

If the issue still persists, check if there are any issues with the network connections. Follow the steps below:

1. Check if all the computers are connected to the same network.
2. Check if the server hosting the QuickBooks file is turned on.
3. Check if the network cables are properly connected.
4. Check if the network adapter drivers are up to date.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Hosting Mode is an essential feature for remote access to the QuickBooks file over a network. However, if QuickBooks Hosting Mode is off, it can cause inconvenience and delay in financial management. The above solutions can help users enable QuickBooks Hosting Mode and resolve the issue quickly. In case the issue persists, it is recommended to contact QuickBooks support for further assistance.

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