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July 9, 2020
Question

Consistent "Company file in Use" Error by Unknown User in QB Desktop Enterprise (Multi-User Mode)

  • July 9, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 50 views

We keep receiving the "Company File in Use" error again (happens at least once a week). After I force quit QB on the host PC, we were able to access QB. 

 

I attached a screenshot of the error messages received on my workstation and the host PC.

 

Please note: I do have log files available that I generated at the moment I noticed this error happening.

3 replies

Level 8
July 9, 2020

Hello, bhi.

 

Thanks for adding the screenshot of the error messages! I have a bunch of solutions to help fix them. 

 

The log files can also help me see what's causing the issue. I'd appreciate it if you could include the log files in your reply.

 

To start off, let's create a backup copy of your company file to avoid data loss. I looked through your previous posts and I see that you've already updated QuickBooks Desktop on your workstations. I'd also recommend updating the copy in your host computer if you haven't done it yet. 

 

For the Unrecoverable Error message, you'll want to run the QuickBooks File Doctor or Tool Hub utility. The error message might have something to do with the company file in the host computer. 

 

Here's how to download and run it: 

 

  1. In your host computer, download the Tool Hub utility.
  2. Open the file after downloading it and run the installer.
  3. After installing, open the utility (it should be QuickBooks Tools Hub)
  4. In the tool hub, click the Company File issues tab. 
  5. Choose Quick Fix my File.
  6. Click OK then open QuickBooks Desktop again. 

Other steps can also be found here

 

There are other solutions that can also fix the Unrecoverable Error message. I'd recommend running the rest of the solutions found in this article

 

The "Company File in Use" error message in the workstation might be caused by the QuickBooks Database Server Manager settings. Try checking its configuration settings and ensure it is set up properly. I'd recommend following the steps in this article

 

When you fixed the consistent issue, our articles can guide you in getting things done in QuickBooks Desktop. Look for a topic and choose an article here

 

If you need help with other things in QuickBooks Desktop, please let me know. I'll show you a thing or two when you get back here.

bhiAuthor
July 9, 2020

Hi @jamespaul 

Thank you for your response!

I will run these steps the next time I see this error happen.

 

Also, here is a link to download the log files: https://bit.ly/2Djfg8q

Let me know if you find the problem after reviewing them @jamespaul 

Level 8
July 9, 2020

You're welcome, bhi! 

 

Thanks for the log files! They contain lines that can help us determine the cause of the issue. 

 

I noticed some issues with the QuickBooks Web Connector in your log file. This could direct us to the source of the problem. However, this may also mean that the problem is within the file itself like I mentioned in my response. You can then run the steps from my post above.

 

Please provide my colleagues and me with an update about this. If you have other questions, feel free to include them. Have a lovely day

 

Take care out there. 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 14
January 7, 2022
This post has been deleted.

Don't call the number. Beware.

February 1, 2022

Any update/fix for this?  Coworkers are getting "locked out" and can not complete tasks because of the same error when I'm conducting item receipts, adjusting PO's & invoices.  Issue still persists even after I close out all QB windows (tasks) from my end.  

QB Support:  Please do not reply back with that customer service number and lets get this issue resolved for all of us.  Thank you!

Adrian_A
Level 8
February 1, 2022

It isn't the kind of experience we want you to come across, Peter626CPA.

 

The error message indicates there are network issues, database issues, conflicting programs, and a server or workstation that doesn't meet the system requirements for QuickBooks.

 

With that, you can resolve this by trying the steps laid in these articles:

 

If the error persists, you can try the solutions on this reference under the If the error appears on multiple workstations section: Fix locked file errors in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

You may refer to this article that lists different ways to fix unrecoverable errors:

 Unrecoverable Error: General Troubleshooting Steps.

 

Keep me posted as to how things work on your end. I'll be around to ensure this gets resolved.