The Best Method to Apply When QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off

The Hosting feature in QuickBooks allows other devices, known as workstations, to access and operate the files that are stored on the host computer, which holds the company file. But, in some cases, if this feature is disabled or incorrectly set up it results in the “QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off” error. There can be various factors that can disable the hosting mode like a misconfiguration in the system settings, a backend coding glitch etc. In this blog, we will focus on sharing with you a detailed guide on how you can undo this error along with other triggers and preliminary checks that you must keep in mind.

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Why QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Disabled?

1. The Hosting settings are incorrectly set up.
2. Insufficient Windows file permissions to QuickBooks.
3. If QuickBooks is not installed or correctly installed on the host computer.
4. The company file is out of access for the database server.
5. The system’s firewall or anti-virus programs prohibits QuickBooks activities.

Pre-requisites to Make the Hosting Mode Work

Before we jump to the steps that will help you get back to working in the hosting mode, ensure that your computers fulfill the following conditions-

1. The systems are well configured for the multi-user mode.
2. The QuickBooks company file is stored in a shared folder.
3. The host computer has a network drive to access all workstations easily.

What should you do when QuickBooks Desktop Hosting Mode is Off?

Configuring the “QuickBooks Multi-User Hosting Not Working” error is a lengthy process. However, if you follow all the steps correctly, this error will go away permanently-

Step 1 – Check the QuickBooks Server Settings for Multi-User

1. Sign in to your device using your Admin login credentials.
2. Test the speed of your internet connection.
3. Access QuickBooks.
4. Tap on the File tab.
5. Press the “Switch to Multi-User Mode” option.
6. If the system prompts a permission box, click on Yes.
7. Hit the OK button in the Multi-User window.
8. Click on the Company tab.
9. Press the Set up Users & Passwords option.
10. Move to Set up Users.
11. You need to click on the Add Users button to add all the users who will access QuickBooks.

Step 2- Enable the Network Discovery

1. Press the Windows icon.
2. In the search bar, type Control Panel.
3. Click twice on the Control Panel tab.
4. Tap on Network Sharing Center.
5. Select Change Advanced Sharing Setting.
6. Zoom the profile in use.
7. Move to the Network Discovery section
8. Press the Turn on Network Discovery option.
9. Navigate to Password Protected Sharing.
10. You need to disable this feature here.
11. Tap on Save Changes.
12. Repeat the steps on all devices.

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Step 3- Access your Company File

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Press Open or Restore Company File.
3. Look for the location of the file.
4. Choose the file with the .QBW extension.
5. Hit the Open button.
6. Use your login details to authorize the action.

Step 4- Turn off the Hosting Feature on the Client Devices

1. Access QuickBooks on the Client system.
2. Go to the File menu.
3. Select the Utilities option.
4. If you see Host Multi-User Access, you can skip this computer.
5. If Hosting Multi-User Access is displayed on the screen, you must turn it off by choosing the Stop Hosting
6. Multi-User Access option.
7. Repeat the steps on all Client Computers.

With this detailed blog, we know why QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off. Also, we have figured out a method that will enable the Hosting Mode. We are optimistic that the steps mentioned above guided you thoroughly on how to resolve this tiny glitch. If you have any doubts or queries regarding the same, feel free to get connected with our tech specialists at 1.800.579.0391 anytime.