QuickBooks Point of Sale encounters multi-user issues while communicating to a client workstation and connecting to a server. It may differ from workstations to the connected server in different ways. In this article, we will briefly discuss, how to fix multi-user issues in QuickBooks Point of Sale, why it occurs, and what are the signs of the issues.
Before starting the article, it will be good to know a little overview of the multi-user process in QuickBooks.
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What is multi-user process in QuickBooks
When working with QuickBooks you will have two options that you can allow users: single-user mode and multi-user mode. The single-user mode does not limit access to users’ company files. From its name, it is clear that only a user can access files at a given point. Can multiple people in multi-user mode access the company’s files at a single point and manage their work from their respective systems.
In multi-user mode, multiple users can open, and edit company files. Users are authorized to access their dedicated functions from their computer systems. Therefore, if your business has a large number of employees, then the multi-user mode will be beneficial for you.
What are the signs to Identify the Multi-User Issue in QuickBooks POS
Multi-user issues appear with some error messages in different ways. Here is the list of error messages;
- Error: Fixing the connection
- Point of sale is grayed out
- Error: You are not connected to the server
- The application has encountered a problem and needs to close.
- Error: Specify server and company data file
- POS Message 181002: Server workstation is not running, or company data is not accessible
If any one of the error messages is showing on your screen then you should immediately fix this issue
Why the Multi-User issue Occurs in QuickBooks point of sale
This multi-user issue can occur due to different reasons. So here, we have a list of all possible reasons for this issue. Have a look;
- May be the QuickBooks database service is not running.
- The firewall is now allowing access to the company file in your network connection.
- QuickBooks POS cannot find the IP address of your server that is managing the company file.
- The QuickBooks network data file is damaged.
- The user is not getting read and write permission on Windows.
- May be the QuickBooks server is busy.
To Fix multi-user issues in QuickBooks point of sale
Use all of the above solutions to fix and troubleshoot QuickBooks’ multi-user issues at the Point of Sale. For users who are not familiar with Windows components and settings, these solutions may be complicated for you. So first of all check that your QuickBooks is compatible with Windows 10 or not, and also consult with an IT expert for help.
Solution 1: Rename the WS Activity File
If you are facing any of the errors mentioned above, then you should follow the various solutions described here. As a first solution, you will have to rename the WSActivity file. To rename this file follow the steps described below:
- Open the folder containing the WSActivity file.
- Right-click WSActivity and change the name.
- Rename the WSActivity file to OLDWSActivity.
Now turn off and restart the POS in all your workstations and check if it works well.
Solution 2: Check that your Server Must Be in Multi-User Mode
You have to check your server before going for other solutions. It should be situated in multi-user mode. If it is not, then you should follow the below steps:
- Go to the File menu and choose the ‘Switch Company Files to Multi-User Mode’ option.
- Refresh your system if your user server is already in multi-user mode and switch it to single-user mode and back to its initial mode again.
Solution 3: Set Folder Permissions where Company File is Saved
If the issue is still not resolved then set the folder permissions where the company file is saved. If you now know about these permissions and how to find the company file, go through the steps below:
- On your server, right-click the folder where the company file is saved and choose Properties.
- Click on the Share tab.
- Choose to share this folder by clicking the Advanced Sharing button then
- Then type in QBPOSdbsrvuser and click OK.
- Click to choose Full Control and QBPOSdbsrvuser from the option.
- Allow full control to all and service user groups.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Solution 4: Turn On Network Discovery
One of the other solutions to troubleshoot multi-user issues in QuickBooks Point of Sale is to turn on network discovery. Use the guidelines below to turn on network search.
- Select the control panel then select the network and sharing center.
- Choose Change Advanced Sharing Settings available on the left pane.
- Expand your network profile that is currently allocated for existing network connections.
- Choose Turn on Network Discovery in the Network Discovery segment.
- Enlarge this network category in the Settings section.
- In the Password Protected Sharing field, select the Turn off password protected sharing option.
We hope the provided solutions will help you to fix multi-user issues in QuickBooks Point of Sale. Still, if in case you find any problem following the procedures then you can contact us through the toll-free number +1-844-405-0904 to get help from our certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors.