What is QuickBooks Error 6073?
QuickBooks Error 6073 typically occurs when a user tries to open a company file (.qbw) in multi-user mode, but QuickBooks cannot open it. This error is accompanied by a message stating, “QuickBooks is unable to open this company file. Another user may have opened it…” This can be frustrating as it prevents multiple users from accessing the file simultaneously, a crucial feature for businesses needing concurrent access to their financial data.
Causes of QuickBooks Error 6073
Several scenarios can trigger this error. Understanding these can help troubleshoot and prevent future occurrences. Here are the most common causes:
- File is Open in Single User Mode on Another Workstation: This happens if someone is accessing the file in Single User mode on another computer.
- File is Located in a Read-Only Network Folder: If the file is stored in a network folder with read-only permissions, it cannot be opened by other users.
- Files are Hosted on a Linux Server and are Using More than One Set of Login Credentials: If you use a Linux server and have configured it to use different login credentials to share the files, this could lead to issues.
- The File is Being Accessed via Remote Software and the Host Computer Sees that the User is Still Logged On. Remote access software might cause the host computer to think that a user is still logged in even when they aren’t.
Step By Step Guide To Fix QuickBooks Error 6073
Fixing QuickBooks Error 6073 involves a series of steps tailored to different scenarios that cause the error. Follow these solutions based on the situation that applies to you:
Step 1: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor
Start with the simplest solution, which is using QuickBooks File Doctor. It’s a tool developed by Intuit that can diagnose and repair common issues with QuickBooks files. Follow these steps:
- Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub: Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site and install it on your system.
- Run QuickBooks File Doctor:
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Go to the ‘Company File Issues’ tab.
- Click on ‘Run QuickBooks File Doctor’. It might take a few minutes to open.
- In the QuickBooks File Doctor, select your company file from the drop-down menu or browse to locate it, then select ‘Check your file’ and ‘Continue’.’
- Enter your QuickBooks admin password and then choose ‘Next’.
The tool will automatically diagnose and fix any issues with the file. If this doesn’t resolve the error, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Manually Resolve the Error
If the File is Open in Single User Mode on Another Workstation
- Ensure No One is Using the File: Communicate with your team to make sure no one is accessing the file in Single User mode.
- Switch to Multi-User Mode:
- Go to the ‘File’ menu.
- Select ‘Switch to Multi-user Mode’.
If the File is Located in a Read-Only Network Folder
- Check the Network Folder Permissions:
- Right-click on the folder where the company file is saved and select ‘Properties’.
- Go to the ‘Security’ tab and ensure that users have ‘Full Control’ or appropriate permissions to access and modify the files.
If Files are Hosted on a Linux Server Using Different Login Credentials
2.Configure the Linux Database Server Manager:
- Ensure that the directory containing the QuickBooks files has the appropriate permissions.
- Check if the QBDataServiceUser is configured with sufficient permissions.
- Make sure that all users are using the same credentials to access the server.
If the File is Being Accessed via Remote Software
- Log Off or Disconnect the Remote Session Properly:
- Ensure that the user logs off correctly from any remote software to avoid leaving the session running in the background.
Step 3: Restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
On the server hosting your company files, restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. This can help refresh the connections and permissions settings:
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Navigate to Network Issues and select ‘QuickBooks Database Server Manager’.
- Scan the Folders containing QuickBooks data files.
- Restart the server where the data files are stored.
Step 4: Check the File Access Permissions
Ensure that the user trying to access the QuickBooks file has the necessary permissions. This can be checked and modified in the Windows file system or wherever the file is hosted.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error 6073 and get your multi-user environment running smoothly again. Regularly updating your QuickBooks software and ensuring proper server maintenance can prevent many common issues, including error 6073. If the problem persists, contacting QuickBooks support or a professional IT consultant is advisable to resolve deeper issues.