When accessing your company data in QB Desktop, you may receive an error stating that QuickBooks already has a company file open.
Here is the error message you might see on your screen:
Some common indications of this error are slow QuickBooks operation and frequent computer freezing. Furthermore, you won’t be able to work efficiently on your business projects due to the lack of access to financial data. Consequently, your daily business productivity can substantially decline.
Fortunately, you can effortlessly implement several techniques to fix this error. Let’s quickly jump into the article to know all the factors that can trigger this error and explore how we can resolve it effectively.
If you need instant help regarding QuickBooks already having an open company file error, dial 1(800) 780-3064 to connect with a QB professional.
Why Does QuickBooks Say a Company File is Already Open?
You can get the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message due to the following reasons:
- Improper multi-user hosting setup on various workstations and the server.
- Invalid name on the QuickBooks company file.
- Background execution of different QB processes on your system.
- Utilizing an older edition of QuickBooks Desktop.
- Corruption in the QB company files on your system.
- Defects in the QuickBooks program configuration.
Now that we know all the factors behind this error let’s jump to the following section to explore practical ways to fix it.
6 Things to Do If QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open
Before using any method to fix this error, you need to do the following immediately:
- Install QuickBooks application updates. This will ensure that you have the most recently developed bug fixes and troubleshooting tools.
- Download the latest Windows updates. The new Windows updates include features and enhancements that will aid you when fixing this error.
Now, you can implement the following techniques to resolve this problem:
1. Ensure Valid Multi-User Hosting Settings
You must ensure that only the server system functions as a multi-user host on your network. No workstation should operate as a multi-user host on the network. Here’s how you can do so:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop on any workstation and immediately choose the File menu.
- After that, carefully choose the Utilities tab and mark the Stop Hosting Multi-User Access checkbox.
- Now, the workstation will not function as a host on your network. You need to repeat the same process on each workstation.
- At this point, go to the server computer and open QB Desktop.
- Choose the Utilities tab from the File menu on the QB window.
- Mark the Host Multi-User Access checkbox so the server computer acts as a multi-user host on the network.
- You can now navigate to any workstation to access the relevant company file on the server.
- Now, the workstation will not function as a host on your network. You need to repeat the same process on each workstation.
- At this point, go to the server computer and open QB Desktop.
- Choose the Utilities tab from the File menu on the QB window.
- Mark the Host Multi-User Access checkbox so the server computer acts as a multi-user host on the network.
- You can now navigate to any workstation to access the relevant company file on the server.
If you still find QuickBooks already has a company file open, try the next resolution.
2. Verify the QuickBooks Company File Name
An imprecise name of the QB company file and a faulty file extension can trigger several company file errors. You should check the company file name to ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks. Here’s how to do so:
- Close all workstations and go to the server system to access QB Desktop.
- Open the QB company file folder and immediately right-click the icon of the company file.
- Select the Rename tab and check the company file name. Remove all special characters (@,#,&,*,%, etc.) from the company file name.
- After that, ensure the company file has a valid file extension (‘.QBW’).
- At this point, remove all unnecessary spaces between the company file name and the file extension.
- Review the company file name and hit the Enter key.
- Finally, you can seamlessly open the QB company file from any workstation.
Are you still receiving the QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open error message? If so, consider restricting the background operation of QB processes as described below.
3. Stop the Background Execution Of QB Processes
The background execution of QB processes can consume significant CPU resources and deplete available memory. As a result, you might encounter tremendous difficulties when opening various company files. You need to restrict the execution of QB processes to free up system resources. Here’s how you can do so:
- Access your server computer with admin privileges.
- Now, tap the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys to open the Task Manager window on the screen.
- After that, choose the Processes tab on the Task Manager window.
- Choose all the QuickBooks processes (QBW32.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, QBupdate.exe) that are shown under the Processes tab.
- At this point, tap the End Task button to stop executing all the QB processes.
- Close the Task Manager window and navigate back to any workstation so that you can access your company file.
If you continue to find QuickBooks already has a company file open, consider fixing the company file data as discussed below.
4. Utilize the QuickBooks File Doctor Utility
The corruption in the QB company file will trigger the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message. You need to repair the damage in the company file data quickly and effectively using the QuickBooks File Doctor tool. Here’s how to do so:
- Access the server system and install the newest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- After that, identify and double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on the Windows desktop screen.
- Go to the QB Tool Hub window to choose the Company File Issues tab.
- You must select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor option, after which you can choose your company file using the Browse tab.
- Carefully mark the Check your file option and tap the Continue button.
- Type the QuickBooks Desktop admin password and click Next.
- The QuickBooks File Doctor utility will start repairing your company file immediately.
- After repairing the company file data using QB File Doctor, move back to the workstation to access the company file.
Do you still get the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message? If so, try repairing the QB program as described below.
5. Use the Quick Fix my Program Utility
Major defects in the QuickBooks software program configuration can trigger company file errors. Fortunately, Intuit has developed the Quick Fix my Program tool to repair the QB program configuration. Here’s how you can run this tool:
- Firstly, you must download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub on your system.
- After that, launch the QB Tool Hub window and choose the Program Problems tab.
- Immediately click the Quick Fix my Program button to start the repair process for your QB program configuration.
- After the complete execution of the Quick Fix my Program tool, you will be able to open all company files using QB Desktop.
If you are still seeing that QuickBooks already has a company file open error message, consider changing the company file’s location as outlined below.
6. Shift the Company File to a New Location
Internal damage in the company file folder will prevent you from accessing the company file. You need to shift the company file to a new location to ensure seamless access to it. Here’s how you can do so:
- Access the folder that contains your company file.
- Locate the company file icon (‘.QBW’), after which you must right-click on it.
- Choose the Copy tab, after which you must move to the Windows desktop.
- Right-click the desktop screen to select the Paste tab.
- The copied company file will now be available on the Windows desktop.
- Hold down the Ctrl key while opening the QB Desktop application.
- Go to the No Company Open window to select the Open or Restore Company tab.
- After that, move to the Windows desktop, select your company file, and access all your financial data successfully.
This should allow you to open the company file on QuickBooks without an error.
Winding Up
In this comprehensive article, we have discussed proven methods to resolve the QuickBooks already has a company file open error. Hopefully, you can now successfully access all your company file data on your system.
If, however, you are still experiencing difficulties or have a query, you can connect with an experienced QB professional for immediate assistance.
Common Queries On QuickBooks Company File Open Error
Why do I get the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message?
You can suddenly get the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message if multiple QB processes are running in the background on your system. Additionally, corruption in the QB program can trigger this issue.
What should I do to resolve the company file open error in QB Desktop quickly?
You can fix QuickBooks already has a company file open error, by restricting the background execution of QB processes. Moreover, you can upgrade QB Desktop and run the Quick Fix my Program.
Should I repair the company file data to fix the QuickBooks already has a company file open error message?
Yes, you can utilize QuickBooks File Doctor to repair your company file data effortlessly. You will be able to access the repaired company file very easily. Additionally, this tool will fix network issues. You can also use the verify and rebuild data tool to repair your company file.
Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities