If you are willing to use QuickBooks in different locations at the same time, you will have to enable multi-user mode and host the company file over a network. As a result, QuickBooks Desktop multiple users different locations will be enabled, and other QB users will also be able to access the company file simultaneously.
To do this, you need to host the company file in multi-user mode. Delve deep into the page to learn the steps for the same.
For quick assistance, reach out to us at +1-(800)-780-3064—our professionals are ready to guide you through every step of the solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up QuickBooks Desktop Multiple Users Different Locations
To access the company files that are not stored on your local computer, you will need to set up multi-user mode on your computer. See the steps of this procedure:
Step 1: Download and install QuickBooks
You first need to make sure that the QB application is installed on the computer to enable hosting. If it is not installed, you must do it in the first place.
Step 2: Enable multi-user mode for the hosting company file
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Open QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise on the server computer.
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This may ask you to update the company file before proceeding.
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Now, head over to the File menu.
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Choose Utilities.
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Click on the Host Multi-User access option.
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After this, you need to follow the on-screen guidelines to finish QuickBooks multi-user setup hosting.
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This will let the server computer share access to the computer to the workstation.
Step 3: Update Firewall and Security settings
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Open the Start menu.
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Search for Windows Firewall and hit Enter to open it.
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Move to the Advanced Settings.
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Now, you need to right-click on the Inbound Rules option and choose New Rule.
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Tap Port, followed by Next.
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Ensure that the TCP option is selected.
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Hover over the Specific local ports field.
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Enter the specific port number based on the QB year version you have:
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QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX.
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QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
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QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
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QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
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When the port number is entered, choose Next.
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Tap on the Allow the Connection option.
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Make sure all the profiles are marked and then click Next.
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Create a rule with a "QBPorts(year)" name.
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Tap Finish when it is done.
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Follow the same steps to create outbound rules, but you need to select Outbound Rules instead of Inbound Rules in step 4.
Step 4: Change the folder permissions to share the company files
Verify the default folder permissions
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Open the Windows File Explorer.
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Go to the folder where the company files are kept.
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Right-click on the folder and choose Properties.
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Head over to the Security tab.
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Choose Advanced and then click on QBDataServiceUserXX for your QB version.
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Tap Edit to make the changes.
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Allow the following files:
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Traverse folder/Execute file
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List folder/Read data
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Read attributes
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Read extended attributes
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Create files/Write data
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Create folders/Append data
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Write attributes
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Write extended attributes
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Read permissions
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Step 5: Scan the file with QBDBSM
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Open the Start menu.
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Enter Services in the search box.
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Hit Enter and locate QuickBooksDBXX for your QB version.
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Move to the General section.
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Look for the Services status.
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Tap Stop if the Service status is either Running or Started.
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Head to the Startup type.
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Choose Automatic.
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Jump to the Logon tab and choose Local System account.
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Head over to the Recovery tab.
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Choose Restart the Service from the dropdown menus for First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures.
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Move back to the General tab.
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Choose Start to restart the Database Server Manager.
Let’s Recap
We hope that the blog has cleared all your doubts about QuickBooks Desktop multiple users different locations. If you want more details, consult a professional for guidance. Dial TFN to connect with our QB experts team.
Frequently Asks Questions
1. Can QuickBooks Desktop be used by multiple users in different locations?
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop can be accessed by multiple users in different locations, but it requires hosting solutions like cloud hosting, remote desktop services, or a dedicated server setup to enable remote access.
2. How do I set up QuickBooks Desktop for remote multi-user access?
To enable remote multi-user access, you need to install QuickBooks on a host computer or server, turn on multi-user mode, configure hosting settings, and use tools like VPN, Remote Desktop, or third-party cloud hosting services.
3. What is the best way to share QuickBooks Desktop across different locations?
The best way is by using QuickBooks hosting providers or cloud solutions, which allow secure access from anywhere without needing complex network configurations.
4. Why can’t multiple users access QuickBooks Desktop remotely at the same time?
This issue usually occurs due to incorrect hosting configuration, firewall restrictions, network issues, or when multi-user mode is not properly enabled on the server.
5. Is QuickBooks Desktop multi-user mode secure for remote access?
Yes, it is secure when configured properly with encrypted connections, firewall settings, and trusted hosting providers. Using a VPN or cloud hosting adds an extra layer of security.
When to Contact Official QuickBooks Support
If none of the above solutions resolve Error 1608, contact Intuit directly through official channels:
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Official Support Site: quickbooks.intuit.com/support
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General Intuit Support: 1-800-780-3064
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In-Product Help: Click Help (?) → Contact Us inside QuickBooks
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Live Chat: Available at quickbooks.intuit.com/contact
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Support Hours: Monday–Friday 6 AM–6 PM PT (Advanced plan: 24/7)