Quickbooks 2010 Multi user mode issues

Actually, I think what is happening is correct. The admin user apparently has the QuickBooks file and has it set to "Host Multi User Access" (different than multi user mode). So the admin has to have their computer on and QuickBooks running for the standard user to access. That should work that way.

If you require more independence (anyone can access anytime) then you need to do the following:
1. On the admin machine, turn off "Host Multi User Access"
2. Move the company data file (ledger) to a server location.
3. Install the server manager (QB DVD) on that server location.
4. Scan for the ledger.

Then either user should be able to access the file with this  second method.

The two methods (a) Host Multi User Access and (b) Server location and different from each other and use only one.  If the first way is working, it is set up properly.

..... Thinkpads_User

The company database file is set to a server location. When we open a database we navigate to the store location and open it that way.

If the admin open the database first then both can get on however if the user opens the database first then only the user can get on and the admin see the attached error.

OK I think I understand what happend....in your earlier comment "The admin user apparently has the QuickBooks file and has it set to "Host Multi User Access" (different than multi user mode)"

I think we need to change both PC's (admin and user) to Multi user mode. But how can I do this?

Sometimes people put a copy of the ledgers on their own computers. If you have the ledger properly and safely on your server and backed up, then delete any local copies. You sometimes need a local copy (verify/rebuild) but they should be deleted after restoring to the server. This is true for both computers. Neither one should have a local copy.

Now in case people have somehow put transactions in a local copy (see the mess that can happen), then "delete local copy" really means "move it to a safe place on the server"

Then, definitely, turn OFF "Host Multi User Access" on both computers.

Now review my directions above. Close all company files so that QuickBooks does not have any ledger open on either machine.   Use the Open button to navigate to the server (to ensure you are using the server location). Open the ledger and then File, Switch to Multi User Mode. Then use the Open button on the other computer to navigate to the server and open the ledger. Multi User Mode will force itself ON if the ledger is already open.

Look in QuickBooks and see File, Switch to Multi User Mode and also File, Utilities, Host Multi User Access and see that they are different. Ensure Host Multi User Access is always OFF on both computers. Do not let either computer host the ledger from their local computer
... Thinkpads_User

Sorry we ran your suggestions above and it seemed to answer some question, however the question remains that only the database files are on the server. No other QuickBooks program is running on the server. I know the admins PC never had to be on when the other user needed to enter Quickbooks.

So where does that leave us now?

>>> however the question remains that only the database files are on the server. No other QuickBooks program is running on the server.

You need to install the Server Manager on the Server. It is on the QuickBooks DVD. It is the option that says "install server manager, not QuickBooks, no license required" or words to that effect. You must install the server manager and your question implies you have not.

Keep QuickBooks closed on both computers while working on the server, installing and scanning.

... Thinkpads_User

OK I can try that...but in the 6 years we have been using Quickbooks we have never needed the software installed on the server.

The only recent change in the whole working processs, we that the user received a Window 7 64 bit machine where the admin is still working on a Windows 7 32 bit machine

The server manager came into place during that period you have been using QuickBooks. I have it running on all my multi-user clients and know it to work.

It should not matter, if you are not using it, what machine is being used but Windows 7 64-bit is picky on permissions and may cause an issue.  I, myself, use Windows 7 Pro 64-bit and I can use a QB ledger on a server with other users using XP Pro or whatever.

Also, your Windows 7 machines should be Pro, not Home, and Homegroup should be disabled.

.... Thinkpads_User

Hello cmdolcet - Either by fixing the Host Multi User Access, or by adding the Server Manager, or both, did you manage to resolve the issue?

... Thinkpads_User

I will need to attempt your suggestions on Friday

That's fine. Please let us know then.   ... Thinkpads_User

Hello - Any success yet? Please let us know. Thanks.

We will be attempting it tomorrow.

Thank you and thanks for the followup.  ... Thinkpads_User