To access QuickBooks Desktop remotely from a different computer other than the server, the user needs to map the Server or Host computer as a network drive. This process allows users to set up multi-user mode and specify the folder where the company file is stored. In case of any difficulties while mapping the network drive using UNC (Universal Naming Convention), the user can try using the IP address of the server as an alternative.
Read this article till the end to get a firm grasp of the process to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely from a host or server computer. Thus, keep read on!
Steps to Open a Company file on a remote computer
Follow the steps below to open a company file on a remote computer:
Step 1: Install QuickBooks Database Manager on the Remote Computer
At first, download and install QuickBooks Database Server Manager. The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is a utility that allows you to configure the QuickBooks Server for multi-user access.
Step 2: Download and Install QuickBooks Desktop on the Main Computer
Go to the QuickBooks File menu and select "Switch to Multi-user Mode."
In the "Multi-user hosting setup required" window, choose "Yes."
Note: QuickBooks Desktop installs and runs QBDBMgrN.exe as a background service, which should be running on the computer where the company file is stored, even if QuickBooks Desktop is not open.
Select "OK" on the "Multi-user setup information" window.
Add the necessary users by going to "Company," selecting "Users," then "Set up Users and Roles," and finally choosing "New."
Optional: Adjust Network Discovery and Password Protected Sharing Settings
To make the server visible and accessible when opening the file using a UNC path, ensure that Network Discovery is turned on.
If Password Protected Sharing is enabled and Windows asks for a network password, you can either provide the network password or disable the feature.
Perform the following steps on the Server or Host computer and all workstations that require remote access to QuickBooks over the network:
Open Control Panel.
Select "Network and Sharing Center" and click on "Change advanced sharing settings."
Expand the profile type you are currently using.
Under "Network Discovery," select "Turn on network discovery."
Under "Password protected sharing," select "Turn off password protected sharing."
Now hit a click on "Save changes."
Steps to locate and Open the Company File:
Go to the File menu and select "Open or Restore Company."
Choose "Open a company file" and click "Next."
Browse to the location of the company file.
For example, if your company file is mapped to drive E, look for "Company Files Name (E:)" in the list.
Select the company file with the file extension .qbw from the list and click "Open."
If prompted, enter your username and password.
Summing Up!
By following these steps, you will be able to access your QuickBooks company file remotely on a different computer. If you face any technical issue, just give our QuickBooks desktop support experts a call at the helpline 1-800-761-1787.
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