What To Do When QuickBooks Desktop
Cannot communicate with Company File
Windows 10/11?
1. Check Network Connection: Ensure that your network connection is stable and
properly configured. Verify that both the server hosting the company file and the
workstation running QuickBooks Desktop are connected to the same network.
2. Update QuickBooks Desktop: Ensure that QuickBooks Desktop is up to date. Go
to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop. Install any available
updates and restart the software.
3. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager: Open the Windows Start menu
and search for "QuickBooks Database Server Manager." Select it from the list and
then click on the Database Server Manager. Click the Scan Folders tab and select
Add Folder to locate your company file. Click Scan and then Close. Restart
QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software
may block QuickBooks from communicating with the company file. Check the
settings of your firewall and antivirus software to ensure that QuickBooks is
allowed access to the network.
5. Configure Firewall Ports: If QuickBooks is still unable to communicate with the
company file, you may need to manually configure firewall ports. QuickBooks uses
specific ports for communication, and ensuring they are open can resolve
connectivity issues. Refer to Intuit's support documentation for the necessary port
numbers and instructions on how to configure them.
6. Rename Network Data (.ND) and Transaction Log (.TLG) files: Renaming the
Network Data (.ND) and Transaction Log (.TLG) files associated with your
company file can sometimes resolve communication issues. Locate the folder
containing your company file and look for files with the same name as your
company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions. Rename these files by adding
".old" to the end of their filenames (e.g., companyfile.qbw.ND.old). Restart
QuickBooks Desktop and try opening the company file again.
7. Use QuickBooks File Doctor: QuickBooks File Doctor is a tool provided by Intuit
to diagnose and repair issues with company files. Download and install
QuickBooks File Doctor from the Intuit website. Run the tool and follow the onscreen instructions to scan and repair any issues with your company file.
8. Copy Company File Locally: If you are still experiencing issues, try copying the
company file from the server to a local workstation and opening it from there. This
can help determine if the issue is related to the network or the company file itself.
9. Recreate Company File: As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, you
may need to recreate the company file. Create a new company file and re-enter
your data or restore a backup of the company file if available.
By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue
of QuickBooks Desktop Cannot communicate with Company File. If you continue
to experience problems, consider contacting QuickBooks support for further
assistance.