QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software used by businesses worldwide for managing finances, payroll, inventory, and more. However, like any software, QuickBooks is not immune to occasional errors that can disrupt workflow and productivity. One such error that users often encounter is QuickBooks Error -6073. This error usually occurs when trying to open a company file, often signaling a problem with the company file’s location or network configuration.
In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of QuickBooks Error -6073 and provide you with effective solutions to resolve it quickly. Let’s dive in!
What is QuickBooks Error -6073?
QuickBooks Error -6073 is an issue that arises when QuickBooks is unable to access or open a company file that’s located on a different computer or server in a multi-user environment. The error typically manifests as:
- Error Message:
“Error -6073: The company file is being used by another computer, or another user has the file open.”
This error is commonly encountered when you attempt to access a company file from a remote system, especially in a multi-user mode. QuickBooks uses a database server manager to manage company file access in these scenarios, so any interruptions or misconfigurations can trigger Error -6073.
Common Causes of QuickBooks Error -6073
Understanding the causes of this error can help you address the issue more effectively. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes behind QuickBooks Error -6073:
1. File in Use by Another User
If you are trying to open a company file that is currently being used by another person on the network, you may encounter Error -6073. This usually happens in multi-user environments where multiple users access the same QuickBooks company file at the same time.
2. Company File in Use on a Different Computer
In a network setup, if the company file is being accessed or locked on another computer, QuickBooks may throw this error when you try to open the file from a different system. The network sharing settings or the file-sharing protocol may not be configured properly, leading to this issue.
3. Corrupt Company File
Sometimes, QuickBooks Error -6073 can be caused by a damaged or corrupt company file. Corrupt files may be the result of improper shutdowns, network interruptions, or malware.
4. Database Server Manager Configuration Issues
QuickBooks uses a Database Server Manager to handle multiple users. If the database server is misconfigured, it can lead to problems accessing the company file, triggering Error -6073. This could happen if the database server is not installed properly or needs to be updated.
5. Insufficient Permissions
In some cases, insufficient permissions or restrictions on the network may cause QuickBooks Error -6073. If you do not have administrative rights or the required permissions to access the company file on a network, this error can occur.
6. Antivirus or Firewall Blocking QuickBooks
Antivirus programs or firewalls can sometimes interfere with QuickBooks’ connection to the company file, especially in multi-user mode. If your security software is blocking QuickBooks, it may trigger Error -6073 when trying to access or open the company file.
How to Resolve QuickBooks Error -6073
Now that we’ve covered the common causes of QuickBooks Error -6073, let’s explore several solutions that can help you resolve this issue quickly. Most of these solutions can be done in a few simple steps.
Solution 1: Check if the Company File is in Use by Another User
If you’re in a multi-user setup, the first thing you should do is check whether another user has the company file open. QuickBooks can only allow one user to access the file at a time in single-user mode.
To resolve this:
- Contact other users who may have the file open.
- Ensure that no one else is using the file when you attempt to access it.
- If you suspect the file is being accessed remotely, check the server or other systems for active connections.
Solution 2: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager
QuickBooks Database Server Manager plays a crucial role in managing the connection between multiple users and the company file. If you’re encountering QuickBooks Error -6073, it’s possible the Database Server Manager is not configured correctly.
To fix this:
- Open the Database Server Manager on the system that hosts the company file.
- From the Database Server Manager window, click on ‘Scan Folders’ and add the folder where your QuickBooks company file is located.
- If you already added the folder, remove and add it back to ensure it’s being detected correctly.
- Restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
This can often resolve connectivity and file access issues.
Solution 3: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
QuickBooks File Doctor is an integrated tool designed to help detect and fix a variety of QuickBooks errors, including file damage, network issues, and connectivity problems. It is particularly useful if you’re dealing with a corrupt company file or issues with multi-user mode.
To use the File Doctor tool:
- Download and install QuickBooks File Doctor from the official QuickBooks website.
- Open the tool and select the option to fix company file and network issues.
- Follow the prompts to allow the tool to diagnose and repair the issue automatically.
- Once the tool finishes scanning and repairing, try reopening the company file.
Solution 4: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
As mentioned earlier, antivirus programs and firewalls can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the company file over the network. To resolve QuickBooks Error -6073, you may need to temporarily disable or configure your firewall and antivirus to allow QuickBooks to communicate with the company file.
To resolve this:
- Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Disable your antivirus software temporarily and check if the error persists. If it resolves, adjust the settings to allow QuickBooks through the firewall or antivirus.
- Configure Windows Firewall:
- Open Windows Firewall settings.
- Ensure that QuickBooks is allowed through the firewall.
- You may also need to open specific ports required for QuickBooks networking.
Solution 5: Check for Company File Corruption
File corruption can be another reason behind QuickBooks Error -6073. If the company file is corrupted, you can try using the QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery (ADR) tool to restore a backup of the file. This tool is designed to help users recover data and minimize file corruption.
To use ADR:
- Open QuickBooks and locate the Auto Data Recovery folder on your system.
- If QuickBooks automatically created an ADR backup, you will find a copy of your company file there.
- Restore the ADR backup and try opening the file.
Solution 6: Reconfigure User Permissions
If you’re using QuickBooks in a multi-user environment, it’s important that the user accounts have the proper permissions to access the company file. Lack of permissions can trigger Error -6073.
- Check user permissions to ensure they have proper rights to open and modify the company file.
- If necessary, reassign the Admin permissions to the user trying to open the file.
QuickBooks Error -6073 is a frustrating issue, but it is certainly resolvable with the right steps. By identifying the root cause of the problem—whether it’s file corruption, multi-user access issues, or firewall interference—you can quickly implement the correct solution.
If you’ve gone through all of the troubleshooting steps and the error still persists, it may be time to contact QuickBooks Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose and resolve more complex issues with your QuickBooks installation or network setup.
With these solutions, you should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error -6073 in no time, ensuring that your business operations continue without disruption.
Q1: How do I know if the QuickBooks company file is corrupt?
A: If your QuickBooks company file is giving frequent errors, especially after a network disruption, or if it won’t open at all, it might be corrupted. You can try using the QuickBooks File Doctor tool or restore a backup to check for corruption.
Q2: Can I prevent QuickBooks Error -6073 in the future?
A: Yes! Regularly backing up your company files, ensuring proper user permissions, maintaining the latest QuickBooks updates, and using a stable network environment can help prevent recurring issues.
Q3: What if I can’t resolve the issue on my own?
A: If the error persists after trying all the solutions, contact QuickBooks Support for personalized assistance and advanced troubleshooting.
