A wide range of businesses across the globe depend on QuickBooks for robust financial management of their daily transactions and payroll activities, and accounting tasks. Every business operation, from small to large enterprises, can depend on QuickBooks as their reliable platform for expense tracking and invoice generation, along with financial management capabilities.
QuickBooks remains susceptible to the technical problems that arise in every software system. Users face the frustrating “QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost” problem in their software operations. Users experience this problem when QuickBooks Desktop loses its connection to the company file, so the system prevents users from continuing their work.
The article demonstrates a complete guide that explains what the “connection lost” error indicates and shows both the causes of this problem, along with established methods to fix it effectively. This guide provides all the necessary information to help beginners and experienced users develop financial management abilities right away.
What Does “Connection has been Lost” Mean in QuickBooks?
The error message “Connection Has Been Lost” in QuickBooks reveals that the program failed to communicate with the company file accessible either through a server or a local storage device. The workflow becomes disrupted, and there exists the possibility of losing data in case the issue remains unresolved.
In case of such an error, the notification will read:
Your Company file lost contact with the program. QuickBooks must close immediately. All data that remains unsaved needs to be entered again.
Users who work in QuickBooks Desktop’s multi-user environment often experience this particular problem. The error can affect both single-user and multi-user environments since it develops from file corruption and network problems.
Common Reasons for the “QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost” Issue
Troubleshooting requires you to identify the causes that lead to this problem. Below are the primary causes that lead QuickBooks to lose connection with its company file:
- Network Disruptions
Loss of network connectivity between the workstation and the server hosting the company file for a temporary or permanent amount of time.
- File Hosting Settings
When the same file is on multiple systems, this can cause any of these systems to experience a conflict or become disconnected.
- Power Outages or System Shutdowns
They can also cause file access interruption and sudden shutdowns, which can damage or cause loss of connectivity.
- Incorrect Folder Permissions
In case the folder containing the QuickBooks file does not have the right access, the software may fail to maintain a stable connection.
- Antivirus or Firewall Interference
Security programs could be overprotective and prevent the connection of QuickBooks to the company file on the server.
- Damaged .ND or .TLG Files
For accessing company files over the network the .ND (Network Descriptor) and .TLG (Transaction Log) files must be there. They can also introduce connection problems if corrupted.
- QuickBooks is run on an Incompatible or Outdated System
The only problem with using an outdated version of Windows or QuickBooks is the possibility of instability.
Similar Topic: QuickBooks Unable to Connect to Server
Fixing the “QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost” Error
The solution to this problem can be as simple as a network check or as advanced as troubleshooting the problem. The following are the solutions with steps for the error.
Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings
In a multi-user environment, the company file should be hosted only by the server.
- Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
- Go to File > Utilities.
- On the other hand, if you have seen Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, that computer is hosting. Click on it to disable.
- Only the server should be able to see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.
Solution 2: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
The QuickBooks Tool Hub includes the File Doctor tool, which is meant to fix network and company file-related problems.
Steps:
- The QuickBooks Tool Hub can be downloaded from the Intuit official website and should be installed.
- Now, you need to navigate towards Tool Hub and Hit on Company File Issues.
- Run the QuickBooks File Doctor.
- Select the company file that you want to work on from the File menu.
- Click Continue and then select Check your file.
- Using the provided admin credentials, run a scan and watch for it to complete.
- It is a tool that will automatically fix typical errors, such as connectivity issues.
Solution 3: Check and Configure Firewall & Antivirus Settings
Make sure your firewall, antivirus software, etc., have free access to QuickBooks.
Steps:
- In your firewall settings, add QuickBooks ports such as 8019, 56728, and 55378-55382 as exceptions.
- Now, allow QuickBooks executable files, such as QBW32.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, and QBUpdate.exe, through the firewall.
- You might want to check the guidelines provided in your antivirus software documentation on how to whitelist QuickBooks in such situations.
Solution 4: Verify Folder Permissions
Check once again that the folder where your company file was located has the right permissions, then share accordingly.
Steps:
- Go to the folder containing your company file.
- To access Advanced Sharing, right-click and select Properties > Sharing.
- Check the Ensure this folder is checked.
- In the middle part, allow Full Control for Everyone under Permissions.
- In addition, also ensure both of the Security tab and grant Full Control to the proper users or groups.
Solution 5: Reset QuickBooks .ND and .TLG Files
These files enable QuickBooks to access the company file across a network. But if they are corrupted, then you can have them eliminated safely.
Steps:
- You have to go to the desired folder where the company file is stored, as it is not found in your system.
- Search for files that have the extension in your company’s name.TLG and ND.
- Example: MyCompanyFile.qbw.nd and MyCompanyFile.tlg
- Right-click and delete these files.
- Open QuickBooks once again now, then attempt to view your file. It will automatically recreate the necessary files.
Solution 6: Ensure Network Connectivity
Lost connection can be the result of a weak or unstable network.
Steps:
- Restart your modem and router.
- The best way to get the most stable connection is to switch from Wi-Fi to an Ethernet cable.
- Check from the workstation and ping the server to confirm that you can reach it.
- You may use Windows + R to enter the Run dialog, type cmd, and then click Enter.
- Enter type ping [ServerName] and press Enter.
- Check your local network or ask your IT support if the server did not respond.
Solution 7: Disable Sleep or Hibernate Modes
Being in the middle of an active connection can cause the system to go into sleep or hibernate.
Steps:
- Navigate to Power Options from Control Panel.
- In order to modify the settings of your current plan, you will have to click the Choose Change Plan Settings option.
- Put the computer to sleep.
- Click Save changes.
So QuickBooks remains connected when idle.
Solution 7: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager
This tool configures the QuickBooks Database Server to handle multiple users.
Steps:
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- The QuickBooks Database Server Manager should then be launched after choosing Network Issues.
- Continue scanning the folder that contains your company file.
- Try opening the corporate file from the workstation once more after that.
Solution 8: Update QuickBooks and Windows
Ensure by updating QuickBooks and your operating system to the latest versions.
Steps:
- Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop in QuickBooks.
- Open Microsoft Update and click Update Now or Install Updates.
- Instead, restart your system after the update.
Additionally, to see whether any Windows updates are still outstanding, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Similar Topic: Fix the Server Busy Error in QuickBooks Desktop
Steps to Fix Connection to QuickBooks Desktop Company File is Lost
It’s a specific error in which QuickBooks Desktop cannot communicate with the company file stored on a network server. It mostly affects multi-user environments.
Targeted Solutions
Solution 1: Reboot the Server and Workstations
- Temporary glitches can be cleared up by a simple restart of those computers.
Solution 2: Check whether the QBDBMgrN.exe service is running
- Task Manager may be opened by using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Go to Services, then locate QBDBMgrN.
- Otherwise, restart the service.
Solution 3: Switch to Local File Access
- Then, temporarily move the company file to the local drive to check if the problem still persists.
- However, the issue might be in the network configuration itself if it works locally.
Solution 4: Recreate the QuickBooks Data File Connection
- The company file is opened from the local system.
- Save the copy and move it to the server.
- Access it again from the workstation.
Solution 5: Check for Hosting Conflicts
- Earlier, it was said that we should only have the server host the file.
- No workstations can host.
Remember: business cannot run smoothly if the data is not integrity and access, so always resolve connection issues as soon as possible.Conclusion
The fixable “The QuickBooks Connection has been lost” error is undoubtedly frustrating. Most often, it is caused by network problems, bad configurations, or corrupt files. It’s a systematic approach for recovering access, including basic checks such as checking network connectivity, and through more advanced solutions, such as using File Doctor or resetting configuration files, that allow you to quickly gain access again and resume managing your company’s finances.
The power of QuickBooks is incredible, but it performs well only if the environment it is run is optimized. Enough to ensure that you can avoid a lot of these issues before they even happen by getting a proper setup, regular updates, and ongoing maintenance. If none of the above solutions help you out, then call for certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors, or else call Intuit’s technical support helpline.
+1-800-892-1352