QuickBooks is an accounting software that enables business enterprises to accumulate their financial documents and transactions while they are processed. It means several people are eligible to use a company file when allowed. The application prioritizes data security with powerful encryptions but there are times when forceful logoff becomes essential. Administrators often need to execute tasks in single-user mode when forced user logoff is used. It can be done using QuickBooks Messenger.
The article here describes what a QuickBooks messenger is and the various methods that can be used to log out users forcefully.
What is QuickBooks Messenger?
QuickBooks Messenger, like several other facilities in QB, is a facility that enables users to interact with their colleagues when an account is set in multi-user mode. As people in a company must converse with one another regarding any project, QuickBooks Messenger allows logged-in users to chat inside QuickBooks. This facility is only available in QuickBooks Desktop and helps log off other members at times of requirement.
The QuickBooks Messenger icon can be found in the bottom-right corner of the screen in multi-user mode. It gets automatically started whenever the account is logged in. By double-clicking the icon, users can launch the tool. One can also set availability status to other users such as busy, away, or otherwise to avoid disturbances.
Now that you are clear about the QuickBooks Messenger app, you can understand the process that is associated with the forced logoff of other users.
How can you forcefully log out other users in QuickBooks?
To log out a specific person from the QuickBooks account, and close the company file for them, you need to launch the QuickBooks Messenger app.
- Step 1. Click the Company menu and open QuickBooks Messenger on your system.
- Step 2. Select the Chat with Co-worker option now.
- Step 3. A drop-down menu will appear, select Actions there.
- Step 4. An option named Close Company Filer for Users can be seen. Choose that.
- Step 5. From the list of user accounts, you can now select the users you want to log out.
- Step 6. From the menu, choose Close Company File.
- Step 7. As the confirmation screen appears, click Yes.
Note: This technique can only be used in QuickBooks Desktop, as chatting options are not available in QuickBooks Online.
Let us check the alternative solutions that can be used to log out users forcefully.
Before moving on, be aware that adhering to appropriate logoff procedures is crucial when several users are logged in on the same network. Many users often opt to close the application by clicking the cross icon in QuickBooks’ main windows. It increases risking potential company file damage or corruption. Thus, refrain from logging off in this way to safeguard company files. Moreover, resetting user access such as passwords, or logging them out can be a proactive measure in case of suspicious activity detection.
What are the alternative methods to force user logoff in QuickBooks?
The methods provided below can be helpful when you want to forcefully log a user out in QuickBooks.
Method 1: QuickBooks force user logoff using the Exit button
Sometimes, there are times when users are unable to log out successfully. In that case, follow the steps below:
- Launch the QuickBooks application and click on the File menu.
- The drop-down option will include a Close Company/Log Off option. Choose that.
- You will either be logged off successfully, or you can see the No Company.
- After opening the screen, you will also an Automatic Backup dialog box.
- Now you can select from the File menu and click on the Exit button.
Note: It will log off you and other users but make sure that the company account is set to single-user later.
Method 2: Disabling QuickBooks Messenger to forcefully log off users from QuickBooks
- Log in to the QuickBooks as an administrator in multi-user mode.
- Under the File menu drop-down, select the Utilities option.
- Click on the Disable QuickBooks Messenger option.
- Log out of the company account and log in again for the settings to reflect.
Method 3: Using Database server manager to force logoff users in QuickBooks
Upon having difficulties logging off from the company account, users can consider rebooting QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
- Launch QuickBooks on the server.
- Click on the File menu once the application is open.
- Select the Choose or Restore Company option from the drop-down options.
- Now, from the menu, select the Open a Company option.
- Press Next. You can find the company file you need now.
- Select the company file you need.
- Open the file in multi-user mode from the options.
- Subsequently, log into your company file using a regular username and password.
- From the File menu, you can close your company from the server.
Method 4: Using the Task Manager to log off users from company files in QuickBooks
There are times when QuickBooks Messenger Service fails to terminate the closing of company files. You can resolve this issue without restarting your system.
- After simultaneously pressing Ctrl, Alt, and Del on your keyboard, a few options will appear on your screen. Select the Task Manager option from the given list.
- Press on the Process tab.
- Search for QuickBooksMessenger (32-bit), as the list may include multiple instances of the application.
- Select each of these apps and press delete on your keyboard to end the process.
- Exit Task Manager and reopen QuickBooks.
- Log into your account and open the company file. It logs out all the other users from the messaging app and the account.
Method 5: Resetting password to forcefully log users out of QuickBooks
Even though this method can be used only by the administrator, resetting the password can prevent users from logging in using the old password. It requires other company employees to log out of their company files.
- Launch the QuickBooks Desktop software on your PC and go to the Company menu.
- Press the User option from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the Set Up User and Roles option from the User drop-down list.
- Click on the Edit button to set the new password.
- Confirm your new password, select the challenge question, and type the answer to strengthen the security.
- Finally, click on OK.
Note: In case of issues while changing the password, consult with a professional to mitigate the problem.
This technique helps users to log out immediately from a company file but requires the admin and others to enter new credentials for entry the next time they log in.
Final Words
QuickBooks can be complex sometimes in terms of managing transactions and several users. Its ability to include multiple users can often create problems in the file. For instance, the chances of damaging company files without proper log-out are evident. In such cases, forceful log out of users becomes necessary; some tasks that are to be done in the single-user mode can also lead to forceful logout.
The article here clearly shows the methods that are best solutions to force user log off from a company account. Despite that, if you have any difficulty in understanding the processes, or have any queries regarding the same, feel free to contact our experts. They can offer you personalized solutions too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I remove someone from QuickBooks Enterprise?
Ans: Make sure that have administrative privileges. If you are an admin, then follow the steps below.
- Visit the Company menu in QuickBooks.
- Select the Users option.
- Choose the Set Up Users and Roles option.
- Choose the users you want to remove.
- Press Delete to remove the selected users.
Q2. How can I switch into modes in QuickBooks?
Ans: Switching the modes in QuickBooks can be done in two steps.
- Go to the QuickBooks File menu.
- From the drop-down menu, select single- or multi-user mode.
Q3. How can I close the company file for another user?
Ans: For that,
- Go to the Company menu in QuickBooks Messenger and select the Chat with a Coworker option.
- Under the Action drop-down, choose Close Company File for Users.
- Select the users whose QB accounts you want to close.
- Choose the Close Company File option.
- Press Yes in the Confirmation.