Company file in use QuickBooks error message appears when you try to open a company file in multi-user mode, and the QuickBooks company file is in use by another application or user. When the error occurs, you may see any of the error messages on your screen- “Waiting for the company file” “Company File in Use- Please Wait”
Fret not! If QuickBooks already has a company file open, then the issue can be resolved by following some handy troubleshooting procedures. Get to know more about the company file in use QuickBooks prompt and find the best troubleshooting solutions by reading this post until the end.
QuickBooks encountered a problem when opening the company file? Dial our QuickBooks support phone number (801)-882-2349 to get troubleshooting assistance from QB experts
What Does Company File In Use QuickBooks Issue Signify?
In QuickBooks, you can set up multi-user mode and work with multiple users on the same company file simultaneously. You may grant users with different permissions level to view, access, or edit the files. However, if the hosting set up is not appropriate, QuickBooks encounters a problem when opening the company file. Furthermore, when a user is not provided with the access rights, QuickBooks Won’t open company file to ensure the utmost security. You may see various instances of Company file in use QuickBooks error as listed below-
- Company File in use. Please wait.
- Another QuickBooks user is currently performing a task that must finish before you can continue.
- Cannot close this company file at this moment because another application is using it.
QuickBooks Won’t Open Company File Error: Possible Causes
Company file in use QuickBooks message can be promoted due to various reasons listed-below-
- Improper multi-hosting setup on the server and workstation in the network
- When QuickBooks background processes are being affected by the third party applications
- QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running on the system
- The company file is being already used by another user
In any of the given conditions, you may see the company file in use QuickBooks prompt on your screen while accessing a company file.
How to Resolve “Company File in Use, Please Wait QuickBooks” Error?
If QuickBooks company file in use is not responding while accessing, you can follow the below-explained troubleshooting solutions:
Note- Sign in with an Admin Account on Windows and grant users with the access permissions before getting started with the troubleshooting.
Solution 1: Check If the Hosting Is Setup Correctly On Each Workstation
If more than one system on the server is hosting the company file, then the company file in use QuickBooks issue arrives. To resolve this issue, you need to manually check each workstation if the hosting is not turned on them. You can check the indicators for the error-
- Host Multi-User Access: It means hosting is turned off on the workstation, and you can go to the next computer
- Stop Hosting Multi-User Access: If you see this option in Utilities, then the workstation is hosting the company file, and you have to turn the hosting off.
If you are still getting the company file is in use QuickBooks issue, then move to the next solution.
Solution 2: Update QuickBooks on Server & Workstation
Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest maintenance both on server and terminal workstations. Updating QuickBooks can help you to access the company file while you are experiencing QuickBooks won’t open company file error.
Solution 3: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager
QuickBooks Database Server Manager helps you share your company file with other workstations over the network. If this service is not running on the server, you may not be able the file from the hosting computer.
- Right-click the taskbar and select Start Task Manager
- Navigate to the Processes tab to locate and right-click QuickBooks DBXX (where XX depicts the version of your QuickBooks Desktop)
- Select End Process
- Click Yes to confirm the changes
Check if the company file in use QuickBooks error is fixed after performing this procedure. However, if it persists, then try the next solution.
Getting the Same Error Again!
If you are getting the same company File in use QuickBooks error even after performing the troubleshooting procedures, then ask an expert, how to fix it. Dial our QuickBooks support helpline number (801)-882-2349 and get assisted in no time in fixing Company file in use QuickBooks error message.

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