QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error

Sometimes the whole system needs a full reset to ensure smooth operation. To resolve network connectivity issues and ensure a fresh start for your systems, follow these steps:

1. Save and Close QuickBooks: Before proceeding with the restart, ensure all users have saved their work and closed QuickBooks on their workstations.
2. Restart the Server:
   • On the server hosting the QuickBooks company file, click on the Start menu or press the Windows key.
   • Select “Restart” from the power options or click on the power icon and choose “Restart“.
   • Allow the server to reboot completely before moving to the next step.
3. Restart the Workstations:
   • On each workstation that accesses QuickBooks, save all open work and close the QuickBooks application.
   • Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on each workstation.
   • Select “Restart” from the power options or click on the power icon and choose “Restart“.
   • Let all the workstations restart and reconnect to the network after they have fully rebooted.
4. Check QuickBooks Connectivity:
   • Once all systems have restarted, open QuickBooks on one of the workstations.
   • Attempt to access the QuickBooks company file on the server to verify that the connectivity issue has been resolved.

By restarting both the server and workstations, you create a clean network environment, which often resolves connectivity problems and eliminates any lingering issues that might have caused the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error” in QuickBooks.

If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after restarting both the server and workstations, please proceed to the next solution.

Checking the network connection involves ensuring that your computer can communicate with other devices on the network and access the internet. Here’s how to check the network connection:

Check Physical Connections

Make sure all network cables (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) are securely plugged in. If you’re using Wi-Fi, ensure that your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the signal strength is strong enough.

Ping Test

To ping your server, you must know the IP address or the domain name of the server. To Ping in Windows, follow these steps:

Once the Command Prompt window opens, you can start pinging a target by typing “ping” followed by the IP address or domain name of the server.

To Ping in macOS, follow these steps: Open the Terminal: You can find the Terminal application in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. You can also use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, typing “Terminal,” and hitting Enter.

Once the Terminal window opens, you can start pinging a target by typing “ping” followed by the IP address or domain name of the server.

You will see the ping results displayed in the Command Prompt or terminal window. The output will show you the round-trip time (in milliseconds) for each packet sent and received, as well as other information such as the number of packets sent, received, and lost. If you observe packet loss or experience a slow response, it indicates the presence of a network connectivity problem.

Check IP Address and Gateway

In the Command Prompt or Terminal, type: ipconfig

Look for the IPv4 Address and Default Gateway entries. The IPv4 Address should be a valid local IP address assigned to your computer, and the Default Gateway is the IP address of your router. If you don’t see an IP address or the address is in the form of “169.254.x.x,” it means your computer couldn’t get an IP address from the router.

Reset Network Devices

If you have a separate modem and router, unplug both devices from the power source. Wait for about 30 seconds and then plug them back in. Allow them to fully restart before testing the connection again.

Check Other Devices

Verify if other devices on your network, such as smartphones or tablets, can access the internet. If multiple devices are experiencing network issues, it’s likely a problem with the network itself.

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve gone through all the steps and still can’t establish a network connection, contact your ISP to check if there are any network outages or if there’s an issue with your internet service.

If you can access the internet but still getting QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error, please proceed to the next solution.

QuickBooks Tools Hub is a software application developed by Intuit. It is designed to help users troubleshoot and resolve common issues or errors that may occur while using QuickBooks. The Tools Hub provides a centralized location for various diagnostic and repair tools, making it easier for users to access and utilize them.

Download and install the QuickBooks Tools Hub

To download and install the QuickBooks Tools Hub, please follow these steps:

1. On the Intuit website or the official download page, locate the download link for the QuickBooks Tools Hub.
2. Click on the download link to start the download process.
3. Locate the downloaded file on your server. It should have a name similar to “QuickBooksToolsHub.exe“.

8. The QuickBooks Tools Hub is now installed on your server. You can launch it by finding the QuickBooks Tools Hub icon on your desktop or by searching for “QuickBooks Tools Hub” in the Start menu.

Once you have the QuickBooks Tools Hub installed, you can access various tools and utilities to assist in troubleshooting and resolving common issues that may arise while using QuickBooks.

Run Quick Fix my Program

1. Open QuickBooks Tools Hub: After installation, locate and open the QuickBooks Tools Hub on your computer. It should appear as an application on your desktop or in the Start menu.
2. Choose Quick Fix my Program: Inside the QuickBooks Tools Hub, you’ll find several tabs for various tools. Look for the “Program Problems” tab or a similar option that indicates fixing program-related issues. Click on it to access the Quick Fix my Program tool.

3. Run the Tool: The tool will automatically scan your QuickBooks installation for common issues and attempt to fix them.
4. Follow On-screen Instructions: During the process, you might be prompted to take certain actions or follow instructions on the screen. Make sure to read and follow these instructions carefully.
5. Restart QuickBooks: After the tool completes the repair process, restart QuickBooks and verify if the QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error has been resolved.

If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after running the QuickBooks Quick Fix my Program, running QuickBooks File Doctor Tool Tool may help fix the error.

Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

To fix QuickBooks Error Codes 6190 and 816, you can use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool. This tool is designed to diagnose and repair common QuickBooks file and network-related issues. To run QuickBooks File Doctor and resolve issues with your company file, please follow these steps:

1. Open the QuickBooks Tools Hub. If you have it installed, you can find the icon on your desktop or search for “QuickBooks Tools Hub” in the Start menu. Click on the icon to launch the tool.
2. In the QuickBooks Tools Hub, select the “Company File Issues” tab.
3. Click on the “Run QuickBooks File Doctor” option. It may take a moment for the File Doctor tool to open.

4. In the QuickBooks File Doctor window, you’ll see a drop-down menu. Select your company file from the list. If your file is not listed, click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the location where your company file is stored. Select the file with the .QBW extension and click “Open”.
5. Choose the “Check your file (middle option only)” option and click “Continue“.
6. Enter your QuickBooks admin password when prompted, and then click “Next“.
7. The scanning process will begin. This process may take some time depending on the size of your company file and the extent of the issues found.
   • Note: Even if the scan appears unsuccessful, it may still fix the underlying issue.
8. Once the scan is complete, open QuickBooks and try accessing your company file to check if the issue has been resolved.

After running the tool, restart QuickBooks. The QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error should now be resolved, and you should be able to access the company files without any issues. If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after running the File Doctor tool, please proceed to the next solution.

To verify the hosting settings and potentially fix QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error, please follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks on the computer that hosts the company file.
2. From the File menu, select “Utilities” and ensure that the option “Host Multi-User Access” is not selected. If it is already selected, that means the computer is already hosting the company file.
3. If you see the option “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” instead of “Host Multi-User Access,” select it. This will turn off the hosting on that computer.
4. Repeat these steps on all computers that have QuickBooks installed.

5. Once you have verified the hosting settings on each computer, close QuickBooks on all workstations.
6. Reopen QuickBooks on the computer that hosts the company file and go to the File menu.
7. Select “Switch to Multi-User Mode” to enable multi-user access.
8. On the workstations, open QuickBooks again and attempt to access the company file in multi-user mode.

By verifying the hosting settings and ensuring that only the server computer hosts the company file while the workstation computers do not, you can potentially resolve the QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error. After making these changes, try accessing the company file from the workstations to see if the error is resolved. If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after verifying the hosting settings, please proceed to the next solution.

To fix the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error in QuickBooks, you may need to adjust your firewall settings to allow proper communication between QuickBooks and the company file. Configuring the firewall correctly involves making necessary adjustments to allow QuickBooks to bypass the firewall, creating exceptions, or granting QuickBooks permission as an authorized application in the firewall settings. By doing so, you can effectively resolve the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error and ensure smooth communication between QuickBooks and the network. Properly configuring the firewall is essential for QuickBooks to function without interruptions and access the necessary resources to work with the company file.

For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions, please refer to QuickBooks Firewall Settings.

If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after configuring firewall settings, please proceed to the next solution.

To temporarily disable your antivirus software, follow these general steps:

1. Locate the Antivirus Icon: Look for the antivirus software icon in the system tray (usually found in the lower-right corner of your desktop, near the clock). It might be represented by the antivirus software’s logo.
2. Right-click on the Icon: Right-click on the antivirus icon to open a context menu.
3. Find the Option to Disable or Turn Off: In the context menu, you should see an option related to “disabling,” “turning off,” or “pausing” the antivirus protection. The wording may vary depending on your antivirus software.
4. Choose the Appropriate Option: Click on the appropriate option to disable the antivirus protection temporarily.
5. Select Duration (if prompted): Some antivirus software may ask you to choose how long you want to disable the protection. Select the appropriate duration (e.g., 15 minutes, 1 hour) or choose “Disable until restart” to disable it until you restart your computer.
6. Confirm the Action (if prompted): Some antivirus software may ask for confirmation before disabling. Confirm the action to proceed.
7. Verify Antivirus Status: Check the antivirus icon to ensure it indicates that the protection is disabled or turned off. It might change its appearance or have a red “X” mark over it.

After disabling your antivirus software, try accessing the company file from the workstations to see if the error is resolved. Please note that disabling your antivirus software temporarily will leave your computer vulnerable to potential threats. Therefore, it’s essential to re-enable the antivirus protection as soon as you’re done troubleshooting or performing the task that requires disabling it. When you’ve completed the necessary task, repeat the process but choose the option to “enable” or “turn on” the antivirus protection to resume full security protection on your computer.

If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after disabling antivirus software, please proceed to the next solution.

Checking file permissions can be one of the steps to fix the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error in QuickBooks. Incorrect file permissions can prevent QuickBooks from accessing the company file properly. Here’s how you can check file permissions for the QuickBooks company file:

On Windows

1. Locate the Company File: Navigate to the folder where the QuickBooks company file (.qbw) is located.
2. Right-click the Company File: Right-click on the company file and select “Properties” from the context menu.
3. Open the Security Tab: In the Properties window, click on the “Security” tab. Here, you will see a list of groups and users with their corresponding permission levels for the company file.
4. Check Permissions: Review the list to ensure that the appropriate users or groups have the necessary permissions to access and modify the company file. Ideally, the user account running QuickBooks should have at least “Read & Write” permissions. The common permissions are:
   • Full Control: Users can view, modify, and delete the file/folder, as well as change its permissions.
   • Modify: Users can view and modify the file/folder but cannot change its permissions.
   • Read & Execute: Users can view and run executable files and scripts but cannot modify or delete them.
   • Read: Users can only view the file/folder but cannot make any changes.
   • Write: Users can add new files to a folder or modify existing files, but cannot view or delete existing files.
5. Adjust Permissions (if necessary): If you find that the permissions are not set correctly, you can click the “Edit” button and make the necessary adjustments. Add the appropriate users or groups and set their permissions accordingly. Be cautious not to give unnecessary or excessive permissions.

On macOS

1. Locate the Company File: Go to the folder where the QuickBooks company file (.qbw) is located.
2. Right-click or Ctrl-click: Right-click or Ctrl-click on the company file.
3. Open the Get Info Window: From the context menu, select “Get Info“. Alternatively, you can press Command + I while the file is selected.
4. Check Permissions: In the Get Info window, look for the “Sharing & Permissions” section. Here, you will find a list of users and their corresponding access privileges for the company file.
5. Inspect Privileges: Review the list to ensure that the appropriate users have the necessary access privileges. Similar to Windows, the user account running QuickBooks should have at least “Read & Write” privileges. The common privileges are:
   • Read & Write: Users can view and modify the file/folder.
   • Read only: Users can view the file/folder but cannot make any changes.
   • No Access: Users are restricted from accessing the file/folder.
6. Adjust Privileges (if necessary): If you find that the privileges are not set correctly, click the padlock icon to unlock, then add the necessary users and set their privileges accordingly. Again, avoid giving unnecessary or excessive privileges.

After checking and adjusting file permissions, restart QuickBooks and try opening the company file again to see if the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error is resolved. Proper file permissions should allow QuickBooks to access the company file without any issues.

If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after checking and adjusting file permissions, please proceed to the next solution.

Using the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path can help fix the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error in QuickBooks, especially in multi-user environments. The UNC path provides a consistent way to reference files and folders on a network. Here’s how to use the UNC path to access the QuickBooks company file:

1. Locate the QuickBooks Company File Ensure the QuickBooks company file is saved on a computer that acts as the host for the multi-user environment. This is typically the computer where the company file is stored and shared with other users.
2. Identify the Computer Name On the computer hosting the company file, find the computer name. On Windows, right-click on “This PC” (or “My Computer” in older versions) and select “Properties.” The computer name will be listed under the “Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings” section.
3. Share the Folder Containing the Company File
   • Right-click on the folder containing the QuickBooks company file and select “Properties.”
   • Go to the “Sharing” tab and click “Advanced Sharing“.
   • Check the box next to “Share this folder” and assign a share name (e.g., “QBDataShare”).
   • Click “Apply” and then “OK” to share the folder.
4. Get the UNC Path The UNC path has the following format: \\computername\sharename. Replace “computername” with the actual computer name you identified in step 2, and “sharename” with the name you assigned during folder sharing in step 3.
5. Access the Company File using the UNC Path
   • Open QuickBooks on each computer that needs access to the company file.
   • Instead of browsing for the company file through the QuickBooks application, enter the UNC path in the “File name” field of the Open Company window.
   • For example: \\computername\QBDataShare\your_company_file.qbw
6. Test the Connection
   • After entering the UNC path, click “Open” to attempt to access the company file.
   • If the file opens without any error, it means the UNC path is working correctly, and the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error should be resolved.

Using the UNC path ensures a direct and consistent connection to the QuickBooks company file on the network. It can help eliminate issues related to mapped drive letters or network connection problems, providing a more reliable way to access the company file in a multi-user environment. If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after using the UNC path, please proceed to the next solution.

Disabling power management settings on the server can help resolve the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error in QuickBooks, especially in multi-user environments where the server hosts the company file. Power management settings can cause the server to enter sleep or hibernation mode, interrupting the connection to the company file. Here’s how to disable power management settings on the server:

On Windows Server

1. Open Power Options
   • Click on the Start button and go to “Control Panel“.
   • In Control Panel, click on “Power Options“.
2. Select High Performance Plan In the Power Options window, make sure the “High Performance” power plan is selected. This plan ensures that the server doesn’t enter sleep or hibernation mode and maintains constant power to the network interface.
3. Adjust Power Plan Settings
   • Click on “Change plan settings” next to the High Performance plan.
   • Set the “Turn off the display” and “Put the computer to sleep” options to “Never” for both “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
4. Save Changes Click “Save changes” to apply the new power settings.

On Windows Server 2016 and later

1. Open Power & Sleep Settings
   • Click on the Start button and go to “Settings.”
   • In Settings, click on “System,” and then select “Power & sleep” from the left menu.
2. Adjust Power & Sleep Settings Under “Power & sleep,” set both “Screen” and “Sleep” to “Never” for both “On battery power” and “When plugged in.”
3. Additional Settings (Optional)
   • Click on “Additional power settings” to open the Power Options window.
   • Choose the “High performance” power plan to ensure constant power to the network interface.
4. Save Changes Click “Save changes” to apply the new power settings.

By disabling power management settings on the server, you ensure that it remains fully operational and accessible to other devices on the network at all times. This helps prevent the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error in QuickBooks and ensures a stable connection for all users accessing the company file over the network. If QuickBooks Connection Has Been Lost to Company File Error persists after disabling power management settings, please proceed to the next solution.

Enabling Multi-User Access in QuickBooks can help fix the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error, especially when multiple users need simultaneous access to the company file. By enabling Multi-User Access, QuickBooks creates a proper environment for multiple users to work with the company file simultaneously over the network. Here’s how to do it:

Enabling Multi-User Access

1. Open QuickBooks: Open the QuickBooks application on the computer that hosts the company file.
2. Switch to Multi-User Mode: Go to the “File” menu and select “Switch to Multi-User Mode.” QuickBooks will prompt you to confirm this action; click “Yes” to continue.
3. Set Up Multi-User Hosting: QuickBooks will then prompt you to set up Multi-User Hosting. Choose the appropriate option, either “Yes, enable Multi-User Hosting” if you want this computer to host the company file, or “No, I will not use Multi-User Hosting” if this computer is not the main server hosting the file. If you select “No,” you should ensure that the main server has already enabled Multi-User Hosting.
4. Configure Hosting Settings (If applicable): If you choose to enable Multi-User Hosting, QuickBooks will guide you through the process of setting up hosting on the computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

5. Open the Company File: Once Multi-User Access is enabled and the hosting settings are configured (if applicable), open the company file from the computer hosting the file.
6. Other Users’ Access: On other computers connected to the same network, open QuickBooks and select “Open or restore an existing company.” Browse the network location of the company file and open it. QuickBooks will recognize that it’s in Multi-User Mode and allow other users to access the file.

Checking Multi-User Access

1. Verify User Icons: When in Multi-User Mode, you should see user icons in the upper right corner of QuickBooks. Each user who has access to the company file will have a unique icon.
2. Monitor User Activity: In the “File” menu, select “Open Previous Company” and then “Company File Users.” This will allow you to see who is currently using the company file and what activities they are performing.

Enabling Multi-User Access ensures that users can work together on the company file simultaneously without encountering the “Connection Has Been Lost to Company File” error. Each user will have appropriate access to the data, and QuickBooks will manage the concurrent access to prevent conflicts and data corruption.

To avoid encountering the “QuickBooks connection has been lost to the company file” error, follow these best practices:

1. Use a Stable Network Connection: Ensure that you have a reliable and stable internet connection when accessing QuickBooks, especially in multi-user environments. Unstable connections can lead to disconnections and errors.
2. Keep QuickBooks Updated: Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version and apply any available patches or updates. These updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address connectivity issues.
3. Maintain Adequate System Requirements: Check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running QuickBooks. Outdated or underpowered hardware may cause performance problems and connectivity issues.
4. Backup Company File Regularly: Create regular backups of your QuickBooks company file to prevent data loss in case of a connection interruption or other issues. QuickBooks offers an automatic backup feature you can enable.
5. Optimize Company File Performance: Periodically optimize your company file to reduce its size and improve performance. In QuickBooks, go to File > Utilities > Condense Data for this option.
6. Avoid Simultaneous Multi-User Access: When multiple users need access to the company file, try to stagger their usage to avoid overwhelming the system and potentially causing connection errors.
7. Exclude QuickBooks Files from Antivirus Scans: Configure your antivirus software to exclude QuickBooks-related files and folders from real-time scanning. Some antivirus programs can interfere with QuickBooks processes.
8. Check Firewall and Security Settings: Ensure that your firewall and security settings are not blocking QuickBooks connections. QuickBooks uses specific ports for communication, and you may need to configure your firewall accordingly.
9. Use Local Copy of Company File: In multi-user environments, consider using a local copy of the company file rather than accessing it directly from a network drive. This can reduce the chances of connection issues.
10. Use QuickBooks Tools: QuickBooks provides tools like the QuickBooks File Doctor and QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool that can help diagnose and resolve connection issues. Use these tools if you encounter problems.
11. Check Network Router Settings: Verify that your network router settings are not causing connection disruptions. Check for any firmware updates for your router and consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible.
12. Verify File Hosting Settings: If you are using QuickBooks in a multi-user environment, double-check the file hosting settings to ensure they are configured correctly. The hosting computer should have the necessary permissions set up for other users to access the company file.
13. Disable Power Management Settings: Disable power management settings that may put your computer or network adapter to sleep automatically. These settings can interfere with network connections.

By following these best practices, you can minimize the chances of encountering the “QuickBooks connection has been lost to the company file” error and have a smoother experience with the software.

We’ve compiled all the resolutions and workarounds verified by the experts to fix the mentioned error. These resolutions and workarounds helped the users to fix the error on their system. Try implementing these resolutions on your computer and if the preceding suggestions fail to solve the error, please feel free to Ask an Expert.