Fix QuickBooks Error 6210 When Opening a Company File on the Network 

QuickBooks error 6210 is one of the 6XXX series of errors that occur when you try to open a company file in a multi-user network setup.

It typically occurs when the company file is hosted on a workstation rather than the designated server, or when critical firewall ports, such as port 8019, are blocked. When this happens, users may be unable to access the company file, leading to delays, potential data access issues, or even permanent damage.

In this blog, we will learn how hosting and firewall settings affect QuickBooks and cause QB error 6210, and the suitable methods to restore access to the company file.

What Causes QuickBooks Company File Error 6210?

Below is a list of all the possible reasons that may trigger error code 6210 in QuickBooks when trying to open a company file on the network or when hosting: 

• Your QuickBooks might not be up-to-date 
• Common company file or network connectivity issues 
• The workstation might be hosting the company file 
• Possible damages or corruption to the .ND and .TLG file 
• Other QB processes might be interfering with the company file 
• The company file might be in too many folders 
• Damages to the company file location 
• Insufficient Windows file or folder permissions 
• Windows Firewall or antivirus software might be blocking QuickBooks 

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6210 While Opening the Company File? 

Below is a step-by-step troubleshooting guide, starting with the most effective fixes for QuickBooks Desktop error 6210 0: to help resolve conflicts, network issues, and multi-user setup problems. 

1. Update QuickBooks

If your QuickBooks Desktop is outdated, it can cause incompatibility with the system and even your company file. This may trigger QuickBooks error 6210 when trying to open a company file on the network. Make sure to update QuickBooks Desktop to the most recent version available. 

2. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

The QuickBooks File Doctor utility checks the company file for potential damage and network connectivity issues during hosting. If it detects any problems, it immediately attempts to repair them.

Note: Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.8) in the latest version available. For best results, use Windows 11, 64-bit.

• Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Choose Company File Issues from the left menu bar. 
• Hit on Run QuickBooks File Doctor. The tool usually takes one minute or more to open; wait until then. 

Note: If QB File Doctor doesn’t open, search for QuickBooks Desktop File Doc in the Windows search and open it manually.

• In QuickBooks File Doctor, choose your company file to open from the drop-down menu. If you don’t find your file, click Browse and search, then look for it.
• Select the Check your file option and then click Continue.
• Enter the QuickBooks admin password and then click Next.

3. Check if the workstation is hosting the file

Make sure the hosting settings are enabled on the server and not on the workstation. The server is your main computer that hosts the company file, and others are just connected to it. 

• Open QuickBooks. 
• Press F2. This will open the Product Information window. 

• Look for Local Server Information. 
• Make sure hosting is turned off. 

4. Rename the .ND and .TLG files and run the Database Server Manager

The .ND and .TLG files are components of your QuickBooks company files. These configuration files enable QuickBooks to access a company file on the network.

Any damage to these files can cause QuickBooks error 6210 when trying to open the company file on the network. Renaming these files will replace them with the new ones when you open the company file on the network or with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager scan. 

a. Rename the .ND and .TLG file

• Open the folder where the company file is saved. 
• Look for the files with the same name as your company file, but with the .ND and .TLG extensions at the end. 
  • company_file.qbw.nd
  • company_file.qbw.tlg
• Right-click on each file and choose Rename. Now, add the .OLD word at the end of each file name. Example: company_file.qbw.nd.OLD

b. Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager allows you host your QuickBooks company files. Restart the QB Database Server Manager and then scan your company file after renaming the .ND and .TLG files. 

Here’s how to run QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Tool Hub: 

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Go to Network Issues in the left menu bar. 
• Click on QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Install QuickBooks on the server if you haven’t already installed it. 

• Now, select Start Scan in QuickBooks Database Server Manager if you see your company file. If you don’t, click Browse and locate your company file, then select Start Scan.  
• Open QuickBooks Desktop. 
• Now, try to sign in to your company file again. If the error persists, go to the next solution. 

5. Open a sample company file from a workstation 

Opening the sample company file from a workstation, test whether the issue is with the company file or your QuickBooks. If you fail to open the same company file and get an error, the QuickBooks Desktop installation is damaged, and you must repair it promptly to resolve the QuickBooks multi-user mode error 6210, 0.

• Open your sample company file.
• From the list of sample files, choose the one.  
• If it opens, go to Solution 7. 

6. Repair the QuickBooks installation files

Let’s repair the QuickBooks Desktop installation using the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Make sure to download and install the utility if you haven’t done so yet.

a. Run Quick Fix my Program 

The Quick Fix my Program closes all QuickBooks processes running in the background and then quickly repairs the program.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• In the left menu bar, select Program Problems. 
• Hit on Quick Fix my Program.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and then your company file.

b. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool 

If something went wrong during the software installation, it may cause problems when trying to run different operations. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool in the Tool Hub to repair the QuickBooks installation files. 

7. Copy the QuickBooks file to the Desktop

Copying and opening your company file on the desktop helps determine whether the problem lies with the company file itself or its location.

If you can open the company file from the desktop, it may mean there is damage to the location where you save the file. The company file might be in multiple folders, exceeding the system path limit. If you fail to open the company file from another location, it may be damaged. 

• Locate the folder where you saved the company file, then open it. 
• Look for the .QBW extension file.
• Right-click on your company file and choose Copy. Go to the desktop, right-click anywhere, and select Paste. 
• Press and hold the Ctrl key, then open QuickBooks. The No Company Open window will open. 

• Choose Open or restore an existing company. Go to your desktop, find your company file, and open it. 

8. Close all QuickBooks processes

When you close the QuickBooks processes in Task Manager, it forcefully ends any stuck processes that might be causing QB error code 6210 when trying to open a company file on the network. 

• Sign in to your server computer as an admin. 
• Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch the Task Manager. 
• Click on Show processes for all users, then Users.
• Choose each of the QuickBooks processes (QBW32.EXE, qbupdate.exe, and QBDBMgr.exe). Then, select End Task. 
• When done, try to open the company file in multi-user mode again. 

9. Check the folder permission manually

The user account may not have Full Control over the folder that contains the company file. As a result, you may be unable to host or open the company file over the network, which can trigger QuickBooks error code 6210 0. Setting up the correct folder and Windows access permissions allows full administrative rights and ensures seamless access to the company file.

10. Configure firewall ports and Anti-Virus software

Windows Firewall is a built-in Windows security feature that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and protect your system from threats like viruses and hackers. If it incorrectly flags QuickBooks Desktop as a threat, it may block related processes. To resolve this, make sure to configure Windows Firewall settings for QuickBooks to allow proper access.

Conclusion 

Hosting a company file over the network allows you work from anywhere using any device, but QuickBooks error 6210 can make it challenging. By enabling hosting settings only on the server, allowing QuickBooks through Windows Firewall, and taking other steps, you can successfully open a company file on the network.

For further assistance, contact the technical experts at QuickBookSupportNet. Dial +1(866)500-0076 to talk to an expert now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I fix QuickBooks already has a company file open?

Restart your computer, run QuickBooks as an administrator, and then close all QuickBooks processes that might be running with the company file in Task Manager so you can open your company file without any issues.

When does QuickBooks error 6210 occur?

QuickBooks error 6210 occurs when attempting to open a company file in multi-user mode, primarily due to Windows firewall or antivirus blocking the connection, or if hosting is enabled on your workstation.

Is QuickBooks error 6210 related to multi-user mode?

Yes, QuickBooks error 6210 is related to multi-user mode and typically occurs due to incorrect server or workstation hosting settings, damage to the company file, or Windows Firewall. 

How to fix the error that cannot communicate with the company file due to the firewall?

To resolve the issue of not being able to communicate with the company file due to a firewall issue, run QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Tool Hub, add QuickBooks program exceptions in Windows Firewall, ensure the company file folder is shared, and temporarily disable the firewall. 

How to fix QuickBooks multi-user mode not working when opening a company file? 

To fix QuickBooks multi-user mode, ensure the Database Server Manager is running, and the company file folder is scanned on the server. Check that hosting is enabled only on the server and stopped on workstations, and verify folder permissions.