Failure to share the company file over the network or when collaborating can occur for various reasons, such as Windows Firewall blocking the network connection, possible data damage or corruption, or not running the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

You may also see a warning message stating, "Error: Cannot communicate with the company file due to a firewall." To learn how to fix the firewall issue and the one we just discussed, follow this detailed blog and perform the troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshooting Issues When Opening Company File Due to Firewall

Explore the below section for the troubleshooting steps to fix the issues when opening or wiring in the company file on the network. Be careful when performing these steps.

1. Run QuickBooks File Doctor and Database Server Manager

Fix common connectivity and company file-related issues by using the QuickBooks File Doctor or QuickBooks Database Server Manager for successful network hosting. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub to the latest release to access the utility.

a. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

• Hit on Company File Issues in the left pane.
• Select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor button. The file doctor may take on mintue to open; wait until then.

Note: If QuickBooks File doctor failes to open, manually searhc for QuickBooks Desktop File Doc and open it manually.

• Now, choose your company file from the drop-down menu in the File Doctor.If you fail to see your company file, select Browse and look for your company file.
• Hit on Check your file (middle option only) and then Continue.
• Enter the QuickBooks admin password to grant the admin permissions and then select Next.

The scan time can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the file. Even if the scan resolves your problem, it can still report that it was failed. After the scan is complete, access your company file and QuickBooks.

b. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Your server computer is the maincomputer that host your company file, other computer are just connected with it. So, for a successful hosting or opening the company file over the network, make srue to run QBDSM on the main computer.

• Choose Network Issues.
• Hit on Quickbase Database Server Manager. If you havn’t installed the Server Manager yet, it will prompt you to install.
• Now, select Start Scan if your company file folder(s) are displayed. If you don’t see the company file folders, Browse to the data file and then select Start Scan.
• The QuickBooks Database Server Manager will automatically repair the Windows Firewall permissions on your server.
• When done, select Close.

2. Check your Windows firewall settings

Either by default settings or incorrectly configured ones, the Windows Firewall may block your company file in QuickBooks, causing the ‘QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file.’ to fix this issue, you must configure the Windows Firewall settings for QuickBooks Desktop to allow or restore the company file connection with QuickBooks and make sure the Firewall won’t block any of your QuickBooks operations.

Summary

This is the end of this detailed blog covering possible causes why QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file and how to fix the issue. We hope the above information have helped you fix the issue and to get back to you company file related processes. If you get stuck somewhere or find it challenging to follow the steps, reach out to the professionals. Dial 1.866.409.5111 to connect with a QB ProAdvisor now!