How to Turn Off Hosting Mode in QuickBooks Enterprise (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re facing the frustrating message QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues QuickBooks users face in multi-user mode, especially when the company file is hosted incorrectly or network settings get misconfigured. Fix QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off issue fast with proven steps. Call +1-888-209-3999 for expert help & quick resolution today. When hosting mode is off, users may experience errors like: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Company file not opening on workstation </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Multi-user mode not working </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooks freezing or crashing </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Server not responding </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">H-series errors like H202 or H505 </li> </ul> The good news? This issue is fixable with the right steps. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off, why it happens, and how to fix it permanently in 2026. If you need instant help, you can call +1-888-209-3999 for QuickBooks Enterprise assistance. <h2>What Does “QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off” Mean?</h2> In QuickBooks Enterprise, Hosting Mode controls whether the system can share the company file with multiple users over a network. When QuickBooks shows Hosting Mode Off, it means the computer you’re using is not acting as the server (host) for the company file. That’s fine for a normal workstation, but if your server has hosting turned off, QuickBooks will not allow users to access the file in multi-user mode. In simple words: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Hosting ON = File sharing enabled </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Hosting OFF = File sharing disabled </li> </ul> This becomes a major issue when the hosting computer (server) is not configured correctly. <h2>Common Reasons Behind QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off</h2> Here are the top causes of this error: <h3>1. Wrong Hosting Setup</h3> If hosting is turned ON on workstations and OFF on the server, QuickBooks becomes confused and multi-user mode fails. <h3>2. QuickBooks Database Server Manager Not Running</h3> The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is required to allow other computers to access the company file. <h3>3. Firewall or Security Restrictions</h3> Windows Firewall or antivirus may block QuickBooks ports, preventing network access. <h3>4. Corrupt Network Data File (.ND)</h3> QuickBooks uses configuration files like .ND to locate company files on a network. If corrupted, hosting problems occur. <h3>5. Damaged QuickBooks Installation</h3> A broken installation may cause services to stop working properly, triggering hosting issues. <h1>How to Fix QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off (Step-by-Step)</h1> Follow these proven solutions carefully. Step 1: Check Hosting Settings on Every Computer This is the #1 fix. <h3>On Workstations (Non-Server Computers)</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks Enterprise </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to File > Utilities </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Look for the option: </li> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If it says Host Multi-User Access, hosting is OFF (this is correct for workstations) </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If it says Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, hosting is ON (this is wrong for workstations) </li> </ul> </ol> Workstations should always have hosting OFF. <h3>On Server Computer (Main Hosting PC)</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks Enterprise </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to File > Utilities </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Host Multi-User Access (if available) </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Confirm by clicking Yes </li> </ol>  Server must have hosting ON. <h2>Step 2: Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager</h2> The QuickBooks Database Server Manager must be running on the server. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Press Windows + R </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Type: services.msc </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Locate: </li> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooksDBXX (XX depends on version) </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QBCFMonitorService </li> </ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Right-click and select Restart </li> </ol> This refreshes QuickBooks hosting services instantly. <h2>Step 3: Scan the Company File Folder</h2> Scanning helps QuickBooks rebuild network configuration. <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks Tool Hub </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Network Issues </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Browse </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select your company file folder </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Start Scan </li> </ol> This fixes missing or damaged network files automatically. <h2>Step 4: Rename .ND and .TLG Files</h2> Corrupted network files are a common cause of QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to the folder where your company file is stored </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Find these files: </li> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">CompanyFileName.qbw.nd </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">CompanyFileName.qbw.tlg </li> </ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Right-click each file and rename: </li> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Add .old at the end Example: CompanyFileName.qbw.nd.old </li> </ul> </ol> Restart QuickBooks and try opening the file again. <h2>Step 5: Configure Firewall Ports for QuickBooks Enterprise</h2> If your firewall blocks QuickBooks, hosting won’t work properly. QuickBooks requires specific ports depending on version. You must allow: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooks executable files </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Database Server Manager services </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooks ports (dynamic or static) </li> </ul> Recommended action: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Add QuickBooks programs to firewall exceptions </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Allow inbound/outbound rules for QuickBooks </li> </ul> If you need professional firewall configuration help, call +1-888-209-3999. <h2>Step 6: Turn On Multi-User Mode Correctly</h2> After fixing hosting settings: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks on the server </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to File > Switch to Multi-user Mode </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks on workstation PCs </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Access the company file via the network location </li> </ol> If everything is correct, users should now connect smoothly. <h1>Best Practices to Prevent Hosting Mode Errors in 2026</h1> Here are some proven tips to avoid the issue again: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Always host the company file only on the server </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Keep QuickBooks updated regularly </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Use a stable LAN connection (avoid Wi-Fi hosting) </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager weekly </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Backup the company file daily </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Use QuickBooks File Doctor when file access fails</li> </ul> <h1>Final Thoughts</h1> The QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Mode Off issue can disrupt your entire accounting workflow, especially if your business relies on multiple users accessing the company file daily. But by correcting hosting settings, restarting server services, scanning folders, and fixing firewall access, you can restore smooth multi-user functionality quickly. For instant expert help and faster resolution, contact QuickBooks specialists at +1-888-209-3999 today. <h1>People Also Ask</h1> <h2>1. Why does QuickBooks Enterprise say hosting mode is off?</h2> Because your server computer is not set to host the company file, or hosting services are not running correctly. <ol start="2"> <li> How do I turn on hosting mode in QuickBooks Enterprise?</li> </ol> Go to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Access on the server computer and confirm. <ol start="3"> <li> Should hosting be turned on for workstations?</li> </ol> No. Workstations should always have hosting OFF. Only the server should host the company file. <ol start="4"> <li> What tool fixes hosting mode problems automatically?</li> </ol> The QuickBooks Tool Hub and QuickBooks Database Server Manager can scan and repair hosting configuration issues. <ol start="5"> <li> What if QuickBooks Enterprise still won’t switch to multi-user mode?</li> </ol> You may have firewall restrictions, corrupted .ND files, or damaged QuickBooks services. Call +1-888-209-3999 for immediate troubleshooting.