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title: 'QuickBooks Hosting Mode Is Off: Complete Troubleshooting Guide'

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<h1><strong>QuickBooks Hosting Mode Is Off: Complete Troubleshooting Guide</strong></h1>
<p>Fix the QuickBooks hosting mode is off issue with this complete guide covering hosting settings, Database Server Manager, Windows permissions, and multi‑user configuration. For expert QuickBooks multi‑user mode support, call +1‑866‑408‑0444.</p>
<h1><strong>QuickBooks Hosting Mode Is Off Overview</strong></h1>
<p>The QuickBooks hosting mode is off issue occurs when QuickBooks Desktop cannot share the company file over the network because hosting is disabled on the server or incorrectly enabled on workstations. This prevents users from accessing the company file in multi‑user mode. Many businesses searching for <a href="https://www.bizbooksadvice.com/quickbooks-hosting-mode-is-off.html">QuickBooks hosting mode is off</a> solutions need clear steps to restore hosting functionality, and expert support at +1‑866‑408‑0444 can help resolve the issue quickly.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>1. What Hosting Mode Means in QuickBooks</strong></h2>
<p>Hosting mode controls whether a computer can share the company file with other users.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Server computer:</strong> Hosting must be ON</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Workstations:</strong> Hosting must be OFF</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If hosting is off on the server, multi‑user mode will not work.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>2. Causes of QuickBooks Hosting Mode Is Off</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Hosting disabled on the server</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Hosting incorrectly enabled on workstations</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Windows permissions blocking network access</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Firewall or antivirus interference</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Damaged .ND (Network Descriptor) file</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Incorrect multi‑user configuration</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>3. How to Turn On Hosting Mode in QuickBooks (Server Only)</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Step 1: Open QuickBooks Desktop on the Server</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Log in as admin</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Open the company file</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 2: Enable Hosting</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Go to File &rarr; Utilities</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Select <strong>Host Multi‑User Access</strong></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you see <strong>Stop Hosting Multi‑User Access</strong>, hosting is already ON</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 3: Restart QuickBooks</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Close and reopen QuickBooks</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Test multi‑user mode</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>4. Turn Off Hosting on Workstations</strong></h2>
<p>Hosting must be OFF on all non‑server computers.</p>
<h3><strong>Step 1: Open QuickBooks on Each Workstation</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Go to File &rarr; Utilities</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 2: Check Hosting Status</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>If you see <strong>Stop Hosting Multi‑User Access</strong>, click it</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you see <strong>Host Multi‑User Access</strong>, do nothing (hosting is already OFF)</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>5. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Step 1: Open Windows Services</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Press Windows + R &rarr; type <strong><span tabindex="0" data-url="https://services.msc">services.msc</span></strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 2: Locate QuickBooksDBXX</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Right‑click &rarr; Restart</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 3: Scan Company File Folder</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Open Database Server Manager</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add the folder containing your .QBW file</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Click <strong>Scan</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>This rebuilds the .ND file.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>6. Fix Windows Folder Permissions</strong></h2>
<p>Ensure the server folder containing the company file has:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Full Control for Everyone</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Full Control for Users</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Full Control for QuickBooks Database Server Manager service account</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>7. Configure Firewall and Antivirus</strong></h2>
<p>Allow these QuickBooks components:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><span tabindex="0" data-url="https://QBW32.exe">QBW32.exe</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span tabindex="0" data-url="https://QBDBMgrN.exe">QBDBMgrN.exe</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span tabindex="0" data-url="https://QBCFMonitorService.exe">QBCFMonitorService.exe</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Open required ports:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>TCP 8019</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TCP 56728</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TCP 55378&ndash;55382</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>8. Repair the .ND File</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Step 1: Locate the .ND File</strong></h3>
<p>Found in the same folder as your .QBW file.</p>
<h3><strong>Step 2: Rename It</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Right‑click &rarr; Rename</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add <strong>.old</strong> to the end</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Step 3: Rescan Folder</strong></h3>
<p>Use Database Server Manager to recreate a fresh .ND file.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>9. Common Scenarios and Solutions</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Hosting Mode Off on Server</strong></h3>
<p>Turn on hosting and restart Database Server Manager.</p>
<h3><strong>Hosting Mode On at Workstations</strong></h3>
<p>Turn off hosting on all workstations.</p>
<h3><strong>Multi‑User Mode Still Not Working</strong></h3>
<p>Check firewall, permissions, and .ND file.</p>
<h3><strong>Company File Opens Only on Server</strong></h3>
<p>Verify folder sharing and network mapping.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>10. Best Practices for Multi‑User Hosting</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Host the company file only on the server</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep Database Server Manager updated</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Use static IP addresses for servers</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Avoid Wi‑Fi for multi‑user setups</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add QuickBooks antivirus exclusions</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Restart hosting services after Windows updates</p>
</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p>The QuickBooks hosting mode is off issue occurs when hosting is disabled on the server or misconfigured on workstations. By enabling hosting on the server, disabling it on workstations, restarting Database Server Manager, and fixing permissions, you can restore multi‑user access quickly.</p>
<p>For professional QuickBooks hosting mode and multi‑user troubleshooting assistance, call +1‑866‑408‑0444 today.</p>