Many QuickBooks desktop users are reporting they can no longer connect to their networked company files after they updated Windows 10.
In many instances, users are prompted for a Windows password within QuickBooks. Or, an error may pop-up saying, “It appears that the QuickBooks software on computer [name of their server] is set up to allow shared connections to the company file, but the QuickBooks software on your computer is unable to communicate with it.”
Following an update to Windows 10, you may find your Windows software implemented a password to access shared files, printers, and public files over a network. This typically will result in a message like or similar to the one shown below, depending on the version of QuickBooks (Desktop) software you're using.
Windows 10 - Cannot Open Company File
In order to resolve this problem, you'll need to make changes in your network related Windows 10 settings using the steps below:
Step 1 – Access Windows 10 Sharing, the simplest way to do this in Windows 10 is to search the Start Menu for “sharing”
Step 2 – From the list generated in Step 1, choose Manage advanced sharing settings
Windows 10 Network Settings
Step 3 – Click the down arrow (shown in the red box below) on the right of All networks to expand the settings
Windows 10 All networks access
Step 4 – Select the toggle button marked Turn-off password protected sharing
Windows 10 Turn-off password protected sharing
Step 5 – Save changes
Step 6 – Open QuickBooks and attempt to connect to your Company file, your file should open normally unless other "network problems" are present. Other network issues may include, but not be limited to:
- Improperly configured or multiple-configured QuickBooks hosting database servers
- Failure to open the required firewall ports on both the server and client workstation computers
- Improper network "file sharing" configuration on the server computer
But I'm betting, that Steps 1 through 5 will resolve the issue, and that your company file will open normally in Step 6.