A Guide: QuickBooks Cannot Communicate With the Company File Due to the Firewall

To keep the QuickBooks company file data safe and secure, users usually implement stringent rules through firewall software. However, sometimes it happens that the restrictions imposed by the firewall can bother users. In this blog, we will delve into this problem and explore solutions to resolve the issue that QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file due to the firewall. The message that you received at this time is:

Cannot communicate with the company file due to a firewall

It appears that the QuickBooks software on computer QWNER-PC is set up to allow shared access to the company file, but the QuickBooks software on your computer is unable to communicate with it.

To make you aware of the reasons behind this, wrong DNS settings, outdated QB, and improper configuration of the company file folder can be considered. In order to help you fix it, we have mentioned some technical ways. Scroll down the page to explore the information.

If you don’t want to risk your company's file data, consider consulting a professional. Give a call to 1.855.738.2784 and talk to our QB advisor.

Know the Reasons Why QB Fails to Connect With the Company File

Let me walk you through the reasons that might be responsible for why you are unable to communicate with the company file.

1. The very first reason that we are going to discuss in the segment is the firewall. Firewall issues can also lead to QuickBooks error 40003.
2. It can also happen if DNS settings are misconfigured.
3. The inability to communicate with the company file mainly occurs due to a lost server connection.
4. When QuickBooks Database Server Manager malfunctions, you can run into problems.
5. If the folder that contains the company files is not configured properly.
6. It can also be due to an outdated QB version.

2 Effective Ways to Resolve QuickBooks Cannot Communicate With the Company File Due to Firewall

If the QB fails to connect with the company file, try implementing the solutions below to overcome this problem:

Solution 1: Check and configure the firewall settings

1. The first step is to go to the Start menu.
2. Search for Windows Firewall and open it.
3. Go to the Advanced Settings and tap on the Inbound Rules.
4. Choose a New Rule.
5. After this, you are required to click on the Next option.
6. Ensure that the TCP option is chosen.
7. Now, hover over the Specific local port field, and choose the port number based on the QB version.
8. Enter the port number and choose Next.
9. Make sure that all the profiles are marked if you are asked to do so.
10. Press Next.
11. Make a rule and name it.
12. Tap Finish to complete the process.

Solution 2: Turn off hosting on your workstations

1. Open the QB application and go to the File tab.
2. Head over to the Utility option.
3. Choose Hosting Setup.
4. If the Stop Hosting Multi-user Access option appears on the screen, it means your server is in the right configuration, and you don't need to do anything.
5. In case the Host Multi-user access option is seen on the screen, you are required to change it to Stop Hosting Multi-user Access.
6. After this, you need to go through every workstation and make sure that the system is set to the Stop Multi-user Access option.
7. When the given steps are done, try to access the company file and see if the error still persists.

What You Should Remember

After reading the entire page, you must have understood what causes QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file due to the firewall issue. Along with the section of causes, you are also given a set of solutions in order to help you overcome this problem. If you are still stuck, don't wait any longer to talk to a pro advisor. Dial 1.855.738.2784 to consult.

Recommended Reading - QuickBooks Installation Errors: How to Fix Them?