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Error: Connection Has Been Lost

You may see the following error while opening or using QuickBooks:

Connection Has Been Lost: The connection to the company file has been lost. QuickBooks must close immediately. Any unsaved data will need to be re-entered.

Why this is happening

You will see this error message when your QuickBooks software can no longer access your company file. It's like a dropped call on your cell phone: The friend you were talking to is still there, but the connection is gone. You may need to call your friend back, or you may need to fix a problem with your phone.

There are several possible causes for the error. You may simply be able to restart your computer and your server. Or, you may need to make sure QuickBooks is configured properly and that all your hardware is still working. This article provides links to tools you can download and instructions to help find and fix the problem. First, choose the solution below that describes where the error occurred. Then choose the option that best describes your setup.

If you see this error while updating your company file to a new version, try article SLN42716.

How to fix it

You saw the error on the computer that stores your company file

Your company file is stored on a portable drive (this is less common)

Working on your company file while it is on a portable drive, such as a flash drive, is not recommended. If you want to proceed at your own risk, make sure the drive is connected and that your file is not damaged.

Solution 1: Check your portable drive

Make sure your portable drive is still connected. You may try:
- Disconnecting and reconnecting your drive
- Finding your file on your drive from My Computer
- Saving other files to your drive to make sure it's working

Make sure your drive has plenty of available space. It should have at least as much free space as the size of your company file.

If you still see the error, continue to the next solution.

Solution 2: Fix the error using the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool

Download and run the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool.
If the tool detects data damage, you have 4 options:
- Repair the file. The tool will tell you if it fixed your file.
- Restore a recently backed up company file.
- Recover all or most of your data with QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery.
  Important: This option is available only to users of QuickBooks 2011 R6 and later and QuickBooks 2010 R12 and later.
- Send your company file to our Data Recovery Team. To request data recovery service from Intuit Data Services, contact QuickBooks Technical Support. Fees may apply.

If you see No problem detected in your Company File, your company file is OK. If you still see the error, try the next solution.

Solution 3: Check your company file for damage
Computer files can become damaged, including your company file. QuickBooks has utilities to help fix it.

Verify your company data file, and rebuild it if necessary.

Your company file is stored on your computer's hard drive (more common)

Computer files can become damaged, including your company file. QuickBooks has utilities to help fix it.

Solution 1: Fix the error using the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool
1. Download and run the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool.
2. If the tool detects data damage, you have 4 options:
  - Repair the file. The tool will tell you if it fixed your file.
  - Restore a recently backed up company file.
  - Recover all or most of your data with QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery.
    Important: This option is available only to users of QuickBooks 2011 R6 and later and QuickBooks 2010 R12 and later.
  - Send your company file to our Data Recovery Team. To request data recovery service from Intuit Data Services, contact QuickBooks Technical Support. Fees may apply.
If you see No problem detected in your Company File, your company file is OK. If you still see the error, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Verify your company data file, and rebuild it if necessary.

You saw the error on one computer and your data file is stored on another computer

You use QuickBooks on only one computer

Your network can break in several ways. You may have seen a Windows error or similar problem on your computer. The computer you're connected to (it's called a server or host) may have a similar problem. Or, the problem may lie in the connection between the two computers (cables, routers, protocols, etc.) You may be able to solve the problem simply by restarting both computers, or you may need to take several other steps.

Use these diagrams to help identify your host computer and workstation(s):

Dedicated hosting diagram

Peer to peer hosting diagram

Solution 1: Fix hosting on all computers

Host Tasks
1. Make sure QuickBooks is installed on the host computer (server)
  1. Click the Windows Start button and choose:
    
    Windows 7 and Windows Vista: All Programs > QuickBooks
    
    Windows XP: Programs > QuickBooks
  2. If QuickBooks or QuickBooks DatabaseServer Manager doesn't appear in the list, it means the program is not installed. Refer to Installing and configuring QuickBooks for a multi-user or network environment.
    
    Important: QuickBooks 2007 and later includes a Server Only installation method for file servers. Refer to Install the QuickBooks server for these instructions.
2. Set hosting settings
  - If QuickBooks is installed on the host computer:
  - If QuickBooks is not installed on the host computer (called a server-only installation):
    
    Double-click the QB Database Server Manager icon in the Windows system tray (or choose Start > All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager).
    
    Click the Database Server tab.
    
    Verify that your company file appears in the window below Currently connected company files and logged in users. If it isn't there, click the Scan Folders tab and click Help for information about adding the company file.
    
    Close the QuickBooks Database Server Manager window.
3. Delete and re-create the .nd file
  You need to scan the folder where the company file is stored to create the Network Descriptor (nd) file. The *.nd file stores information about the computer that is hosting the file.
  1. Click the Windows Start button and choose :
    
    Windows 7 or Vista: All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
    
    Windows XP: All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
  2. In the QuickBooks Database Server Manager window, click Add Folder and find the folders storing the company files.
  3. When all folders are added, click Scan.
  4. The data files appear under QuickBooks company files found. Click Close.
  5. Browse to the folders containing the company files and make sure the file .qbw.nd was created for each company data file.
  Note: If you don't see the QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the Programs list, you might have to uninstall QuickBooks and reinstall selecting the second option: I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer, AND I'll be storing our company file here so it can be shared over our network.
Workstation Tasks
1. Make sure hosting is off
  1. Open QuickBooks.
  2. Choose File > Utilities, and then:
    
    If Stop Hosting Multi-User Access appears in the menu, select it to disable hosting on this computer and proceed with the next step.
    
    If the workstation says Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it to fix it.
    
    If Host Multi-User Access appears in the menu, hosting is already disabled and you can proceed with the next step.
    
    The workstation should say Host Multi-User Access. If it does, don't change it.
2. Open the company file using a UNC path
  UNC (Uniform Naming Convention) is a common syntax Windows uses to describe the location of a network resource.
  
  An example of a UNC path is \\ComputerName\SharedFolder\. ComputerName in this example would be the name of the server where the company file is hosted.
  
  Follow the steps below to open the company file using the UNC path:
  1. Open QuickBooks.
  2. Choose File > Open or Restore Company (in QuickBooks 2006, choose File > Open Company).
  3. (QuickBooks 2007 and later versions only) Select Open a company file and click Next.
  4. In the left pane of the Open a Company window, click My Network Places.
  5. Double-click Entire Network and navigate to the location on your server where the company file is stored.
  6. Select the company file and click Open.

Solution 2: Restart both computers

Restart the server first.
Important: Before doing this, make sure no one else is connected to it.
Restart your computer.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 3: Disable power management settings on the server

On the computer where the company file is stored, open the power management settings in Windows Control Panel:
- Windows 7: Choose Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Windows Vista: Choose Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
- Windows XP: Choose Start > Control Panel > Power Options.
Turn off all sleep, standby, and hibernation modes on the host computer. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information about power options.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 4: Fix the problem using the Connection Diagnostic Tool

(Optional) Watch this 4 minute video to learn how to use the tool.
Download the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.
When you download the tool:
1. Enter your email address.
2. Select the I agree to the Terms and Conditions checkbox.
3. Click the Download Tool button.
Follow the instructions to install and use the tool.
Note: Instructions for using the tool can be found on the How to Use the Tool tab.

If you see File Open successful (all Advanced statuses have green checkmarks,) your network connection is OK, and you should be able to open the file.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 5: Fix the error using the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool

Download and run the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool.
If the tool detects data damage, you have 4 options:
- Repair the file. The tool will tell you if it fixed your file.
- Restore a recently backed up company file.
- Recover all or most of your data with QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery.
  Important: This option is available only to users of QuickBooks 2011 R6 and later and QuickBooks 2010 R12 and later.
- Send your company file to our Data Recovery Team. To request data recovery service from Intuit Data Services, contact QuickBooks Technical Support. Fees may apply.

If you see No problem detected in your Company File, your company file is OK. If you still see the error, try the next solution.

Solution 6: Check your network

Important: Wireless networking is not reliable enough for information like your company file. It's not supported by QuickBooks. Review the details if you like, but don't use wireless networks for QuickBooks.

Open or save another file on the server to make sure you have the necessary access. Using another program like Microsoft Excel or Wordpad, create and delete another file on that computer.
If you're not able to create and delete a file in that folder, set access permissions required for QuickBooks.

You may need to consult a network technician or your IT staff if your network isn't working.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 7: Check your company file for damage

Computer files can become damaged, including your company file. QuickBooks has utilities to help fix it.

Verify your company data file, and rebuild it if necessary.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

You use QuickBooks on more than one computer

Your network can break in several ways. You may have seen a Windows error or similar problem on your computer. The computer you're connected to (it's called a server or host) may have a similar problem. Or, the problem may be between the two computers (cables, routers, protocols, etc.) You may solve the problem simply by restarting both computers, or you may need to take several other steps.

Use these diagrams to help identify your host computer and workstation(s):

Dedicated hosting diagram

Peer to peer hosting diagram

Solution 1: Fix hosting settings on all computers

Host Tasks
1. Make sure QuickBooks is installed on the host computer (server)
  If QuickBooks is installed on the host computer:
  
  Open QuickBooks.
  
  Choose File > Utilities:
  
  If Stop Hosting Multi-User Access appears in the menu, hosting is enabled and you can proceed to the next step.
  
  The host computer should say Stop Hosting Multi-User Access. Don't change it. Workstations should not.
  
  If Host Multi-User Access appears in the menu, select it to enable hosting on this computer, and then proceed with the next step.
  
  The host computer should say Stop Hosting Multi-User Access. If it doesn't, select Host Multi-User Access to fix it.
  
  If QuickBooks is not installed on the host computer (called a server-only installation):
  
  Double-click the QB Database Server Manager icon in the Windows system tray (or choose Start > All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager).
  
  Click the Database Server tab.
  
  Verify that your company file appears in the window below Currently connected company files and logged in users. If it isn't there, click the Scan Folders tab and click Help for information about adding the company file.
  
  Close the QuickBooks Database Server Manager window.
2. Delete and re-create the .nd file
  You need to scan the folder where the company file is stored to create the Network Descriptor (nd) file. The *.nd file stores information about the computer that is hosting the file.
  1. Click the Windows Start button and choose :
    
    Windows 7 or Vista: All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
    
    Windows XP: All Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
  2. In the QuickBooks Database Server Manager window, click Add Folder and find the folders storing the company files.
  3. When all folders are added, click Scan.
  4. The data files appear under QuickBooks company files found. Click Close.
  5. Browse to the folders containing the company files and make sure the file .qbw.nd was created for each company data file.
  Note: If you don't see the QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the Programs list, you might have to uninstall QuickBooks and reinstall selecting the second option: I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer, AND I'll be storing our company file here so it can be shared over our network.
Workstation Tasks
1. Make sure hosting is off
  1. Open QuickBooks.
  2. Choose File > Utilities, and then:
    
    If Stop Hosting Multi-User Access appears in the menu, select it to disable hosting on this computer and proceed with the next step.
    
    If the workstation says Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it to fix it.
    
    If Host Multi-User Access appears in the menu, hosting is already disabled and you can proceed with the next step.
    
    The workstation should say Host Multi-User Access. If it does, don't change it.
2. Open the company file using a UNC path
  UNC (Uniform Naming Convention) is a common syntax Windows uses to describe the location of a network resource.
  
  An example of a UNC path is \\ComputerName\SharedFolder\. ComputerName in this example would be the name of the server where the company file is hosted.
  
  Follow the steps below to open the company file using the UNC path:
  1. Open QuickBooks.
  2. Choose File > Open or Restore Company (in QuickBooks 2006, choose File > Open Company).
  3. (QuickBooks 2007 and later versions only) Select Open a company file and click Next.
  4. In the left pane of the Open a Company window, click My Network Places.
  5. Double-click Entire Network and navigate to the location on your server where the company file is stored.
  6. Select the company file and click Open.

Solution 2: Restart all your computers

Restart the server first.
Important: Before doing this, make sure no one else is connected to it.
Restart all the other computers QuickBooks is installed on.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 3: Disable power management settings on the server

On the computer where the company file is stored, open the power management settings in
Windows Control Panel:
- Windows 7: Choose Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Windows Vista: Choose Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
- Windows XP: Choose Start > Control Panel > Power Options.
Turn off all sleep, standby, and hibernation modes on the host computer. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information about power options.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 4: Fix the problem using the Connection Diagnostic Tool

(Optional) Watch this 4 minute video to learn how to use the tool.
Download the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.
When you download the tool:
1. Enter your email address.
2. Select the I agree to the Terms and Conditions checkbox.
3. Click the Download Tool button.
Follow the instructions to install and use the tool.
Note: Instructions for using the tool can be found on the How to Use the Tool tab.

If you see File Open successful (all Advanced statuses have green checkmarks,) your network connection is OK, and you should be able to open the file.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 5: Fix the error using the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool

Download and run the QuickBooks Company File Diagnostic Tool.
If the tool detects data damage, you have 4 options:
- Repair the file. The tool will tell you if it fixed your file.
- Restore a recently backed up company file.
- Recover all or most of your data with QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery.
  Important: This option is available only to users of QuickBooks 2011 R6 and later and QuickBooks 2010 R12 and later.
- Send your company file to our Data Recovery Team. To request data recovery service from Intuit Data Services, contact QuickBooks Technical Support. Fees may apply.

If you see No problem detected in your Company File, your company file is OK. If you still see the error, try the next solution.

Solution 6: Check your network

Open or save another file on the server to make sure you have the necessary access. Using another program like Microsoft Excel or Wordpad, create and delete another file on that computer.
If you're not able to create and delete a file in that folder, set access permissions required for QuickBooks.

You may need to consult a network technician or your IT staff if your network isn't working.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

Solution 7: Check your company file for damage

Computer files can become damaged, including your company file. QuickBooks has utilities to help fix it.

Verify your company data file, and rebuild it if necessary.

If you still see the error, continue with the next solution.

If these solutions don't resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free or you can contact a technical support agent for additional guidance. Fees may apply.

KB ID# SLN41481

5/16/2012 1:47:04 PM

QYPPRDQBKSWS05 9046 Pro 2010 128a56