QuickBooks Server Error: How to Rectify Busy Server?

QuickBooks Server Error: How to Rectify Busy Server?

Did you receive any server error while running QuickBooks? If so, you should figure out the cause. Generally, QuickBooks server error occurs due to the other programs running in the background.

There can be other factors that may cause your QuickBooks program. Hence, in this guide, we will enlighten how you can resolve QuickBooks error when contacting the server. Let’s get started!

In this particular blog, we will provide a brief description of the QuickBooks server error and cover the following:

About QuickBooks Server Busy Error

When you log in to the QuickBooks program, you may receive a Server Busy pop-up on your screen. The pop-up has a message stating that This action cannot be completed because the other program is busy.

This message indicates that there are conflicts with other programs that are running in the background. To deal with this error, you can click on the Switch To button and close the busy programs on your computer. This will correct the problem.

However, there can be instances that your operating system or QuickBooks software is causing trouble (in general). Therefore, it is important that you go step by step with the repairing methods. Let’s know all the ways to fix the QuickBooks error when contacting the server.

What Are The Causes of QuickBooks Server Error?

Conflicts with other programs may be the primary factor of facing the QuickBooks server busy error. However, there can be other reasons due to which you find it difficult to run QuickBooks smoothly.

As stated earlier that your Windows operating system or QuickBooks software can also cause unwanted errors. Here, we are jotting down the possible causes of QuickBooks server error.

  • The Windows system is not updated.
  • Windows update is performing in the background.
  • QuickBooks software was not closed properly.
  • Your network does not have enough resources to launch and run the QuickBooks program.
  • Conflict with Intuit Profile or ProSeries may also cause errors.

Similarly, there can be other factors for which you need to clean QuickBooks or Windows computers. Without any further ado, let’s find out what we can do to resolve the QuickBooks server error.

How to Fix QuickBooks Server Busy Error?

To resolve your busy server, you can start with the basic troubleshooting methods. For instance, you can close the problematic programs, download new Windows updates, and run QuickBooks Tool Hub to scan your QuickBooks company files.

Furthermore, you can turn off the automatic update for QuickBooks, repair QuickBooks, reinstall QuickBooks, boot Windows to Safe Mode with Networking, start your in Selective Startup Mode, Create a new map drive, and add a new firewall rule for QuickBooks.

Now let’s understand all these methods with a step by step instruction. Make sure you follow the steps carefully. Also, take a backup of your QuickBooks data before implementing any harsh technical methods.

Method 1: Close Running Programs

If you want to run QuickBooks smoothly then you should close all the programs that are running in the background. To ensure what all programs should be closed, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

  • First of all, you will have to make sure that no dialog box is open in any of the programs.
  • Also, close all the Windows Defender, Google Desktop, Pivot Software Control, and Vista Security.
  • If you use SPY Sweeper then disable it temporarily. Alternatively, you can run it in the Gamer mode whilst running QuickBooks Desktop.

By closing all these programs, you will not find any QuickBooks server error. As a result, you can launch and run QuickBooks without any interruption on your computer.

Method 2: Check for Updates

As long as your Windows operating system is updated, it works effectively. Therefore, you should check for the new updates on your computer.

Windows keeps sending new updates for your PC in order to improve its features and functionality. If you do not install them, this is possible that you encounter unwanted errors such as QuickBooks error when contacting the server.

To look for new updates for your operating system, you can go through the following steps:

  • Launch the “Settings” app.
  • Go to the “Update & Security” option.
  • Click on the ”Check for Updates” button.
Check For Update - QuickBooks Server Error

This will start looking for the latest updates for your computer. If there is any update available, you can download and install it immediately. This should fix your problem related to the QuickBooks server busy error.

Method 3: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub is a multi-purpose tool to scan and rectify QuickBooks errors. Hence, it is suggested to use this tool so that you can repair QuickBooks Desktop.

In this method, we will teach you to download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer. In addition, we will show you how this tool should be run to fix the problems related to busy servers.

Method 3.1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

It is recommended to download the latest version (1.4.0.0) of QuickBooks Tool Hub on Windows 10 (64-bit).

  • Close QuickBooks desktop in case it is opened.
  • Download the “QuickBooks Tool Hub File” on your computer.
  • Save the “QuickBooks tool hub .exe file” on a location where you can find it easily.
  • Now, open the “QuickBooksToolHub.exe” file.
  • Follow the instructions given on your screen to agree to the conditions.

After following all these steps, the tool will be downloaded and installed easily. Thereafter, you can launch it to perform by double-clicking on the tool icon.

Method 3.2: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub to Fix the Error

In case you are unable to find the tool icon then you can also use the Windows search bar to type QuickBooks Tool Hub. Then, you can run the tool to troubleshoot errors in QuickBooks.

  • Click on the Windows search bar located on the bottom left.
  • Select or type “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in the search bar.
  • Launch “QuickBooks Desktop” and your “QB Company file”.

This is how you can download and run QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer. This will fix the minor or major problems related to company files or software. Thereafter, you can try launching QuickBooks software and check if it causes a QuickBooks server error.

Method 4: Disable QuickBooks Automatic Update

There can be instances that you fail to run QuickBooks if you have turned on the QuickBooks automatic update. Therefore, it is suggested to disable this option. Here are the steps for stopping the automatic update for QuickBooks.

  • Press the “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” key combination on your keyboard.
  • Click on the “Task Manager”.
  • Then, go to the “Startup” tab.
  • Click on the “QuickBooks Automatic Update” button.
  • Now, click on the “Disable” option.
  • Here, you can disable the shared updates in your QuickBooks Desktop:
    • Click on the “Help” button.
    • Go to the “Update QuickBooks” option.
    • Click on the “Options” tab.
    • Choose the “No” option for the “Share Download” button.
    • Hit the “Close” button.

After following these steps, you can easily stop the updates from getting installed automatically. Thereafter, you can check if the QuickBooks server busy error persists. If you find the QuickBooks server busy then you should repair QuickBooks Desktop. Read more in the next method.

Method 5: Repair Your QuickBooks Software

Users find obstacles while using QuickBooks software or have issues with the installation or uninstallation process. In this scenario, repairing the QuickBooks software can work. Let’s know how to repair QuickBooks Desktop.

Note: It is recommended to take a backup of your QuickBooks company file. In case anything goes wrong during the QuickBooks repairing method, the backup can be used to restore the files.

  • Restart your device to make sure that no other programs get affected by this repairing method.
  • Click on the Windows “Start” menu.
  • Go to the “Control Panel” based on the Windows version:
Windows 10
  • In the Windows search bar, type “Control Panel”.
  • Go to the “Control Panel” when it appears in the result.
  • Now, click on the “Uninstall a program” option.
Windows 8
  • Hit the “Start” menu.
  • Scroll down to find “More Settings”.
  • Select the “Control Panel”.
  • Go to the “Uninstall a program”.
Windows 7
  • Click on the “Start” menu.
  • Go to the “Control Panel”.
  • Click on the “Uninstall a program”.
  • Go to the “Programs and Features” option.
  • Then, hit the “Uninstall a Program” option.

Note: In case you don’t find the Programs and Features then you can click on the Programs and select the Program and Feature option.

  • Now, click on the “QuickBooks” program from the list of all programs.
  • Then, hit the “Uninstall/Change” button.
  • Click on the “Continue” option.
  • Here, you can click on the “Repair” option.
  • Hit the “Next” button.

Note: The repair method should be performed right away. The process may take a while so you can leave the repairing process running on your computer.

  • Once the process is completed, click the “Finish” button.

To reflect all the applied changes, you can restart your device. In addition, you should update the QuickBooks Desktop. This will possibly fix the error.

Method 6: Perform Clean Install for QuickBooks

To fix QuickBooks errors, you can perform a clean install. This process does not affect the accounting data as these data are not involved in this.

In this method, we will reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop. Furthermore, if you have installed Intuit ProSeries on your device then you can rename it to avoid errors. Let’s know how to do that.

Method 6.1: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

To clean your QuickBooks Desktop from your system, you should collect the QuickBooks product information, uninstall the QuickBooks software, and reinstall QuickBooks. Let’s know how to clean QuickBooks Desktop.

  • Download QuickBooks installer based on the software version.
  • Ready your license number that comes along with the software packaging. If you have purchased QuickBooks software online then you should find the product information in your emails.
  • Note down the year and version of your product.

Once you have gathered the product information, you can continue removing the QuickBooks software from your computer.

  • In the Windows search bar, type “Control Panel”.
  • Go to the “Control Panel” when it appears in the result.
  • Now, click on the “Uninstall a program” option.
  • Go to the “Programs and Features” option.
  • Then, hit the “Uninstall a Program” option.

Note: In case you don’t find the Programs and Features then you can click on the Programs and select the Program and Feature option.

  • Now, click on the “QuickBooks” program from the list of all programs.
  • Then, hit the “Uninstall/Change” button.
  • Click on the “Remove” option.
  • Hit the “Next” button.

Note: If you are not able to see this option then you can log out of your Windows account. Later, you can sign in as an admin to perform these actions.

  • Now, download the QuickBooks software based on the version of your operating system.
  • Save the file “QuickBooks.exe.” on the preferred location.
  • Follow the instructions that appeared on your screen.
  • Accept the “License Agreement” and hit the “Next” button.
  • Now, add the “Product and License Key” you have noted down earlier.
  • Hit the “Next” button.

This will activate your QuickBooks software. After following these steps, you can run QuickBooks software smoothly without any interruption.

Method 6.2: Rename Intuit ProSeries

If your device has Intuit ProSeries installed then you should rename it to avoid errors. For better understanding, read the following instructions:

  • Click on the Windows Task Manager and look for “qbpsevntXXr.exe”. Here, “XX” is the year of your Intuit ProSeries program.
  • Now, open “Windows Explorer”.
  • Find the “Intuit ProSeries” folder with the year (you noticed in the Task Manager).
  • Open your “32-bit folder”.
  • Now, find “qbpsevntXXr.exe” and click right to select the “Rename” option.
  • Mention “.old” at the last of this file name.
  • Close the “Windows Explorer”.

Once you change the name of Intuit ProSeries (qbpsevntXXr.exe), you will not have any issues related to the software.

Method 7: Boot your System to SafeMode with Networking

By starting your system into Safe Mode with Networking, you can run certain programs you are having problems with. This will add the services and network drivers that are required to access the QuickBooks program. Here is how to do that.

  • Open the “System Configuration tool”. For that, use the Win + R key (Windows logo and R key) together in order to open the “Run” box. 
  • Now, type “MSConfig” in the typing field
  • Hit the “OK” button. This will open the System Configurations.
  • In the “System Configurations” window, you will see the “Boot” tab on which you can click on it.
  • Here, you will find a Safe boot option under the “Boot options”. You can click on this option and hit the “OK” button.

After this, your PC will prompt you to restart the system. You can click on the Restart option in order to start your Windows to normal mode.

Method 8: Start Computer in Selective Startup Mode

If your QuickBooks software is not running due to other software then you can switch to the Selective Startup Mode. To do so, look for the following steps mentioned below:

  • Press the “Windows” + “R” keys in order to open the “Run” command.
  • Then, type “MSConfig” in the text field.
  • Hit the “Enter” button.
  • In the “System Configuration” window, click on “Load system services” and “Selected startup” in the “General” tab.
  • Now, switch to the “Services” tab and choose “Hide all Microsoft Services”.
  • Click on the “Disable all” option.
  • Then, remove the check from the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
  • Next to this, select the “Windows Installer” option if not selected.
  • Hit the “OK” button.
  • Restart your system.

Once you are done following these steps, you would have been switched to Selective Startup Mode. Thereafter, you can try running your QuickBooks Desktop.

Method 9: Configure the Firewall on Windows

By configuring the Firewall or adding a new rule, you can troubleshoot the error in your QuickBooks accounts. To add the new Firewall port exception, you can pursue the following steps stated below:

Note: These steps can be performed when you are using multiple QuickBooks versions on the same device.

  • Click on the “Start” menu.
  • Then, type “Windows Firewall” in the search bar and open it when it appears in the result.
  • Now, go to the “Advanced Settings” option.
  • Click right on the “Inbound Rules”.
  • Hit the “New Rule” button.
  • Click on the “Port” option.
  • Hit the “Next” button.
  • Here, you need to make sure that the “TCP” is selected.
  • Now, when you reach the “Specific local ports” window, enter the ports that are required based on your QuickBooks version. For example:
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
  • Once done, hit the “Next” button.
  • Click on the “Allow the Connection” option.
  • Click the “Next” button.
  • If your screen prompts, ensure that all options are checked.
  • Then, click the “Next” button.
  • Now, create a new rule.
  • Rename it as “QBPorts(year)”.
  • Hit the “Finish” button.

These are the steps to create a new inbound rule. After this, you will have to create outbound rules. For that, you can follow the same steps as mentioned above. But remember, you choose Outbound Rules instead of Inbound Rules in the Advanced Settings.

Once you are done creating inbound and outbound rules to configure the firewall on a Windows computer, you can run QuickBooks Desktop. This should surely fix the error by now.

Method 10: Map a Network Drive in Windows

When users map a network drive on their system, they can get access to use QuickBooks company files from the shared storage. If you want to make a network drive, you can do the following:

  • Use the “Windows” icon on your keyboard.
  • Then, type “This PC” in the search bar.
  • Select “This PC” when it appears in the result.
  • Click on the “Map a network drive” in the “Computer” tab.
  • PIck any drive letter that is unused.
  • Hit the “Browse” button.
  • Now, click on the network location when the QB company files are stored.
  • Hit the “OK” button.
  • Click the “Finish” button.

Once you are done following these steps, you can launch your QB company files from the newly created mapped drive and see how it works. This will solve the QuickBooks error when contacting the server.

Tip: In case you are finding trouble to map a new drive with the UNC then you can try with the IP address of your server.

To Wind Up

QuickBooks server error can be annoying at times but can be resolved easily. It can be tough for some to find the cause and configure the settings on your Windows computer. Thus, this guide has been prepared for you.

Here, you have learned a number of ways through which you can fix QuickBooks error when contacting the server.

For instance, you can close the problematic programs, download new Windows updates, run QuickBooks Tool Hub, Turn off the automatic update for QuickBooks, repair QuickBooks, reinstall QuickBooks, boot Windows to Safe Mode with Networking, start your in Selective Startup Mode, Create a new map drive, and add a new firewall rule for QuickBooks.

By following all these methods, you can easily rectify the QuickBooks server busy error and run QuickBooks Desktop uninterruptedly.

If your QuickBooks has run into other errors such as QuickBooks install error 1712 then you can read this guide to find the troubleshooting methods.

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