What is QuickBooks Error 6073 & How does it Looks when occurs

QuickBooks Error 6073 is an error that can arise when a user tries to open a company file. This error shows that QuickBooks is unable to open the company file, and another user may have opened it.

This error can emerge in both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. It is a multi-user and company file error that stops you from accessing the company file on your computer.

There are a few reasons why this error shows up. One is if the file is open on another computer in Single User mode. It can also happen because of issues like problems with how the network is set up, needing help to access certain folders, or if someone needs to remember to log out properly.

What are the causing roots behind the QuickBooks Error 6073

QuickBooks error 6073 can happen for various reasons:

File in Use: QuickBooks Error 6073 can occur if someone is already using a company file and another user tries to access it at the same time. 

Single User Mode: Opening the company file on another computer while it is already open in Single User mode can lead to this error.

Multiple Credentials on Linux Server: The shared folder on the Linux server hosting the company file requires multiple sets of login credentials to access.

Network Issues: Problems with the network setup, like connectivity issues or interruptions, can trigger this error.

Read-Only Network Folder: The company file is located in the read-only network folder.

Folder Access Restrictions: If the folder containing the company file has restricted access, it may lead to error 6073.

Improper Logout: Forgetting to log out properly from QuickBooks can sometimes result in this error.

How can we identify the effect of QuickBooks Error 6073

The symptoms of QuickBooks error 6073 typically include:

• Users may encounter difficulty while opening the company file, as the error restricts access when someone else is already using it.
• Due to the QuickBooks error 6073, the Windows screen may behave unusually or reflect a glitch on it.
• QuickBooks often displays an error message, such as “QuickBooks Error 6073,” indicating the conflict when attempting to access the company file.
• If working in a multi-user mode, users may experience disruptions or conflicts when trying to access the same company file simultaneously.
• Users might notice restrictions or difficulties in accessing the company file due to conflicting permissions or usage by another user. 
• Users might notice that the system will behave sluggishly and not respond to requests actively.

Customized Solution for QuickBooks Error 6073

Let’s start with the basic measures before moving to actual solutions:

• Store your QuickBooks company file in a centralized location accessible to all users on the network.
• Use QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode to prevent conflicts when accessing the company file simultaneously.
• Store backups in a secure location and verify the restoration process periodically.
• Review and manage user permissions regularly. Make sure that each user has the appropriate level of access and credentials.
• Regularly update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version.
• Keep track of any recent changes in your QuickBooks setup, network configuration, or user accounts.

6) Solutions of QuickBooks Error 6073

Solutions Part 1

1. Verify that there are no disruptions in internet connectivity.
2. Check if QuickBooks hosting is correctly set up on the server. You need to confirm that hosting is disabled on workstations.
3. Examine and adjust file permissions to grant necessary access to all users. Always verify that the QuickBooks folder and company file have the appropriate permissions.
4. Ensure that the company file is not open in Single User Mode on any other computer. Make sure to advise all users to switch to Multi-User Mode before accessing the file.
5. Verify that the company file is stored in a location accessible to all users. Avoid storing the file on a removable drive or a location prone to connectivity issues.
6. Confirm that users logging into QuickBooks have the correct credentials. Check for any expired or invalid user accounts.
7. Check if there were recent changes to the QuickBooks setup or network configuration. Revert any recent changes that might be contributing to the error.

Solution Part 2

1. Restart Your Computer & Login As an Administrator

Below are the steps to restart your computer and log in as an administrator to resolve QuickBooks error 6073:

1. Save your work and close all open programs.
2. Click on Start menu in the bottom left corner of the screen.

3. Select Restart to reboot your computer.

Once the computer restarts, log in with an account that has administrator privileges.

1. Go to the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
2. Right-click on the icon.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. Enter the admin credentials.
5. Click OK to log in as an admin.

This process ensures a fresh start and administrator access, which can sometimes resolve issues related to file access or permissions.

2. The network data files (.nd) and transaction log files (.tlg) are usually labeled as hidden files.

1. First, open My Computer and select the Tools menu.
2. From there, click on Folder Options.
3. In the Folder Options window, select the View tab.
4. Now, check the box next to Show Hidden Files & Folders.
5. Next, navigate to the data folder to locate the entry log files and network data files.
6. Once you’ve found the network data file, right-click on it and select Properties.
7. Finally, uncheck the Hidden option and click OK.

3. Run Quick Fix My Program

Quick Fix My Program is a tool that scans and reviews system files to identify common errors that can affect the functioning of the QuickBooks application. It then attempts to fix these errors without affecting user files or data.

When you run this program, it will shut down any open background processes QuickBooks uses and run a quick repair on your program. This process helps you to diagnose and fix the errors that are related to your program or data.

To access the Quick Fix My Program icon, you need to download the QuickBooks Tool Hub first. The QuickBooks Tool Hub is a collection of tools that help you fix common errors. Once you have downloaded the Tool Hub, you can run the Quick Fix My Program to diagnose and fix errors related to QuickBooks.

4. Rename Corrupted or unavailable network data file

.ND files are the QuickBooks network files that allow QuickBooks to run the company files. If your network data file is corrupt and damaged, you are required to fix the QuickBooks error 6073. Here are the steps to fix the error:

1. Double-click on the Start menu to run the Windows Explorer.
2. Next, search for the folder that has the file you need to access.
3. Right-click the file on the .ND file extension and the .QBW extension.
4. Enter OLD in your network data file end that has .ND extension as .ndold.
5. Hit Enter and save the changes.
6. Open QuickBooks and retry opening the company file.

5. Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

The QuickBooks File Doctor serves as an important tool for resolving QuickBooks error 6073. It conducts a comprehensive diagnosis of the company file and identifies the issues related to network connectivity, file permissions, and improper configurations.

This tool not only automatically attempts to repair identified problems but also offers manual repair options for more complex issues. This includes guiding users through step-by-step instructions to address the root causes of error 6073.

Overall, QuickBooks File Doctor acts as an effective solution, efficiently diagnosing and fixing file-related issues to ensure the seamless functioning of QuickBooks.

6. Fix the 6073 99001 Error Manually

There are several scenarios where you might encounter this issue. Depending on the situation, you will need to take further troubleshooting measures.

1. Situation 1- Opening company files in another PC in single-user mode:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop on all the systems.
2. Run the company file through the host system.
3. Navigate to the File tab and select Multi-User mode.

4. Restart all the systems.

2. Situation 2- When your file is opened in the Host computer, yet in a single-user mode:

1. First, close and reopen your company file.
2. From the File tab, select the Open or Restore Company tool.

3. In the next window, select Run a company file and click Next.
4. Choose the company file you want to access.
5. Finally, click on Open in Multi-User Mode.

7. Update QuickBooks Desktop & Windows to The Latest Release

Updating QuickBooks Desktop and your Windows operating system can address various issues, including QuickBooks errors. Keeping both updated ensures that you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

This can help you resolve issues related to temporary files, also known as cache files, that get stored in the browser and lead to slow response times. Additionally, updating to the latest version can help you deal with bugs and security issues that may be present in older versions of the software, allowing you to access or create a company file without any problems.

With the latest update, some additional file components get downloaded in QuickBooks, which can help you access the company file easily. The latest version also includes an automatic diagnostic procedure that helps in the automatic detection and resolution of any errors.

Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “QuickBooks Error 6073 – How to Fix It” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.