Fix QuickBooks Error: The Attempt to Log in With The Username Failed

QuickBooks is a premium accounting software that has aided countless business owners and accountants in achieving their business objectives. To access the software, users must create an account and log in. However, some users may need help with attempting to log in to their QuickBooks company files.

This error appears by a pop-up message: “The attempt to log in with the user name (name of the user) failed. This user is already logged into the company file. Try a different user name.”

Or

User ID Admin is already logged into the company file.

In this guide, we will discuss the reasons and solutions to fix this error.

Reasons for QuickBooks Error: The Attempt to Log in With The Username Failed

Error “The attempt to log in with Username Failed” usually occurs due to the following;

• QuickBooks users or accountants log into the company data file via Remote Access without logging out from the previous session. 
• The users or accountants are logged into the company file with the same credentials from different computers. 
• Network error caused by electricity or power supply issues. 

Solving QuickBooks Error: The Attempt to Log in with the Username Failed

To resolve this issue, follow these steps: 

1. Before applying any troubleshooting steps, ensure all QuickBooks processes are closed.
   • PressCtrl + Alt Delete to access the task manager. 
   • Navigate to the process tab.
   • Now, once the task manager window is opened, sort the image name in alphabetical order of running all the processes. 
   • End all processes starting with QB by right-clicking and selecting the End process.
   • After closing QuickBooks processes, attempt to Log In to the company data file. 
2. Restart the server hosting your company data file. 
3. Open QuickBooks desktop and try opening a company data file.
   • If unsuccessful, attempt to log in as a different user. 
   • If the issue persists, contact your QuickBooks Administrator. 
4. QuickBooks administrators using version 2008 or later should reset credentials by pressing the reset button on the login screen and answering displayed questions.
5. If credentials reset problems persist, download the Automated Password Reset Tool from Intuit’s official website. 
6. If unable to log in after resetting credentials, restore your latest backup and re-enter data. 
7. If no backup is available or accurate, submit the file to Data recovery services for recovery. 

Alternative Solutions to fix QuickBooks Error: The Attempt to Log in With The Username Failed

Certainly, let’s delve into the viable methods to resolve the Error message: The Attempt to Log in With The Username Failed. 

Solution 1: Download and Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub and Run Quick Fix My Program

The QuickBooks Tool Hub proves valuable for downloading, efficiently identifying, and resolving errors or issues within the QuickBooks software.

To address the error code encountered during the login process, follow the steps below:

1. First, close QuickBooks.
2. Now, download the latest version available of QuickBooks Tool Hub from the QuickBooks website. You need to save the file at a location where you can find it easily.
   
   Note: If you’ve previously installed Tool Hub, then you can find out which version you’re using. Choose the Home Tab. The version will appear at the bottom.
   
3. Below your downloads list, click on (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install and agree to the terms and conditions. 
5. Now, after the installation finishes, double-click on the icon of your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
   
   Note: If you’re unable to find the icon, then search in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub and select the application.
   
6. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub, and choose Program Problems. 
7. Now, select Quick Fix My Program.
   
8. Lastly, open QuickBooks and log in to the company file.

Solution 2: Restore the Backup of the Company File  

Restoring a backup is crucial for recovering the company file. To guide you through this process, follow the steps outlined below: 

1. Go to your QuickBooks Desktop and open the File menu. 
2. Select the Open and Restore Company option.
   
   
3. Now, click on Restore a backup copy. 
4. Then, click on the Next tab. 
5. You need to browse your computer to find a backup company file.
   
   Note: The backup company file should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
   
6. Now, choose the Local backup option and click next.
   
7. Navigate and choose the location of the company file backup with .qbb extensions.
8. Lastly, choose the file and click on open. 

Note: Still facing the issues with restoring the QuickBooks company file backup, Feel free to read this detailed guide.

Solution 3: Log in as a different User or Click on Forgot my Password

If you encounter a login issue in QuickBooks with a failed username attempt error, follow this troubleshooting step:

1. Test logging in with the user ID of a different account to determine if the problem is specific to your account or a more widespread QuickBooks issue.
   
   OR
   
   If you’ve forgotten your password on QuickBooks Desktop as an administrator, Choose the I forgot my password option to initiate a reset.
2. Then, as the QuickBooks admin, click on the reset button on the login screen and respond to the challenge question provided. 
3. If the login problem persists, resort to the QuickBooks desktop automated password recovery tool. 

Method 4: Restart the Server and QB Company File

Sometimes, you will encounter a login problem in QuickBooks due to server-related issues. To resolve this problem, follow these steps: 

1. Restart server. 
2. Now, close and reopen your QuickBooks company data file.
3. Launch QuickBooks on the workstation. 
4. Sign in to the company file. 
5. Then, check if the error persists. 

Bottom Line

We hope the article and solutions helped you fix the login error. If you still face issues or have questions, reach out to our customer support for quick assistance. Don’t let these small errors disrupt your workflow. 

FAQs

Why can’t I Log In to QuickBooks with my Username?

There might be a couple of reasons that might be leading to the QuickBooks error: the attempt to log in with the Username failed. Such causes can be network issues due to an electrical problem, you’re attempting to work with the same Username but in a different system, you’re already logged in to the company file, or you haven’t logged out from the last session and many more.

Can I prevent login errors from happening in the future?

Yes, you can prevent login errors from occurring again in the future by:

• Ensuring accurate typing of your Username and password. 
• Consider implementing two-factor authentication for enhanced account security.

How do you reset the password for the admin account?

To reset the admin password, Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Reset Password or Forgot Password tab. 
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the password reset process. 
3. Complete the required information as prompted. 
4. Set a new password as per the provided instructions. 
5. Save changes and log in with the updated password.