How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 6189 -816?

QuickBooks Error 6189 -816 occurs when QuickBooks cannot access a company file due to a mismatch between the transaction log (.TLG) file and the company (.QBW) file. This error typically shows the message: “An error occurred when QuickBooks tried to access the company file (-6189, -816).” It can be caused by issues such as incorrect network settings, insufficient permissions, or the file being in use by another program. Other causes include a damaged .TLG file, incorrect hosting setup, or interference from firewall or antivirus software, which can block QuickBooks services and disrupt access to the company file.

To fix the error, ensure QuickBooks is updated and properly installed on all systems with the correct multi-user configuration. Use tools like Quick Fix My File or QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Check folder permissions, rename the .ND and .TLG files, and ensure only the server computer has hosting enabled. To avoid this error in the future, regularly backup company files, restrict access to authorized users, and avoid storing .QBW files in cloud-sync folders. Fixing this error promptly helps maintain smooth business operations and uninterrupted access to financial data. Below, we have outlined 10 effective methods to resolve QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 6189 -816 and get your system running smoothly again.

Method 1: Run Quick Fix My Program from the QuickBooks Tool Hub

This method helps fix common QuickBooks issues by using the QuickBooks Tool Hub’s Quick Fix My Program feature, which automatically detects and resolves program-related problems, ensuring that QuickBooks runs smoothly. Below are the steps to download, install, and run the tool.

Step 1: Download and Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

• Close QuickBooks.
• Download the latest version (1.6.0.8) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub and save it in a location you can easily find.
• Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Once installed, double-click the Tool Hub icon on your desktop to open it.
• In case the icon is not visible, search for QuickBooks Tool Hub in Windows and open it.

Step 2: Run Quick Fix My Program

• In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select Program Problems.
• Click Quick Fix My Program.
• After the fix is complete, start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

Method 2: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub to Fix Error Code 6189, 816

To fix error codes 6189 and 816, you can use QuickBooks Tool Hub’s QuickBooks File Doctor tool, which scans and repairs issues with your company file. The following steps will guide you through the process of downloading, installing, and resolving these errors efficiently.

• Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub from your desktop or start menu.
• Go to the “Program Problems” tab in the tool.
• Click on “QuickBooks File Doctor” to scan your company file.
• Follow the on-screen steps to fix any issues found.
• Close the Tool Hub and restart QuickBooks to check if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Run Quick Fix My Program from the Tool Hub

Use Quick Fix My Program in the Tool Hub to resolve QuickBooks issues quickly. Simply select the option, then open QuickBooks and your data file.

1. In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, click on Program Problems.
2. Select Quick Fix My Program.
3. Open QuickBooks Desktop and your data file.

Method 4: Restart All Computers and Servers

Restart the server computer hosting your company files, or contact your hosting provider for assistance. Then, restart each workstation and open QuickBooks on both the server and the workstations.

1. Restart your server computer (the one hosting your company files). Note: If you’re not using a server computer, contact our support team for assistance. If your files are hosted by an Intuit Hosting Provider or another cloud service, contact them to restart the service.
2. Restart each workstation (the other computers connected to the network that don’t host your company files).
3. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
4. Open QuickBooks Desktop on each workstation.

Method 5: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager on Your Server from the Tool Hub

Open QuickBooks Tool Hub on the server, go to Network Issues, and select QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Scan your company file, and the tool will fix firewall issues. Then, open QuickBooks on the server and workstations.

1. On your server computer, open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Click Network Issues, then select QuickBooks Database Server Manager. If QuickBooks isn’t installed on your server, you’ll be prompted to install it.
3. When you see your company file(s), select Start Scan. If not, browse to the location of your company file, then select Start Scan.
4. QuickBooks Database Server Manager will automatically repair your firewall permissions.
5. Click Close.
6. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer, then on each workstation.

Method 6: Move Your Company Files to Your Local Hard Drive

Accessing your company file (.QBW) from a removable or online drive can cause issues. Move it to your local hard drive for better performance.

Important Best Practices:

• Store QuickBooks files, including your company file, on your server computer’s hard drive. Online file services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.net can cause issues.
• Avoid storing files on removable or external drives. Devices like external hard drives, USB flash drives, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) are not designed for QuickBooks or multi-user networks.
• Do not encrypt your QuickBooks files or the hard drive where they are stored. Encryption can block your multi-user network connection.

Method 7: Update QuickBooks

Updating QuickBooks ensures that you have the latest features and fixes for known issues and errors. Follow the steps below to install the latest version and update your software.

• Install the latest version of QuickBooks.
• Updates fix known issues and errors.
• Open the “Help” menu from the main toolbar.
• Click “Update QuickBooks Desktop” in the dropdown menu.

Method 8: Detecting Concurrent User Access

Check if another user is accessing the company file. If someone else is using it, ask them to close it, then try opening the file again once they disconnect.

• Check if another user is accessing the company file.
• When another person is using the file, ask them to close it.
• Try opening the file again after they disconnect.

Method 9: Move the Company File to a Different Location

Ensure the company file is not in a read-only network folder. Copy it to a local folder on your computer and open it from there to allow QuickBooks to access and modify the file properly.

• Check if the company file is in a read-only network folder.
• Copy the file to a local folder on your computer.
• Open the file from the new location.
• This helps QuickBooks access and modify the file properly.

Method 10: Repair QuickBooks Installation

To fix installation issues, go to the Control Panel, find QuickBooks in the list of programs, and select “Uninstall/Change” or “Repair.” Follow the on-screen steps to complete the repair.

• Close QuickBooks.
• Open the “Control Panel” on your computer.
• Click “Programs.”
• Select “Programs and Features.”
• Find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs.
• Click “Uninstall/Change” or “Repair.”
• Follow the on-screen steps to complete the repair.

Method 11: Create a New QuickBooks Company File

Create a new company file in QuickBooks and restore your data from a backup. This method helps if the original file is damaged or causing errors.

• Open QuickBooks and select the option to create a new company file.
• Use your backup file to restore and import your data.
• This helps if the original file is damaged or causes errors.

Method 12: Rename the Network Data (ND) and Transaction Log (TLG) Files

Renaming the ND and TLG files can resolve issues like Error Code 6189, 816 by allowing QuickBooks to create new working versions. Follow the steps below to rename the files and fix the issue.

• ND and TLG files help QuickBooks access your company file in multi-user mode.
  If these files are damaged, you may see Error Code 6189, 816.
• Renaming them allows QuickBooks to create new working versions.

Steps to Rename ND and TLG Files:

1. Open the folder that contains your company file.
   Find the files with the same name as your company file, but with extensions .ND and .TLG (e.g., company_file.qbw.nd, company_file.qbw.tlg).
2. Right-click each file and select Rename.
3. Add .OLD to the end of each filename (e.g., company_file.qbw.nd.OLD).
4. Open QuickBooks and try signing in to your company file again.

Method 13: Check the Location of Your QuickBooks Company Data File (QBW)

Ensure that the QBW file is stored on your local hard drive, not on a removable pen drive or external disk. Avoid using online backup files for QuickBooks to prevent potential issues.

• Do not store the QBW file on a removable pen drive or external hard disk.
• Avoid using online backup files for QuickBooks, as this may cause issues.
• Move the QBW file to your local hard drive (e.g., save it on the desktop where QuickBooks is installed).

Method 14: Verify QBDataServiceUser Permissions

Check the permissions for QBDataServiceUser based on your QuickBooks version. Try copying the QBW file to your desktop and open it from there. If it opens, the issue may lie with the original folder where the QBW file was saved.

• Check the permissions for QBDataServiceUser for your QuickBooks version.
• Copy the QBW file to your desktop.
• Open the file directly from the desktop.
• When the file opens, the issue may be with the original folder where the QBW file was saved.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 6189 -816?

To fix QuickBooks Error 6189 -816, follow these steps:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version.
2. Install and open the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
3. Ensure QuickBooks Database Server Manager is running on the server.
4. Only the server should have hosting enabled.
5. Have admin rights to access and edit the company file.
6. Close QuickBooks on all other systems.
7. Back up the company file (.QBW).
8. Ensure the file isn’t stored on cloud drives or removable storage.
9. Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus if needed.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 6189 -816?

1. Error message: “QuickBooks can’t access the company file (-6189, -816).”
2. Happens in multi-user mode
3. File opens on server but not on other systems
4. .QBW file is intact, but access fails
5. Related to .ND/.TLG file issues or hosting setup

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error Code 6189 -816?

1. Host the company file only on the server
2. Keep QuickBooks and Windows updated
3. Set correct folder permissions
4. Avoid using cloud or removable storage
5. Back up the company file regularly
6. Ensure stable network for multi-user mode
7. Don’t force close QuickBooks or your system while the file is open

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 6189 -816?

You should seek professional help for QuickBooks Error Code 6189 -816 if the issue persists after following all troubleshooting steps, such as using the QuickBooks Tool Hub, checking hosting settings, and renaming the .ND and .TLG files. If the error continues despite confirming proper network configuration and folder permissions, or if you’re unable to resolve file access problems, a QuickBooks expert or IT professional can help diagnose deeper issues, like corrupted files, complex network conflicts, or system configuration problems that require advanced solutions.