How to Fix “QuickBooks POS Client Cannot Connect to Server” Error

The QuickBooks POS Client Cannot Connect to Server error happens when the client workstation cannot connect to the server in a multi-user setup. This stops access to shared data and transactions. Common causes include network issues, incorrect server settings, firewall or antivirus blocking, QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running, database corruption, wrong IP address or hostname, multiple QuickBooks POS instances, or lack of user permissions. 

To fix the issue, check the network connection, set up the server properly, adjust firewall settings, restart the Database Server Manager, verify IP address, and confirm correct user permissions. To prevent this error, keep the network updated, check firewall rules regularly, and ensure correct QuickBooks configurations. Below are 7 methods that can help you to fix QuickBooks POS ‘Client Cannot Connect to Server’ Error.

Method 1: Switch Company File to Multi-User Mode

To connect QuickBooks POS to the server, you need to enable multi-user mode. Follow these steps to improve efficiency and productivity:

• Open the File menu bar from the QuickBooks POS dashboard.
• From the drop-down, select Switch Company File to Multi-User Mode.

• Close all programs and restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks POS again and try connecting it to the server.

By following these steps, you’ll set up QuickBooks POS to work in multi-user mode.

Method 2: Change Advanced Sharing Setting

This method ensures better network connectivity by adjusting the advanced sharing settings on your system. Follow the steps below:

• Go to your Control Panel.
• Visit Network and Sharing Center.
• Tap on Change advanced sharing setting.
• Maximize network profile and hit Turn on from the Network Discovery.
• Under the setting option, click All Networks.
• Scroll to the Protected Sharing section and tap on the Turn off Protected Sharing.
• Once you are done, restart your system.

These steps will help you change the sharing settings for better network connectivity.

Method 3: Change the WSActivity file Name

Renaming the WSActivity file can help resolve connectivity issues. Follow these steps to locate and rename the file:

1. Find the folder where the WSActivity file is stored.
2. Right-click on the WSActivity file and select Rename.
3. Change the file name to OLDWSActivity.
4. After renaming, close all running applications, including QuickBooks.
5. Reopen QuickBooks.

Now, if you encounter the QuickBooks POS client cannot connect to server error, you will know exactly what to do!

Method 4: Reinstallation of QuickBooks Software

Try reinstalling QuickBooks, if the previous solutions don’t fix the QuickBooks POS connection error. Remember to back up your data first to avoid any loss.

• Go to the Downloads folder and right-click the QuickBooks Desktop file.
• Select Delete from the menu to uninstall the software.
• Now, Download QuickBooks Desktop Software from the official website.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall it.
• Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub and run it to fix any issues.

Method 5: Configure Firewall Settings for QuickBooks POS Connection

To ensure QuickBooks POS has uninterrupted network connectivity, modify the firewall settings and open the required port. Follow these steps:

• Press Windows+R to open the Run command.
• Open the Control Panel.
• Click the Windows Firewall by selecting small icons under the “View by” option.
• Select the “Inbound” option.

• Click “New Rule” from the menu.
• Choose the Port option and click Next.
• Reopen QuickBooks to make sure the issue has been resolved.

This should help resolve connectivity issues with QuickBooks POS.

Method 6: Install Server Workstation

For QuickBooks POS versions 3 and 4, installing the workstation can fix the issue. If this works, the problem was likely caused by an expired security certificate.

• Disable the POS software on all desktops.
• Get a new security certificate from the authorized provider.
• Click Open when prompted.
• Select the Run option.
• Choose Overwrite files automatically.
• Select Unzip.
• Click OK.
• After finishing, try reopening QuickBooks POS.

This should resolve the issue with QuickBooks POS connection.

Method 7: Download the Security Certificate

Those who are facing this issue related to the usage of QuickBooks POS Merchant Account Services should follow the given steps:

• Turn off the Point of Sale on each workstation.
• You can download a fresh security certificate from the official website.
• When prompted, click “Open” and then “Run.”
• You should choose “Overwrite Files without Prompting.”
• Once you’ve chosen “Unzip,” and then click on the “OK” and “Close” buttons.
• Reopen the sales point.

This should resolve the issue with the security certificate.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks POS ‘Client Cannot Connect to Server’ Error?

Meeting these prerequisites will simplify troubleshooting and help fix the error quickly:

To fix the error quickly, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the client and server are on the same network.
2. Set the server as the “Server Workstation” in QuickBooks POS.
3. Install the latest updates for QuickBooks POS and Windows.
4. Check that the Database Server Manager is running on the server.
5. Allow QuickBooks POS through the firewall and security software.
6. Use the correct server IP address and name.
7. Run QuickBooks POS as an administrator on both the client and server.
8. Make sure only one instance of QuickBooks POS is active.

How to Identify QuickBooks POS ‘Client Cannot Connect to Server’ Error?

Look for these signs to confirm the error:

1. Shows “Client Cannot Connect to Server” or a similar message in QuickBooks POS.
2. The client can’t retrieve or update server data.
3. The client can’t connect, but the server works.
4. Ping test or network tools show connection problems between the client and server.
5. The server doesn’t detect or host the POS database.
6. The client uses the wrong server address.
7.  Security software blocks the connection.

How to Prevent QuickBooks POS ‘Client Cannot Connect to Server’ Error?

These steps will prevent the error and ensure a stable QuickBooks POS connection.

1. Ensure both client and server are on a fast, reliable network.
2. Allow QuickBooks POS and Database Server Manager through security settings.
3. Install the latest QuickBooks POS and Windows updates.
4. Set the server as the primary workstation and keep Database Server Manager running.
5. Use the correct server IP or name.
6. Give admin rights to QuickBooks POS on both client and server.
7. Regularly reboot routers, modems, and servers.
8. Make sure only one QuickBooks POS is running.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks POS ‘Client Cannot Connect to Server’ Error?

Get professional help if basic troubleshooting doesn’t work or the error keeps happening. Contact support if the problem continues after checking the network, firewall, and Database Server Manager. Seek assistance for database corruption, frequent disconnections, or errors across multiple workstations. If you’re unsure about server settings or IP configurations or need advanced help, expert support is necessary. It ensures a quick fix, minimizes downtime, and prevents data loss.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)