QuickBooks error code 6189, 816 is a run-time error. You may face this error when you try to run QuickBooks Desktop or open a company file (.QBW) on a multi-user network. Although there are few details in the message that appears with this error, users may find it difficult to find the exact cause and fix it.

Sometimes while opening company files user encounter with a common QuickBooks error 6189 and 816 with an error message “QuickBooks is unable to open the company file“.

Don’t worry as we are here to help you to get to know about Error 6189 and 816, its reasons and how to solve this issue.

Why do QuickBooks Error code 6189 and 816 occur?

This error usually shows when QuickBooks tried to access the company file. It may occur due to a multi-user network, not with your accounting data.

Limited users are getting approval or permission to assign in QBDataServiceXX or in Windows.

The QuickBooks version does not accommodate the company file. This happens while you try to open a later version file in an earlier version of QuickBooks. Here you need to upgrade company files to a newer QuickBooks version.

The company transaction log file may be older than the company file which you are trying to open.

The corrupted QuickBooks company files or damaged.

If QuickBooks company data file and the transaction log file is corrupted/damaged or missing.

Windows drives are missing or damaged which are need to run QuickBooks

Another reason behind this error is another user logged in the QuickBooks using single-user mode.

Incomplete installation of QuickBooks may also be the reason for this error.

Here are some steps to resolve your QuickBooks Desktop multi-user network issue and running again.

Steps to fix QuickBooks Error Code 6189 and 816

Step 1: Download and run QuickBooks Refresher

Download and run QuickBooks Refreshers on the system in which you are facing the issue. It will close all the background programs which are maybe the reason for the error. It also refreshes your all the process.

First, download the QuickBooks Refresher and then install all files from it. And save the files where you can easily access them. Check no other task is running on the QuickBooks Then check and close all the versions of the QuickBooks running on your system. After that double-click on the QBRefresher.exe file to run the program QBRefresher runs in 30 seconds, you just need to follow the instruction on the screen. When the installation is finished, reopen QuickBooks Desktop.

But still, you are facing the issue then move on to another step.

Sometimes complete system needs to full reset. You can follow the steps:

Step 2: Restart complete systems and servers

First, restart your sever system (The server which is hosting your company file) Then restart each workstation (Which are other systems that are connected through a network that don’t host your company file). After that open QuickBooks on your server system and on other workstations that are connected to the server system through your network.

If you are able to open QuickBooks then it is well and good but if it is still showing the error then, move on to step 3.

Step 3: Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server

If you’re hosting your own network, QuickBooks Database Server Manager will help keep your multi-user network stable.

Troubleshoot QuickBooks error

First, download and install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server system (the one hosting your company files). QuickBooks Database Server Manager doesn’t need a product license. After installation, then open the Windows Start Menu. After that open QuickBooks Database Server Manager Make sure you have the latest version of the QuickBooks Database Manager. After finishing the update then again start the system. In the end, open QuickBooks Desktop on your server system and workstations.

Corrupted Windows Drive

If the error continues, then it might be due to the damaged Window drive which is you using for QuickBooks. You can download or run a new window drive update utility to update or run Windows drive. If you are not able to do so you can take help from any specialist or master/professional.

Step 4: Transfer your company files to your local hard drive

If you are still facing the error- 6189, 816 and the company file is still stored on a removable drive or online. So follow the steps to move your company file to a local drive.

You can easily move your company file from one system to another. And this is usable at the time of the system crash, or simply if you want to upgrade your system.

Note: 1. Moving your company file to another system doesn’t affect your QuickBooks license.

2. You need to install QuickBooks Desktop in your system before moving your company file.

3. Rename your file to avoid the wrong file issue.

4. It is not good to overwrite the company file. You should rename it before facing the issue of copy file or losing data as because wrong file.

5. You need to download the latest version of the tax file if you are using payroll, after moving the file.

6. Attached documents, will be unavailable until you manually move company file to the correct location.

If the above solutions don’t work for you then go with these solutions

Solution 1: Backup and restore your file

First, create a back up of your file on the old system. Copy all backup files to the new system:

Keep backup of your company file

With the help of flash drive or another external device; or

It can also through a network if the systems are connected.

Restore the backup on your new system.

Recover method templates and forms missing from a restored backup

Data from add-ons, such as QuickBooks Loan Manager, may be excluded from the backup depending on their original location. You can restore custom templates and forms missing from a restored backup separately.

Search your company file where you stored it is called Restored_CompanyName_Files Then copy your file which you want and then paste it at the appropriate location.

The Restored_CompanyName_Files contains some other files to which you need to copy manually.

QuickBooks letters and templates C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\QuickBooks Letter Templates Printer Setting (PrintEng.ini, wpr.ini, and QBPrint.qbp) C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] Spell Checker (spell.ini and UserDictionary.tlx) C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] Financial Statement Designer (FSD clients) C:\Program Data\Intuit\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\FSD\ClientsNote: For Windows 7, the path is C:\Program Data\Intuit\ Financial Statement Designer (FSD data) C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\Components\FSD\Data Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) [Company Name].qbw Business Planner (.bpw) [Company Name].qbw Loan Manager (.lmr) [Company Name].qbw

Solution 2: You can move the entire QuickBooks data folder

You can also move your file without back up. Moving to the entire folder wouldn’t affect your data but it may not carry over some files, which you need to send manually.

Find the file location

If a file open: Need to Press F2 (or Ctrl+1). Identify the location from the File Information section.

If a file closed: Open QuickBooks Desktop. You will get the file path in the No Company Open window.

Handling to the folder. Then Right-click to the folder then selects Copy. After that paste the folder on your external device such as flash drive, hard drive, thumb drive, etc. Plugin the device to your new system, then Copy the files to the local drive. After launching QuickBooks Desktop, then open your file.

Solution 3: Restore with the help of Intuit Data Protect

Note: It depends on your Intuit Data Protect (IDP) plan (single file or entire PC), maybe some of the non-QuickBooks files are not backed up.

Create a back up of your company file on the old system. Sign in to IDP on your new system. Then restore all your backup files using IDP.

There are some files which are transferred and restored:

Files inside QuickBooks data folder:

Logos and images files

Transaction log (.tlg) files

Network data (.nd) files

Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) files

Loan Manager (.lmr) files

Business Planner (.bpw) files (QuickBooks Desktop Premier and Enterprise only)

Files from other locations:

QuickBooks letters and templates

Spell checker

Fixed Asset Manager

Printer setting are the files which can be recreated by QuickBooks

QuickBooks Statement Writer (Premier Accountant and Enterprise only)

Important points to note: Always store QuickBooks files, including your company file, on your server workstation’s hard drive. Some of the online file hosting services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.net are convenient, but they can create issues.

Never store files on your removable or external drives. External devices like External hard drives, USB flash drives, and Network Attached Storage [NAS] all these devices are not designed to run QuickBooks or multi-user networks.

Avoid encrypting your QuickBooks files or the hard drive storing them. This may block your multi-user network connection.



We hope using the above solutions you will be able to fix QuickBooks error code 6189 and 816. Point to note, if the manual solutions don’t work in all cases, you can always try an automated reliable solution like Stellar Repair for QuickBooks Software.

Also, make sure, keep your QuickBooks company file backed up because this file is where all your important financial information is.

That’s all in this article. If you need any kind of technical help you may dial our toll-free number +1-855-441-4417 to get immediate QuickBooks support.