How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6144, 304?

QuickBooks Error 6144, 304 usually appears when users try to open a company file in a multi-user setup or hosted environment. This error stops access to the file and shows a message stating that QuickBooks cannot open the file. It mainly results from improper configuration of file hosting settings or corrupted system files. This article explains the causes, symptoms, and verified fixes for QuickBooks Error 6144, 304 to help you restore access to your company data efficiently.

Watch this quick video to learn the causes and solutions for QuickBooks Error Code 6144, 304.

What is QuickBooks Error “6144, 304”?

QuickBooks Error 6144, 304 is a company file-related error that occurs when QuickBooks is unable to access or open the file due to permission conflicts or system issues. This error often disrupts operations in multi-user mode or when accessing a file stored on a different server.

Why does QuickBooks Error “6144, 304” occur?

This error usually appears due to incorrect hosting setup or problems in file or network configurations. Below are the most frequent reasons:

• The host system is not correctly configured for multi-user access.
• QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not installed on the server.
• Windows firewall or antivirus software is blocking access.
• The .ND or .TLG configuration files are corrupted or missing.
• The company file is being accessed through an incorrect network path.
• File permission rights are restricted.

How can you identify QuickBooks Error “6144, 304”?

You can identify this error when you observe one or more of the following signs:

• Error message: “QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. Error Code: -6144, -304.”
• QuickBooks closes unexpectedly or refuses to open the company file.
• Delay or freeze when switching to multi-user mode.
• System crash while accessing or saving the file.
• Network file issues when connecting to the host system.

What are the steps to fix QuickBooks Error “6144, 304”?

Apply the solutions below in the given order, starting from basic file and hosting checks to more advanced troubleshooting involving reconfiguring services and permissions.

Solution 1: Configure Hosting Settings on the Host Computer

Ensure only the server computer is set to host the file.

1. Open QuickBooks on all systems.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. If the option Host Multi-User Access appears on a workstation, do not select it.
4. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it to disable hosting on that workstation.
5. Enable hosting only on the server machine.

Solution 2: Use QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

This tool automatically detects and repairs network and company file issues.

1. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site.
2. Open Tool Hub and go to the Company File Issues tab.
3. Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
4. Select your company file from the list or browse to locate it.
5. Choose the option Check your file and network.
6. Enter your QuickBooks admin password.
7. Let the tool complete the scan and apply repairs.

Solution 3: Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

Corrupted network descriptor and log files can prevent access.

1. Open the folder that contains your company file.
2. Find files with the same name as your company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions.
3. Right-click each file and rename them by adding .OLD at the end.
   • Example: companyname.qbw.nd → companyname.qbw.nd.OLD
4. Open QuickBooks again and try to access the file.

Solution 4: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Improper firewall settings can block QuickBooks services.

1. Open Windows Firewall settings.
2. Create new inbound and outbound rules for the following:
   • QBW32.exe
   • QBDBMgrN.exe
   • QBUpdate.exe
3. Ensure the TCP ports for your QuickBooks version (e.g., 8019, 56728, etc.) are allowed.
4. Add QuickBooks to the list of allowed programs in your antivirus software.

Solution 5: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Ensure QuickBooks services are installed and running.

1. Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server if not already done.
2. Open Tool Hub and go to Network Issues.
3. Launch Database Server Manager and scan the folder containing your company file.
4. Restart QuickBooks and switch to multi-user mode.

Solution 6: Set Correct Folder and File Permissions

Improper file permissions can restrict access.

1. Right-click on the company file folder.
2. Go to Properties > Security.
3. Click Edit, then ensure Full Control is enabled for the user running QuickBooks.
4. Apply changes and retry opening the file.

Is there an automated tool to fix QuickBooks Error “6144, 304”?

Yes, QuickBooks Tool Hub includes the File Doctor and Database Server Manager, which are automated tools designed to identify and repair issues related to Error 6144, 304. These tools reduce the need for manual troubleshooting and fix many common issues related to file access, permissions, and network configuration.

How can I prevent QuickBooks Error “6144, 304” in the future?

To avoid this error, always ensure that:

• Only the server hosts the company file.
• QuickBooks is updated regularly.
• The firewall and antivirus allow QuickBooks processes.
• You use QuickBooks Database Server Manager to manage multi-user setups.
• Regularly back up your QuickBooks data and configuration files.

What if QuickBooks Error “6144, 304” is not fixed after troubleshooting?

If the error persists after applying all solutions, it indicates deeper system or file-level damage. In such cases, expert assistance may be needed to manually inspect system logs, company file integrity, and configuration inconsistencies.

How can our experts assist you in resolving QuickBooks Error “6144, 304”?

Our certified QuickBooks specialists at Error Code Experts are available to diagnose and fix Error 6144, 304 efficiently. Whether it’s a server setup issue, file corruption, or firewall conflict, we handle it all with guaranteed resolution.

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