How to Fix QuickBooks Server Busy Error

Intuit allows users to run their corporate files through a single server, and multiple workstations can access them. Sometimes users may not be able to connect to their company file due to a QuickBooks Server Busy error. This usually happens because there are multiple programs running in the background, which affects the performance of QuickBooks. The error message that appears on the screen is:-

QuickBooks Server Busy Error

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Read: How to Fix QuickBooks Invoice Payment Error (Resolved)

Cause Of QuickBooks Server Busy Error

Problems with your QuickBooks applications or system resources are the main causes of “QuickBooks Desktop Error: Server Busy”. The full list of reasons is as follows:-

  • Many programs are running in the background.
  • You are using an older QuickBooks application.
  • Your QB application files are damaged.
  • There are several workstations set up to host your business file.
  • Your system does not have enough resources.
  • A third-party app is interfering with the QuickBooks app.

How to Fix QuickBooks Server Busy Error

There are 5 different solutions to fix the QuickBooks Server Busy error, including making changes to your QuickBooks application and your Windows system. Let us look at these solutions in detail:-

Solution 1- Close Running Programs

Running too many programs at the same time affects the performance of your system. This can also be a reason for server busy errors. Here are the things you have to keep in mind:-

  • Close any open dialog boxes in a program other than QB.
  • Customize your firewall and antivirus settings to run QB.
  • Be sure to close programs such as Google Desktop, Windows Defender, Vista Security, and Pivot Software Control.
  • Disable Spy Sweeper or temporarily run it in Gamer Mode while QBD is running.
  • Re-run your QuickBooks application.

Solution 2- Update your Windows

Older Windows can also cause server busy errors in QuickBooks. You can fix this simply by updating the app. Here are the steps you need to follow:-

  • Press the Windows Start button.
  • Click on the Settings button and a new window will open.
  • Select Update & Security and click Windows Update.
  • Now Windows will start checking for updates and will start downloading them when they become available.
  • After downloading the update, the installation process will also start.
  • Reboot your system after the update is installed.

Solution 3- Disable QuickBooks Auto-Update

Auto-updating QuickBooks running in the background uses few resources and can therefore potentially lead to “QuickBooks error: Server busy”. Follow these steps to deactivate it-

  • Press Alt+Ctrl+Delete on your keyboard.
  • Select Start Task Manager and a new window will open.
  • Go to the Start Menu, select QuickBooks Auto-Update, and click Disable.
  • Disable Shared Updates in QuickBooks Desktop:
    • Run the QuickBooks app and go to the Help tab.
    • Select Update QuickBooks and go to the Options menu.
    • Select No for the share download option.
    • Click Close.

Solution 4- Run Quick Fix My Program

A damaged QuickBooks Application Server Busy error is one of the possible causes. Quick Fix My Program can help you fix this damage. You can find it in the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Previously, QuickBooks Tool Hub was a standalone app, but since QBD 2018 it has become an integrated feature of the QBD app. Steps to fix my program quickly:-

  • Run QuickBooks Tools Hub and select Program Problems.
  • Tap on Quick Fix My Programs.
  • Run the QuickBooks Desktop app and open your company file.

Solution 5 – Clean Install of QuickBooks

Damaged QuickBooks applications can cause Server Busy error messages in QuickBooks. One way to fix this is to uninstall the app using the clean install tool and then reinstall QB. Here are the steps you need to follow:-

  • Make a backup of your company file, if possible.
  • Enter the license number, product year, and version.
  • Download a new installer file for your QuickBooks product.
  • Now press the Windows Start button and click on Control Panel.
  • Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
  • Now select QuickBooks Desktop from the list of programs and click Uninstall/Replace. Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Note:- Try logging in with a profile that has administrator rights if this option is not visible.

  • Now run the QuickBooks Tools hub that you used to Quick Fix my Program.
  • Go to Installation Problems.
  • Select Clean Install Tool and press OK.
  • Select the version and product of QuickBooks you are using and press Continue.
  • When the message “Please install your copy of QuickBooks in the default location” appears, click OK.
  • Now navigate to the installer file that you downloaded earlier.
  • Run this file and complete the installation process.

Conclusion

So it’s a QuickBooks Server Busy Error. We hope that the suggested solutions are enough for you to fix this error. If you still have any doubts, contact the expert QuickBooks support team and they will guide you through further troubleshooting methods.

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