How to fix Error 6189 - QuickBooks

The simplicity of the platform makes it easy for any user to work on it and, it does not require any high-level accounting expertise. However, despite being laced with the best defense mechanisms to protect financial data, the application sometimes gets tangled up in messy error situations. This can prove to be a threat to an organization’s finances.

One particularly problematic QuickBooks issue is the ‘QuickBooks errors 6189 816’.

What is QuickBooks Error Code 6189, 816?

QuickBooks error code 6189, 816 is a run-time error. You may encounter this error when trying to run QuickBooks Desktop or opening a company file (.QBW) on a multi-user network. Although the message that appears with this error contains a few details (as you can see in Figure 1), users can still find it difficult to find its exact cause and correct it.

Also Read: QuickBooks Company File Repair – All there is to know

Possible Reasons for QuickBooks Desktop Error 6189, 816

Here are some of the reasons why this error may come up:

• When you try to access a QuickBooks file that is already in use by another user or service.
• Incomplete QuickBooks installation process or downloading a corrupt QB software link.
• When you try to access a file stored in a folder for which you do not have read or write permission.
• Incorrect or incomplete installation of QuickBooks may result in incorrect entries in the Windows registry causing this error.
• A Malware or virus attack in the Windows framework resulting in the corruption of QuickBooks program files in the system.
• Corruption in Windows registry because of a recent QuickBooks programming change is also a possible cause.
• Difference between the exchange log record (.TLG) and the organization document (.QBW).
• Some other clients signed into the organization record in Single User Mode.
• Using an old or pirated copy of Windows can result in the error.
• Accidentally deleting important drivers from the system, which are required to run QuickBooks successfully.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 6189, 816

Try the following solutions to resolve the QuickBooks error 6189, 816:

Solution 1 – Fix Company File using QuickBooks Tools Hub

QuickBooks Tools Hub helps fix common errors, including company file issues, network issues, etc. To use this tool, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tools Hub

To do so, do the following:

• Exit QuickBooks application.
• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Save the downloaded file to a location you can easily find (such as Windows desktop).
• Open the downloaded file.
• In the window that appears, follow the steps provided to install the tool.
• Once the installation is complete, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool.

• Step 2: Run Fix my Program from the Tools Hub.

  QuickBooks Tools Hub has a set of tools that helps troubleshoot different types of errors or problem when opening company file. To resolve the issue, follow these steps:

• In the QuickBooks Tools Hub, choose Program Problems.
• Next, choose Quick Fix my Program.
• Start QuickBooks Desktop, and then open your .QBW data file.

• If QuickBooks Error 6189 and 816 still persists, proceed with Solution 2.

  Solution 2 – Restart your System

  Sometimes, resetting your complete system may help fix the error. For this, follow the steps listed below:

  Step 1: Restart the system (server computer) that has QuickBooks software installed on it and is hosting your company files.

  Step 2: Next, restart each workstation.

  Note: Workstations are other computers in a multi-user environment that don’t host the company files.

  Step 3: Open QuickBooks Desktop on your system and on each workstation.

  Performing these steps will help you open QuickBooks. But, if the problem persists, move to the next solution.

  Solution 3 – Update QuickBooks Version

  You might encounter QuickBooks error code 6189 if the QuickBooks Desktop version you are using is not up-to-date. Make sure to update your QuickBooks version to the latest release and then try to create or open the company file.

  Solution 4 – Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

  If you’re hosting your QBW file on your own server computer, running ‘QuickBooks Database Server Manager’ may help fix the error caused due to the instability of a multi-user network.

  Step 1: In the QuickBooks Tools Hub, select Network Issues.

  Step 2: Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

  Note: You’ll be prompted to install QB on your server if it isn’t installed on your system.

  Step 3: In the QuickBooks Database Server Manager window, click Start Scan once you have located your company file(s).

  Note: If you cannot see the file, browse the location of your company file, and then click ‘Start Scan’.

  Step 4: The QuickBooks Database Server Manager will automatically repair your firewall permissions.

  Step 5: After completion of the scan process, click Close.

  Step 6: Open QB Desktop on server computer and workstations.

  Note: If you’ve QuickBooks Database Server Manager installed on one of the workstations, make sure that the workstation isn’t used for hosting your multi-user network.

  Solution 5 – Rename the Network Data File (ND) and Transaction Log File (TLG)

  Both ND and TLG are configuration files that allow QuickBooks to access a QBW file in a multi-user environment. You may encounter ‘QuickBooks error 6189, 816’ if these files are corrupt/damaged.

  However, the files get automatically re-created once you rescan them by using QuickBooks Database Server Manager and open the company file. When that happens, rename ND and TLG files and check if it solves the error.

Read also- Fix QuickBooks Error H202 (Updated Fixation Methods)