Category: Microsoft
Category Archives: Microsoft
The generated files are mysteriously deleted
I developed an application that, after running on a Windows computer, generates some files. The files are saved to an internal shared server running Windows Server 2012. However, occasionally, some files are mysteriously deleted after the program runs. Not all generated files are deleted. I initially thought they were being deleted as viruses, but disabling security protection on the Windows server did not help.
Could you please help me explore the possible causes and solutions?
I developed an application that, after running on a Windows computer, generates some files. The files are saved to an internal shared server running Windows Server 2012. However, occasionally, some files are mysteriously deleted after the program runs. Not all generated files are deleted. I initially thought they were being deleted as viruses, but disabling security protection on the Windows server did not help. Could you please help me explore the possible causes and solutions? Read More
Microsoft Defender will not let me log in on Windows 11
I have a subscription to the Personal Microsoft 365 plan which includes Microsoft Defender. When I try logging into Microsoft Defender on my Windows PC, I receive an error message stating “Couldn’t sign in to Microsoft Defender. Something went wrong-please try again later”. I have been having this issue for several months now. I have recently contacted Microsoft Tech support who just directed me to this community. The tech support representative mentioned that others may have experienced similar issues as mine. I would appreciate if anyone could advise.
My PC is running Windows 11 and is up to date on updates. All of my 365 applications are also up to date. I have also tried running the repair tool on Microsoft Defender in addition to uninstalling and reinstalling the application.
The tech support representative mentioned something to me about the issue could be because I am using a personal email account for my login for Microsoft Defender. I did not fully understand why that would be the issue. I would like to note that I have no issue logging into Microsoft Defender on my Android phone. The problem appears to only occur on my PC and only for the Microsoft Defender app. All other apps that come with my 365 subscription use the same login and appear to be working fine.
I have a subscription to the Personal Microsoft 365 plan which includes Microsoft Defender. When I try logging into Microsoft Defender on my Windows PC, I receive an error message stating “Couldn’t sign in to Microsoft Defender. Something went wrong-please try again later”. I have been having this issue for several months now. I have recently contacted Microsoft Tech support who just directed me to this community. The tech support representative mentioned that others may have experienced similar issues as mine. I would appreciate if anyone could advise. My PC is running Windows 11 and is up to date on updates. All of my 365 applications are also up to date. I have also tried running the repair tool on Microsoft Defender in addition to uninstalling and reinstalling the application. The tech support representative mentioned something to me about the issue could be because I am using a personal email account for my login for Microsoft Defender. I did not fully understand why that would be the issue. I would like to note that I have no issue logging into Microsoft Defender on my Android phone. The problem appears to only occur on my PC and only for the Microsoft Defender app. All other apps that come with my 365 subscription use the same login and appear to be working fine. Read More
Azure Data Factory CDC-Update and Delete of a row
Team,
I am exploring Azure Data Factory CDC and I am unable to figure out if there is a way to do update and delete of a row.
In the properties, I can see it has updateable and upsertable, any idea how to set this from the ADF UI?
Please let me know if it is possible.
Thanks
Team,I am exploring Azure Data Factory CDC and I am unable to figure out if there is a way to do update and delete of a row.In the properties, I can see it has updateable and upsertable, any idea how to set this from the ADF UI? Please let me know if it is possible.Thanks Read More
SharePoint document embeds stuck on Sign In screen [worldwide bug + reproducible]
Iframe embeds of SharePoint documents (Excel, PowerPoint, Word etc) show the “Sign In” screen regardless of access permissions. Clicking sign in opens a popup, authenticates, closes popup, and no redirection occurs.
Console shows request errors for /_api/contextinfo and /_api/web/Language
This bug is global/worldwide and is not due to any local setup or tenant configuration. Has been introduced in the past few days. Same bug described here: Unable to Embed SharePoint Document.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Chrome or Edge: open any SharePoint document (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
2. File, Share, Embed.
3. Copy-paste the iframe embed code into a new JSFiddle.
4. Click “Sign In”.
5. Open dev console to see the errors.
Seems to work in Firefox, so could be a Chromium issue.
Is there an official method to report bugs to Microsoft or are these forums the only option?
Iframe embeds of SharePoint documents (Excel, PowerPoint, Word etc) show the “Sign In” screen regardless of access permissions. Clicking sign in opens a popup, authenticates, closes popup, and no redirection occurs. Console shows request errors for /_api/contextinfo and /_api/web/Language This bug is global/worldwide and is not due to any local setup or tenant configuration. Has been introduced in the past few days. Same bug described here: Unable to Embed SharePoint Document. Steps to reproduce: 1. Chrome or Edge: open any SharePoint document (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).2. File, Share, Embed.3. Copy-paste the iframe embed code into a new JSFiddle.4. Click “Sign In”.5. Open dev console to see the errors. Seems to work in Firefox, so could be a Chromium issue. Is there an official method to report bugs to Microsoft or are these forums the only option? Read More
Microsoft Teams SMB at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference (Apr 30-May 2, 2024)
Join product leaders from our Teams SMB team at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando, FL, April 30 – May 2, 2024.
The following sessions will be tailored to the SMB audience:
Microsoft Teams: Small business’s big partner in success with Abhijat Kanade and Arun Das | Thursday, May 2, 8:00am – 9:00am
Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, SMB Community, and M365 Champions Programs with Tiffany Lee | Tuesday, April 30, 8:00am – 9:15am
All conference sessions and event details can be found here on our Teams blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/microsoft-teams-at-the-microsoft-365-community-conference/ba-p/4105608
We hope to see some of you there! Please come back to this forum to chat with us after the conference!
Join product leaders from our Teams SMB team at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando, FL, April 30 – May 2, 2024.
The following sessions will be tailored to the SMB audience:
Microsoft Teams: Small business’s big partner in success with Abhijat Kanade and Arun Das | Thursday, May 2, 8:00am – 9:00am
Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, SMB Community, and M365 Champions Programs with Tiffany Lee | Tuesday, April 30, 8:00am – 9:15am
All conference sessions and event details can be found here on our Teams blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/microsoft-teams-at-the-microsoft-365-community-conference/ba-p/4105608
We hope to see some of you there! Please come back to this forum to chat with us after the conference! Read More
How To Fix QuickBooks Might Run Slowly in Multi-User and Single-User Mode
QuickBooks is a powerful tool for managing finances, but it can be frustrating when it runs slowly, whether in multi-user or single-user mode. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind slow performance in QuickBooks and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve this issue and optimize your workflow effectively.
Understanding the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode isn’t working:
Slow performance in QuickBooks can manifest as delayed response times, sluggish navigation, and overall system lag, impacting productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re operating in multi-user or single-user mode, encountering slow performance can be a significant hurdle in completing your accounting tasks.
Reasons for QuickBooks Multi-User Mode not working:
Insufficient Hardware Resources: QuickBooks requires adequate hardware resources, including RAM, CPU, and disk space, to operate efficiently. If your system lacks sufficient resources, it can lead to slow performance, regardless of whether you’re operating in multi-user or single-user mode.
Large Company File Size: As your company file grows larger with extensive transaction histories, attachments, and data, QuickBooks may take longer to process information, resulting in slow performance. Large company files can significantly impact performance in both multi-user and single-user modes.
Network Congestion (Multi-User Mode): In multi-user mode, network congestion can occur when multiple users access the company file simultaneously over the network. This congestion can lead to delays in data transmission and processing, causing slow performance for all users accessing the file.
Software Configuration Issues: Incorrect or outdated software configurations, such as network settings, firewall configurations, or QuickBooks preferences, can contribute to slow performance in both multi-user and single-user modes. Misconfigured settings can impact data transmission and processing, leading to sluggishness.
Solutions to QuickBooks Might Run Slowly in Multi-User and Single-User Mode:
1. Upgrade Hardware Resources:
Ensure that your system meets or exceeds QuickBooks’ recommended hardware specifications for optimal performance. Upgrade RAM, CPU, and disk space as needed to provide sufficient resources for QuickBooks to operate efficiently in both multi-user and single-user modes.
2. Condense Company File:
If your company file has grown too large, consider condensing it to reduce its size and improve performance. QuickBooks offers a condense data utility that removes outdated transactions and reduces file size without compromising data integrity, benefiting both multi-user and single-user modes.
3. Optimize Network Infrastructure (Multi-User Mode):
In multi-user mode, optimize your network infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve data transmission speeds. Upgrade network switches, routers, and cables, and implement Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize QuickBooks data traffic, minimizing slowdowns for all users accessing the file.
4. Review and Optimize Software Configuration:
Review and optimize software configurations, including network settings, firewall configurations, and QuickBooks preferences, to ensure optimal performance. Disable unnecessary features, adjust caching settings, and update software components to eliminate potential bottlenecks in both multi-user and single-user modes.
5. Implement Regular Maintenance:
Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as data verification, rebuilding, and optimization, to keep your QuickBooks company file healthy and optimized for performance. Use the Verify Data and Rebuild Data utilities to identify and repair data integrity issues, benefiting both multi-user and single-user modes.
Conclusion:
Encountering slow performance in QuickBooks can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind it and implementing effective solutions can help you optimize performance in both multi-user and single-user modes. By upgrading hardware resources, condensing company files, optimizing network infrastructure, reviewing and optimizing software configuration, and implementing regular maintenance, you can improve efficiency and productivity in your accounting processes. With careful attention to optimization strategies, you can ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks, whether you’re working alone or collaborating with others in a multi-user environment.
QuickBooks is a powerful tool for managing finances, but it can be frustrating when it runs slowly, whether in multi-user or single-user mode. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind slow performance in QuickBooks and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve this issue and optimize your workflow effectively.Understanding the QuickBooks Multi-User Mode isn’t working: Slow performance in QuickBooks can manifest as delayed response times, sluggish navigation, and overall system lag, impacting productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re operating in multi-user or single-user mode, encountering slow performance can be a significant hurdle in completing your accounting tasks.Reasons for QuickBooks Multi-User Mode not working: Insufficient Hardware Resources: QuickBooks requires adequate hardware resources, including RAM, CPU, and disk space, to operate efficiently. If your system lacks sufficient resources, it can lead to slow performance, regardless of whether you’re operating in multi-user or single-user mode.Large Company File Size: As your company file grows larger with extensive transaction histories, attachments, and data, QuickBooks may take longer to process information, resulting in slow performance. Large company files can significantly impact performance in both multi-user and single-user modes.Network Congestion (Multi-User Mode): In multi-user mode, network congestion can occur when multiple users access the company file simultaneously over the network. This congestion can lead to delays in data transmission and processing, causing slow performance for all users accessing the file.Software Configuration Issues: Incorrect or outdated software configurations, such as network settings, firewall configurations, or QuickBooks preferences, can contribute to slow performance in both multi-user and single-user modes. Misconfigured settings can impact data transmission and processing, leading to sluggishness.Solutions to QuickBooks Might Run Slowly in Multi-User and Single-User Mode: 1. Upgrade Hardware Resources:Ensure that your system meets or exceeds QuickBooks’ recommended hardware specifications for optimal performance. Upgrade RAM, CPU, and disk space as needed to provide sufficient resources for QuickBooks to operate efficiently in both multi-user and single-user modes.2. Condense Company File:If your company file has grown too large, consider condensing it to reduce its size and improve performance. QuickBooks offers a condense data utility that removes outdated transactions and reduces file size without compromising data integrity, benefiting both multi-user and single-user modes.3. Optimize Network Infrastructure (Multi-User Mode):In multi-user mode, optimize your network infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve data transmission speeds. Upgrade network switches, routers, and cables, and implement Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize QuickBooks data traffic, minimizing slowdowns for all users accessing the file.4. Review and Optimize Software Configuration:Review and optimize software configurations, including network settings, firewall configurations, and QuickBooks preferences, to ensure optimal performance. Disable unnecessary features, adjust caching settings, and update software components to eliminate potential bottlenecks in both multi-user and single-user modes.5. Implement Regular Maintenance:Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as data verification, rebuilding, and optimization, to keep your QuickBooks company file healthy and optimized for performance. Use the Verify Data and Rebuild Data utilities to identify and repair data integrity issues, benefiting both multi-user and single-user modes.Conclusion:Encountering slow performance in QuickBooks can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind it and implementing effective solutions can help you optimize performance in both multi-user and single-user modes. By upgrading hardware resources, condensing company files, optimizing network infrastructure, reviewing and optimizing software configuration, and implementing regular maintenance, you can improve efficiency and productivity in your accounting processes. With careful attention to optimization strategies, you can ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks, whether you’re working alone or collaborating with others in a multi-user environment. Read More
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Generative AI: a Guide for Practitioners
Introduction
As generative AI’s adoption rapidly expands across various industries, integrating it into products, services, and operations becomes increasingly commonplace. However, it’s crucial to address the environmental implications of such advancements, including their energy consumption, carbon footprint, water usage, and electronic waste, throughout the generative AI lifecycle. This lifecycle, often referred to as large language model operations (LLMOps), encompasses everything from model development and training to deployment and ongoing maintenance, all of which demand diligent resource optimisation.
This guide aims to extend Azure’s Well-Architected Framework (WAF) for sustainable workloads to the specific challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI. We’ll explore essential decision points, such as selecting the right models, optimising fine-tuning processes, leveraging Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and mastering prompt engineering, all through a lens of environmental sustainability. By providing these targeted suggestions and best practices, we equip practitioners with the knowledge to implement generative AI not only effectively, but responsibly.
Image Description: A diagram titled “Sustainable Generative AI: Key Concepts” divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant contains bullet points summarising the key aspects of sustainable AI discussed in this article.
Select the foundation model
Choosing the right base model is crucial to optimising energy efficiency and sustainability within your AI initiatives. Consider this framework as a guide for informed decision-making:
Pre-built vs. Custom Models
When embarking on a generative AI project, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to use a pre-built model or train a custom model from scratch. While custom models can be tailored to your specific needs, the process of training them requires significant computational resources and energy, leading to a substantial carbon footprint. For example, training an LLM the size of GPT-3 is estimated to consume nearly 1,300 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. In contrast, initiating projects with pre-built models can conserve vast amounts of resources, making it an inherently more sustainable approach.
Azure AI Studio‘s comprehensive model catalogue is an invaluable resource for evaluating and selecting pre-built models based on your specific requirements, such as task relevance, domain specificity, and linguistic compatibility. The catalogue provides benchmarks covering common metrics like accuracy, coherence, and fluency, enabling informed comparisons across models. Additionally, for select models, you can test them before deployment to ensure they meet your needs. Choosing a pre-built model doesn’t limit your ability to customise it to your unique scenarios. Techniques like fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG) allow you to adapt pre-built models to your specific domain or task without the need for resource-intensive training from scratch. This enables you to achieve highly tailored results while still benefiting from the sustainability advantages of using pre-built models, striking a balance between customisation and environmental impact.
Model Size
The correlation between a model’s parameter count and its performance (and resource demands) is significant. Before defaulting to the largest available models, consider whether more compact alternatives, such as Microsoft’s Phi-2, Mistral AI’s Mixtral 8x7B or similar sized models, could suffice for your needs. The efficiency “sweet spot”—where performance gains no longer justify the increased size and energy consumption—is critical for sustainable AI deployment. Opting for smaller, fine-tuneable models (known as small language models—or SLMs) can result in substantial energy savings without compromising effectiveness.
Model Selection
Considerations
Sustainability Impact
Pre-built Models
Leverage existing models and customise with fine-tuning, RAG and prompt engineering
Reduces training-related emissions
Custom Models
Tailor models to specific needs and customise further if needed
Higher carbon footprint due to training
Model Size
Larger models offer better output performance but require more resources
Balancing performance and efficiency is crucial
Improve the model’s performance
Improving your AI model’s performance involves strategic prompt engineering, grounding the model in relevant data, and potentially fine-tuning for specific applications. Consider these approaches:
Prompt Engineering
The art of prompt engineering lies in crafting inputs that elicit the most effective and efficient responses from your model, serving as a foundational step in customising its output to your needs. Beyond following the detailed guidelines from the likes of Microsoft and OpenAI, understanding the core principles of prompt construction—such as clarity, context, and specificity—can drastically improve model performance. Well-tuned prompts not only lead to better output quality but also contribute to sustainability by reducing the number of tokens required and the overall compute resources consumed. By getting the desired output in fewer input-output cycles, you inherently use less carbon per interaction. Orchestration frameworks like prompt flow and Semantic Kernel facilitate experimentation and refinement, enhancing prompt effectiveness with version control and reusability with templates.
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Integrating RAG with your models taps into existing datasets, leveraging organisational knowledge without the extensive resources required for model training or extensive fine-tuning. This approach underscores the importance of how and where data is stored and accessed since its effectiveness and carbon efficiency is highly dependent on the quality and relevance of the retrieved data. End-to-end solutions like Microsoft Fabric facilitate comprehensive data management, while Azure AI Search enhances efficient information retrieval through hybrid search, combining vector and keyword search techniques. In addition, frameworks like prompt flow and Semantic Kernel enable you to successfully build RAG solutions with Azure AI Studio.
Fine-tuning
For domain-specific adjustments or to address knowledge gaps in pre-trained models, fine-tuning is a tailored approach. While involving additional computation, fine-tuning can be a more sustainable option than training a model from scratch or repeatedly passing large amounts of context via prompts and organisational data for each query. Azure OpenAI’s use of PEFT (parameter-efficient fine-tuning) techniques, like LoRA (low-rank approximation) uses far fewer computational resources over full fine-tuning. Not all models support fine-tuning so consider this in your base model selection.
Model Improvement
Considerations
Sustainability Impact
Prompt Engineering
Optimise prompts for more relevant output
Low carbon impact vs. fine-tuning, but consistently long prompts may reduce efficiency
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Leverages existing data to ground model
Low carbon impact vs. fine-tuning, depending on relevance of retrieved data
Fine-tuning (with PEFT)
Adapt to specific domains or tasks not encapsulated in base model
Carbon impact depends on model usage and lifecycle, recommended over full fine-tuning
Deploy the model
Azure AI Studio simplifies model deployment, offering various pathways depending on your chosen model. Embracing Microsoft’s management of the underlying infrastructure often leads to greater efficiency and reduced responsibility on your part.
MaaS vs. MaaP
Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) provides a seamless API experience for deploying models like Llama 3 and Mistral Large, eliminating the need for direct compute management. With MaaS, you deploy a pay-as-you-go endpoint to your environment, while Azure handles all other operational aspects. This approach is often favoured for its energy efficiency, as Azure optimises the underlying infrastructure, potentially leading to a more sustainable use of resources. MaaS can be thought of as a SaaS-like experience applied to foundation models, providing a convenient and efficient way to leverage pre-trained models without the overhead of managing the infrastructure yourself.
On the other hand, Model-as-a-Platform (MaaP) caters to a broader range of models, including those not available through MaaS. When opting for MaaP, you create a real-time endpoint and take on the responsibility of managing the underlying infrastructure. This approach can be seen as a PaaS offering for models, combining the ease of deployment with the flexibility to customise the compute resources. However, choosing MaaP requires careful consideration of the sustainability trade-offs outlined in the WAF, as you have more control over the infrastructure setup. It’s essential to strike a balance between customisation and resource efficiency to ensure a sustainable deployment.
Model Parameters
Tailoring your model’s deployment involves adjusting various parameters—such as temperature, top p, frequency penalty, presence penalty, and max response—to align with the expected output. Understanding and adjusting these parameters can significantly enhance model efficiency. By optimising responses to reduce the need for extensive context or fine-tuning, you lower memory use and, consequently, energy consumption.
Provisioned Throughput Units (PTUs)
Provisioned Throughput Units (PTUs) are designed to improve model latency and ensure consistent performance, serving a dual purpose. Firstly, by allocating dedicated capacity, PTUs mitigate the risk of API timeouts—a common source of inefficiency that can lead to unnecessary repeat requests by the end application. This conserves computational resources. Secondly, PTUs grant Microsoft valuable insight into anticipated demand, facilitating more effective data centre capacity planning.
Semantic Caching
Implementing caching mechanisms for frequently used prompts and completions can significantly reduce the computational resources and energy consumption of your generative AI workloads. Consider using in-memory caching services like Azure Cache for Redis for high-speed access and persistent storage solutions like Azure Cosmos DB for longer-term storage. Ensure the relevance of cached results through appropriate invalidation strategies. By incorporating caching into your model deployment strategy, you can minimise the environmental impact of your deployments while improving efficiency and response times.
Model Deployment
Considerations
Sustainability Impact
MaaS
Serverless deployment, managed infrastructure
Lower carbon intensity due to optimised infrastructure
MaaP
Flexible deployment, self-managed infrastructure
Higher carbon intensity, requires careful resource management
PTUs
Dedicated capacity for consistent performance
Improves efficiency by avoiding API timeouts and redundant requests
Semantic Caching
Store and reuse frequently accessed data
Reduces redundant computations, improves efficiency
Evaluate the model’s performance
Model Evaluation
As base models evolve and user needs shift, regular assessment of model performance becomes essential. Azure AI Studio facilitates this through its suite of evaluation tools, enabling both manual and automated comparison of actual outputs against expected ones across various metrics, including groundedness, fluency, relevancy, and F1 score. Importantly, assessing performance also means scrutinising your model for risk and safety concerns, such as the presence of self-harm, hateful, and unfair content, to ensure compliance with an ethical AI framework.
Model Performance
Model deployment strategy—whether via MaaS or MaaP—affects how you should monitor resource usage within your Azure environment. Key metrics like CPU, GPU, memory utilisation, and network performance are vital indicators of your infrastructure’s health and efficiency. Tools like Azure Monitor and Azure carbon optimisation offer comprehensive insights, helping you check that your resources are allocated optimally. Consult the Azure Well-Architected Framework for detailed strategies on balancing performance enhancements with cost and energy efficiency, such as deploying to low-carbon regions, ensuring your AI implementations remain both optimal and sustainable.
A Note on Responsible AI
While sustainability is the main focus of this guide, it’s important to also consider the broader context of responsible AI. Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard provides valuable guidance on principles like fairness, transparency, and accountability. Technical safeguards, such as Azure AI Content Safety, play a role in mitigating risks but should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes fostering a culture of responsibility, conducting ethical reviews, and combining technical, ethical, and cultural considerations. By taking a holistic approach, we can work towards the responsible development and deployment of generative AI while addressing potential challenges and promoting its ethical use.
Conclusion
As we explore the potential of generative AI, it’s clear that its use cases will continue to grow quickly. This makes it crucial to keep the environmental impact of our AI workloads in mind.
In this guide, we’ve outlined some key practices to help prioritise the environmental aspect throughout the lifecycle. With the field of generative AI changing rapidly, make sure to say up to its latest developments and keep learning.
Contributions
Special thanks to the UK GPS team who reviewed this article before it was published. In particular, Michael Gillett, George Tubb, Lu Calcagno, Sony John, and Chris Marchal.
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Convert Teams Calling to Zoom Phones
I am working on converting over Teams calling to Zoom for the firm that I work for. I was able to configure Zoom to allow the integration with Teams, and the app was added successfully. Where I’m running into issues is when we are making audio and video calls it’s still defaulting to Teams calling and we’re unsure as to why.
To be clear, here are some screenshots of the phone icons that need to default over to Zoom instead of Teams:
Is it possible to have these icons default to Zoom instead of Teams?
I am working on converting over Teams calling to Zoom for the firm that I work for. I was able to configure Zoom to allow the integration with Teams, and the app was added successfully. Where I’m running into issues is when we are making audio and video calls it’s still defaulting to Teams calling and we’re unsure as to why. To be clear, here are some screenshots of the phone icons that need to default over to Zoom instead of Teams: Is it possible to have these icons default to Zoom instead of Teams? Read More
Join the Fabric Partner Community for this week’s Fabric Engineering Connection!
Maya Shenhav will provide an update on Power BI Mobile followed by special guest presenters, Raghu Ramakrishna and Josh Caplan, who will discuss Microsoft’s vision of an open data lake ecosystem, topic of their recent whitepaper, “Open lakes, not walled gardens.”
The Fabric Engineering Connection is a weekly call held in the Fabric Partner Community Teams Channel exclusively for partners. Hear directly from Fabric product engineering teams about upcoming features, ask questions, and provide feedback.
To join these calls (as well as watch recordings of previous calls), please join the Fabric Partner Community Teams Channel by completing the participation form at https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity.
Maya Shenhav will provide an update on Power BI Mobile followed by special guest presenters, Raghu Ramakrishna and Josh Caplan, who will discuss Microsoft’s vision of an open data lake ecosystem, topic of their recent whitepaper, “Open lakes, not walled gardens.”
The Fabric Engineering Connection is a weekly call held in the Fabric Partner Community Teams Channel exclusively for partners. Hear directly from Fabric product engineering teams about upcoming features, ask questions, and provide feedback.
To join these calls (as well as watch recordings of previous calls), please join the Fabric Partner Community Teams Channel by completing the participation form at https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity. Read More
removing data that doesn’t appear in another spreadsheet with a common dataset
Hi.
I’ve got two different spreadsheets (On my mac) that have data sets arranged in rows.
The sheets have one common column, “column 10” for simplicity, but “sheet A” has 5000 rows of data, and “sheet B” has 65.
How can I isolate the rows in “sheet A” that have the identical data in “column 10” as “sheet B” ?
Hi. I’ve got two different spreadsheets (On my mac) that have data sets arranged in rows. The sheets have one common column, “column 10” for simplicity, but “sheet A” has 5000 rows of data, and “sheet B” has 65. How can I isolate the rows in “sheet A” that have the identical data in “column 10” as “sheet B” ? Read More
How to Fix QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode
Operating QuickBooks in multi-user mode offers the advantage of collaboration but can sometimes lead to performance issues, causing frustration and hindering productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore why QuickBooks may operate slowly in multi-user mode and provide comprehensive solutions to help you optimize its performance effectively.
Understanding the QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode:
QuickBooks operating slowly in multi-user mode is a common concern among users, particularly in environments with multiple users accessing the same company file simultaneously. This sluggishness can manifest in various ways, including delayed response times, slow loading of data, and overall system lag. Understanding the reasons behind this issue is crucial for implementing effective solutions.
Reasons for QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode:
Network Congestion: When multiple users access QuickBooks simultaneously over a network, it can lead to network congestion, especially if the network infrastructure is not optimized for high traffic. This congestion can result in data packets being delayed or lost, leading to slow performance.
Insufficient Hardware Resources: QuickBooks requires adequate hardware resources to operate efficiently, especially in multi-user environments. Insufficient RAM, CPU power, or disk space can bottleneck performance, causing slowdowns when multiple users access the company file concurrently.
Large Company File Size: As the company file size grows, QuickBooks may take longer to process transactions and retrieve data, particularly in multi-user mode. Large company files with extensive transaction histories or attachments can contribute to slow performance, especially on systems with limited resources.
Software Configuration Issues: Incorrect or outdated software configurations, such as outdated network drivers, incompatible firewall settings, or misconfigured QuickBooks preferences, can impact performance, causing slow operation in multi-user mode.
Solutions to QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode:
1. Upgrade Hardware Resources:
Ensure that your hardware resources, including RAM, CPU, and disk space, meet or exceed QuickBooks’ recommended specifications for multi-user environments. Upgrading hardware components can significantly improve performance and responsiveness, especially for larger company files.
2. Optimize Network Infrastructure:
Optimize your network infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve data transmission speeds. Consider upgrading network switches, routers, and cables to support higher bandwidth and prioritize network traffic for QuickBooks communication. Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) settings can help prioritize QuickBooks data packets over other network traffic.
3. Condense Company File:
If your company file has grown significantly over time, consider condensing it to reduce its size and improve performance. QuickBooks offers a condense data utility that removes outdated transactions and reduces file size without compromising data integrity. However, make sure to create a backup of your company file before condensing it.
4. Optimize QuickBooks Preferences:
Review and optimize QuickBooks preferences to ensure optimal performance in multi-user mode. Disable unnecessary features, such as automatic updates or background processes, that may consume system resources. Additionally, adjust settings related to data caching and file operations to improve efficiency.
5. Implement Regular Maintenance:
Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as data verification and rebuilding, to keep your QuickBooks company file healthy and optimized for performance. Use the Verify Data and Rebuild Data utilities to identify and repair data integrity issues that may contribute to slow performance.
6. Monitor and Troubleshoot:
Monitor QuickBooks performance regularly and troubleshoot any issues promptly. Use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and pinpoint the root causes of slow performance. Additionally, keep QuickBooks and related software up to date with the latest patches and updates to address any known performance issues.
Conclusion:
Optimizing QuickBooks performance in multi-user mode requires a proactive approach, addressing hardware, network, and software-related factors that may impact performance. By upgrading hardware resources, optimizing network infrastructure, condensing company files, optimizing QuickBooks preferences, implementing regular maintenance, and monitoring performance, you can improve efficiency and productivity in your accounting processes. With careful attention to optimization strategies, you can ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks in multi-user environments, facilitating seamless collaboration among users while minimizing slowdowns and disruptions.
Operating QuickBooks in multi-user mode offers the advantage of collaboration but can sometimes lead to performance issues, causing frustration and hindering productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore why QuickBooks may operate slowly in multi-user mode and provide comprehensive solutions to help you optimize its performance effectively.Understanding the QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode: QuickBooks operating slowly in multi-user mode is a common concern among users, particularly in environments with multiple users accessing the same company file simultaneously. This sluggishness can manifest in various ways, including delayed response times, slow loading of data, and overall system lag. Understanding the reasons behind this issue is crucial for implementing effective solutions.Reasons for QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode:Network Congestion: When multiple users access QuickBooks simultaneously over a network, it can lead to network congestion, especially if the network infrastructure is not optimized for high traffic. This congestion can result in data packets being delayed or lost, leading to slow performance.Insufficient Hardware Resources: QuickBooks requires adequate hardware resources to operate efficiently, especially in multi-user environments. Insufficient RAM, CPU power, or disk space can bottleneck performance, causing slowdowns when multiple users access the company file concurrently.Large Company File Size: As the company file size grows, QuickBooks may take longer to process transactions and retrieve data, particularly in multi-user mode. Large company files with extensive transaction histories or attachments can contribute to slow performance, especially on systems with limited resources.Software Configuration Issues: Incorrect or outdated software configurations, such as outdated network drivers, incompatible firewall settings, or misconfigured QuickBooks preferences, can impact performance, causing slow operation in multi-user mode.Solutions to QuickBooks is Operating Slowly in Multiuser Mode:1. Upgrade Hardware Resources:Ensure that your hardware resources, including RAM, CPU, and disk space, meet or exceed QuickBooks’ recommended specifications for multi-user environments. Upgrading hardware components can significantly improve performance and responsiveness, especially for larger company files.2. Optimize Network Infrastructure:Optimize your network infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve data transmission speeds. Consider upgrading network switches, routers, and cables to support higher bandwidth and prioritize network traffic for QuickBooks communication. Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) settings can help prioritize QuickBooks data packets over other network traffic.3. Condense Company File:If your company file has grown significantly over time, consider condensing it to reduce its size and improve performance. QuickBooks offers a condense data utility that removes outdated transactions and reduces file size without compromising data integrity. However, make sure to create a backup of your company file before condensing it.4. Optimize QuickBooks Preferences:Review and optimize QuickBooks preferences to ensure optimal performance in multi-user mode. Disable unnecessary features, such as automatic updates or background processes, that may consume system resources. Additionally, adjust settings related to data caching and file operations to improve efficiency.5. Implement Regular Maintenance:Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as data verification and rebuilding, to keep your QuickBooks company file healthy and optimized for performance. Use the Verify Data and Rebuild Data utilities to identify and repair data integrity issues that may contribute to slow performance.6. Monitor and Troubleshoot:Monitor QuickBooks performance regularly and troubleshoot any issues promptly. Use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and pinpoint the root causes of slow performance. Additionally, keep QuickBooks and related software up to date with the latest patches and updates to address any known performance issues.Conclusion:Optimizing QuickBooks performance in multi-user mode requires a proactive approach, addressing hardware, network, and software-related factors that may impact performance. By upgrading hardware resources, optimizing network infrastructure, condensing company files, optimizing QuickBooks preferences, implementing regular maintenance, and monitoring performance, you can improve efficiency and productivity in your accounting processes. With careful attention to optimization strategies, you can ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks in multi-user environments, facilitating seamless collaboration among users while minimizing slowdowns and disruptions. Read More
Windows Update is Stuck
Yesterday I resetted my pc. When I booted it up again it was on 22h2. And it didn’t show any updates for 23h2. So, I joined the insider program to be on a newer version. I updated it to insider preview (10.0.22635.3500). Today in the morning I received (10.0.22635.3566) insider preview. So, I clicked on update. It got stuck. To fix it I tried to pause the updates. It’s stuck at pausing updates.
Yesterday I resetted my pc. When I booted it up again it was on 22h2. And it didn’t show any updates for 23h2. So, I joined the insider program to be on a newer version. I updated it to insider preview (10.0.22635.3500). Today in the morning I received (10.0.22635.3566) insider preview. So, I clicked on update. It got stuck. To fix it I tried to pause the updates. It’s stuck at pausing updates. Read More
How to create a look-up form
I want to set up a pricing chart where I input all the numbers into one sheet, and then I use dropdowns in another sheet to spit out the numbers I’m looking for from the first sheet.
So like, say I run a dance studio that has lessons for different types of dances and different instructors provide different rates. So on Sheet 1 I’ve got one table with Tap, Ballet, Cha-cha, Mambo, etc. for the column labels; and the instructors George, Betsy, Lucinda, Gary, Miles, etc. for the row labels; and then the pricing for each person filling in the table. Then each person can also offer 30-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute classes, so each of those gets a separate table with the same column and row headers on Sheet 1.
On Sheet 2, I just want a simple form. The first column asks the questions: How long is the lesson? What type of dance? Which instructor? The second column has a dropdown allowing the user to select answers from the table, column, and row headers, respectively, and once the selections are made, another cell will display the price from the appropriate chart.
I think there’s got to be a way to do this without me having to input 3000 if statements, but I can’t think of how…or even how to search for the answer. Help?
(Would also appreciate being pointed to other programs that will handle this for me without me having to cobble it together in Excel. There has to be something…)
I want to set up a pricing chart where I input all the numbers into one sheet, and then I use dropdowns in another sheet to spit out the numbers I’m looking for from the first sheet. So like, say I run a dance studio that has lessons for different types of dances and different instructors provide different rates. So on Sheet 1 I’ve got one table with Tap, Ballet, Cha-cha, Mambo, etc. for the column labels; and the instructors George, Betsy, Lucinda, Gary, Miles, etc. for the row labels; and then the pricing for each person filling in the table. Then each person can also offer 30-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute classes, so each of those gets a separate table with the same column and row headers on Sheet 1. On Sheet 2, I just want a simple form. The first column asks the questions: How long is the lesson? What type of dance? Which instructor? The second column has a dropdown allowing the user to select answers from the table, column, and row headers, respectively, and once the selections are made, another cell will display the price from the appropriate chart. I think there’s got to be a way to do this without me having to input 3000 if statements, but I can’t think of how…or even how to search for the answer. Help?(Would also appreciate being pointed to other programs that will handle this for me without me having to cobble it together in Excel. There has to be something…) Read More
Windows 11 Enterprise fails to adjust the sound volume when the Bluetooth audio player is used
When I use the Bluetooth headset and when I click on the audio icon in the tray and try to change the volume – the volume doesn’t change. The sound only gets muted when the volume dial is moved to the very left position, otherwise the volume remains constant.
The only way I can change volume is with YouTube volume dial. If some app wouldn’t allow changing volume – Bluetooth audio would be unusable.
This is a company-issued Dell laptop, which periodically says that it applies updates and reboots. I assume that the system is up-to-date.
Is this a known problem?
How to fix this problem?
When I use the Bluetooth headset and when I click on the audio icon in the tray and try to change the volume – the volume doesn’t change. The sound only gets muted when the volume dial is moved to the very left position, otherwise the volume remains constant. The only way I can change volume is with YouTube volume dial. If some app wouldn’t allow changing volume – Bluetooth audio would be unusable. This is a company-issued Dell laptop, which periodically says that it applies updates and reboots. I assume that the system is up-to-date.Is this a known problem?How to fix this problem? Read More
Stable Edge
Edge stable just updated, High cpu mem and power usage.
Would not connect to any website from favs or search. I tried an APP repair, and that seems to have worked. Not quite sure what the problem was, but will keep an eye on it.
Edge stable just updated, High cpu mem and power usage.Would not connect to any website from favs or search. I tried an APP repair, and that seems to have worked. Not quite sure what the problem was, but will keep an eye on it. Read More
MS Forms – shortcut on home screen on iPhone not working
Hi there,
I am trying to save a link to a MS form on the home screen of an iPhone. However, when I click on it it takes me to the general forms website instead of opening my specific form. Opening the link in safari works fine, it is just the home screen shortcut that seems to present a problem.
Any advice on this?
Thanks!
Hi there, I am trying to save a link to a MS form on the home screen of an iPhone. However, when I click on it it takes me to the general forms website instead of opening my specific form. Opening the link in safari works fine, it is just the home screen shortcut that seems to present a problem. Any advice on this?Thanks! Read More
What To Do When Stuck in Multi User Mode in QuickBooks Desktop
Getting stuck in multi-user mode while using QuickBooks Desktop can be a frustrating experience for users, especially when it disrupts workflow and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore what multi-user mode is, why getting stuck in it can occur, and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve this issue effectively.
Understanding QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error:
QuickBooks Desktop offers a multi-user mode that allows multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple team members who need to work on the same accounting data concurrently. However, issues can arise when users find themselves unable to exit multi-user mode or switch back to single-user mode.
Reasons for Getting Stuck in Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks Desktop:
Software Glitches or Technical Issues: Like any software application, QuickBooks Desktop may encounter glitches or technical issues that prevent users from switching modes successfully. These issues can range from minor software bugs to more complex system conflicts that affect functionality.
Network Connectivity Problems: QuickBooks Desktop relies on network connectivity to facilitate multi-user mode. If there are network disruptions or connectivity issues between the user’s computer and the server hosting the company file, it can result in difficulties switching between modes or getting stuck in multi-user mode.
User Error or Misconfiguration: Sometimes, the issue may be attributed to user error or misconfiguration of QuickBooks settings. Users may inadvertently trigger actions that affect the software’s behavior, such as attempting to switch modes while certain tasks are still in progress or encountering conflicts with user permissions.
Solutions to Resolve Multi User Mode Not Working in QuickBooks Desktop
:
1. Verify Network Connectivity:
Start by verifying that your computer has a stable connection to the network where the QuickBooks company file is hosted. Check for any network disruptions or connectivity issues that may be preventing proper communication between your computer and the server. Restarting your router or reconnecting to the network may help resolve connectivity issues.
2. Close and Reopen QuickBooks:
If you’re unable to switch out of multi-user mode, try closing QuickBooks Desktop and reopening it. Sometimes, restarting the application can help reset any temporary glitches or issues that may be causing the problem. Ensure that all users log out of QuickBooks before attempting to switch modes again.
3. Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
If you’re using QuickBooks in a multi-user environment, ensure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed and configured correctly on the server hosting the company file. This tool helps manage multi-user access and ensures that users can switch between modes seamlessly. Run the Database Server Manager and check for any errors or issues that may need to be resolved.
4. Check User Permissions:
Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to switch between modes in QuickBooks Desktop. Users with restricted permissions may encounter difficulties when attempting to switch from multi-user mode to single-user mode. Verify your user permissions with the QuickBooks administrator and adjust them if necessary to resolve the issue.
5. Update QuickBooks:
Ensure that you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address issues related to multi-user mode. Check for updates within the application or download the latest version from the QuickBooks website and install it on your computer.
6. Contact QuickBooks Support:
If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for assistance. Provide detailed information about the problem you’re experiencing, including any error messages or codes you’ve encountered. The support team can offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Conclusion:
Getting stuck in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop can disrupt your workflow and productivity, but understanding the potential reasons behind the issue and implementing appropriate solutions can help you overcome it effectively. By verifying network connectivity, closing and reopening QuickBooks, using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, checking user permissions, updating QuickBooks, and contacting support when needed, you can troubleshoot and resolve multi-user mode issues, ensuring smooth operation of your accounting software. Proactive measures and attention to detail can help minimize disruptions and optimize efficiency in managing your company’s financial data.
Getting stuck in multi-user mode while using QuickBooks Desktop can be a frustrating experience for users, especially when it disrupts workflow and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore what multi-user mode is, why getting stuck in it can occur, and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve this issue effectively.Understanding QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error: QuickBooks Desktop offers a multi-user mode that allows multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple team members who need to work on the same accounting data concurrently. However, issues can arise when users find themselves unable to exit multi-user mode or switch back to single-user mode.Reasons for Getting Stuck in Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks Desktop: Software Glitches or Technical Issues: Like any software application, QuickBooks Desktop may encounter glitches or technical issues that prevent users from switching modes successfully. These issues can range from minor software bugs to more complex system conflicts that affect functionality.Network Connectivity Problems: QuickBooks Desktop relies on network connectivity to facilitate multi-user mode. If there are network disruptions or connectivity issues between the user’s computer and the server hosting the company file, it can result in difficulties switching between modes or getting stuck in multi-user mode.User Error or Misconfiguration: Sometimes, the issue may be attributed to user error or misconfiguration of QuickBooks settings. Users may inadvertently trigger actions that affect the software’s behavior, such as attempting to switch modes while certain tasks are still in progress or encountering conflicts with user permissions.Solutions to Resolve Multi User Mode Not Working in QuickBooks Desktop:1. Verify Network Connectivity:Start by verifying that your computer has a stable connection to the network where the QuickBooks company file is hosted. Check for any network disruptions or connectivity issues that may be preventing proper communication between your computer and the server. Restarting your router or reconnecting to the network may help resolve connectivity issues.2. Close and Reopen QuickBooks:If you’re unable to switch out of multi-user mode, try closing QuickBooks Desktop and reopening it. Sometimes, restarting the application can help reset any temporary glitches or issues that may be causing the problem. Ensure that all users log out of QuickBooks before attempting to switch modes again.3. Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:If you’re using QuickBooks in a multi-user environment, ensure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed and configured correctly on the server hosting the company file. This tool helps manage multi-user access and ensures that users can switch between modes seamlessly. Run the Database Server Manager and check for any errors or issues that may need to be resolved.4. Check User Permissions:Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to switch between modes in QuickBooks Desktop. Users with restricted permissions may encounter difficulties when attempting to switch from multi-user mode to single-user mode. Verify your user permissions with the QuickBooks administrator and adjust them if necessary to resolve the issue.5. Update QuickBooks:Ensure that you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address issues related to multi-user mode. Check for updates within the application or download the latest version from the QuickBooks website and install it on your computer.6. Contact QuickBooks Support:If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for assistance. Provide detailed information about the problem you’re experiencing, including any error messages or codes you’ve encountered. The support team can offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.Conclusion:Getting stuck in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop can disrupt your workflow and productivity, but understanding the potential reasons behind the issue and implementing appropriate solutions can help you overcome it effectively. By verifying network connectivity, closing and reopening QuickBooks, using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, checking user permissions, updating QuickBooks, and contacting support when needed, you can troubleshoot and resolve multi-user mode issues, ensuring smooth operation of your accounting software. Proactive measures and attention to detail can help minimize disruptions and optimize efficiency in managing your company’s financial data. Read More
Why Won’t QuickBooks Start Multi-User Mode?
Encountering difficulties when trying to start multi-user mode in QuickBooks can be a frustrating experience, especially for businesses relying on collaborative access to their accounting data. In this article, we’ll delve into what multi-user mode entails, explore potential reasons why QuickBooks may fail to start in multi-user mode, and provide comprehensive solutions to help you resolve this issue efficiently.
Understanding Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks:
QuickBooks Desktop offers a multi-user mode that enables multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously. This feature is invaluable for businesses with teams needing concurrent access to financial data for tasks like invoicing, payroll, and reporting. However, encountering issues when attempting to initiate multi-user mode can disrupt workflow and impede productivity.
Reasons Why QuickBooks Won’t Start in Multi-User Mode:
Network Connectivity Problems: QuickBooks relies on stable network connectivity to facilitate multi-user access. If there are network disruptions or connectivity issues between the host computer (where the QuickBooks company file is stored) and the client computers, it can prevent QuickBooks from starting in multi-user mode.
Corrupted Company File: A corrupted QuickBooks company file can cause various issues, including preventing multi-user mode from starting. If the company file is damaged or contains errors, QuickBooks may fail to initiate multi-user mode as a precautionary measure to prevent further data corruption.
Software Conflicts or Compatibility Issues: QuickBooks may encounter conflicts with other software applications installed on the host or client computers. Additionally, compatibility issues between QuickBooks and the operating system or third-party software can hinder the initiation of multi-user mode.
User Permissions or Configuration: In some cases, user permissions or misconfigurations within QuickBooks settings can prevent multi-user mode from starting. Users may not have sufficient permissions to access the company file in multi-user mode, or certain settings may be incorrectly configured, leading to startup failures.
Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error:
1. Verify Network Connectivity:
Start by checking the network connectivity between the host computer (where the QuickBooks company file is located) and the client computers. Ensure that all computers are connected to the same network and that there are no network disruptions or firewall restrictions blocking communication between devices.
2. Repair or Restore the Company File:
If QuickBooks is unable to start multi-user mode due to a corrupted company file, attempt to repair or restore the file using QuickBooks built-in utilities. QuickBooks offers tools like the File Doctor and the Rebuild Data feature, which can help diagnose and repair issues within the company file.
3. Check for Software Conflicts:
Identify any potential software conflicts or compatibility issues that may be preventing QuickBooks from starting in multi-user mode. Temporarily disable antivirus software, firewall settings, or third-party applications that may interfere with QuickBooks operation. Additionally, ensure that QuickBooks and all related software are up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
4. Review User Permissions and Settings:
Verify that user permissions are configured correctly within QuickBooks and that users have the necessary rights to access the company file in multi-user mode. Check QuickBooks user roles and permissions settings to ensure that all users are appropriately authorized to use multi-user mode.
5. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
If QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on the host computer, restart the service to refresh connections and resolve potential issues. Navigate to the Windows Services Manager, locate the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service, and restart it. This action can often resolve connectivity issues and enable multi-user mode to start successfully.
Contact QuickBooks Support:
If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still unable to start multi-user mode in QuickBooks, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing, including any error messages or codes encountered. The support team can offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Encountering difficulties when trying to start multi-user mode in QuickBooks can be a frustrating experience, especially for businesses relying on collaborative access to their accounting data. In this article, we’ll delve into what multi-user mode entails, explore potential reasons why QuickBooks may fail to start in multi-user mode, and provide comprehensive solutions to help you resolve this issue efficiently. Understanding Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks: QuickBooks Desktop offers a multi-user mode that enables multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously. This feature is invaluable for businesses with teams needing concurrent access to financial data for tasks like invoicing, payroll, and reporting. However, encountering issues when attempting to initiate multi-user mode can disrupt workflow and impede productivity. Reasons Why QuickBooks Won’t Start in Multi-User Mode: Network Connectivity Problems: QuickBooks relies on stable network connectivity to facilitate multi-user access. If there are network disruptions or connectivity issues between the host computer (where the QuickBooks company file is stored) and the client computers, it can prevent QuickBooks from starting in multi-user mode.Corrupted Company File: A corrupted QuickBooks company file can cause various issues, including preventing multi-user mode from starting. If the company file is damaged or contains errors, QuickBooks may fail to initiate multi-user mode as a precautionary measure to prevent further data corruption.Software Conflicts or Compatibility Issues: QuickBooks may encounter conflicts with other software applications installed on the host or client computers. Additionally, compatibility issues between QuickBooks and the operating system or third-party software can hinder the initiation of multi-user mode.User Permissions or Configuration: In some cases, user permissions or misconfigurations within QuickBooks settings can prevent multi-user mode from starting. Users may not have sufficient permissions to access the company file in multi-user mode, or certain settings may be incorrectly configured, leading to startup failures. Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error: 1. Verify Network Connectivity:Start by checking the network connectivity between the host computer (where the QuickBooks company file is located) and the client computers. Ensure that all computers are connected to the same network and that there are no network disruptions or firewall restrictions blocking communication between devices.2. Repair or Restore the Company File:If QuickBooks is unable to start multi-user mode due to a corrupted company file, attempt to repair or restore the file using QuickBooks built-in utilities. QuickBooks offers tools like the File Doctor and the Rebuild Data feature, which can help diagnose and repair issues within the company file.3. Check for Software Conflicts:Identify any potential software conflicts or compatibility issues that may be preventing QuickBooks from starting in multi-user mode. Temporarily disable antivirus software, firewall settings, or third-party applications that may interfere with QuickBooks operation. Additionally, ensure that QuickBooks and all related software are up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.4. Review User Permissions and Settings:Verify that user permissions are configured correctly within QuickBooks and that users have the necessary rights to access the company file in multi-user mode. Check QuickBooks user roles and permissions settings to ensure that all users are appropriately authorized to use multi-user mode.5. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager:If QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed on the host computer, restart the service to refresh connections and resolve potential issues. Navigate to the Windows Services Manager, locate the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service, and restart it. This action can often resolve connectivity issues and enable multi-user mode to start successfully. Contact QuickBooks Support: If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still unable to start multi-user mode in QuickBooks, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing, including any error messages or codes encountered. The support team can offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. Read More
Licensing Guest users for Planner Premium
Is it possible for a user who is a guest in a tenant to be licensed for planner premium? If so, is that done on their home tenant, or on the tenant they are a guest in?
Is it possible for a user who is a guest in a tenant to be licensed for planner premium? If so, is that done on their home tenant, or on the tenant they are a guest in? Read More
Security review for Microsoft Edge version 124
We are pleased to announce the security review for Microsoft Edge, version 124!
We have reviewed the new settings in Microsoft Edge version 124 and determined that there are no additional security settings that require enforcement. The Microsoft Edge version 117 security baseline continues to be our recommended configuration which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit.
Microsoft Edge version 124 introduced 14 new computer settings and 14 new user settings. We have included a spreadsheet listing the new settings in the release to make it easier for you to find them.
One thing to note with this release we have added configurable settings for Copilot. Something to consider based on your oprganizations policy
As a friendly reminder, all available settings for Microsoft Edge are documented here, and all available settings for Microsoft Edge Update are documented here.
Please continue to give us feedback through the Security Baselines Discussion site or this post.
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More