Dealing with obscure error codes in QuickBooks can frustrate small business owners and accountants. QuickBooks Error 6147 is one of those vague errors that can have many underlying causes. Understanding the origins of Error 6147 is critical to resolving it quickly and getting QuickBooks back up and running.
What exactly is QuickBooks Error 6147?
QuickBooks Error Code 6147 indicates that the software has encountered a problem verifying your license and registration information when attempting to access a company file.
The entire error message reads:
Error 6147: The database server name in the license file does not match the database server name in QuickBooks.
This occurs when the server or computer name registered with your QuickBooks license does not match the name of the system you use to run QuickBooks and access the company files.
Leading Causes of QuickBooks Error 6147
There are a few common scenarios that can trigger QuickBooks Error 6147 in your QuickBooks desktop application:
- License registered to a different server: Your QuickBooks license may be written to a server other than the one you are currently using. This commonly occurs when migrating QB files to a new host computer.
- Multi-user license issues: Inaccurate server names and configurations can cause multi-user and multi-PC access problems with QuickBooks Pro or Premier.
- Lost license file: A missing, corrupted, or improperly stored license file can lead to verification failures and Error 6147 appearing.
- Outdated license information: If you changed the system name after registering your license, the words may no longer match, leading to errors.
- Damaged company files: Corrupted data and company file problems may sometimes manifest as Error 6147 and license verification issues.
Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Error 6147
There are several things you can try to troubleshoot and resolve QB Error 6147:
- Retry and restart: Close QuickBooks and try again. A reboot can clear up temporary glitches.
- Check license name: Verify the name on your license agreement matches the system currently running QuickBooks.
- Review multi-user setup: Ensure multi-user mode is configured correctly if running a shared company file.
- Reinstall license: Completely reinstalling the license file may correct the path and server name.
- Update license info: Use the QuickBooks License Manager to update or fix an incorrect server name.
- Run File Doctor: The QuickBooks File Doctor can fix corrupted company files that may cause Error 6147.
- Change system name – Modifying the name of the current system to match the license name could resolve the error.
- Contact support: Get help from Intuit’s QuickBooks support team for stubborn license issues if needed.
Best Practices to Avoid QuickBooks Error 6147
Using best practices around your QuickBooks license, company files, and system setup can help avoid Error 6147 license mismatches:
- Maintain accurate license details: When installing or reinstalling, carefully enter the correct system name.
- Keep the license file accessible: Store the license file on a shared drive or folder with QuickBooks.
- Use File Doctor regularly: Scan company files proactively to prevent corruption issues.
- Document system and license names – Track server names to ensure they match during updates or migration.
- Centralize company files: Keep them in one place to prevent mismatches between locations.
- Limit multi-user access: Reduce the chances of configuration problems that modify names.
- Renew license annually: Stay current to avoid outdated server name-tripping errors.
When to Call QuickBooks Support
If the error persists after troubleshooting, contact Intuit’s QuickBooks customer support team. Support specialists can dig deeper to identify and resolve your situation’s issues causing Error 6147.
Please provide them relevant details like your registration and license info, system name, company file location, and setup. Detailed information helps them troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of your Error 6147 more efficiently.
Key Takeaways and QuickBooks Error 6147 FAQs
- Error 6147 stems from a mismatch between your registered license and your current QuickBooks system name.
- Causes include changed server names, corrupted files, and multi-user access problems.
- Update license details, verify setup, or reinstall the license to fix Error 6147
- Use File Doctor regularly and limit multi-user access to prevent future issues.
- Contact support if you cannot resolve Error 6147 on your own
What exactly does QuickBooks Error 6147 mean?
Error 6147 indicates a mismatch between the server name on your QuickBooks license and the system you are running QB on. They do not match.
Why does my computer name not match the license?
If you changed the name of your system after installing QuickBooks and registering the license, the terms may now be different. Migrating company files or reconfiguring multi-user access can also modify words.
How do I fix Error 6147 in QuickBooks?
Try updating the license with the correct name, reinstalling your right, running the File Doctor, or modifying the system name to match the license details. This resolves the mismatch triggering QuickBooks Error 6147.
Mastering QuickBooks errors takes experience and patience. If QuickBooks Error Code 6147 appears, applying this advice should get your license and access issues sorted out reasonably quickly. Reach out for additional support if needed to get back to managing your small business finances.
