Troubleshooting Database Connection Issues with Webgility Desktop
If you're unable to connect to the Webgility database in Webgility Desktop, you're not alone—this is a common issue often caused by service settings, firewalls, or network permissions. Here is your step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and restore your database connection.
Causes of Connection Issues
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SQL Server not running or misconfigured
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Incorrect SQL authentication
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TCP/IP protocol or named pipes disabled
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Firewall blocking database communication
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Missing instance name or services
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Antivirus interference
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Hosting restrictions (for cloud-hosted QuickBooks environments)
Steps to Resolve Database Connection Issues
1. Verify SQL Database Location
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Make sure you're on the Primary Workstation where the Webgility SQL database is hosted.
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Open the Services app (type
services.msc
in Start menu). -
Look for
SQL Server (Database Name)
:-
If not listed, SQL is hosted on another machine.
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If listed but not running, right-click and Restart the service.
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2. Confirm SQL Server & Browser Services
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Open the Services application.
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Locate and right-click on:
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SQL Server (Database Name)
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SQL Server Browser
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Select Properties > Log On tab.
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Click Browse, select Network Service.
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Remove any existing password fields.
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Click Apply, then OK.
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Restart both services.
3. Enable TCP/IP and Named Pipes
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Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
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Under SQL Server Network Configuration, enable:
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TCP/IP
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Named Pipes
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Restart the SQL services after enabling.
4. Restart SQL Services
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After making changes, return to Services and restart:
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SQL Server (Database Name)
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SQL Server Browser
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5. Configure Firewall Rules
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Go to
C:\Webgility\UnifyEnterprise
. -
Right-click on wgFirewall.exe and select Run as Administrator.
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This automatically sets up firewall permissions for Webgility.
6. Whitelist Webgility in Antivirus
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Open your antivirus software.
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Add
C:\Webgility
to the Exemption/Exclusion List. -
Restart Webgility Desktop afterward.
7. Select the Correct SQL Instance
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In the Webgility Database Configuration screen:
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Choose Locate SQL Server.
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If your instance doesn’t appear, click Browse for more.
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Select the correct instance, typically:
ComputerName\UNIFY
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8. Use SQL Authentication (For Add-On Machines)
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On add-on computers, select SQL Server Authentication.
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Username:
sa
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Password:
Webgility2011
(note the capital W)
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9. If Using QuickBooks Hosting Providers
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If your QuickBooks file is hosted by Rightworks, Summit Hosting, etc.:
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Contact their customer support to verify SQL connection settings.
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Hosted environments may have specific restrictions or configuration requirements.
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