You have exceeded the maximum number of users who can access the company at one time (Error message in POS)

When opening QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop, you see the following error:

You have exceeded the maximum number of users who can access the company at one time

Reasons:

More workstations are open than number of licenses you have purchased.

A log file is stuck and your workstations need to be rebooted.

A file used to verify licenses is damaged.

The QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop installation is damaged.

A firewall or third-party internet security is blocking your client workstation from the server.

Resolution:

Intuit recommends the following 6 solutions for this problem. The first solution may solve your problem, or you may need to try all 6 to resolve the issue.

Solution 1: Verify the number of licensed users and sync license data online

Choose Help > Manage my license > Sync license data online. Click OK.

Choose Help > Manage my license > Buy additional user license.

Verify the number of Licensed Users.

If it's correct, try Solution 2.

Solution 2: Close all workstations

Close QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop by clicking File > Exit instead of the X in upper right corner

If closing using the above method doesn't free up the licenses then Reboot all workstations. Although it may be inconvenient, it's an important step. Files can get stuck and the QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop server can think too many workstations are open. If rebooting all workstations doesn't fix the issue, go to Solution 3.

Solution 3: Clear the contents of the Entitlement Data folder

From your QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop server, right-click the Windows Start button and choose Open Windows Explorer (Explore in Vista).

Click Organize and select Folder and Search Options.

Click the View tab, select Show hidden files and folders and clear the checkbox for Hide protected system operating files.

Click Yes to the warning and click OK.

Navigate in the left window to the location: (where XX is the highest number version you see)

Windows 10, 8, 8.1, and 7: C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\XX

From your keyboard, press CTRL + A + Delete and click Yes on the pop-up message.

Open QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop and complete the registration process again. If the error persists, try Solution 4.

Solution 4: Rename the WSActivity file

Go to C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale XX\Ini

Right-click WSActivity and select Rename.

Enter OLDWSActivity and click anywhere to save.

Open QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop, If you still see the error, try Solution 5

Solution 5: Uninstall and ReinstallQuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop

Reinstall QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop on the server computer.

Update to the most current release.

In Point of Sale, go to Help > Manage my license > Sync license data online. Click OK.

Choose Help > Manage my license > Buy additional user license.

Look for the number of Licensed Users and confirm it is correct.

If that doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop on the client workstations.

Solution 6: Configure internet security and other third-party firewalls to allow access

Point of Sale firewall configuration files, ports, and paths

Troubleshoot connectivity tool (helpful in identifying conflicts in security and network setup).