Quick answer
First work out whether your file is online (in the cloud) or stored on a server/PC. Online files need internet and a MYOB sign-in. Network files need the AccountRight Server Edition running on the host and every PC on the same AccountRight version as the file. A version mismatch is the single most common cause of "can't open".
FIRST, CHECK THIS
Online file, or network file?
In the AccountRight welcome window, online files sit under your MYOB account with a cloud icon; network files are opened via "Open a company file" from a drive or server path. The fix is different for each, so confirm which you're dealing with before you start.
THE FIX
Work through these in order.
- Confirm you're on the right AccountRight versionIf the file was recently upgraded, older installs can't open it. Check Help → About on each PC, and make sure everyone is running the same (latest) version. Update the PC that can't open the file.
- For online files: check internet and sign-inConfirm the PC is online, sign out and back in to your MYOB account, and check MYOB's status page for an outage. A dropped connection mid-session is a common culprit.
- For network files: restart the server serviceOn the PC or server that hosts the file, open Services (search "Services" in Windows) and restart the MYOB AccountRight Server Edition service. If it's stopped, other PCs can't see the library.
- Test the file locally on the hostOpen the file directly on the hosting PC. If it opens there but not from other PCs, the problem is the network/service — not the file itself.
- Clear a stale lockIf MYOB says the file is "in use" but no one has it open, make sure everyone has fully exited AccountRight, then reopen. A crash can leave the file flagged as locked until all sessions close.
- Allow AccountRight through the firewallOn the host, make sure Windows Firewall (and any antivirus) allows the AccountRight Server Edition. A blocked port stops other PCs connecting to the library.
- Check the network pathIf the file lives on a mapped drive or server share, confirm that drive is still connected and the share is reachable (browse to it in File Explorer). Reconnect any dropped mapped drives.
If the file itself looks corrupt — errors on open, or it hangs at a percentage — restore your most recent backup to a copy and try that, and run MYOB's company file verification. Don't keep forcing a damaged file open; get a known-good backup in play first. If in doubt, stop and call your IT provider before you risk the data.
