Using the Fathom Desktop Connector in a Server Environment

View our complete guide on steps to import data from QuickBooks Desktop Connector in a hosted server environment.

Daniel Walls avatar
Written by Daniel Walls
Updated over a week ago

Contents:


Using the Connector in a Hosted Server Environment

The Fathom Desktop Connector is a small application which downloads via your web browser from within the Fathom app. You can run this file each time you need to import or update QuickBooks Desktop company data in Fathom.

How servers are setup can vary widely, so we highly recommend contacting your IT Team to help you setup the Desktop Connector in your server environment.


Allowing the Connector Access in a Hosted Server Environment

If you are using the Desktop Connector to import QuickBooks Desktop files which sit in a hosted or server environment, issues can arise from the server not 'allowing' the Connector to run or access files in that environment. If an error message appears, saying "Fathom could not access the QuickBooks file on the 'XYZ' server" then you are likely running into this issue.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide specific instructions on how to ‘allow’ the Fathom Desktop Connector in your specific environment, as these settings can vary widely across servers. We recommend getting in touch with your network administrator to see if they are able to allow the Fathom Desktop Connector to run in your environment.


Common Hosted Environments

Windows Terminal Server

The Connector uses Microsoft ClickOnce technology which is only supported in the most recent versions of Windows Terminal Server.

According to a Microsoft Knowledge Base article, ClickOnce is not supported on Windows Terminal Servers including 2003, 2003 R2, 2008 & 2008 R2.

However Windows Terminal Server 2012 R2 has introduced support for ClickOnce. While the Fathom Desktop Connector can't be published as a RemoteApp directly, it can now be installed and run through a web browser such as Internet Explorer which itself is published as a RemoteApp.

Citrix

The following article from the Citrix Support website is a helpful resource:

Right Networks

If your company files are hosted on Right Networks, you will need to get in touch with their Account Services team at accountservices@rightnetworks.com.

Alternatively, you can contact Right Networks by phone at 888-417-4448 (United States). Select option 3 to request the Fathom app be added to your account.

Cloud9, InsynQ

If your company files are hosted on Cloud9 or InsynQ, please contact our support team at support@fathomhq.com for specific instructions on how to add the Fathom Desktop Connector in your environment.


Bypassing the server environment and running locally

If you wish to bypass the hosted environment entirely, then you can simply move or copy the files out of the server environment and onto your local desktop. The files must be .QBW files and cannot be backup or .QBB, files to ensure they successfully import into Fathom.

If you choose to run the files on your local desktop, then you can follow the detailed instructions and videos in the 'Importing from QuickBooks Desktop' article.

Updating Data

To update your QuickBooks Desktop company in Fathom (after its initial import), simply move/copy the QuickBooks Desktop file(s) you'd like to update out of the server and onto your local desktop, launch the Fathom Desktop Connector, and select each file you'd like to update. You can only do a first-time import with one company file opened at a time, but you may select up to 50 company files at one time for subsequent updates using the Desktop Connector.


Troubleshooting

The most common error we see with importing QuickBooks Desktop files in a hosted server environment is adding the QuickBooks file to the Desktop Connector using a file pathway that does not match its location.

The Fathom Desktop Connector and the QuickBooks file (.QBW file) you are uploading into Fathom must be opened using the same file pathway.

Example: The company file opened in QuickBooks has the following location (C:\UserX\YourUsername\My Documents\.QBW file name). After selecting 'Add files' in the Desktop Connector, the file explorer would open. In this case, in the file explorer, you would select:

  1. The 'C:' drive in the left side column

  2. The 'UserX' folder

  3. The 'YourUsername' folder

  4. The 'My Documents' folder

  5. Finally, the '.QBW file name' QuickBooks file

The file pathway is determined by the location of the QuickBooks company file. To identify the exact location of the .QBW file you are uploading:

  1. Have the file open in QuickBooks

  2. Use the 'F2' key or 'Ctrl + 1' keys on your keyboard to open the location information


  3. The file location is the file pathway you must follow when selecting 'Add files' in the Desktop Connector.

❗ Note: It’s important to note the type of file being selected. While rare, sometimes a user will attempt to load a backup version of the file ('.QBB') rather than the actual file with the '.QBW' extension.


Still not able to import the QuickBooks file?

You can contact our Support Team at support@fathomhq.com. If an error has occurred while you are using the desktop connector, our support team may request that you send us a 'Support Log'.

To access the support log from the desktop connector:

  1. Select the 'About' link on the top right of the Desktop Connector after you have attempted an update or import and have encountered an error or issue.

  2. Select the 'Support Log' link from the About window

  3. This will open up the support log. Copy and Paste all the text in the log window in an email to our support team at: support@fathomhq.com



Additional knowledge & common questions:

Did this answer your question?