QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer? Try These Fixes

Is QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer? You must be wondering why this happens and what you should do. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!

The QBDBMgrN is a core component (or service) of QuickBooks Database Server Manager, which enables hosting company files over a network. If it’s not running, it typically means you lack the permissions to start the service, or something is blocking it on your host computer.

Explore the possible causes and detailed steps below to help you quickly identify the issue and resolve it promptly. Let’s get started!

Why is QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer? 

Explore multiple reasons why QBDBMgrN not running on this computer in QuickBooks and is causing errors when hosting: 

• Hosting settings might be turned off 
• Incorrectly configured hosting services 
• Damages or corruption to QBDataServiceUserXX
• QuickBooks Database Server Manager might not be running on the main computer 
• Common network connectivity issues or data damage 
• Outdated Firewall 
• Not having enough permissions to share the company file 
• The incorrect installation of QuickBooks or the file might be damaged 
• Windows Firewall might be blocking QuickBooks

What to Do When QBDBMgrN Not Running on The Server Computer? 

Below is a list of several troubleshooting methods that will help you resolve the root cause and share or open your company file on the network:

1. Turn on hosting 

Enable the hosting setting on the server computer: 

• Go to the File menu. 
• Select Utilities, then Host multi-user access.

• Click Yes on the Host multi-user access window.

2. Recreate QBDataServiceUserXX

Important: If you receive an error stating that your Windows user account doesn’t have the appropriate permissions, log in as a Windows admin or ask assistance from an IT professional.

• Shut down QuickBooks.  
• Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog.  
• Enter services.msc and hit Enter.  
• Right-click the relevant service for your edition, then select Properties.  
  • QuickBooks 2020: QuickBooksDB30
  • QuickBooks 2019: QuickBooksDB29
  • QuickBooks 2018: QuickBooksDB28
• Switch to the Log On tab, and configure the service as This Account.  

Note: Avoid Local System. It only functions in certain configurations.  

• Remove qbdataserviceuserXX:  
  • Press Windows+R to launch the Run dialog.  
  • Input Control Panel, then click OK.  
  • Choose User Accounts, followed by Remove user account.  
  • Pick the qbdataserviceuserXX corresponding to your edition, then Delete.  
• Restart QuickBooks.  

Note: If hosting is active, disable it before re-enabling. If inactive, enable it.  

• When prompted to launch Database Server Manager, click OK.  
• Launch Database Server Manager and scan the file. This regenerates the qbdataserviceuser.

3. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager and QuickBooks File Doctor in the Tool Hub

Note: Make sure to download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub to the latest release (1.6.0.8). For the best experience, it is recommended to use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

a. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager 

The server computer is the main computer that hosts your company’s files; others are just connected to it, known as workstations.  

• Go to Network Issues. 
• Click on QuickBooks Database Server Manager. 

• If QuickBooks isn’t on the server, you will be prompted to install.
• If you see your company file in QuickBooks Database Server Manager, select Start Scan. If you don’t, click Browse, find and locate to your company file, then select Start Scan. 
• The Server Manager repairs the firewall issues automatically. 
• When done, click Close.
• Make sure the QB is in multi-user mode and the workstation is in single-user mode. 

b. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor runs a quick scan of your data file to identify potential damage and network connectivity issues, then quickly repairs them.

4. Update your Firewall

An outdated firewall can block common software operations such as hosting, and can be the reason why you see QBDBMgrN not running on this computer: 

• Launch the Run command. 
• In the Run prompt, type Control firewall.cpl.
• Press Enter.
• Open Windows Firewall and select Update your Firewall as below.

• Click on Update Now and Use Recommended Settings, then check if an update is available.
• Restart your computer. 

If you are still getting the error, restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

5. Check the services on your server

The hosting services must be running on the server for successful hosting. Proceed with the steps below to verify the status and make sure the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer issue is fixed:  

• Open the Windows Start menu on the main computer. 
• Type Run and press Enter. 
• Type services.msc into the Run window.

• Press Enter. 
• Look for QuickBooksDBXX and double-click on it. Here, XX stands for QuickBooks version QuickBooks plus 10. Example: QuickBooks 2023 is QuickBooksDB33.
• Go to Startup Type.
• Select Automatic. 
• Select the service status as Running or Started. If it’s neither, select Start.

• Go to the Recovery tab.
• Select Restart the Service from these drop-downs: First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures.

• Select Apply and click OK. 
• Repeat the steps for QBCFMonitorService.

When done, open QuickBooks on each workstation. Go to File> Switch to Multi-user Mode.

6. Add services to your Windows admin group on your server

If you haven’t already allowed the admin access, give QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService admin folder and Windows permissions on your server computer. To do so, set Windows access permissions to share company files.

7. If you’re trying to install or update QuickBooks

If you see the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer issue when trying to install or update QuickBooks, perform the steps below to resolve the problem: 

a. Remove QuickBooks Desktop 

• Open Control Panel. 
• Go to Programs and Features.
• Select Uninstall a Program.

• From the installed programs, select QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click on Uninstall/Change. 

• Follow on the on-screen instructions. 

b. Rename the installation folders

Notes: If you cannot find the Application Data or Program Data folder, display hidden files and folders or search for files in Windows. If you use other Intuit apps on your computer, uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder found in the Intuit folder: C:\Program Data\Intuit.

• Locate to the QB installation folders below: 

C:\Program Data\Intuit	C:\Program Data\Intuit
C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit	C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit	C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit
C:\Program Files\Intuit	C:\Program Files\Intuit
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit

• Launch the Run command.
• Enter or simply copy, paste the location and Enter. 
• Right-click on each and select Rename. 
• Add .OLD at the end of the folder name. 

c. Install QuickBooks Desktop 

• Connect your computer to an active internet. 
• Locate QuickBooks.exe.

• Select
  • Express Install: Saves all preferences and installs over your existing QuickBooks version. To access the prior version, use the custom install for reinstallation.
  • Custom and Network Options: Installs the new version in a separate location, keeping previous versions. Prior version preferences are not transferred to the new version.  
• Select Next > Install. 
• When done, click Open QuickBooks. 

Doing so will resolve all related issues and replace the old files or folders with the new ones. 

8. If you’re trying to update QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server computer

If you see the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer issue when trying to install or update QuickBooks Database Server Manager, perform the steps below to resolve the problem:

a. Uninstall the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Open the Run command.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the Run prompt. 
• Click OK.
• Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Hit on Uninstall/Change and follow the onscreen instructions.

b. Rename the installation folders

Notes: If the Application Data or Program Data folder isn’t visible, enable hidden files and folders or use Windows search to locate them.If other Intuit apps are installed, only uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder within the Intuit folder at C:\Program Data\Intuit.

• Locate the installation folders in the chart below: 

C:\Program Data\Intuit	C:\Program Data\Intuit
C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit	C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit	C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit
C:\Program Files\Intuit	C:\Program Files\Intuit
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit

• Open the Run command. 
• Copy and paste to the folder and press Enter. 
• Right-click on the folder and click Rename. 
• Add .OLD to replace the file with the new one. 

c. Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Here’s how to reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager and set up file sharing.

9. Configure the Windows Firewall settings

The Windows Firewall is a security system application that controls the ports for existing and incoming data. If it is considered a threat to your computer, it might block your QuickBooks and all the related and ongoing operations, such as updating QuickBooks, hosting the data file, and more. Configure the Windows Firewall ports for your QB Desktop to ensure you run the business process easily.

Conclusion 

Experiencing the ‘QBDBMgrN Not Running on this computer’ error in QuickBooks can be a real headache, but it’s often fixable.

By systematically troubleshooting these areas—restarting the service, updating your firewall, or using the QuickBooks Tool Hub—you can get your multi-user access back on track and your business running smoothly. Don’t give up; a solution is within reach!

For further assistance, dial +1(866)500-0076 to connect with a QB ProAdvisor and consult your issues!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is QuickBooks Database Server Manager not working? 

QuickBooks Database Server Manager may not work due to firewall or antivirus interference, outdated QuickBooks software, a corrupted or disabled service, a damaged Network Descriptor (.nd) file, or incorrect multi-user hosting settings

How do I open QBDBMgrN in QuickBooks? 

To open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (which handles QBDBMgrN), open the Windows Start Menu, type “Database,” and open the application from the search results. If the service is not running, you can restart it by opening services.msc, locating the QuickBooksDBXX service, right-clicking it, and selecting “Restart”.  

What is QBDBMgrN service in QuickBooks? 

The QBDBMgrN service, or QuickBooks Database Server Manager, is a QuickBooks utility that allows multiple users to access a QuickBooks company file simultaneously. It serves as a network server for QuickBooks, enabling access to the company’s database and files by more than one user at the same time.