As a QuickBooks Desktop user, you’ve probably noticed that QuickBooks applications have a multi-user hosting capability, which, together with the QuickBooks database server manager, allows multiple users to view, edit, and work on the same company file simultaneously. When you see the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” Error message, it means that the QuickBooks database server manager, which helps establish a connection between a host computer and your QuickBooks database, has stopped working.

When QBDBMgrN is not running or fails to open, it is usually because the Windows firewall or another security program is preventing QBDBSM services from being accessed over the network. This happens most often when the firewall configuration has recently been changed and the port numbers entered are incorrect. a common cause somtimes in a QuickBooks update because, even if QuickBooks was previously allowed to run on the network and was working perfectly fine, the Windows firewall does not recognize the updated files of the software casuing the the QBDBMgrN not running error.

In such scenarios simply by setting up the appropriate permissions can fix QBDBMgrN not running on this computer server error right away.

This tutorial describes what to do if you receive the error message QBDBMgrN not running on this computer server, as well as simple and easy troubleshooting steps on how to re-configure the Database server manager when you are unable to open or access your company files from a specific workstation because of the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer Error.

What does QBDBMgrN not running mean?

QBDBMgrN is an short form for QuickBooks Database Manager, an application created by Intuit. The application was introduced specifically to add multi-user functionality to QuickBooks Desktop solutions.

In addition to the multi-user hosting feature already available in QuickBooks Desktop, the QBDBMgrN service app was developed to assist Accountants to operate multiple versions of QuickBooks software on the same machine and access company files located on a host computer via the QBDBMgrN service and when this service is blocked by the Firewall, Internet or Network connectivity issues than the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer message shows up restricting users from being able to work on their data files even though the multi-user hosting feature is turned on.

Who should use the QuickBooks Database server manager?

The QuickBooks database manager is useful for users hosting multiple versions of QuickBooks on the same server to work on clients data, Intuit offers five different desktop application versions, the most popular of which are QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. If you only use one of the three versions, you do not need to install the QuickBooks database server manager in order to access your files in multi-user mode; instead, simply create a network share drive to share files with multiple users. However, if you are a CPA firm or an accountant with clients who use all three versions of QB, you will need to install the database server manager on a host computer in order to share and access your files with the multi-user hosting feature enabled in QB.

Services effected by the QBDBMgrN not running

When you see the QBDBMgrN not running error message, it means that multi-user hosting is disabled and you won’t be able to access the following services:

• You won’t unable to access your data files from the server.
• Multi-user mode services will stop working
• QuickBooks will be unable to save a backup copy of any data entered after the Error.
• Services such as QB Desktop payroll, Web-Connect, and others will cease to function.
• If you use a third-party application to sync data into QuickBooks, such as bill.com, the syncing will stop.

• QB won’t be able to connect to the internet and the internal network of hosted computers.
• None of the file formats such as .QBW . QBB or .QBM will be accessible.
• The Database server manager won’t update and will stop responding unless manually restarted.
• QuickBooks may run slow and freeze on the workstations.

What causes ‘QBDBMgrN not running on this computer’ error

1. The QuickBooks desktop application has not been updated to the latest release from Intuit.
2. QBDBMgrN.exe file or folder is missing or damaged.
3. Damaged network path to server that hosts your files.
4. Network is down due internet connectivity issues.
5. Due to a glitch or a damage in a file the database server manager is unable to scan the file to open.
6. Hosting mode maybe turned off or not setup.
7. QuickBooks is not setup properly in multi-user mode for a specific user.
8. The database server manager required to use QB in multi-user mode is not installed or updated properly.
9. A firewall is blocking certain services due to limited permission to access certain files from the server.

How to fix “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” 2022

QBDBMgrN is not running appears in two scenarios while opening QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
To begin with, this issue is directly related to a connectivity problem between the server on which the database server manager service is installed.

Secondly, if QBDBMgrN occurs on a specific company file, it indicates that there may be errors or damages particularly on that file and has nothing to do with your hosting network.

To fix this issue follow all of the steps in a hierarchical order from solution 1 to 8. This tutorial starts with the simplest and quickest fixes before moving on to more advanced steps as we dig deeper into this article to understand the source and a permanent solution to QBDBMgrN.

Solution 1: Download QuickBooks Tools hub to fix QBDBMgrN not running Service

If you haven’t already utilized the all in one file doctor tool from intuit than now is the time to run this tool which in most cases can fix most common network issues such as „QBDBMgrN not running on server“ or „file in use“ errors that occurs while accessing your company file from a work station through a hosted network or computer server.

Further below we have mentioned in details on how to correctly use the tools hub to simplify fixing Database server errors for non techies.

Here’s How:

• Close Your QuickBooks Program and Database server manager.
• Download the latest version of QuickBooks Tools Hub from here.

• Open the downloaded file with the name (QuickBooksToolsHub.exe).

• A new window will pop up, Simply agree to the terms and continue.

• Once the installation is complete you will find a copy of QB tools hub on your desktop screen.

• Click twice to open tools hub on your Windows Desktop.

Step 1: Scan your files for errors with the help of QuickBooks file doctor

If you have already tried the QuickBooks file doctor tool to repair the issue but failed, it is because the File Doctor is only able to repair damages in the company file and basic problems related to the network, however it cannot configure your firewall settings. This is why you will have to adjust the firewall and its ports manually to enable QBDBSM Service to connect with the network.

The windows firewall does this to protect your computer from malware, unknown applications and so forth.

Move on to Solution 2 to reconfigure your firewall settings.

• This time click on the company file issues tab
• Choose to run the file doctor.
• Go ahead select the company file that you are having trouble with from the drop down menu.

• From the above options select Check your file and hit continue.
• Now enter your QB desktop Admin ID and Password and click Next.

Generally it shouldn’t take too long for the file doctor to scan your company file and network issues, although this depends on the size of your company file. However once the scan has completed open your files once again and repeat the same process on each user’s work station on which QBDBMgrN not working is prompting.

Step 2: Fix Company file issues

First of all use the run Quick fix my file option to solve QBDBMgrN.exe not running file issues on your server, if repairing your file does not solve QBDBM than next use the QuickBooks file doctor to resolve connection issues between your network and the work stations on which you are running QB.

• Select “Company File Issues“ from the right window pane in tools hub.

• Next select Quick fix my file.

• Click OK on the next window to continue and Wait for the file doctor to complete scanning your files for any possible issues or errors.
• Once complete close the window and open QuickBooks.

At this point if you are able to login to QB and access your company data file than it was probably a minor glitch or your application was shut down unexpectedly due to which attempting to access your company file through the computer server kept failing.

Although occasionally the ”QBDBMgrN not running” is caused due to one of the following reasons.

1. The QuickBooks database server manager is not responding.
2. Network is down. (First of all network down can mean several things, for most cases this means your internet connection is not working properly. Secondly in your case it can mean that your internal network of computers are down which includes your server on which the QB database server manager is installed.

Having said that let’s move on to the final analysis of troubleshooting any possible network connection issues with the company file.

Solution 2: Fix windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks

• Simultaneously press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard

• Type Control Panel and click OK

• Choose the System and Security option

• Use your cursor to navigate to the Windows Firewall and select Check for Updates (in the Update your Firewall Settings section)

• After your PC found the necessary updates, click Update Now and wait for the installation process to be finished
• Restart your computer and proceed to work with the QB Company file.

Note: If you are facing issues with updating your firewall with the above steps, Alternatively you can run the update by downloading the update files manually. There are update files for 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft operating systems. Start with downloading the files from these links and follow the on-screen instructions.

Download updates for 32 Bit Windows

Download updates for 64 Bit Windows 

Solution 3: Restart the QB Database Server Manager Service

• Simultaneously press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard
• Type Services.msc and click OK
• Now scroll down the list until you find the QB Database Server Manager Service listed as QuickBooksDB30 (2020 Desktop version), QBDB29 (2019 Desktop version), QBDB28 (2018 Desktop version), QuickBooksDB27 (2017 Desktop version).
• Choose the file for your QB desktop version and open the drop-down menu with a right-click on the file.
• Select Restart
• Open your QB again to check if you are back up and running.

Solution 4: Exclude QB database manager Service from your firewall settings

• Open the run box on your computer.
• Type Windows Firewall and hit OK.
• Double-click on the firewall app from the list of programs.
• Go to Advanced settings and with a right-click on Inbound Rules choose New Rule from the drop-down menu.
• Click Next under Programs and select This Program Path.
• Now exclude the QBDBMgrN.exe file. You should find the file in the QB folder (C:Program FilesIntuitQuickBooks) Select the location of the .exe file and click Next.
• Choose Allow the Connection and continue with Next.
• Check-mark all the check-boxes and go Next.
• Give a name for this rule and hit Finish.
• Restart your computer and resume your work with the QBW Company file.

Note: If you are using a third-party firewall other than from Microsoft, you need to exclude the QB database Service according to the instructions provided on the firewall manual.

Solution 5: Use the Clean Install Tool to repair QuickBooks

If you haven’t already, make a backup of your company file before proceeding with this step. Furthermore, we recommend that you backup your company file on an external hard drive right now. Apart from confirming the security of your files, it will also assist you in staying organized and locating the correct file to open.

These methods are will work for Windows 11 and 10.

Repair QB:

• press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard at the same time.
• Type appwiz.cpl and select OK.
• Choose QB from the list of files and select Uninstall/Change.
• Select Continue and then Next.
• Now select Repair and then Next.
• Wait for the repair process to be completed.
• And then restart your computer.

This process may take some time depending on your computers performance, Once windows has completed the repairing process restart your PC and retry opening your data files. If repairing the installation files did not solve the problem than continue with the next step to uninstall QB.

Solution 7: Remove Current QuickBooks Desktop Version.

Step 1: Collect your QuickBooks product information.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• Press F2 on your keyboard to open the product information window.
• Now make a not of your license number and your product ID. Alternatively you can also find this info on the original package or in the purchase confirmation email.
• Also Make a note of the year and version of your product.
• If you have registered your product then head over to the account management portal to access this information.

Once you have the necessary information available proceed to the solution 7 to uninstall and reinstall the latest version of QB.

Note: If you have problems uninstalling QuickBooks, there could be a problem with your computer. In which case we recommend you to get in touch with our support team right away. Alternatively you can also download the Windows install and uninstall troubleshooter tool with the help of which you can quickly repair installer files on your computer.

Step 1: Uninstall current version of QB.

• Navigate to the Windows Start menu. Open Control Panel.
• Choose Uninstall a program or select the Programs and Features option.
• Select the QuickBooks Desktop version you want to uninstall from the list of programs.
• Choose Uninstall/Change, then Remove. Hit Next. If you don’t see this option, sign out and re-enter Windows as an administrator (or a user with admin rights).
• Restart your computer once the uninstallation is complete

Step 2: Rename the old installation folders manually.

If you have managed to uninstall QuickBooks already from the above step then next rename the old installation folders before you reinstalling QB, this way you shall be able to differentiate between the old and new files to avoid confusion.

• Navigate to the Windows Start menu.
• Open File Explorer by searching for “File Explorer.”
• After that open the folder that contains your QuickBooks company files. This is typically your QuickBooks folder. It should be found in one of the following drives of your PC:
• C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\QuickBooks C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year) C:\ProgramFiles\Intuit\QuickBooks (year) Intuit QuickBooks C:Program Files (x86) (year)
• Now right-click and rename the folder.
• Add “old” to the end of the folder name.

If you receive an access error message when attempting to rename a folder then you might need to end the following process in the task manager

Step 3: End QBDBMgrN.exe processes in Task Manager

• Select Task Manager by right-clicking on the Windows Task Bar.
• Navigate to the Processes tab.
• To sort the list, click the Name column header.
• Select the following processes and then click the End Process button for each: Qbw32.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe
• If you see the message “WARNING: Terminating a process may result in unintended consequences…”, choose Yes.

Step 4: Download and re-install QuickBooks Desktop

• Download the QuickBooks installer for Windows
• Open the file named QuickBooks.exe file.
• Read the instructions on the installation wizard and Accept the software license agreement.
• After that enter your Product ID and License information. Then click Next.

Step 5: Choose a installation method

When reinstalling QuickBooks, it provides two installation options: express install for single users and custom and network install for multi-user setup, which allows multiple users to access a company file over a network.

For todays tutorial we are going to follow the custom and network installation method to be able to fix the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer error.

• Choose the custom and Network option and click next
• Now choose an option that describes how you are going to operate QuickBooks.
• Then choose a location to save your files.
• We recommend you to store your company files on the local drive of your host computer.
• Hit the next button to begin the installation process.
• Open QuickBooks to begin activation.

Note: If you encounter an error during the installation process, simply follow the onscreen instructions to quickly resolve the issue. Some of the most common errors that may occur are Error 1904, 3371, which may cause the installation to be incomplete.
If everything goes as expected and you see the Activation window, proceed to the next step to activate your software.

Step 6: Activate QuickBooks Desktop

• Enter your License number and product ID in their respective fields.
• Click Next, if asked to update simply click on update now button to continue. Note: It may take some time for the update to complete. Do not close the wizard or restart your computer.
• After it has been updated successfully Open QuickBooks.
• Go to file > Turn multi-user hosting feature On.
• Next Open the QuickBooks database server manager, if it prompts for an update then continue to install the latest updates first.
• Following that scan your computer for the company files you want to share with other users.
• In rare cases if you do not see the files simply browse to the location of the folder that stores the files and choose the ones with the .QBW extension to begin sharing.

Lastly to make sure that the QBDBMgrN not running error has been fixed head over to a users workstation to access the files.

To sum up

Though the QuickBooks multi-user hosting feature simplifies accounting for large corporations, it also involves a slew of technicalities and relies on third-party resources such as the Windows server, network connectivity, firewall exceptions, and more to run smoothly and error-free. As a result, errors like QBDBMgrN not running on this computer server are common occurrences.

Nonetheless, when such situations arise, we have your back and are available to assist you at any time. We hope that the solutions provided in this article helped you resolve QBDBMgrN.

If you need further assistant feel free to get in touch with our QuickBooks Pro Advisor Team We’re available Mon-Fri 8.00 am to 8.00 Pm EST. Call: 805 6697851.

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