QBCFMonitorService is the QuickBooks company file monitoring service essential for multi-user mode functionality, allowing multiple workstations to connect with the company file over the network. Any failure to run the file can interrupt the work on the network and may even trigger a warning message or an error code;
Error 1920: QuickBooks Database Manager failed to start
This may happen when trying to install or update QuickBooks Desktop. Additionally, there are chances of getting different errors, such as QuickBooks error H202, QuickBooks error H303, or QuickBooks error H505, when hosting. If QBCFMonitorService is not running on your computer, read this detailed article and perform the fixes to ensure you can enjoy multi-user access seamlessly.
Why QBCFMonitorService Not Running?
There are many factors that can be responsible for QBCFMonitorService not running service, such as using an outdated version of QuickBooks or services, not having the proper permissions to run services, and more. The section below explores all the possible factors one by one; let’s get familiar with them:
- Not using an up-to-date version of QuickBooks
- The QBCFMonitorService might not be running properly
- Windows Firewall or other security applications might be blocking QBCFMonitorService from running on your server
- Possible damages or corruption to the Windows registry
- There might be some data damage or corruption to your company file hosted on the network
- Interrupted network connectivity between the server computer and the workstations
- Internal issues, damages or any corruption of the QuickBooks installation files
- Corrupted installation of QuickBooks Database Server manager
Fix the QBCFMonitorService not starting or crashing issue in no time
After knowing what causes the issues, performing the appropriate troubleshooting steps becomes quite easy. Depending on the problem or scenario, proceed with the section below and perform the troubleshooting steps accordingly.
General solutions
Whether QBCFMonitorService is not starting or crashing when installing QuickBooks, Database Server Manager, hosting your company file or other scenarios, following the below steps will help you resolve the issues and ensure a seamless hosting experience.
If these don’t work, we recommend you move to the section below, where we have mentioned the situation-wise solutions, or connect with QuickBooks professionals for expert assistance.
1. Update QuickBooks Desktop
Using an outdated version means the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and QBCFMonitorService.exe are not up-to-date and may cause QBCFMonitorService to host a company file over the network.
Proceed with the below steps to make sure your QuickBooks and the associated services are up-to-date:
- In QuickBooks Desktop, go to the Help menu.
- Choose Update QuickBooks Desktop from the dropdown.
- It will redirect you to the Update QuickBooks window.
- Go to the Update Now tab.
- Clear the previous updates by marking the Reset Updates checkbox.
- Hit on Update Now.
- Close QuickBooks and restart your computer
- Open QuickBooks again and click Yes to install the updates.
2. Restart QBCFMonitorService
Sometimes, the QBCFMonitorService may fail to run properly and cause multi-user access or file access issues. When you restart the services, it resolves the related issues and ensures that the service is running properly and may resolve hosting issues:
- Launch the Task manager by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys.
- Navigate to the Processes tab.
- Select the QBCFMonitorService process and right-click on it.
- Click on End Task.
- Hit Yes to confirm.
- Launch your QuickBooks Desktop again.
- Now, try again to run the QBCFMonitor service again.
3. Configure your Firewall port to open 8019
The Windows Firewall and other security applications on your computer, such as antivirus, may block QBCFMonitorService due to incorrect settings, hampering multi-user access. Therefore, you must check the antivirus settings (for reference on unblocking QuickBooks or related services, check the official website) and configure the Windows Firewall port for 8019. This will allow the software to communicate with its servers and other network devices, especially using multi-user mode.
Verify that the QBCFMonitorService startup type is automatic and update your QuickBooks version.
4. Repair the Windows registry
A damaged Windows Registry can lead to various problems, including system instability, software malfunction, and even system crashes. Let’s repair the crucial component of Windows and ensure the seamless functioning of the software:
- Press the Windows+R keys together to launch the Run prompt.
- Type cleanmgr and hit the Enter key.
- Now, choose your main drive, like C, from the drop-down menu.
- Hit the Clean up system files button.
- Once it is relaunched, keep Drive as OS (D:) and click OK.
- Finally, let it scan the Windows files and click OK. Click Delete for the confirmation.
5. Run QuickBooks File Doctor
The QuickBooks File Doctor is a utility that lets you identify the company file and network (hosting) related issues on your server computer and runs a quick fix. Learn how to make use of the utility by following the below steps:
- Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub on your server computer.
- Navigate to the Company File Issues.
- Hit on Run QuickBooks File Doctor. The tool usually takes one minute for the file doctor to open; wait until then. Note: If you fail to open QuickBooks File Doctor, search for QuickBooks Desktop File Doc on Windows desktop and open it manually.
- In QuickBooks File Doctor, choose your company file from the dropdown. If you can’t see the file, click on Browse and look for the file.
- Hit on Check your file and then Continue to let the tool scan the data file.
- Enter the QuickBooks admin password to allow access and hit Next.
The scan time depends on your file size and can take up to 10–15 minutes. The scan may say it was unsuccessful, even if it fixes your issue. Once the scan finishes, open QuickBooks and your company file.
6. Ping the server
To start, turn on Network Discovery on your server computer and any workstations with Error H202:
- Launch the Windows Start menu on your server as well as workstations.
- Type Network in the search field and select Network and Sharing Center.
- Hit on Change advanced sharing settings.
- Make sure Turn on Network Discovery is selected in the Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing sections.
Get the server name from your server computer:
- On your server computer, launch the Windows Start menu.
- Type Run in the search field and hit the Enter key.
- In the Run window, type CMD and again press Enter.
- In the prompted CMD window, type ipconfig/all, then press Enter.
- Look for the Host Name in the Windows IP Configuration section. You will see the server name on the right side.
- Note down the hostname or copy it to a Word document or your Notepad to access it quickly.
Move back to your workstation to test the connection between the server and the workstation. These steps can be complex; if you need help, consider contacting an IT expert.
- Launch the Windows Start menu on your workstation.
- Type Run in the search field and press Enter.
- In the prompted Run window, enter CMD and hit Enter.
- Now, type “ping [your server name],” and then press Enter. Brackets are just for reference; do not include them under your server name.
- Finally, repeat the above for each workstation where you see error code H202.
Your server will work fine if you receive a reply for each pocket with no loss.
Case 1: If you’re trying to install or update QuickBooks
Did you encounter QBCFMonitorService not running when trying to install or update QuickBooks or see QuickBooks error 1920? Both of these issues appear when your QuickBooks installation is damaged or corrupted and interrupts the hosting of your company file on the network.
Follow the below steps to uninstall and re-install QuickBooks Desktop to fix the associated issues:
Note: Install QuickBooks as a Windows user with administrator privileges if this problem occurs during your first QuickBooks installation.
a. Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
- Press the Windows logo key to launch the Windows Start menu.
- Type Control Panel in the search field and hit the Enter key.
- Go to Program and Features or simply click on Uninstall a Program.
- Choose the QuickBooks Desktop version you use from the programs list.
- Tap on Uninstall/Change and then adhere to on-screen instructions.
b. Rename the installation folders
| Notes: If you can’t see the Application Data or Program Data folder or search on the Windows desktop, display hidden files or folders. If you have installed other Intuit apps on your computer, uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder found in the Intuit folder: C:\Program Data\Intuit. |
- Locate the installation folders. Check the below folders for reference: – C:\Program Data\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
- On your keyboard, press the Windows+ R keys together to launch the Run prompt.
- Copy the folder location and paste it into the Run field.
- Right-click on your folder and select Rename from the dropdown.
- Now, add .OLD at the end of the file name to replace it with the new file to fix the associated issues.
c. Install QuickBooks Desktop
| Before getting started: Get the installer of the same version as your QuickBooks Desktop. Keep the license number noted. If you bought it online, check the purchase confirmation email or the original Quickbooks package. Note: You can also get the license information from your account management portal. |
- Make sure your computer has an active and stable internet connection.
- Locate the QB program file QuickBooks.exe.
- Now, choose – Express install – This will install QuickBooks over your old version and save all of your preferences. To access your prior version, you will need to reinstall it using a custom install. – Custom and Network Options – This enables you to maintain older versions installed while installing the current version in a different location. The new version does not incorporate your choices from the previous version.
- Hit on Next and select Install.
- Once all is done, select Open QuickBooks.
Case II: If you’re trying to update QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server computer
Proceed with the below steps if you don’t have QuickBooks on your server, but share your file over the network using Database Server Manager:
a. Uninstall the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
- Press the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run prompt.
- Enter appwiz.cpl and then press the Enter key.
- Now, choose the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
- Click on Uninstall/Change and follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
b. Rename the installation folders
| Notes: If you cannot find the Application Data or Program Data folders, look for them in hidden files and folders or search for files using Windows. If you have any other Intuit applications on your computer, you should only uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder found in the Intuit folder: C:\Program Data\Intuit. |
- Locate the QuickBooks installation file folders below: – C:\Program Data\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Intuit – C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit – C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Intuit – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
- Now, launch the Run command by pressing the Windows+R keys.
- Copy the folder location and paste it into the Run field.
- Right-click on the folder and select Rename.
- Add the .OLD extension at the end of the file name. This will replace the old file with the new one, fixing all the associated issues.
c. Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Have you removed your Server Manager and renamed the installation folders as well? Now, reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager to ensure that all the associated files are replaced with new ones and that you can host your company file over the network seamlessly.
Summary
Hosting your company file on the network offers many benefits, such as access to multiple users, which boosts productivity and lets you manage your work simultaneously. However, if you see QBCFMonitorService not running, sharing the file with different users can be challenging. We understand your concern, and hence, we have provided a detailed blog covering the causes and troubleshooting steps to make your multi-user network work well.
If this doesn’t help you or you need further assistance, we recommend contacting the professionals. Dial +1-866-409-5111 to connect with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor immediately!
