How do I fix QBDBMGRN not running on this computer Error in QuickBooks?

The “QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer” error appears when QuickBooks Desktop can’t connect to the company file in a multi-user setup. QBDBMgrN is a background service that lets multiple users access the file at the same time. This error usually happens when the QuickBooks Database Server Manager isn’t running properly. Common causes include blocked firewall settings, outdated software, network problems, antivirus interference, or incorrect hosting setup. QuickBooks installs QBDBMgrN with the full version, but it needs manual setup when using only the Database Server Manager.

To fix the error, make sure QBDBMgrN is running as a Windows service. Allow QuickBooks through the firewall. Update or reinstall the Database Server Manager if needed. Before applying any fix, check network access, confirm hosting settings, and restart the system. To prevent the issue, keep QuickBooks updated, set correct firewall rules, and run regular system checks.

Why Does the QBDBMgrN Server Error Happen?

QBDBMgrN lets multiple users access the same QuickBooks company file over a network. When this service stops working, users may see the error: “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer,” and lose access from other systems. This often happens after updating QuickBooks. The Windows Firewall may block the service if it doesn’t recognize the new version. The error can also appear after using QuickBooks File Doctor, which repairs files but does not update firewall settings.

To fix the issue, users must manually update the firewall and open the correct ports for QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

Causes of the “QuickBooks Database Server Manager Has Stopped” Error

The error message appears due to the following reasons:

• Windows Firewall blocks QuickBooks access.
• Wrong firewall settings stop the server manager.
• An outdated server manager causes errors.
• The server manager is not installed correctly.
• A third-party firewall blocks QuickBooks’ connection.
• Damaged .ND file affects network access.
• TLG files fail to sync properly.
• Network or internet issues disrupt the server.
• The server path is broken or missing.
• QuickBooks is in Single-user mode.
• Key installation files are missing.
• Database service is disabled in Windows.
• Background apps conflict with QuickBooks.
• QBDBMgrN lacks admin permissions.
• QuickBooks and server manager versions don’t match.
• Fixing these issues helps maintain stable QuickBooks performance and prevents further errors.

Symptoms of the “QuickBooks Database Server Has Stopped Working” Error

• Can’t switch to Multi-user mode.
• Workstations lose internet access.
• Database Server Manager won’t update.
• Can’t open company files from the server.
• Data won’t save if the file is open during the error.
• Error code 6XXX appears when opening company files.
• H-series errors like H202 may show up.
• Services like Payroll and WebConnect stop working.
• Third-party sync tools stop syncing data.
• Files with .QBW, .QBB, or .QBM extensions won’t open.
• QuickBooks slows down, crashes, or freezes.
• Error messages about the server not running appear on the screen.

What are the methods to fix QBDBMGRN Not Running on this Computer?

Method 1: Reinstall QuickBooks Using the Clean Install Tool

To fix the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” error, perform a clean reinstall using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

What You Need

• QuickBooks installer or CD
• License number

How to Uninstall QuickBooks

• Press Windows + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
• Click Programs and Features (or Uninstall a Program).
• Select QuickBooks, then click Uninstall/Change and follow the prompts.

Note: Contact support if QuickBooks won’t uninstall.

Rename Installation Folders

• You can rename the folders manually or use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool to do it automatically.

Download and Run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool

To fix the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” error, follow these steps using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool:

• Download the QuickBooks_Clean_Install_Utility.exe file and save it to your desktop.
• Open the tool and accept the license agreement.
• Choose your QuickBooks version and click Continue.
• Click OK when asked for a clean install.

This prepares your system for a clean installation of QuickBooks in the default location.

Rename the Installation Folders Manually

• Use Windows File Explorer to show hidden files and rename all QuickBooks installation folders.
• Tip: Add words like “old” or “damaged” at the end of each folder name.
• This prevents QuickBooks from recognizing the existing folders and allows it to create new ones during reinstallation.

Folder Location:

• C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
• C:\Users(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
• C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks(year)
• 64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)

Fix “Access Denied” Error While Renaming Folders

An “Access Denied” message can appear while renaming QuickBooks folders. Follow these simple steps to fix it:

• Right-click on the Windows Taskbar and select Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Click the Image Name column to sort processes alphabetically.
• Find and select the following processes:
  • QBDBMgrN.exe
  • QBDBMgr.exe
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe
  • QBW32.exe
• Click End Process for each one.
• When prompted with the warning message:
• “WARNING: Terminating a process can cause undesired results, including loss of data and system instability…”,
• Click Yes to proceed.
• After the processes are completed, you can rename the folders successfully.
• Once done, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

Method 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop to Access Your Company File

• Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
• Click Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Go to the Update Now tab and click Get Updates.
• Wait for the update to finish.
• Restart QuickBooks and open your file.

Method 3: Update Firewall Settings to Fix QBDBMgrN Not Running Issue

An outdated firewall can block QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) and cause it to stop working. Follow these steps to update your firewall:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
• Type Control Panel and hit Enter.
• Select System and Security.
• Click Windows Firewall.
• Under Update Your Firewall Settings, click Check for Updates.
• Click Update Now when an update is available.

Note: When automatic updates fail, manually install the correct version using the 32-bit or 64-bit update links.

Method 4: Repair QuickBooks Desktop to Fix QBDBMgrN Error

To resolve the “QuickBooks Database Server Manager stopped” issue, you may need to repair your installed version of QuickBooks Desktop:

• Close all QuickBooks processes.
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• In the Programs and Features window, find QuickBooks.
• Click Uninstall/Change, then select Repair.
• Follow the prompts to finish the repair.
• Restart your computer.

Note: When the error still appears after the repair, perform a clean install using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

Method 5: Restart the QuickBooksDBXX Service

• To fix the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” error, ensure that the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service is running and not disabled.
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• In the Services window, scroll down and locate the QuickBooks Database Server service. It will be named something like:
  • QuickBooksDB26 (for QuickBooks 2016)
  • QuickBooksDB27 (for QuickBooks 2017)
  • QuickBooksDB28 (for QuickBooks 2018)
  • QuickBooksDB29 (for QuickBooks 2019)
  • QuickBooksDB30 (for QuickBooks 2020)
  • QuickBooksDB31 (for QuickBooks 2021)
• Right-click the service that matches your QuickBooks version, then select Restart.

This action refreshes the database service and helps resolve errors like “QuickBooksDB31 service won’t start”.

Method 6: Ensure the Server Can Host QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode

To resolve the “QuickBooks server not running” or QBDBMgrN error, verify whether your server is set up correctly to host company files in multi-user mode.

A. For Servers with Full QuickBooks Desktop Installed:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on the server.
• Go to the File menu.
• Hover over Utilities.
• Check the option listed:
• When you see “Host Multi-User Access”, click it.
• This means multi-user mode is currently disabled—clicking it will enable hosting.
• When “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” appears, no action is needed—multi-user mode is already enabled.

Continue troubleshooting if the error persists.

B. For Servers with Only Database Server Manager:

• Open Start Menu, type Database, and open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Go to the Scan Folders tab.
• Click Browse and select the folder with your company files (.QBW).
• Click OK, then Start Scan.
• After the scan, your company files will appear in the list.

This ensures your server is ready to share the company file across the network.

Method 7: Add QuickBooks Exceptions in Windows Firewall

To resolve issues with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (e.g., 2021 version), ensure that the correct ports and services are allowed through the Windows Firewall.

• Click the Start button and open the Control Panel.
• Go to Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings.
• Right-click Inbound Rules and select New Rule.
• Choose Port, then click Next.
• Select TCP, and enter the QuickBooks-specific port number for your version.
• To find the correct port, open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server.
• Click Next, allow the connection, and complete the rule setup.

Repeat the process for:

• Outbound Rules
• Adding exceptions for QuickBooks programs, including:
  • QBW32.exe
  • QBDBMgrN.exe
  • QBDBMgr.exe
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe
• Once all rules are added, switch QuickBooks to multi-user mode and verify that the issue is resolved.

Enable the following services in Windows Firewall settings to get rid of the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer after update” error message.

• AutoBackupExe.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX
• Dbmlsync.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• DBManagerExe.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• FileManagement.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \QuickBooks 20XX
• FileMovementExe.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \QuickBooks 20XX
• IntuitSyncManager.exe Default location C:\Program Files \ Common Files \ Intuit \ Sync
• QBCFMonitorService.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \Common Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks
• QBDBMgrN.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• QBGDSPlugin.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• QBLaunch.exe Default location C:\Program Files\Common Files\ Intuit \QuickBooks
• QBServerUtilityMgr.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Common Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks
• QBW32.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• QBUpdate.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Common Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks \ QBUpdate
• QuickBooksMessaging.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks 20XX
• OnlineBackup.exe Default location C: \ Program Files \ QuickBooks Online Backup

Method 8: Reinstall QuickBooks Using the Clean Install Tool to Fix QBDBMgrN Error

Reinstalling the entire QuickBooks application can help resolve the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” error.

Method 9: Restart the QBDBMgrN Process

At times, third-party conflicts or stuck QuickBooks processes can cause the “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer” error. To fix this, you need to end these processes and restart QuickBooks.

Open Task Manager by either:

• Open Task Manager by either:
  • Right-clicking the Taskbar and selecting Task Manager, or
  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Del together and choose Task Manager from the options.
• In the Processes tab, find QuickBooks tasks like:
  • QBW32.exe
  • QBDBMgrN.exe
  • QBUpdate.exe
• And any other QuickBooks tasks running?
• Right-click each and choose End Task.
• Restart QuickBooks and check if the error remains.

Method 10: Rename Network Data (.ND) and Transaction Log (.TLG) Files & Check Their Size

Renaming your QuickBooks configuration files can help fix the “server not running” issue in QuickBooks. These files are important for letting other users access your company file. If this problem keeps happening and you want to make QuickBooks run faster, follow these steps:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Open the folder with your company file (.QBW).
• Find files with the same name but these extensions:
  • .ND
  • .TLG
• For example: ABCcompanyfile.qbw.nd and ABCcompanyfile.qbw.tlg
• Right-click each file and select Rename.
• Add .OLD to the end of each filename:
  • ABCcompanyfile.qbw.nd.old
  • ABCcompanyfile.qbw.tlg.old
• Click Save.
• Reopen QuickBooks and enable Multi-User Mode to test.

Check File Sizes:

• Make sure .ND and .TLG files are smaller than the .QBW file.
• Large log files may signal corruption and cause errors.

How to Locate Your Company File:

• Open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Go to the Home screen.
• Press F2 to open the Product Information window.
• Check the File Location under the File Information.

Method 11: Run Windows and QB Desktop as Admin

You should ensure to use the administrator privileges for both QuickBooks Desktop and Windows operating systems to resolve the QuickBooks server not running problem.

Here are the steps to create a local user account and then change it to an administrator account in Windows 11/10:

• Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
• Click Add account under “Add other user.”
• Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Enter details like a:
  • Username
  • Password
  • Password hint (or answer security questions)
  • Then tap Next.
• Now, transform a local user account into an administrator account:
• Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
• Select the account labeled Local account, then click Change account type.
• Note: When the account shows an email address or doesn’t say “Local account,” admin rights are being given to a Microsoft account, not a local one.
  • Under Account type, select Administrator > click OK.
  • Log in using the new administrator account.

Run QuickBooks Desktop as Admin

After entering Windows as an administrator:

• Right-click the QuickBooks icon.
• Choose Run as administrator.

Method 12: Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager

QuickBooks Server Manager is a critical part of QuickBooks and needs to be installed on the system if you want to share your company files with others over the network. Here’s what you need to do in this instance:

• Close all programs, including QuickBooks, on the server.
• Run the Setup_QuickBooks.exe file.
• Follow the onscreen instructions.
• When prompted by QuickBooks to select an installation type:
  • Tap Custom or Network Options
  • Click Next
  • (Avoid choosing Express)
• Choose the most suitable option for your network setup and click Next:
  • Both options install the Database Server Manager.
  • QuickBooks Desktop, already installed on the server, will not overwrite any company data.
• You’ll have two choices depending on your needs:
  • To have both Database Server Manager and QuickBooks Desktop on the server:
    • Choose I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I’ll be storing… (strongly recommended)
  • To install only the Database Server Manager on the server:
  • Select I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop
• Follow the remaining onscreen steps and click Install.
• Allow any Windows permission requests to complete the setup.

Method 13: Run Quick Fix My File

When QuickBooks Tool Hub is already installed on your system, use the Quick Fix My File tool to resolve issues with your company file, including the “QuickBooks Database Server Manager cannot run until it has been set up” error.

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Click on the Company File Issues tab.
• Select Quick Fix My File.
• Wait for the tool to finish, then click OK.
• Open QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 14: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Uninstalling and then reinstalling QuickBooks Database Server Manager can help fix connection issues in QuickBooks. Follow these steps:

• Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
• Find QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the list.
• Select Uninstall/Change and follow the onscreen instructions to remove it.

Next, rename the installation folders:

• When the Application Data or Program Data folders are not visible, enable hidden files or use Windows search.
• Note: You should only uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder inside the Intuit folder (C:\ProgramData\Intuit) if other Intuit apps are installed on your computer.

To rename the folders:

• Navigate to the installation folders.
• Open the Run command again by pressing the Windows key + R.
• Enter (or paste) the folder’s location and press Enter.
• Right-click the folder, select Rename, and add .OLD at the end of the folder name.
• Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager to restore the connection.

Method 15: Run the Verify and Rebuild Data Tools

Using the Verify and Rebuild utilities in QuickBooks helps fix problems related to your company file and can resolve issues with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Follow these steps:

• Go to the File menu, choose Utilities, and click Rebuild Data.
• Click OK and create a backup when prompted.
• Let the tool finish repairing the file (may take time).
• When the Rebuild finishes, click OK.
• Again, go to the File menu, choose Utilities, and select Verify Data.
• The Verify tool will check your file for any data issues.
  • When no errors are found, click OK and continue using your company file.
  • When errors are detected, click Rebuild Now.

To manually review issues:

• Run Verify Data again.
• In the Verify Results window, click Expand All.
• Look up the errors online or contact QuickBooks support for help.

Conclusion

Many QuickBooks users often face the QBDBMgrN not running issue. The solutions and tips provided above are usually enough to fix this problem on your computer or server. If these steps don’t work, contacting QuickBooks technical support is recommended for further help.

For a smooth and easy experience, you can reach out to their toll-free helpline anytime. They will be happy to assist you with your concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions