Service ConfigurationAdvanced

Database Server Manager Problems

Updated: October 28, 2025
23 minutes read
12 sections
✓ QuickBooks Desktop 2024✓ QuickBooks Desktop 2023✓ QuickBooks Desktop 2022

Understanding QuickBooks Database Server Manager

QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) is a critical Windows service and application that enables multi-user access to QuickBooks company files. It runs on the server or workstation where company files are stored, creating network data files (.ND files) and managing communication between QuickBooks clients and the company file. When Database Server Manager fails, multi-user mode becomes impossible.

What Database Server Manager Does

  • Creates .ND files: Network Data files that store hosting configuration and multi-user information
  • Manages connections: Routes requests from workstations to the company file
  • Monitors folders: Watches designated folders for QuickBooks company files (.QBW)
  • Enables multi-user mode: Without it, only single-user access is possible
  • Listens on port 8019: Receives network requests from QuickBooks workstations

Service vs. Application

Database Server Manager exists as both a Windows Service (QuickBooksDBXX) and a GUI application (QBDBMgrN.exe). The service runs in the background automatically. The application is used for configuration, folder scanning, and monitoring.

Common Database Server Manager Problems

Typical Issues

  • ✗Service won't start: QuickBooksDBXX service fails to start or crashes immediately
  • ✗Not installed: Database Server Manager missing after QuickBooks installation
  • ✗Scan fails: Folder scan completes but company files don't appear or show "Stopped" status
  • ✗Port conflict: Port 8019 already in use by another application
  • ✗Permission errors: Service lacks permission to access company files or registry
  • ✗Corrupt .ND files: Network Data files damaged, preventing multi-user access

Problem 1: Database Server Manager Not Installed

If Database Server Manager wasn't installed during initial QuickBooks setup, you'll need to install it manually. This commonly happens when QuickBooks was installed with "workstation only" options.

  • 1
    Check if Database Server Manager exists

    Verify installation status:

    Method 1: Search for the application
    - Press Windows key
    - Type "Database Server Manager"
    - If found, it's installed
     
    Method 2: Check file existence
    - Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]\
    - Look for: QBDBMgrN.exe
    - If present, it's installed
  • 2
    Run QuickBooks installer

    Install Database Server Manager:

    • Insert QuickBooks installation media or download installer from Intuit
    • Run the installer (do NOT uninstall QuickBooks first)
    • Select "Custom and Network Options"
    • Choose: "I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer AND I'll be storing our company file here so it can be shared over our network"
    • Complete installation
  • 3
    Verify service was installed

    Check Windows Services:

    1. Press Windows + R
    2. Type: services.msc
    3. Press Enter
    4. Look for "QuickBooksDBXX" (XX = version year, e.g., QuickBooksDB33 for 2023)
    5. Verify it exists
     
    If service is not present, installation failed. Check installer logs.
  • 4
    Launch and configure

    Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager and scan your company file folders. Go to Scan Folders tab, add the folder containing company files, click Scan, and verify files appear with "Running" status.

    • Problem 2: Service Won't Start or Keeps Stopping

    When the QuickBooks Database Server service fails to start or crashes repeatedly, multi-user access is impossible. This is usually caused by permission issues, port conflicts, corrupted files, or Windows component problems.

    Error Error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion

    Service took too long to start or is hung.

    Resolution Steps:
    1. 1.
      Check Event Viewer for detailed error messages (eventvwr.msc > Windows Logs > Application)
    2. 2.
      Restart the computer to clear hung processes
    3. 3.
      Temporarily disable antivirus and try starting the service
    4. 4.
      Repair QuickBooks installation via Control Panel > Programs > QuickBooks > Uninstall/Change > Repair
    5. 5.
      Check that .NET Framework is installed and not corrupted

    Error Error 1067: The process terminated unexpectedly

    Service started but immediately crashed.

    Resolution Steps:
    1. 1.
      Check Event Viewer Application log for crash details
    2. 2.
      Verify port 8019 is not in use: netstat -ano | findstr :8019
    3. 3.
      Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from Tool Hub
    4. 4.
      Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework
    5. 5.
      Check file permissions on QuickBooks program folder

    Error Error 5: Access is denied

    Service lacks permissions to start or access required resources.

    Resolution Steps:
    1. 1.
      Verify service is set to run as "Local System" account in service properties
    2. 2.
      Grant Local System account full control to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]
    3. 3.
      Grant Local System account full control to company file folders
    4. 4.
      Check registry permissions: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Intuit
    5. 5.
      Run services.msc as Administrator
  • 1
    Check Event Viewer for specific errors

    Diagnose the exact failure:

    1. Press Windows + R > type: eventvwr.msc
    2. Navigate to: Windows Logs > Application
    3. Filter Current Log > Event sources: "QBDB" or "QuickBooks"
    4. Look for errors with timestamp matching service start failure
    5. Read error description and error code
  • 2
    Check for port conflicts

    Verify port 8019 is available:

    netstat -ano | findstr :8019
     
    If results show a line with "LISTENING", port is in use:
    - Note the PID (Process ID) in the last column
    - Open Task Manager > Details tab
    - Find process with that PID
    - Investigate what application is using the port
    - Close that application or change its port configuration
  • 3
    Verify service configuration

    Check service settings:

    1. Open services.msc
    2. Find QuickBooksDBXX service
    3. Right-click > Properties
    4. Verify:
       - Startup Type: Automatic
       - Log On: Local System account
       - Recovery tab: First failure = Restart the Service
    5. Click Apply > OK
    6. Attempt to start the service
  • 4
    Repair or reinstall Database Server Manager

    If service still won't start:

    • Control Panel > Programs and Features
    • Find QuickBooks > Uninstall/Change
    • Select "Repair" option
    • Follow prompts and restart computer
    • If repair fails, uninstall and reinstall Database Server Manager component

    • Problem 3: Folder Scan Fails or Files Don't Appear

    When you scan a folder in Database Server Manager but company files don't appear, or they show "Stopped" status, the issue is usually permissions, file corruption, or incorrect folder paths.

  • 1
    Verify file permissions

    Ensure service can access the folder:

    1. Right-click company file folder
    2. Properties > Security tab
    3. Click "Edit" > "Add"
    4. Type: SYSTEM
    5. Click "Check Names" > OK
    6. Select SYSTEM account
    7. Check "Full Control" in Allow column
    8. Click Apply > OK
     
    Also add "Administrators" group with Full Control.
  • 2
    Check file extensions and hidden files

    Ensure .QBW files are visible:

    • Open File Explorer > View tab
    • Check "File name extensions"
    • Check "Hidden items"
    • Verify company files have .qbw extension (not .qbw.qbb or other)
    • Database Server Manager only scans for .QBW files
  • 3
    Delete existing .ND files

    Remove potentially corrupted network data files:

    1. Close QuickBooks on all machines
    2. Stop Database Server Manager service (services.msc)
    3. Navigate to company file folder
    4. Delete: CompanyFileName.qbw.nd
    5. Delete: CompanyFileName.qbw.nd.old
    6. Delete: Any .TLG files (transaction logs)
    7. Start Database Server Manager service
    8. Rescan the folder
  • 4
    Add folder with full path

    Use explicit path when adding folders:

    • Open Database Server Manager
    • Scan Folders tab
    • Click "Add Folder"
    • Type or browse to FULL path: D:\QBData\CompanyFiles
    • Do NOT use mapped drives (Z:) - use actual drive letters
    • Click "Scan"
  • 5
    Check scan results

    Interpret scan status:

    • Running: ✓ File is being hosted correctly
    • Stopped: ✗ File not actively hosted (check permissions or scan again)
    • No files listed: ✗ Folder path incorrect, no .QBW files found, or permission denied

    • UNC Paths

    Database Server Manager may fail to scan UNC paths (\\ServerName\Share). Always use local drive letters (C:, D:, etc.) when adding folders to scan. The service must be running on the machine where the files physically reside.

    Problem 4: Corrupt or Missing .ND Files

    Network Data (.ND) files store hosting configuration and are created by Database Server Manager. When corrupted, multi-user mode fails with various errors (H202, H303, H505). Fortunately, .ND files can be safely deleted and regenerated.

    What .ND Files Contain

    .ND files store: server IP address, hosting status, network configuration, and multi-user metadata. They do NOT contain company data. Deleting .ND files is safe and does not affect your financial data.

  • 1
    Close all QuickBooks instances

    Ensure no users have company file open:

    1. Notify all users to close QuickBooks
    2. On server, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)
    3. Details tab > look for qbw32.exe
    4. If found, right-click > End Task
    5. Repeat for all instances
  • 2
    Stop Database Server Manager service

    Temporarily stop the service:

    services.msc
     
    1. Find QuickBooksDBXX
    2. Right-click > Stop
    3. Wait for "Stopped" status
  • 3
    Delete .ND and .TLG files

    Remove network configuration files:

    Navigate to company file folder. Delete these files:
     
    - CompanyName.qbw.nd
    - CompanyName.qbw.nd.old
    - CompanyName.qbw.tlg
    - CompanyName.qbw.tlg.old
     
    Confirm deletion (they will be regenerated).

    Safe Operation

    Deleting these files is a standard troubleshooting step recommended by Intuit. Your company data (.QBW file) is not affected. New .ND files will be automatically created during the next scan.

  • 4
    Start service and rescan

    Regenerate .ND files:

    • Start QuickBooks Database Server service (services.msc)
    • Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager application
    • Go to Scan Folders tab
    • Select the company file folder
    • Click "Scan"
    • Wait for scan to complete
    • New .ND files will be created automatically
  • 5
    Test multi-user access

    Verify the fix worked. Open QuickBooks on the server, open the company file, and switch to multi-user mode (File > Switch to Multi-user Mode). If successful, test from a workstation.

    • Problem 5: Version Mismatches and Updates

    Database Server Manager version must match the QuickBooks Desktop version. After updating QuickBooks, you may need to update or reinstall Database Server Manager separately.

  • 1
    Check Database Server Manager version

    Verify version information:

    Method 1: Check service name
    - services.msc > look for "QuickBooksDBXX"
    - XX = last 2 digits of year (33 = 2023, 34 = 2024)
     
    Method 2: Check executable version
    - Right-click QBDBMgrN.exe
    - Properties > Details tab
    - Check "Product version"
  • 2
    Update Database Server Manager

    If versions don't match after QuickBooks update:

    • Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit
    • Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
    • This updates Database Server Manager to match QuickBooks
    • Alternatively, run QuickBooks installer in repair mode
  • 3
    Verify all workstations match

    Check QuickBooks version on each machine:

    On each workstation:
    1. Open QuickBooks
    2. Press F2 (or Ctrl+1)
    3. Note the version at top: "QuickBooks Desktop [Edition] 2024 Release R12"
    4. All machines must show identical version and release number

    • Update Synchronization

    When QuickBooks releases updates, install them on ALL machines (server and workstations) simultaneously. Version mismatches cause H-series errors and prevent multi-user access.

    Problem 6: Multiple Database Server Managers Running

    If multiple computers on the network have Database Server Manager installed and scanning the same company files, conflicts occur causing H202, H707, and hosting errors.

    One Host Rule

    Only ONE machine should have Database Server Manager installed and running—the server or workstation where company files are physically stored.

    Incorrect: Database Server Manager on server AND workstations

    Correct: Database Server Manager ONLY on server

  • 1
    Identify machines with Database Server Manager

    Check each computer:

    On each machine:
    1. Press Windows key > type "Database Server Manager"
    2. If found, note this machine has it installed
    3. Alternatively: services.msc > look for QuickBooksDBXX service
     
    Create a list of machines with Database Server Manager.
  • 2
    Stop and disable service on workstations

    On machines that should NOT host (workstations):

    1. services.msc
    2. Find QuickBooksDBXX
    3. Right-click > Stop
    4. Right-click > Properties
    5. Startup Type: Disabled
    6. Click Apply > OK
     
    This prevents the service from running.
  • 3
    Optionally uninstall from workstations

    For cleaner configuration:

    • Run QuickBooks installer on the workstation
    • Choose "Modify" or "Custom and Network Options"
    • Select: "I will NOT be storing company files for others to access"
    • This removes Database Server Manager while keeping QuickBooks Desktop
  • 4
    Verify only server is hosting

    After disabling Database Server Manager on workstations, verify in QuickBooks: On each workstation, go to File > Utilities. You should see "Host Multi-User Access" (grayed out/not clickable). Do NOT click it. On the server only, you should see "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access".

    • Advanced Troubleshooting: Registry and Component Repair

    When standard fixes fail, Database Server Manager problems may stem from corrupted Windows components, registry entries, or .NET Framework issues.

    Advanced Users Only

    The following steps involve registry editing and system components. Create a system restore point before proceeding. Incorrect changes can cause system instability.

  • 1
    Create system restore point

    Protect your system before making changes:

    1. Press Windows key > type "Create a restore point"
    2. Click "Create a restore point"
    3. System Properties > System Protection tab
    4. Click "Create" button
    5. Name: "Before QB Database Manager fix"
    6. Click Create and wait for completion
  • 2
    Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

    Repair Windows components:

    • Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit if not installed
    • Open Tool Hub > Installation Issues
    • Click "QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool"
    • Wait 10-60 minutes (tool runs extensive repairs)
    • Restart computer when complete

    This tool repairs: .NET Framework, MSXML, C++ redistributables, Windows permissions, QuickBooks components.

  • 3
    Re-register Database Manager DLLs

    Manually register components:

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
     
    cd "C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]"
     
    regsvr32 /u qbdmgrn.dll
    regsvr32 qbdmgrn.dll
     
    regsvr32 /u QBCFMonitorService.exe
    regsvr32 QBCFMonitorService.exe
     
    Each command should show "DllRegisterServer succeeded" message.
  • 4
    Reset QuickBooks registry entries

    Clear potentially corrupted settings:

    1. Press Windows + R > type: regedit
    2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Intuit\QuickBooks
    3. Right-click "QuickBooks" key > Export (create backup)
    4. Right-click "QuickBooks" > Delete
    5. Close Registry Editor
    6. Reinstall Database Server Manager (settings will be recreated)

    Registry Backup Critical

    ALWAYS export/backup registry keys before deleting them. If something goes wrong, you can double-click the .reg backup file to restore the original settings.

  • 5
    Repair .NET Framework

    Database Server Manager requires .NET Framework:

    • Download ".NET Framework Repair Tool" from Microsoft
    • Run the repair tool
    • Follow prompts to detect and fix .NET issues
    • Restart computer after repair
    • Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall .NET Framework 4.8

    • Monitoring Database Server Manager Health

    Proactive monitoring helps catch Database Server Manager issues before they impact users and prevent multi-user access.

  • 1
    Set up service monitoring

    Configure automatic service recovery:

    1. services.msc > find QuickBooksDBXX
    2. Right-click > Properties
    3. Recovery tab:
       - First failure: Restart the Service
       - Second failure: Restart the Service
       - Subsequent failures: Restart the Service
       - Reset fail count after: 1 day
       - Restart service after: 1 minute
    4. Click Apply > OK
  • 2
    Check Event Viewer regularly

    Review logs for warnings:

    eventvwr.msc
     
    1. Windows Logs > Application
    2. Filter Current Log
    3. Event sources: type "QBDB"
    4. Look for Warning or Error events
    5. Review weekly for early problem detection
  • 3
    Monitor port 8019

    Verify Database Manager is listening:

    netstat -ano | findstr :8019
     
    Expected result:
    TCP    0.0.0.0:8019    0.0.0.0:0    LISTENING    [PID]
     
    If no results, service isn't listening (problem).
  • 4
    Periodically rescan folders

    Open Database Server Manager monthly and rescan folders. This refreshes .ND files and catches moved or renamed company files. Go to Scan Folders tab, select folders, and click Scan.

    • Using QuickBooks File Doctor

    QuickBooks File Doctor is an automated troubleshooting tool that can diagnose and fix many Database Server Manager issues, including network connectivity, hosting configuration, and .ND file problems.

  • 1
    Launch File Doctor from Tool Hub

    Access the tool:

    1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub
    2. Select "Company File Issues" tab
    3. Click "Run QuickBooks File Doctor"
    4. Click "Browse" to locate your company file
    5. Select the .QBW file
  • 2
    Select network connectivity option

    For Database Server Manager issues:

    • Select "Network connectivity issues" radio button
    • This mode specifically tests Database Server Manager, hosting, and network communication
    • Click "Diagnose File"
  • 3
    Enter credentials

    Provide admin access:

    • Enter QuickBooks admin username (usually "Admin")
    • Enter admin password (leave blank if no password set)
    • File Doctor needs admin access to test file opening and permissions
  • 4
    Review and apply fixes

    File Doctor will run tests and display results. It may automatically fix issues like: incorrect hosting configuration, corrupted .ND files, firewall blocking, service not running, permission problems. Review the report and follow any additional recommendations.

    • Run on Server First

    Always run QuickBooks File Doctor on the server (hosting machine) first. If issues persist, run it on affected workstations to diagnose client-side problems.

    Prevention and Best Practices

    Installation Best Practices

    • ✓Install Database Server Manager only on server: Never on workstations
    • ✓Use correct installation options: Select "storing company files" option on server only
    • ✓Run installer as Administrator: Ensures proper service registration
    • ✓Disable antivirus during installation: Re-enable after installation completes

    Ongoing Maintenance

    • ✓Check service status monthly: Verify QuickBooksDBXX is Running
    • ✓Rescan folders after moving files: Update Database Server Manager if company file location changes
    • ✓Update Database Server Manager with QuickBooks: Keep versions synchronized
    • ✓Review Event Viewer logs: Catch early warnings before they become failures

    Security and Performance

    • ✓Add firewall exceptions: Allow port 8019 for Database Server Manager
    • ✓Use fast storage: Store company files on SSD for better multi-user performance
    • ✓Limit scanned folders: Only add folders actually containing QuickBooks files
    • ✓Document configuration: Keep notes on folder locations, server name, and network setup

    When to Get Professional Help

    Database Server Manager issues can become complex, especially when dealing with Windows service problems, registry corruption, or enterprise environments.

    Seek Professional IT Support If:

    • •Database Server Manager service repeatedly crashes or won't start after all troubleshooting
    • •Event Viewer shows errors you don't understand or can't resolve
    • •Registry or Windows component issues exceed your technical expertise
    • •You're running QuickBooks in a domain or complex network environment
    • •Multiple users are experiencing different Database Server Manager errors simultaneously
    • •You need to migrate QuickBooks to new server hardware and reconfigure hosting

    Need Professional Implementation?

    For complex deployments or enterprise implementations requiring expert assistance, GME Inc. provides professional QuickBooks consulting services.

    Contact GME Inc. for Professional Services