QuickBooks is one of the most reliable accounting software systems used by small and medium-sized businesses. However, like any other software, it can sometimes run into errors. One of the more common issues that users encounter is the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer” error. This error can interrupt multi-user access and cause problems with company file sharing over a network. In this guide, you’ll learn what the QBCFMonitorService is, why this error occurs, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future.
QBCFMonitorService stands for QuickBooks Company File Monitor Service. It is a background process installed with QuickBooks that allows multiple users to access the company file over a network. This service is essential for multi-user mode, where multiple team members work on the same QuickBooks data file simultaneously.
If the service stops or is blocked by your firewall or antivirus software, QuickBooks may show an error message like:
“QBCFMonitorService is not running on this computer.”
This error mainly affects QuickBooks Desktop versions that use QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) for network file sharing.
Here are some of the most common causes of this error:
QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running
Firewall or antivirus blocking the service
Corrupted or missing QuickBooks files
Service not set to start automatically
Outdated QuickBooks Desktop version
Windows User Account Control (UAC) issues
Follow these step-by-step solutions to resolve the error.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find QBCFMonitorService.
Right-click and choose Restart.
If it’s not running, right-click and select Start.
Set the Startup Type to Automatic by double-clicking the service and selecting it under the drop-down.
Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click on Update Now, then select Get Updates.
After the update, restart your computer and QuickBooks.
Outdated software can cause service mismatches and bugs. Always use the latest version.
Download the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site.
Install and open the Tool Hub.
Go to Network Issues.
Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Scan your company file location and allow the tool to fix network-related issues.
The Tool Hub can automatically restart services and reconfigure firewall rules.
Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus may block QBCFMonitorService.
Steps:
Open your firewall settings.
Add these ports to the allowed list:
QuickBooks 2024: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
QuickBooks 2023: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
Add the following QuickBooks services to the allowed programs list:
QBCFMonitorService.exe
QBDBMgrN.exe
QBServerUtilityMgr.exe
🛡 Tip: If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your antivirus software provider or temporarily disable it and test QuickBooks.
If you’re hosting the company file:
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub > go to Network Issues.
Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Choose the folder where your company file is located.
Click Start Scan to repair any configuration issues.
Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select QuickBooks Desktop and click Uninstall/Change.
Click Repair, then follow on-screen steps.
Restart your computer when done.
⚠ Only do this if none of the above steps work.
If the problem still persists:
Uninstall QuickBooks from Control Panel.
Download and run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.
Reinstall QuickBooks using your license key and product number.
This removes any corrupt files that may be causing the issue.
Always keep QuickBooks and Windows updated.
Configure firewall and antivirus properly.
Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager if you’re using multi-user mode.
Avoid manually ending QuickBooks-related background services.
Use Windows Admin privileges when installing QuickBooks.
1. What does the QBCFMonitorService do in QuickBooks?
The QBCFMonitorService is part of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. It allows multiple users to access the same company file in multi-user mode over a network.
2. Why am I seeing the “QBCFMonitorService not running” error?
This error usually appears when the service is stopped, blocked by your firewall or antivirus, or the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is misconfigured or missing.
3. Can I still use QuickBooks if QBCFMonitorService isn’t running?
Yes, but only in single-user mode. Multi-user access will not be available until the service is running properly.
4. How do I restart the QBCFMonitorService?
Go to Windows Services (services.msc), locate QBCFMonitorService, right-click it, and choose Start or Restart.
5. Do I need to install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on all computers?
No. You only need to install the Database Server Manager on the host or server computer where the company file is stored.
6. Is QuickBooks Tool Hub safe to use for this error?
Yes. It is an official Intuit tool designed to fix common QuickBooks issues, including service and network errors.
7. What firewall ports should I open for QuickBooks?
It depends on your version. For example, QuickBooks 2024 requires ports 8019, 56728, 55378-55382 to be open.
8. Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix the QBCFMonitorService error?
Yes, if the error is caused by a corrupted installation. A clean reinstall using the Clean Install Tool often resolves the issue.
9. Can I set QBCFMonitorService to start automatically?
Yes. In services.msc, double-click QBCFMonitorService, and under Startup Type, select Automatic.
10. Who should I contact if the issue persists?
You should contact QuickBooks Customer Support or a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor if the error remains unresolved after trying the suggested fixes.
The “QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer” error can seem complicated at first, but with the right tools and steps, it can be resolved quickly. Whether the issue is related to firewall restrictions, corrupted files, or service misconfigurations, following the guide above should restore your multi-user access and get QuickBooks running smoothly again.
If you’re still experiencing trouble after trying these steps, it’s always a good idea to contact QuickBooks Support for professional help. Your accounting software should work for you—not against you.
Leave a Reply