QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer – QuickBooks Error Fix

The ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running on this Computer’ Error typically appears when QuickBooks Desktop fails to connect to the company file in a multi-user setup. This issue primarily arises from a malfunction in the QuickBooks Company File Monitoring Service, preventing the server and workstations from communicating.

Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure all users have exited QuickBooks, company files are backed up, and you have administrative rights on the server computer.

Here are the top 10 solutions to fix the ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running on this Computer’ Error and restore QuickBooks Desktop functionalities.

Why is the QBCFMonitorService Not Running?

The QBCFMonitorService failure is almost always linked to a disruption in communication between QuickBooks and the server hosting the company file. The common causes include:

• Firewall Blockage: Windows Defender or third-party firewall applications are restricting QuickBooks’ connection ports.
• Outdated Software: Using an older version of QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) or the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (DBSM).
• Corrupted Files: Essential QuickBooks company files, service files, or the qbcfmonitorservice.exe file itself are damaged.
• Incorrect Hosting Setup: Multi-user hosting is not correctly configured on the server or is accidentally running on a workstation.
• Service Configuration: The QuickBooks service (e.g., QuickBooksDBXX) is set to Manual or Stopped in the Windows Services console.
• Windows Registry Errors: Damaged or corrupted entries in the Windows registry related to the QuickBooks service.
• Malware Interference: A virus or malicious program has corrupted or terminated the service.

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop & QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Outdated software can trigger service issues. Updating ensures compatibility and bug fixes. Here are the steps to fix ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running’ Error by updating QBDT and QuickBooks Server Manager.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop on your system.
• Click on the Help menu.
• Now, you must select the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.

• In the window that opens, go to the Update Now tab.
• (Optional) Tick the Reset Update checkbox to remove past update downloads.
• Click on Get Updates.
• Once the update completes, restart QuickBooks.
• In case you receive a prompt to install the latest version, choose Yes.

Note: Ensure a stable internet connection throughout the update process.

Step 2: Update QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server computer.
• Click the Updates tab.
• Select Check for Updates.
• In case updates are found, download them.
• Once downloaded, install the updates by clicking Yes when prompted.
• After installation, restart your server.

Solution 2: Verify Multi-User Hosting Setup in QuickBooks

Incorrect hosting settings block multi-user access. Verifying setup restores connectivity. Check out these steps to ensure proper hosting configuration.

• Open QuickBooks and click the File menu.
• Hover over Utilities.

• Click Host Multi-User Access from the server computer.
• Select Yes when the confirmation appears.

To verify multi-user mode:

• Go to the File tab again.
• In case you see Switch to Single-User Mode, everything is set correctly.
• In case it says Switch to Multi-User Mode, click to enable it.

Ensure no other workstations are hosting the file. Only the server should have hosting enabled.

Solution 3: Stop & Restart QBCFMonitorService.exe Manually

Restarting the service clears glitches in background processes without a full server restart.

1. Exit QuickBooks completely on all machines.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
3. Go to the Processes tab.
4. Right-click on QBCFMonitorService.exe, then choose End Task.
5. Confirm your selection by clicking Yes.
6. Open QuickBooks again to check if the service restarts and the error is resolved.

Solution 4: Restart QuickBooks Database Service (via services.msc)

A fresh restart helps resolve stuck or inactive database services. Use this fix ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running’ Error and restore its functionality. Check out these steps now.

• Press Windows + R, then type services.msc and press OK.
• Scroll to find QuickBooksDBXX (XX = version year, e.g., DB28 for 2018).
• Right-click it and select Restart.

In case Restart is grayed out, select Start instead.

Solution 5: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub & Run File Doctor

The Tool Hub is Intuit’s primary utility for diagnosing and fixing multi-user and installation issues automatically.

1. Download and Install: Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub (if you haven’t already). Install it and open the tool.
2. Open Company File Issues: In the Tool Hub, select the Company File Issues tab.
3. Run File Doctor: Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor. (It may take up to a minute to launch).
4. Diagnose: In the File Doctor, select your company file and choose the Check your file and network option.
5. Enter your QuickBooks Admin password and let the tool run. It will automatically attempt to repair corrupted files, fix network connectivity, and adjust firewall settings.

Solution 6: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Running as an admin grants full access to services, avoiding permission errors. Here are the steps to launch QuickBooks with admin rights.

• Close QuickBooks.
• Find the QuickBooks icon on your desktop or Start Menu.
• Right-click the QBDT icon.
• From the dropdown, click on Run as administrator.
• Enter administrator credentials if prompted.

Solution 7: Run a Full System Virus and Malware Scan

Malware or viruses can corrupt the QBCFMonitorService.exe file or block its ability to start.

1. Open your installed antivirus or anti-malware software (e.g., Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton).
2. Initiate a Full PC Scan (or Deep Scan) to check all system files, including the QuickBooks installation directories.
3. Quarantine or remove any malicious software detected.
4. Restart your server computer and try opening QuickBooks in multi-user mode again. If the service file was infected, you may need to run a QuickBooks Repair after the scan.

Solution 8: Configure Windows & Third-Party Firewall Port Exceptions

Firewalls often block the communication ports QuickBooks uses to access the company file.

1. Check Network Connectivity (Ping Test):
   • On the server, open Command Prompt (cmd) and type ipconfig to find the server’s IP address.
   • On a workstation, open Command Prompt and type ping [Server_IP_Address]. If you see “Request timed out” or packet loss, your network or firewall is blocking the connection.
2. Add Inbound and Outbound Rules:
   • Go to Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
   • Create New Inbound Rule and New Outbound Rule for Program Path and add all QuickBooks executable files, including:
     • QBCFMonitorService.exe
     • QBW32.exe
     • QBDBMgrN.exe
   • Also, ensure the required ports for your QuickBooks year version are added as exceptions (e.g., 8019, 5672X, etc.

Solution 9: Verify QuickBooks Database Server Manager Installation

Missing or corrupt installations cause service failures. Verifying installation ensures proper setup. Follow these steps to fix ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running’ Error by confirming that it’s installed.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit OK.
2. Look for QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService in the list.

Their presence confirms that the Database Server Manager is installed.

 On Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Use the command specific to your QuickBooks year version to verify the service.

In case not installed, download it from Intuit’s website and install it using your Linux distribution’s package manager.

Tip: Ask a Linux expert if you’re unfamiliar with Linux commands.

Solution 10: Set Up QuickBooks Database Service Properties

Incorrect service settings stop background operations. Setting them correctly ensures startup and recovery. Here are the steps to configure the service.

• Open Run with Windows+R, type services.msc, and press OK.
• Find QuickBooksDBXX, right-click, and choose Properties.
• Under the General tab, set Startup Type to Automatic.
• Go to the Log On tab.
• In that tab, you will have to choose Local System Account.
• On the Recovery tab, set all failure actions (First, Second, Subsequent) to Restart the Service.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Pro Tip: Advanced Fix for DNS Conflict (For Persistent Errors)

In rare cases, the QBCFMonitorService may conflict with the Windows DNS Server service. If all other steps fail, try delaying the DNS service startup:

1. Open Services.msc.
2. Locate the DNS Server service (if applicable to your server configuration).
3. Right-click, select Properties, and change the Startup Type from Automatic to Automatic (Delayed Start).
4. Restart the computer. This ensures the QuickBooks services start before the DNS service, which can resolve port conflicts.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix this Error?

Ensure that the following requirements are fulfilled before fixing ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer’ Error:

• Exit QuickBooks on all systems. (Ensures files are not in use.)
• Back up all company files safely. (Crucial safety measure before making system changes.)
• Ensure admin rights on your Windows account. (Required to modify services, firewall, and registry settings.)
• Install the latest QuickBooks updates. (Ensures you’re starting with the most stable software version.)
• Verify a stable and shared network connection. (Network issues are the root cause of multi-user errors.)
• Temporarily configure or disable any firewall or antivirus blocking QuickBooks. (More specific than just “disable.” A configuration/exclusion is preferred; disabling should be temporary for testing.)
• Confirm system date and time are correct. (Incorrect settings can cause certificate/service authentication failures.)

How to Identify ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running on this Computer’ Error?

Check out these pointers to identify ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running’ Error in QuickBooks Desktop:

• Check for the running process: Look for QBCFMonitorService.exe in the Task Manager under the Details or Processes tab.
• Verify the service status: Open services.msc and check the status of the related service (e.g., QuickBooksDBXX) to see if it is Running or Stopped.
• Test connectivity: Ping the server from the workstation(s) to confirm basic network communication.
• Diagnose hosting status: Use the Host Multi-User Access option in QuickBooks to see if the hosting setup is correct on the server.
• Examine system logs: Check the Windows Event Viewer for specific crash or error logs related to the QBCFMonitorService that occur right before or during the error message.

How to Prevent ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running on this Computer’ Error?

Follow these tips to avoid facing QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer” Error:

• Set QuickBooks services to start automatically. (Ensures services like QuickBooksDBXX don’t require manual launch.)
• Proactively configure firewall exceptions. Add permanent rules for all QuickBooks executable files and ports in your Windows and third-party firewalls. 🛡️
• Update the Database Server Manager each time you update QBDT. (Prevents version mismatch conflicts.)
• Schedule regular backups and file integrity checks. (Protects against data corruption that can stop the service.)
• Monitor service status via services.msc. (Allows you to catch a stopped service before it causes multi-user downtime.)
• Address network latency or frequent disconnections. (Unstable networks disrupt the service’s communication with the company file.)
• Avoid software that conflicts with QuickBooks services. (Check for known conflicts, especially with backup or security tools.)

When Should You Seek Professional Help to Fix ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running on this Computer’ Error?

Users must seek professional help to fix ‘QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer’ Error if the error persists after applying basic troubleshooting, shows up repeatedly, or causes multi-user disruptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)