How to Fix QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer?

Published Date: December 26, 2023   Updated Date: June 2, 2025

QBDBMgrN Not Running on this Computer

The “QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer” error occurs when the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) is not running on the system hosting the company file. This prevents other users on the network from accessing the file, causing errors during file sharing or multi-user login. The issue usually happens after a Windows update, incorrect network settings, or a failed QuickBooks update.Several factors can cause this error. The QBDBMgrN service might be turned off, blocked by the Windows firewall, or missing important updates. Corrupted QuickBooks files, an outdated Database Server Manager, or an incomplete network setup may also lead to the problem. The error disrupts QuickBooks operations in multi-user setups, affecting payroll, sales, and general accounting functions.

To fix the issue, users can follow Dancing Numbers’ detailed guide. This guide includes step-by-step solutions, necessary prerequisites, and tips for identifying and preventing the error. It applies to all affected versions, helping users quickly restore access and functionality. Below are 11 methods mentioned to fix QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer.

Method 1: Open and Close Company File on Server

This method involves accessing the company file directly from the server, allowing you to open and close the file in multi-user mode. Follow these steps to ensure proper file access.

  1. Open QuickBooks on the server.
  2. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
  3. Choose Open a Company File and click Next.
  4. Find and open your company file.
  5. In Multi-user Mode, select the file and click Open.
  6. Log in with your normal username and password.
  7. To close, go to File > Close the Company or select Log Off.

Method 2: Check and Manage QuickBooks Database Services

To resolve the issue, ensure the QuickBooks Database Server is running correctly. Follow these steps to check and manage the services for your QuickBooks version.

  1. Click on the Start or Windows button.
  2. Select Control Panel.
  3. Double-click on Administrative Tools, then double-click on Services.
  4. Look for QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) on the server.
  5. Find the correct QuickBooks service for your version:
    • QuickBooksDB28 for QuickBooks 2018
    • QuickBooksDB27 for QuickBooks 2017
    • QuickBooksDB26 for QuickBooks 2016
  6. Right-click the service and choose an action (e.g., Start, Restart).

Method 3: Repair QuickBooks (Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10)

Repairing QuickBooks can help resolve issues by fixing corrupt or missing files. Follow these steps to repair QuickBooks on your system, ensuring proper functionality.

  1. Close all programs that may block QuickBooks.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Create a backup of your company file.
  4. Click the Start or Windows button, then open the Control Panel.
  5. For Windows 8 and 8.1:
    • Open the Start or Windows menu.
    • Use the Search option.
    • Type Control Panel in the search box and select it.
  6. Go to Programs and Features, then click Uninstall a Program.
  7. Find QuickBooks, select Uninstall/Change.
  8. Click Continue, then Next.
  9. Choose Repair and click Next.
  10. Wait for the repair to finish, then click Finish.
  11. Restart your computer again.

Handle Errors During QuickBooks Repair

Whenever you see a “File In Use” message while the repair is in progress, follow these steps:

Note: Before starting, make sure to back up all important files.

  1. When the File In Use dialog appears, click Ignore (the system may require a reboot).
  2. Click OK to continue.
  3. Click Ignore multiple times, if needed, to proceed with the repair.
  4. When Ignore isn’t available, click Close and wait for the repair to finish.
  5. After the repair finishes, restart your computer.

Method 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Using the Clean Install Tool

To fix the QBDBMgrN not running on this computer error, a clean installation of QuickBooks is often required. Make sure you have the following before starting:

  • QuickBooks Download File
  • QB Installation CD
  • License Number

A. Uninstall QuickBooks

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command.
  2. Type Control Panel, then press Enter.
  3. Select Programs and Features (or Uninstall a Program under Category view).
  4. Find QuickBooks in the list, then select Uninstall/Change.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Note: Unable to uninstall QuickBooks due to an error? Contact support for help.

B. Rename QuickBooks Installation Folders

You can do this manually or use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

Option 1: Use QuickBooks Clean Install Tool

  1. Download and run QuickBooks_Clean_Install_Utility.exe.
  2. Accept the license agreement.
  3. Select your QuickBooks version and click Continue.
  4. Click OK to confirm the clean install.

Option 2: Rename Folders Manually

  1. Enable hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer.
  2. Rename the folders by adding “.old” or “.damaged” at the end.
    • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year) (for 64-bit systems)

C. Fix “Access Denied” While Renaming Folders

  1. Right-click the Windows taskbar and open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab and sort by the Image Name column.
  3. End these processes by selecting them and clicking End Process
    • QBDBMgrN.exe
    • QBDBMgr.exe
    • QBCFMonitorService.exe
    • Qbw32.exe
  4. Click Yes on the warning prompt to confirm.

D. Reinstall QuickBooks

  1. After renaming the folders and stopping the processes, download and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Follow the installation steps and use the default directory suggested by the Clean Install Tool.

Method 5: Resolve “Files in Use” Error During QuickBooks Repair

When the “Files in Use” message appears during the repair process and QBDBMgrN is not running, follow these steps:

  1. Click Ignore when prompted for a system reboot.
  2. Then, click OK to continue.
  3. Keep clicking Ignore if the message appears again.
  4. When Ignore is not available, click OK instead.
  5. Restart your computer after the repair finishes.

Method 6: Check and Update Windows Firewall to Resolve QBDBMgrN Issues

You may not be able to update QuickBooks or use tools like File Doctor if your Windows Firewall isn’t updated. Follow these steps to update it:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type Control Panel and click OK.
  3. Go to System and Security.
  4. Click Check for Updates.
  5. Click Update Now to install available updates and wait for the process to finish.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 7: Add QBDBMgrN to Firewall Exceptions

To make sure QuickBooks Database Server Manager runs properly, add it to your firewall exceptions:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type control firewall.cpl and press Enter.
  3. Select System and Security, then Windows Firewall.
  4. Click Advanced Settings on the left panel.
  5. Choose Inbound Rules, then click New Rule on the right.
  6. Select Program and click Next.
  7. Browse to select QBDMgrN.exe (in the QuickBooks folder), then click Next.
  8. Choose Allow the connection and click Next.
  9. Name the rule (e.g., “QuickBooks DB Manager”) and click Finish.
  10. Restart your computer and try opening QuickBooks company file again.

Method 8: Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager Service

Restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service can help resolve errors related to database connectivity. Follow these steps to restart the service and ensure proper functionality.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
  2. Find the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service in the list.
  3. Right-click it and select Restart.
  4. After restarting, open QuickBooks and check the backup.

Method 9: Restart the System

Restarting your system can resolve issues with the QBDBMgrN service not running. Follow these steps to restart your computer and refresh QuickBooks functionality.

  1. Log off from your QuickBooks account and close QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Shut down QuickBooks completely.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Once the system restarts, open QuickBooks and log into your account again.

Method 10: Manual Steps to Follow

To manually resolve the issue, follow these steps to diagnose and fix network or access issues that may be affecting QuickBooks. This will help ensure your company file is properly accessible.

  1. Download and install the QuickBooks File Doctor tool.
  2. Run the tool and allow it to diagnose your network.
  3. Enable hosting mode to open the company file.
  4. Disable Hosting Multi-User Access.
  5. Set up the necessary access permissions in Windows.
  6. Adjust folder permissions to make it shareable.
  7. Run ipconfig to troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

Method 11: Update QuickBooks to Fix QBDBMgrN Issue

Updating QuickBooks can resolve issues with the QBDBMgrN service. Follow these steps to ensure you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks, which can help fix the error.

  1. Open QuickBooks and go to Help.
  2. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Click Update Now and wait.
  4. Restart QuickBooks and open your company file.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer?

  1. Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Install pending Windows updates.
  3. Ensure a stable internet connection.
  4. Log in with administrator rights.
  5. Back up your QuickBooks company file.
  6. Confirm QBDBMgrN is installed on the server.
  7. Disable hosting on workstations, enable it on the server.
  8. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall.

How to Identify QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer?

  1. QuickBooks won’t switch to multi-user mode.
  2. Error: “QBDBMgrN not running on this computer.”
  3. File Doctor detects network or Database Server Manager issues.
  4. QBDBMgrN service shows as “Stopped” or “Disabled” on the server.
  5. Other users can’t access the company file.

How to Prevent QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer?

  1. Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version.
  2. Keep Windows and system drivers updated.
  3. Ensure QBDBMgrN is installed and set to run automatically.
  4. Add QBDBMgrN and QuickBooks to firewall/antivirus exceptions.
  5. Do not disable the Database Server Manager service.
  6. Enable hosting only on the server.
  7. Use QuickBooks File Doctor to fix network issues.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer?

Seek professional help for the “QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer” error if basic fixes like restarting the service, updating QuickBooks, or adjusting firewall settings don’t work. Contact us if the error disrupts multi-user access, if you’re unsure about network or server configurations, or if you notice data file corruption. Persistent connectivity issues or problems with tools like QuickBooks File Doctor or Database Server Manager also require expert assistance to prevent further issues.

Hire QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer Resolution Services

Many users choose professional help for the “QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer” error due to limited time, lack of technical skills, or concern about data loss and downtime. Dancing Numbers provides expert support to resolve this and related QuickBooks issues. Our team offers fast, reliable fixes while protecting your data and system. Get in touch with us to fix QuickBooks Error by
+1-800-596-0806 or chat with experts.

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