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QuickBooks Error: “QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer” – Detailed Guide to Fix It

qbcfmonitorservice not running on this computer

If you are a QuickBooks user, you may have encountered the frustrating error message that reads “QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer.” This error typically appears when you are using QuickBooks in multi-user mode, and the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (which uses QBCFMonitorService) fails to operate correctly. Without the QBCFMonitorService running, your QuickBooks application will be unable to access the company files stored on a server or shared in multi-user mode.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the QBCFMonitorService error, its causes, and how you can resolve it. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the error step-by-step so you can get back to using QuickBooks seamlessly.

Table of Contents

  1. What is QBCFMonitorService?
  2. Causes of the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” Error
  3. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Running
    • Solution 1: Check QuickBooks Database Server Manager
    • Solution 2: Restart QuickBooks Services
    • Solution 3: Update Windows Firewall Settings
    • Solution 4: Use QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
    • Solution 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation
    • Solution 6: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager
  4. Additional Troubleshooting Tips
  5. FAQs

What is QBCFMonitorService?

QBCFMonitorService is a part of QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDSM), which allows users to share their QuickBooks company file in multi-user mode. In a network setup, when QuickBooks is installed on a server, the QBCFMonitorService acts as a bridge between the server and the client machines by monitoring the status of the company files that are shared in the network. If the service is not running, QuickBooks clients will be unable to access the company files stored on the server.

In short, without QBCFMonitorService running, QuickBooks multi-user mode will not work correctly.

Causes of the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” Error

There are several reasons why you may receive the error message “QBCFMonitorService not running on this computer.” Understanding the cause of the error can help you find the right solution. Here are some common causes:

  1. QBCFMonitorService Not Enabled: The most common reason for this error is that the QBCFMonitorService is disabled or not started on the server machine.
  2. Incorrect Configuration of QuickBooks Database Server Manager: If your QuickBooks Database Server Manager is incorrectly configured or not running, you may see this error.
  3. Windows Firewall Blocking the Service: Sometimes, Windows Firewall settings can prevent QuickBooks services from running correctly. If the necessary ports are blocked, you may encounter this error.
  4. Corrupted QuickBooks Installation: If the QuickBooks software or its Database Server Manager has become corrupted or is missing essential components, this error can arise.
  5. Damaged QuickBooks Company File: A damaged or corrupt company file can cause the QBCFMonitorService to malfunction, leading to this error.
  6. Network Connectivity Issues: A weak or intermittent network connection between the server and client machines can also cause the QBCFMonitorService to stop running.
  7. Incorrect Hosting Settings: If the hosting settings on the server or the client machines are incorrect, you will encounter issues with QuickBooks multi-user mode and the QBCFMonitorService.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Running

Solution 1: Check QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The first thing to check when you encounter the “QBCFMonitorService not running” error is the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server.

quickbooks data base server manager
  1. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager: Go to the Start menu on your server and search for “QuickBooks Database Server Manager.”
  2. Check Service Status: Ensure that the server manager is installed and running. If it is not, you can install it by inserting your QuickBooks installation CD or downloading it from Intuit’s website.
  3. Update Server Manager: If the server manager is outdated, install the latest updates. The most recent version may resolve the issue.
  4. Restart the Server: After updating the server manager, restart your server to refresh services.

Solution 2: Restart QuickBooks Services

Sometimes, a simple restart of QuickBooks services can resolve the QBCFMonitorService issue. Follow these steps to restart the required services:

  1. Open Services Window: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find QuickBooks Services: In the Services window, scroll down to find the following QuickBooks services:
    • QuickBooksDBXX (where XX refers to your QuickBooks version year)
    • QBCFMonitorService
  3. Restart Services: Right-click on each of these services and choose “Restart.”
  4. Set Services to Start Automatically: Right-click each service again, select “Properties,” and under the “Startup type” dropdown, select “Automatic.”
  5. Check if the Issue is Resolved: Try reopening QuickBooks and check whether the error persists.

Solution 3: Update Windows Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall can block QuickBooks from accessing the network, leading to the QBCFMonitorService error. To resolve this, you may need to configure your firewall settings.

  1. Open Windows Firewall Settings: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Allow QuickBooks Through Firewall: Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” and check whether QuickBooks and QBCFMonitorService are listed and allowed through the firewall. If not, manually add them.
  3. Open QuickBooks Ports: You also need to ensure that the required QuickBooks ports are open. The specific ports you need to open will depend on your version of QuickBooks:
    • QuickBooks 2024: Port 8019, 56728-56738, 55378-55382
    • QuickBooks 2023: Port 8019, 56726-56736, 55376-55380
  4. Restart Your Computer: After making changes to the firewall settings, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

QuickBooks File Doctor tool

If you are still seeing the “QBCFMonitorService not running” error, QuickBooks File Doctor might be able to resolve the issue. This tool can automatically diagnose and fix network and company file issues.

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub: Visit Intuit’s official website to download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  2. Run QuickBooks File Doctor: Open the Tool Hub and click on “Company File Issues.” Then, select “Run QuickBooks File Doctor” to scan your company file and network for issues.
  3. Follow the Prompts: If File Doctor detects any issues, follow the prompts to fix them.
  4. Restart Your Computer: Once the tool completes the repair process, restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

Solution 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation

Sometimes, a damaged QuickBooks installation can cause the QBCFMonitorService to malfunction. Repairing the installation might fix the issue.

  1. Open Control Panel: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
  2. Select QuickBooks: Find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs, select it, and click “Uninstall/Change.”
  3. Choose Repair: In the installation wizard, select “Repair” and follow the prompts to repair the installation.
  4. Restart Your Computer: After the repair process completes, restart your computer and check whether the QBCFMonitorService is running.

Solution 6: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reinstall the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

  1. Uninstall Database Server Manager: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, find QuickBooks Database Server Manager, and uninstall it.
  2. Download Latest Version: Visit the official Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  3. Install Database Server Manager: Run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
  4. Restart Your Server: After installing, restart your server and check if the QBCFMonitorService error has been resolved.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that your network is functioning correctly and that there is a stable connection between the server and client computers.
  • Verify Multi-User Mode: Ensure that QuickBooks is set up for multi-user mode. Go to the “File” menu and select “Switch to Multi-user Mode.”
  • Check Hosting Settings: Make sure that the hosting settings are correct. On the server, go to File > Utilities and ensure that “Host Multi-user Access” is selected.
  • Update QuickBooks: Make sure that QuickBooks and the QuickBooks Database Server Manager are updated to the latest version. Regular updates can fix bugs and compatibility issues.

FAQs

1. What is QBCFMonitorService in QuickBooks?

QBCFMonitorService is part of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager that allows QuickBooks users to access the company files in multi-user mode. It monitors the database on the server and ensures smooth access to the files by other computers in the network.

2. Why do I see “QBCFMonitorService not running on this computer”?

This error appears when the QBCFMonitorService has stopped working or is disabled on your server. It can happen due to reasons like incorrect configuration of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, firewall blocking the service, or corrupted installation files.

3. How do I restart QBCFMonitorService in QuickBooks?

To restart the QBCFMonitorService, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find QBCFMonitorService in the Services window, right-click it, and select “Restart.”

4. Can I fix the “QBCFMonitorService not running” error on my own?

Yes, you can fix the error on your own by following the troubleshooting steps in this guide. Restarting the service, configuring your firewall, using QuickBooks File Doctor, or reinstalling the QuickBooks Database Server Manager are some of the ways to resolve the issue.

5. Will repairing QuickBooks fix the QBCFMonitorService error?

Repairing your QuickBooks installation may fix the issue if the error is caused by corrupted QuickBooks files. Use the “Repair” option in the Programs and Features section of your Control Panel to repair QuickBooks.

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer” error and restore QuickBooks to full functionality. Make sure to keep your QuickBooks installation and Windows settings up to date to avoid encountering such issues in the future.

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