QBCFMonitorService Not Starting: Causes, Fixes & Troubleshooting Guide

QBCFMonitorService is a Windows service that supports QuickBooks Desktop, particularly when you use company files in a multi-user environment. When it is unable to start, it can prevent QuickBooks from being able to access or communicate with the company file properly. Also, you are unable to open a company file, change to multi-user mode, attach workstations to the main computer, or access a shared company file across the network. Some of the common error messages include:

H202, H303, or H505 Series Errors

Error: “QBCFMonitorService is not running on this computer”

Error 6189, 816

Windows Error 1079

Windows Error 1053

In this guide, we’ll discuss why QBCFMonitorService is not starting, the problems it can cause, the prerequisites and checks to perform, how to troubleshoot and fix the QBCFMonitorService not starting, and ways to prevent future startup problems.

What Is QBCFMonitorService in QuickBooks Desktop?

QBCFMonitorService is a Windows background service associated with QuickBooks Desktop. It monitors QuickBooks-related processes and supports communication between the application and the company file environment. QuickBooks relies on this service as part of its network setup when a company file is hosted on another computer.

This QuickBooks QBCFMonitorService is particularly useful when there are multiple users involved, with several workstations accessing the same company file from a host computer. When it does not start, QuickBooks can face connectivity issues, be unable to open the shared file, or even make multi-user access inaccessible.

Why Is QBCFMonitorService Not Running Issue?

QBCFMonitorService keeps stopping because of firewall restrictions, incorrect hosting settings, corrupted QuickBooks files, outdated components, or Windows service configuration issues. Here are the common causes of QBCFMonitorService not running:

• Firewall or Security Interference
• Incorrect Multi-User Hosting Configuration
• Corrupted QuickBooks Installation Files
• Outdated QuickBooks Database Server Manager
• Improper Windows Service Configuration
• Network Connectivity Issues
• Insufficient Windows Permissions

Prerequisites to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Starting in QuickBooks Desktop

You can more safely troubleshoot QBCFMonitorService by first verifying administrator status, correct hosting, service permissions and commands, network connectivity, firewall access, and up-to-date QuickBooks software. Here are the prerequisites to check before fixing QBCFMonitorService not starting:

Parameters	Details
Administrator Access	Use a Windows account with administrator privileges to modify services and system settings.
Hosting Configuration	Enable Host Multi-User Access only on the server that stores the company file.
Service Permissions	Verify that QBCFMonitorService and the required QuickBooks database services have appropriate permissions.
Network Connection	Maintain a stable connection between the host computer and QuickBooks workstations.
Firewall Access	Allow QuickBooks applications, services, and required network ports through Windows Firewall or third-party security software.
QuickBooks Updates	Install the latest QuickBooks Desktop updates to maintain compatibility with database components.
Company File Backup	Create a recent backup before changing service, network, or QuickBooks installation settings.

How to Check Whether QBCFMonitorService Is Running in QuickBooks Desktop?

You can check QBCFMonitorService directly through the Windows Services console to confirm whether it is running, stopped, or unable to start. Here are the steps to check whether QBCFMonitorService is running:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. 
2. Type services.msc and press Enter. 
3. Find QBCFMonitorService in the list of services. 
4. Check the Status column:
   • Running: The service is currently active. 
   • Stopped: The service is not running. 
5. Right-click QBCFMonitorService and select Properties to review its Startup type. 
6. If the service is stopped, select Start and check whether Windows starts it successfully. 
7. If Windows returns an error while starting the service, note the error message because it can help identify the underlying problem. 
8. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop and check whether the company file or multi-user connection works correctly.

Important: If QBCFMonitorService does not appear in the Services list, or Windows cannot start it, the issue can involve the QuickBooks installation, Database Server Manager, service configuration, or system permissions.

How to Fix the QuickBooks QBCFMonitorService Not Starting Issue?

You can fix QBCFMonitorService not starting by checking QuickBooks hosting, restarting the relevant database services, repairing network configuration, updating QuickBooks, and repairing damaged program or company-file components. Here are the proven solutions to fix the QBCFMonitorService not running issue.

Solution 1. Verify Multi-User Hosting on the Server

QuickBooks cannot build the background services that are required to access multi-user access if the hosting is not configured accurately. To confirm the hosting configuration, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop on the computer designated as the server. 
2. Select File > Utilities. 
3. Look for Host Multi-User Access. 
4. If this option appears, select it and confirm the prompt. 
5. Open QuickBooks on each workstation. 
6. Go to File > Utilities.
7. If Stop Hosting Multi-User Access appears, select it to disable hosting on that workstation. 
8. Leave the workstations configured to access the company file through the server. 

Important: A workstation can use QuickBooks in multi-user mode without hosting the company file. Hosting should remain configured on the appropriate server.

Solution 2. Restart QBCFMonitorService

The closed QBCFMonitorService can prevent QuickBooks from opening, even if QuickBooks itself is opening normally. Here is how you can restart the service:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop on the server and workstations. 
2. Press Windows + R. 
3. Enter services.msc. 
4. Press Enter. 
5. Find QBCFMonitorService in the Services window. 
6. Right-click the service. 
7. Select Start if it is stopped. 
8. Select Restart if Windows shows that it is already running. 
9. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop. 
10. Check whether multi-user access works correctly.

Solution 3. Check the QuickBooks Database Service

QBCFMonitorService works alongside QuickBooks’ database components. If the database service associated with your QuickBooks installation is stopped or incorrectly configured, multi-user connectivity can fail. Use the Windows Services console to check the database service as follows:

1. Press Windows + R. 
2. Type services.msc and press Enter. 
3. Locate the QuickBooksDBXX service associated with your installed QuickBooks version. 
4. Check its Status. 
5. If it is stopped, right-click it and select Start. 
6. If it is running but appears unresponsive, select Restart. 
7. Open the service’s Properties if you need to review its configuration. 
8. Check the Startup type and use the configuration recommended for your QuickBooks installation. 
9. Apply any necessary changes. 
10. Reopen QuickBooks and test the company file.

Solution 4. Check the QuickBooks Company File Network Files

QuickBooks creates network-related files that help workstations communicate with a company file. If you suspect a damaged network file, recreate it with these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop. 
2. Press F2 to open the Product Information window. 
3. Note the company file’s location under File Information. 
4. Close QuickBooks on all computers accessing that company file. 
5. Open the company file folder in File Explorer. 
6. Locate the file with the .ND extension. 
7. Right-click the file and choose Rename. 
8. Add .OLD to the end of the filename. 
9. Reopen QuickBooks. 
10. Open the company file again and check whether the connection works.

Solution 5. Test the Server-to-Workstation Connection

A QBCFMonitorService problem can appear when the workstation cannot communicate with the server. Run a connectivity test between the two computers using these instructions:

1. On the server, press Windows + R. 
2. Type cmd and press Enter. 
3. Enter ipconfig. 
4. Press Enter. 
5. Note the server’s IPv4 Address. 
6. Open Command Prompt on the affected workstation. 
7. Enter ping [Server-IP-Address], replacing the placeholder with the actual address. 
8. Press Enter. 
9. Check whether the workstation receives replies from the server. 
10. Investigate the network configuration if the test shows repeated timeouts or packet loss.

Solution 6. Check Windows Firewall and Security Software

Windows Firewall or third-party security software can block QuickBooks processes from communicating across the network. Review your firewall configuration with the following steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. 
2. Select Inbound Rules. 
3. Review existing QuickBooks-related rules. 
4. Create the required TCP port rules for your specific QuickBooks Desktop version if they are missing. 
5. Review Outbound Rules as well. 
6. Check whether your antivirus or third-party firewall has blocked a QuickBooks executable. 
7. Allow the required QuickBooks programs through the security software. 
8. Save the changes. 
9. Restart the affected QuickBooks services. 
10. Test multi-user access again.

Solution 7. Scan the Company File Folder with QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Database Server Manager can scan folders containing company files and configure the required network access for QuickBooks. Run the database scan using the following process:

1. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server. 
2. Select the option for scanning or managing network folders. 
3. Check whether the company file folder is already listed. 
4. Add or browse to the folder if it is missing. 
5. Select Start Scan. 
6. Allow the scan to finish. 
7. Reopen the company file folder. 
8. Check that QuickBooks has created the required network configuration file. 
9. Restart the relevant QuickBooks services. 
10. Test the company file from a workstation. 

Solution 8. Update QuickBooks Desktop

An outdated QuickBooks installation can contain compatibility issues or unresolved service problems. Bring QuickBooks Desktop up to date with these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop. 
2. Select Help. 
3. Choose Update QuickBooks Desktop. 
4. Open the Update Now tab. 
5. Select Get Updates. 
6. Wait for the download to finish. 
7. Close QuickBooks. 
8. Reopen the application. 
9. Install the update if QuickBooks prompts you to do so. 
10. Restart the computer if required.

Solution 9. Check and Update QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The Database Server Manager installed on the server should correspond with the QuickBooks Desktop environment you use. Check the database component and apply available updates as follows:

1. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server. 
2. Check the installed version and available update options. 
3. Apply an available update that matches your QuickBooks Desktop installation. 
4. Allow the installation to complete. 
5. Restart the server if prompted. 
6. Open services.msc. 
7. Confirm that the relevant QuickBooksDBXX service is present. 
8. Check QBCFMonitorService as well. 
9. Start any required stopped service. 
10. Test multi-user access again.

Solution 10. Open a Sample Company File

Opening a sample company file provides a useful diagnostic test. Use a sample file to isolate the problem with these steps:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop. 
2. Press and hold Ctrl while launching QuickBooks. 
3. Continue holding Ctrl until the No Company Open window appears. 
4. Select Open a sample file. 
5. Choose one of the available sample company files. 
6. Check whether QuickBooks opens it successfully. 
7. If the sample file opens, test your original company file separately. 
8. If neither file opens correctly, investigate the QuickBooks installation and program components.

Solution 11. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks Tool Hub includes diagnostic utilities that can help identify certain company-file and network problems. Run the diagnostic tool in this order:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop. 
2. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
3. Select Company File Issues. 
4. Choose Run QuickBooks File Doctor. 
5. Select the affected company file. 
6. Choose the appropriate file and network diagnostic option. 
7. Enter your QuickBooks administrator password if prompted. 
8. Allow the diagnostic process to complete. 
9. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop. 
10. Test the company file again.

Solution 12. Check Company-File Folder Permissions

QuickBooks needs appropriate access to the folder where the company file resides. Review the folder’s permissions with these steps:

1. Locate the company file folder on the server. 
2. Right-click the folder. 
3. Select Properties. 
4. Open the Security tab. 
5. Review the accounts and groups that have access. 
6. Confirm that the appropriate QuickBooks database service account has the permissions required for your installation. 
7. Open the Sharing tab. 
8. Review the network-sharing configuration. 
9. Correct any inappropriate restrictions. 
10. Restart the relevant QuickBooks service and test the company file.

Solution 13. Repair QuickBooks Desktop

If the service remains unavailable after network and configuration checks, the QuickBooks installation itself can contain damaged program components. Try repairing the installation through Windows using these steps:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop. 
2. Open Windows Settings. 
3. Go to Apps > Installed apps. 
4. Locate your QuickBooks Desktop installation. 
5. Select the available Modify or Repair option. 
6. Follow the instructions displayed by Windows or the QuickBooks installer. 
7. Allow the repair to finish. 
8. Restart Windows. 
9. Open services.msc. 
10. Check whether QBCFMonitorService starts normally.

Solution 14. Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If Database Server Manager is missing or its installation has become damaged, reinstalling the component can restore the services required for network company-file access. Perform a Database Server Manager reinstall as follows:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop on the server. 
2. Back up your company files before making installation changes. 
3. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features. 
4. Locate QuickBooks Database Server Manager. 
5. Select the Uninstall/Change option. 
6. Follow the removal instructions. 
7. Restart Windows if prompted. 
8. Install the Database Server Manager that corresponds to your QuickBooks Desktop version. 
9. Select the appropriate Custom or Network Options during installation. 
10. Complete the installation. 
11. Restart the server. 
12. Open services.msc and verify the QuickBooks services.

Solution 15. Check for a QuickBooks Port Conflict

Another application using a port required by QuickBooks can interfere with network communication. Use Command Prompt to identify the process occupying the port:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. 
2. Run:

netstat -ano | findstr 8019

3. Press Enter. 
4. Note the PID associated with the port. 
5. Open Task Manager. 
6. Select Details. 
7. Locate the process with the matching PID. 
8. Identify the application using the port. 
9. Do not terminate the process until you have confirmed that it is safe to do so. 
10. Resolve the port conflict through the appropriate application or network configuration.

Solution 16. Verify and Rebuild the Company File

If the service starts but QuickBooks continues to report company-file problems, the data file itself can contain damage. Check the company file before rebuilding it with these steps:

1. Create a current backup of the company file. 
2. Open the company file in QuickBooks Desktop. 
3. Select File > Utilities > Verify Data. 
4. Allow QuickBooks to examine the file. 
5. Review the results. 
6. If QuickBooks reports data damage, select File > Utilities > Rebuild Data. 
7. Follow the prompts to create the required backup. 
8. Allow the rebuild process to finish. 
9. Run Verify Data again. 
10. Reopen the company file and test multi-user access.

How to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Starting in Multi-User Mode?

To fix QBCFMonitorService not starting in multi-user mode, check the service on the server hosting QB, check QuickBooksDBXX, and correct the multi-user hosting and network configuration. Here are the steps to fix the QBCFMonitorService keeps stopping in Multi-User Mode:

• Open Windows Services by entering services.msc in the Run dialog. 
• Locate QBCFMonitorService and check whether it is running. 
• Start QBCFMonitorService if its status shows Stopped. 
• Set QBCFMonitorService to Automatic under Startup type. 
• Configure the service recovery options to restart the Service after failures. 
• Locate the appropriate QuickBooksDBXX service for your QuickBooks version. 
• Make sure QuickBooksDBXX is running and configured for automatic startup. 
• Enable Host Multi-User Access on the computer that stores and hosts the company file. 
• Make sure workstations are not hosting multi-user access. 
• Ensure the server and workstations can communicate over the network.
• Verify QuickBooks access through security software or Windows Firewall.
• Update QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Once the configuration changes and the service is performed, restart the QuickBooks server.
• Open the company file from a workstation in Multi-User Mode to verify that the problem is fixed.

How to Prevent QBCFMonitorService Startup Problems?

You can prevent the QBCFMonitorService not running issue by maintaining the correct service, hosting, firewall, and network configurations on the QuickBooks server. Here are the steps to prevent QBCFMonitorService startup problems:

1. Set QBCFMonitorService to Automatic in Windows Services. 
2. Configure its Recovery settings to restart the service after failures. 
3. Allow the QuickBooks executable files and required ports for your installed version through Windows Firewall. 
4. Keep Host Multi-User Access enabled only on the designated QuickBooks server. 
5. Keep QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Database Server Manager updated. 
6. Maintain the required Windows permissions for QuickBooks services and company-file folders. 
7. Maintain a stable network connection between the QuickBooks server and workstations. 
8. Keep sufficient free disk space on the server hosting the company file. 
9. Create regular backups of the QuickBooks company file to protect accounting data against unexpected failures. 
10. Review antivirus and security software rules if they block trusted QuickBooks processes or services.

Conclusion

You can resolve QBCFMonitorService not starting by restarting and configuring the service, correcting multi-user hosting, and checking QuickBooks Database Server Manager, firewall, network, permissions, and software updates. Start with the service and hosting settings, then use QuickBooks Tool Hub, file repair, or QuickBooks reinstallation if the issue persists. Finally, test the company file in Multi-User Mode to confirm the error is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions