Guide to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer

Guide to Fix “QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer” Error

The “QBCFMonitorService Not Running On This Computer” error typically occurs when QuickBooks Desktop fails to initiate multi-user mode due to a malfunctioning background service. This service—QBCFMonitorService.exe—is responsible for monitoring company file access and enabling communication between workstations and the server. If it’s not running, QuickBooks may throw H-series errors or fail to connect to the company file.

This guide outlines the root causes and provides step-by-step solutions to fix the issue and restore multi-user functionality.

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⚠️ What Is QBCFMonitorService?

QBCFMonitorService stands for QuickBooks Company File Monitoring Service. It runs in the background and is essential for:

• Multi-user mode functionality
• QuickBooks Database Server Manager operations
• Company file sharing across a network

The executable file is typically located at:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBCFMonitorService.exe

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🔍 Common Causes of the Error

• 🧱 Service is disabled or not running in Windows Services
• 🔐 Windows Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the service
• 📂 Damaged or missing QBCFMonitorService executable
• 🔄 Incorrect hosting configuration
• 🧠 QuickBooks Database Server Manager not installed or corrupted

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⚙️ Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QBCFMonitorService Error

✅ Step 1: Restart QBCFMonitorService Manually

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate QBCFMonitorService in the list.
3. Right-click and select Restart.
4. If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start.
5. Set Startup Type to Automatic.

💡 Pro Tip: If the service fails to start, check for permission issues or missing files.

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🔄 Step 2: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Download and install the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Open Tool Hub and go to the Network Issues tab.
3. Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
4. Scan the folder containing your company file.
5. Restart your server and try accessing the file again.

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🔐 Step 3: Add QBCFMonitorService to Firewall Exceptions

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings.
2. Create Inbound and Outbound Rules for:
   • QBCFMonitorService.exe
   • QBDBMgrN.exe
   • QBW32.exe
3. Allow the connection and name the rule (e.g., “QB Services”).

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🧰 Step 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Uninstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager from Control Panel > Programs.
2. Download the latest version from Intuit’s official site.
3. Reinstall and scan your company file folder again.
4. Verify that QBCFMonitorService is running.

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🛠️ Step 5: Verify Hosting Configuration

1. Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. If you see Host Multi-User Access, hosting is OFF—do nothing.
4. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, hosting is ON—click to disable.

⚠️ Only the server should host the company file.

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🧪 Advanced Tips

• Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to check for system file corruption
• Avoid storing company files on cloud-synced folders (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Use static IP addresses for server and workstations to reduce network conflicts
• Ensure QuickBooks and Windows are fully updated

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