QBCFMonitorService Not Running” Error in QuickBooks: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Jun 16, 2025UncategorizedComments (0)

QuickBooks Desktop is widely trusted for managing business finances, payroll, inventory, and more. But like any robust software, it can occasionally run into errors. One of the more technical and confusing issues that QuickBooks users, especially those operating in a multi-user environment, may face is the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” error.

This article explores the error in depth, including what it means, why it occurs, and how you can resolve and prevent it.

What is QBCFMonitorService?

QBCFMonitorService stands for QuickBooks Company File Monitor Service. It is a background Windows service installed with QuickBooks Desktop, and it plays a vital role in hosting and connecting company files, especially in multi-user mode.

In simple terms, when a company file is hosted on a server and accessed by multiple users, QBCFMonitorService helps manage and monitor these connections to ensure smooth, real-time access.

What Does the “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” Error Mean?

When you receive this error, it typically means that the QBCFMonitorService is either disabled, not responding, or blocked. As a result, QuickBooks cannot connect to the server or allow multi-user access to the company file.

This error may appear as:

  • “QBCFMonitorService not running on this computer.”

  • “QuickBooks can’t start the QBCFMonitorService.”

  • “Error 108 or 1067: The process terminated unexpectedly.”

Common Causes of the Error

Several factors can contribute to the failure of the QBCFMonitorService:

  1. Corrupted or Damaged QuickBooks Components

  2. Windows Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Service

  3. Outdated or Incompatible QuickBooks Database Server Manager

  4. Accidental Service Stop or Manual Disabling

  5. Missing Administrative Privileges

  6. Multiple QuickBooks Versions Installed on the Server

  7. Operating System Conflicts or Registry Errors

How to Fix “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” Error

Let’s walk through the most effective solutions to fix this issue:

1. Restart QBCFMonitorService Manually

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  2. In the list of services, find QBCFMonitorService.

  3. Right-click and select Start or Restart.

  4. If it's disabled, go to Properties, change Startup Type to Automatic, and click Apply.

Once restarted, reopen QuickBooks to check if the issue is resolved.

2. Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

Intuit’s official diagnostic tool can automatically detect and fix many service-related errors:

  1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s website.

  2. Launch it and select the Network Issues tab.

  3. Click on QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

  4. Scan the folder where your company files are stored.

  5. Restart your server and recheck QuickBooks.

3. Update QuickBooks and Windows OS

Outdated software can lead to service incompatibilities:

  • Open QuickBooks and go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.

  • In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.

  • Reboot your computer after updating.

4. Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Your firewall or antivirus may block essential QuickBooks components. To allow access:

  • Add exceptions for the following services:

    • QBCFMonitorService.exe

    • QBDBMgrN.exe

    • QuickBooksPorts (Dynamic or Static)

  • Ensure your antivirus does not quarantine these files.

  • Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to help configure your firewall automatically.

5. Repair QuickBooks Installation

A damaged installation may prevent services from working properly:

  1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.

  2. Select QuickBooks, then click Uninstall/Change > Repair.

  3. Follow the prompts and restart your system after the repair completes.

6. Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If the Database Server Manager is corrupt or outdated, reinstalling can help:

  • Uninstall the existing QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Control Panel.

  • Download the latest version from the Intuit website.

  • Install and configure the server manager to scan your company file folders again.

Read More:- QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions 

Pro Tips to Prevent This Error in the Future

  • Always install the latest updates for QuickBooks and Windows.

  • Use only one version of QuickBooks Database Server Manager per server.

  • Keep your firewall settings configured for multi-user mode.

  • Set the QBCFMonitorService to start automatically on boot.

  • Avoid using unauthorized third-party tools that may conflict with QuickBooks processes.

When to Contact Support

If the above solutions don’t resolve the issue, it may be due to deeper system-level conflicts or complex network configuration problems. In such cases, it's best to contact QuickBooks Desktop Support or consult a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for expert assistance. You can reach support directly at 📞 +1-866-408-0444.

  • The service fails to start even after repair or reinstallation.

  • You're unsure about adjusting advanced firewall or registry settings.

  • You manage a large multi-user network environment and need expert help with configuration.

✅ Final Thoughts

The “QBCFMonitorService Not Running” error may seem technical, but it’s often straightforward to fix with the right steps. Whether it's restarting the service, updating QuickBooks, or checking your firewall, these solutions usually restore normal functionality and allow your team to get back to work with minimal downtime.

For businesses that depend on QuickBooks every day, proactive maintenance and regular system updates can go a long way in preventing this and other service-related errors.