QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer
When you try to access a shared company file or switch QuickBooks Desktop to multi-user mode, you may encounter the message QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer. This issue usually indicates that QuickBooks cannot properly communicate with its company file monitoring service on the host computer. As a result, users may experience network connectivity problems, failed folder scans, or interruptions while accessing shared company files.
QBCFMonitorService is an important part of the QuickBooks Desktop hosting environment. If the service stops unexpectedly or cannot communicate through the network, QuickBooks Database Server Manager may not work as expected. In this guide, we explain the common causes and practical ways to troubleshoot the issue.
What Is QBCFMonitorService in QuickBooks?
QBCFMonitorService is a Windows background service associated with QuickBooks Desktop. It supports the monitoring of company files in a multi-user network environment. It generally works alongside QuickBooks Database Server Manager and the version-specific QuickBooksDBXX service.
When this service is stopped, incorrectly configured, or blocked by firewall settings, QuickBooks workstations may have difficulty accessing company files stored on the server.
Why Is QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer?
Several factors can prevent the service from starting or communicating correctly, including:
Service is stopped: QBCFMonitorService may have stopped unexpectedly or failed to start after a Windows restart.
Incorrect startup settings: The Windows service may not be configured to start automatically.
Firewall restrictions: Windows Firewall or third-party security software may block QuickBooks network communication.
Hosting configuration problems: Multi-user hosting may not be enabled correctly on the computer storing the company file.
Damaged installation files: Missing or damaged QuickBooks components can prevent the service from functioning.
Database Server Manager issues: An outdated or incorrectly configured Database Server Manager may affect company file access.
How to Fix QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer
Try the following solutions on the computer that hosts the QuickBooks company file. Before restarting services, ask other users to close their company files to avoid interrupting active sessions.
1. Start or Restart QBCFMonitorService
First, check whether the required Windows service is running.
Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Find QBCFMonitorService in the Services window.
Right-click the service and select Start if it is stopped. If it is already running, select Restart when appropriate.
Double-click the service to open its Properties.
Set the Startup type to Automatic, if available.
Select Apply and then OK.
Open QuickBooks again and check whether the error has disappeared.
2. Check the QuickBooks Database Server Service
QuickBooks uses the QuickBooksDBXX service to support multi-user access. If this service is not running, workstations may have trouble connecting to the company file.
Open the Windows Services window using services.msc.
Locate the QuickBooksDBXX service that matches your installed version.
Right-click it and select Start or Restart.
Open its Properties and check the Startup type.
Set it to Automatic if appropriate for your setup.
You can also review this guide on QuickBooks Database Server Manager for more information about managing shared company files.
3. Verify QuickBooks Hosting Settings
Incorrect hosting settings can prevent workstations from accessing the company file.
Open QuickBooks Desktop on the server computer.
Select File from the top menu.
Go to Utilities.
If you see Host Multi-User Access, select it to enable hosting.
If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, hosting is already enabled.
Make sure hosting is enabled on the server rather than on multiple workstations. Then check whether users can access the company file.
4. Check Windows Firewall Settings
Your firewall may block the network communication required by QuickBooks services.
Open Windows Security and navigate to Firewall and network protection.
Review the firewall rules for QuickBooks applications.
Ensure the required QuickBooks programs are allowed through the firewall on the relevant network profiles.
Check that the required QuickBooks ports are configured for your installed version. Intuit's network troubleshooting guidance identifies port 8019 for QBCFMonitorService-related communication.
Save the changes and test the connection again.
Do not permanently disable your firewall. Configure only the necessary application exceptions and ports for your QuickBooks version.
5. Scan Company File Folders in Database Server Manager
If the service is running but QuickBooks still cannot access the shared company file, scan the folder containing the company file.
Open the Windows Start menu on the server.
Search for and open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Select the Scan Folders tab.
Add the folder where your company file is stored, if it is not listed.
Select Start Scan.
Wait for the scan to finish and review the results.
Try opening the company file from a workstation after the scan completes. If you also encounter database service problems, see our guide to QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer.
6. Repair or Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager
If the service repeatedly fails to start, damaged installation components may be responsible. Use the QuickBooks installation setup to repair or reinstall the relevant Database Server Manager components. Follow Intuit's instructions for your installation type, and back up important company files before making significant changes.
If the service still fails, check Windows Event Viewer for service-related errors or contact a qualified QuickBooks support professional.
How to Prevent QBCFMonitorService Errors
To reduce the chances of this issue returning:
Keep QuickBooks Desktop and Database Server Manager updated.
Check that the required Windows services are running.
Maintain the correct hosting configuration.
Configure firewall exceptions for QuickBooks applications.
Store company files in accessible shared folders.
Back up company files regularly.
Conclusion
The QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer message can interrupt QuickBooks Desktop multi-user access and prevent users from connecting to shared company files. Checking the Windows service, verifying QuickBooksDBXX, reviewing hosting settings, and configuring firewall permissions can help resolve the problem. If the service continues to stop or Database Server Manager cannot complete its scan, investigate the installation and network configuration before attempting further repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does QuickBooks say QBCFMonitorService is not running when it is already running?
This can happen when Database Server Manager cannot properly communicate with the service during a network scan. Check whether the service stops and restarts during diagnostics, and review firewall settings and network connectivity. QuickBooks+1
How do I restart QBCFMonitorService in Windows?
Press Windows + R, enter services.msc, locate QBCFMonitorService, and select Start or Restart. You can also review its Startup type in the Properties window. QuickBooks
Does QBCFMonitorService affect QuickBooks multi-user mode?
Yes, it is one of the services involved in the QuickBooks Desktop hosting environment. If it cannot run or communicate correctly, users may experience problems accessing shared company files or switching to multi-user mode. QuickBooks+1
Which port does QBCFMonitorService use?
Intuit's network troubleshooting guidance identifies port 8019 for QBCFMonitorService-related communication. Firewall configuration should also account for the required ports and applications for your particular QuickBooks version. QuickBooks
What should I do if QuickBooks Database Server Manager cannot scan company file folders?
Confirm that QBCFMonitorService and the appropriate QuickBooksDBXX service are running. Then check hosting settings, firewall permissions, and the folder containing the company file. You can also restart Database Server Manager and run the scan again.