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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1920:QuickBooks Database Not Working

• 
• By Jonathan Browns
• Jun 08, 2026
• Accounting
• 7 min read

Users often encounter QuickBooks Error 1920 while trying to install or update QuickBooks Desktop. When this occurs, you may see the following message stating;

“Error 1920: Service QuickBooks Database Manager (QBCFMonitorService) failed to start”

You may encounter this issue when QuickBooks Database Manager fails to connect to your company file. If you are facing QuickBooks Error Code 1920, this guide will help you resolve it. Here, we explain the causes and effective methods to fix the issue.

What is QuickBooks Error 1920?

QuickBooks Error 1920 is a Windows installation issue that appears when the QBDBMgrN (QBCFMonitorService) fails to start during installation or an update. This usually happens because of limited system permissions, firewall interference, or corrupted installation files. As a result, the service cannot run or access the company file.

What are the major causes that trigger QuickBooks Error Code 1920?

Below, we have mentioned all the prominent root causes that trigger QuickBooks Installation Error Code 1920.

• Invalid entries in the Windows registry.
• Insufficient admin rights to install QuickBooks Desktop.
• Corrupted system files or QuickBooks components.
• A power failure or sudden shutdown may damage necessary files.
• Antivirus or Windows Firewall blocking QuickBooks Database Manager from connecting to company files.

Prerequisites Required Before Fixing QuickBooks Error Code 1920

Here are some of the key pointers that you must consider before fixing QuickBooks Error Code 1920.

• Make sure you have enough administrative rights on Windows to install or update QuickBooks.
• Verify if your computer has a stable internet connection for updates and downloading the necessary files.
• Also, ensure that your computer meets the basic system requirements to install or update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Check that all hidden files and folders are visible to prevent missing important files.

How can I identify the occurrence of QuickBooks Desktop Error 1920?

The following signs can help you identify QuickBooks Desktop Error 1920.

• You will be prompted with an error message stating “Service QuickBooks Database Manager (QBCFMonitorService) failed to start.”
• Users may fail to open the company file due to connectivity issues with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• The Database Server Manager fails to start during installation or updates.
• The error may also occur when the installation process is interrupted or when facing issues accessing certain drives.

Best Effective Solutions to Fix Error 1920 Service QuickBooks Database Manager

After reading the causes, let’s explore the troubleshooting methods to fix the Error 1920 service, QuickBooks Database Manager.

Case 1: If you’re trying to install or update QuickBooks

Perform the following steps if you are trying to install a new version of QuickBooks or trying to update your current one.

First Step: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

• Hit the Windows + S keys, then look for and launch Control Panel.
• Choose the Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
• After that, hit the QuickBooks Desktop [version] from the list of installed programs.
• Now, head to the Uninstall/Change and perform the steps on the screen.

Second Step: Rename the Installation Folders

Important Tip:

• If you are unable to get the Application Data or Program Data Folder, you have to display hidden files and folders. Otherwise, you can search for a file using QuickBooks.
• If you are having other Intuit apps installed on your PC, uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder located in the Intuit folder C: \ Program Data \ Intuit.

1. Initially, move to the installation folders. For that, you must refer to the following chart.

• C:\Program Data\Intuit
• C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
• C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit
• C:\Program Files\Intuit
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
• C:\Program Data\Intuit
• C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
• C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit
• C:\Program Files\Intuit
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit

2. Now, open the Run window, using the Windows + R keys.

3. Insert (or copy and paste) your folder location and hit the Enter key.

4. Next, right-click on the folder and choose the Rename option.

5. You can rename the folder by adding .OLD at the end of the folder name.

Third Step: Install QuickBooks Desktop

After completing the above steps, you can now easily install QuickBooks Desktop.

Case 2: If you’re trying to update QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server computer

Perform the following steps if you don’t have QuickBooks on your server, but make sure to share your file over the network using Database Server Manager.

First Step: Uninstall the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Firstly, launch the Run window by pressing the Windows + R keys.
• After this, insert “appwiz.cpl” and click the OK tab.
• Head to the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Now, tap on the Uninstall/Change option and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Second Step: Rename the Installation Folders

Follow the steps as given in the previous case for renaming the installation folders in QuickBooks.

Third Step: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If the 1920 Error Code in QB Desktop exists, then try to set up the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. You must uninstall and reinstall the QBDBMgrN on the server computer – the computer hosting the data files. This will let the users work in a multi-user environment smoothly.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 1920 is a common issue that triggers while installing or updating the QuickBooks Desktop. You can fix the issue by reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop, renaming the installation folder, or setting up the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent the QuickBooks Error Code 1920?

To avoid the QuickBooks Error Code 1920;

• Make sure to install QuickBooks as an administrator.
• Try to update the QuickBooks Desktop regularly.
• Set the firewall as an exception for QuickBooks.

What is QuickBooks Error 1920?

The QuickBooks Error 1920 mainly occurs when the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBCFMonitorService) fails to start during installation or update. As a result, it prevents QuickBooks from opening company files over a network.

Can antivirus software cause Error 1920 in QuickBooks?

Interference of the antivirus software may cause Error 1920 in QuickBooks.

What is the QuickBooksDBXX service?

The QuickBooksDBXX is a database service wherein XX represents your QuickBooks version. It manages communication between QuickBooks and company files stored on a server.