Blog

One of the most important components in enabling multi-user mode for QuickBooks Desktop is QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBSM). It helps manage company files and ensures that multiple users can access them simultaneously without issues. If you're facing problems with multi-user mode or the server manager, restarting QuickBooks Database Server Manager can help resolve the issues. This blog will guide you through the steps to restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager on Windows.

What is QuickBooks Database Server Manager?

QuickBooks Database Server Manager is a tool that hosts QuickBooks company files for multiple users in a networked environment. It runs as a service on the server computer, allowing multiple users to access the QuickBooks file simultaneously. Restarting this service can resolve various connectivity and performance issues, such as:

QuickBooks being slow or unresponsive in multi-user mode

Error messages related to database connectivity

Problems accessing the company file from different workstations

Steps to Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager involves stopping and then starting the service. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Close QuickBooks on All Computers

Close QuickBooks: Make sure that QuickBooks Desktop is closed on all the computers in the network. This will stop any possible corruption or loss of data.

Back Up Your Data: Before proceeding, it's always a good idea to back up your QuickBooks company files.

Step 2: Open Services on the Server Computer

Open the Run Command: Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Type 'services.msc': In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Windows Services window.

Step 3: Locate QuickBooks Database Server Manager Service

Find the Service: In the Services window, scroll through the list of services until you find the service named QuickBooksDBXX (where "XX" represents the year/version of your QuickBooks software, such as QuickBooksDB32 for QuickBooks 2022).

Right-Click the Service: Right-click on the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service.

Step 4: Stop the Service

Select 'Stop': From the right-click menu, select the Stop option. This will stop the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service.

Step 5: Restart the Service

Right-Click Again: Once the service has stopped, right-click on the QuickBooksDBXX service again.

Select 'Start': From the right-click menu, select Start to restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service.

Verify: Make sure that the service status changes to "Running" after restarting.

Step 6: Reopen QuickBooks on the Workstations

Launch QuickBooks Desktop: After restarting the service, you can now reopen QuickBooks Desktop on all workstations.

Verify Connectivity: Ensure that all users can access the company file in multi-user mode without any issues.

Alternative Method: Restart Using QuickBooks Tool Hub

If you're unable to restart the service manually, you can use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Here's how:

Download QuickBooks Tool Hub: If you haven't already, download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.

Open Tool Hub: Once installed, open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Go to Network Issues: In the Tool Hub, click on the Network Issues tab.

Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager: The QuickBooks Database Server Manager will open. Click it. The Tool Hub will attempt to restart the service for you.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're still facing issues after restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking QuickBooks or the Database Server Manager.

Update QuickBooks: Make sure that QuickBooks Desktop and the Database Server Manager are up to date with the latest patches.

Reboot the Server: Sometimes, a full reboot of the server computer can help resolve persistent issues.

FAQs

What does QuickBooks Database Server Manager do?

QuickBooks Database Server Manager allows multiple users to access and work on a company file simultaneously in a networked environment.

Why should I restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager?

Restarting the service can resolve issues like slow performance, connectivity errors, and problems with multi-user mode.

How often should I restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager?

You should restart the service whenever you encounter issues with multi-user mode or if QuickBooks is not responding properly on the network.

Can I restart the service without closing QuickBooks?

No, it's recommended to close QuickBooks on all computers before restarting the Database Server Manager to avoid data corruption.

What should I do if the service doesn't start after stopping it?

If the service doesn't start, try rebooting your server computer, updating QuickBooks, or checking for firewall issues.

Conclusion

Restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is a simple yet effective way to resolve many issues related to multi-user mode and database connectivity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your QuickBooks Desktop environment runs smoothly, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously without disruptions.

If you're still experiencing problems after restarting the service, it may be worth contacting QuickBooks support for further assistance.