If you want a clear, step‑by‑step guide on how to install QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your system, this walkthrough covers everything you need—from installation to configuration and updates. Follow along to learn how to set up the tool properly and ensure smooth multi‑user access across your network.

Intuit provides several tools to enhance the QuickBooks Desktop experience, and QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBSM) is one of the most essential. It enables multi‑user mode, allowing multiple users to work on the same company file simultaneously. However, the tool must be installed separately for each version of QuickBooks Desktop you use. This guide explains how to install, configure, and use QuickBooks Database Server Manager so multiple workstations can access your company file without issues.

If you’re having trouble installing or running the Database Server Manager, you can reach out to expert support at +1‑844‑269‑7070 for immediate assistance.

Table of Contents

• Getting Started with QuickBooks Database Server Manager Download Procedure

• Step 1: Install Database Server Manager on the Server Computer

• Step 2: Configure the Database Server Manager

• Step 3: Allow QuickBooks Database Manager Through Firewall

• Step 4: Create Firewall Exceptions

• Step 5: Update QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Step 6: Use DB Server Manager for QuickBooks Desktop

  • Scan the Folder

  • Monitor Your Drives

  • Manage the Database Server Manager

• Solutions for Errors Related to QBDBSM

  • Restarting the Database Server Manager

  • Condition 1: QB Desktop + DB Manager Installed

  • Condition 2: Only DB Manager Installed

• FAQs

• Conclusion

Getting Started with QuickBooks Database Server Manager Download Procedure

There is no separate download link for QuickBooks Database Server Manager. It is included automatically when you download and install QuickBooks Desktop. Once QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the server computer, the Database Server Manager becomes available.

Step 1: Install Database Server Manager on the Server Computer

1. Download QuickBooks Desktop from the official QuickBooks Product Download page.

2. Save the installer to an easy‑to‑find location.

3. Close all running programs on the server, including QuickBooks.

4. Locate QuickBooks.exe and follow the installation prompts.

5. When asked for the installation type, select Custom or Network Options.

6. Click Next (do not choose Express).

7. Choose the option that matches your network setup:

   • If the server will host QuickBooks Desktop and Database Server Manager: “I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I’ll be storing…”

   • If the server will only host the Database Server Manager: “I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop…”

8. Click Install and allow the setup to complete.

9. Activate and update QuickBooks Desktop.

Note: If you use multiple QuickBooks Desktop versions, install them in order from oldest to newest.

Step 2: Configure the Database Server Manager

This step is optional unless you want to adjust default settings.

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Services.

2. Locate QuickBooksDBXX (XX = version year).

3. Under the General tab:

   • If the service is running, click Stop.

   • Set Startup Type to Automatic.

4. Under the Log On tab, select Local System Account.

5. Under Recovery, set Restart the Service for all failure options.

6. Return to the General tab and click Start.

Step 3: Allow QuickBooks Database Manager Through Firewall

To ensure the Database Server Manager runs properly, configure your firewall manually:

1. Open Windows Firewall from the Start menu.

2. Go to Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule.

3. Select Port → Next.

4. Choose TCP and enter the required port numbers:

   • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX

   • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX

   • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378–55382

   • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373–55377

5. Click Next → Allow the Connection.

6. Mark all profiles → Next.

7. Name the rule (e.g., QBPorts 2020) → Finish.

Repeat the same steps for Outbound Rules.

Step 4: Create Firewall Exceptions for QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Open Windows Firewall → Advanced Settings.

2. Right‑click Inbound Rules → New Rule.

3. Select Program → Next.

4. Browse and add the following files:

   • DBManager.exe

   • QBDBMgrN.exe

5. Click Allow the Connection → Next.

6. Mark all profiles → Next.

7. Name the rule (e.g., QBExceptFirewall.exe) → Finish.

Repeat for Outbound Rules.

Step 5: Check for QuickBooks Database Server Manager Updates

The Database Server Manager updates automatically when you update QuickBooks Desktop. To update manually:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Go to Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop.

3. Select Update Now.

4. Click Get Updates.

5. Restart QuickBooks and click Install Now.

Step 6: Using QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Scan the Folder

1. Open QB Database Server Manager on the server.

2. Go to Scan Folders → Browse.

3. Select the folder containing your company files (QBW).

4. Click Start Scan.

5. Once complete, the files will appear under QuickBooks company files found.

Monitor Your Drives

1. Go to the Monitored Drives tab.

2. Select the drive where your company files are stored.

3. This prevents the need for re‑scanning if files are moved.

Manage the Database Server Manager

• The System tab shows where the tool is installed.

• The Server tab displays real‑time status and connected users.

Solutions for Errors Related to QB Database Server Manager

Restart the Database Server Manager

A simple restart often resolves minor glitches.

Condition 1: QB Desktop + DB Manager Installed on Server

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop on the host computer.

2. Go to File → Open or Restore Company.

3. Select Open Company File → Next.

4. Check Open file in multi‑user mode.

5. Log in, then close the file using Close Company/Log Off.

6. Search Database in the Start menu and run QBDB Server Manager.

Condition 2: Only DB Manager Installed

1. Open Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Services.

2. Find QuickBooksDBXX.

3. Right‑click → Restart.

If issues persist, call +1‑844‑269‑7070 for expert troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Installing and configuring QuickBooks Database Server Manager is essential for enabling multi‑user access and ensuring smooth performance across your network. By following the steps above—installing, configuring services, adjusting firewall settings, scanning folders, and monitoring drives—you can set up QBDBSM like a pro.

If you run into errors or need professional assistance, the support team at +1‑844‑269‑7070 is always ready to help you get your QuickBooks environment running flawlessly.

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