QuickBooks Error 1920 appears when updating or installing QuickBooks Desktop. When the error occurs, it displays an error message stating “The QuickBooks Database Manager (QBCFMonitorService) could not be started”. However, QBDSM requires QBCFMonitorService (QuickBooks Company File Monitoring Service) to connect the QuickBooks company file with the QB Desktop. If the QBCFMonitorService is broken, corrupt, or missing from the system, QuickBooks database management will not execute, as a result installation and update will fail. The below write-up will provide information on the causes of the error as well as thorough troubleshooting suggestions. For more information on QuickBooks Error 1920, read the entire article till the end.
What Triggered QuickBooks Error 1920?
To make troubleshooting easier and less time-consuming, it’s critical to understand the possible causes of an error code in QuickBooks.
The Following is a List of Possible Causes for Error Code 1920:
- When the items in your Windows registry become invalid
- When your computer’s operating system isn’t performing as it should,
- The “QuickBooks Database Service won’t start” issue can also be caused by an improper shutdown of the system due to a power outage or other factors.
- QuickBooks Desktop installation or uninstallation failure
- Accidentally deleting QuickBooks-related files or registry entries
One of the most probable reasons may also be responsible for the error is virus or malware attacks on the system.
How to Get Rid of QuickBooks Error 1920?
Now that you’re aware of the reasons why QuickBooks error message 1920 shows on your screen; let’s execute the methods listed below to rectify the error:
Total Time: 20 minutes
Assign the Windows User Account Administrative Rights
● If you’re using Windows 10, go to your computer’s settings or click the Start button and pick Control Panel
● After selecting Accounts, choose Family and Other Users
● Now, select Account Type Change
● Under the Account type section, select Administrator
● Click Ok, then sign in to Windows again with the administrator account
● Visit the Create an Administrator Account on Windows page for additional details
● Try installing and updating QuickBooks Desktop once again.
Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows
● Press Windows + E on your computer’s desktop, then click Organize in the top left corner of the screen in Windows File Explorer
● Move to the View tab after clicking Folder and Search Options
● Scroll down and select the option to show hidden files, folders, and drives.
● At last, tap “Ok” after clicking the “Apply” button.
Remove all Junk Folders from Your Computer
When none of the other options have worked, cleaning your junk folder in your computer can assist you to get rid of the error code 1920:
● On your Windows Desktop, click the Start button and type “cmd” in the blank box
● Press and hold CTRL + Shift at the same time, then press Enter
● For the permission dialogue box, select Yes
● Type “cleanmgr” into the blinking cursor on the black box
● To begin the cleanup procedure, select “Yes” button
● Mark the boxes next to the garbage files you want to delete, and then click OK to continue.
Install Most Recent Update for Windows
The “QuickBooks Database Server stopped” problem can occur if one or more Windows components are out of current.
To Correct the Problem, Follow the Instructions Below:
● To begin, delete any security software that has been installed on your computer
● If your firewall is on, disable it by turning it off
● You must guarantee that no other programs are running at the time you are conducting this error-resolution approach
● Check to see if QuickBooks’ security has been updated with the latest version
If the error 1920 in QuickBooks Desktop persists, move on to the next method.
Additional Troubleshooting
Well, this error happens if QuickBooks Database Manager can’t connect to your company file. Many times, it can also be seen in two cases:
First Case: If You’re Trying to Install or Update QuickBooks
If you’re trying to install a new version of QuickBooks or update an existing one, follow these steps:-
Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
- Search for and launch the Control Panel by pressing Windows key + S keys together from your keyboard
- Uninstall a program or select Programs and Features
- From the list of installed programs, choose QuickBooks Desktop [version]
- Follow the onscreen prompts after selecting Uninstall/Change.
Rename Installation Folders
Important Note:
- If you don’t see the Application Data or Program Data folders, open Windows Explorer and look for hidden files and folders.
- If you have other Intuit software installed, you simply need to delete or change the QuickBooks version folder in the Intuit folder: C:Intuit Program Data
The Steps to Rename the Installation Folders Include:
Go to the folders that contain the installation files. See the graph below for more information:-
| Windows 10/8/7 | Windows Vista |
| ● 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 |
- To open the run command on your keyboard, type Windows key + R keys from your console
- The folder’s location must be entered (or copied and pasted) before pressing Enter
- Choose “Rename” from the context menu after right-clicking the folder
- .OLD should be used to rename the folder.
Install QuickBooks Desktop
You can now install your QuickBooks Desktop after you’ve completed steps 1 and 2.
- First, QuickBooks.exe should now be open
- Next, follow the onscreen prompts
- Now, accept the software license agreement before moving on to the next step
- Put your Product and License numbers in the boxes and then press the “Next” button.
Determine Which Installation Method is Best for You
When you install QuickBooks, you have two choices. You have the option of either an express install or a custom and network installation.
Express Install
If you’re in the following situations, you’re suggested to go with an Express Install:
- An inexperienced or first-time user
- When attempting to reinstall your QuickBooks
- QuickBooks will be installed on a single PC (not as part of a network of computers).
The steps for the same to be performed as follow:
- You simply have to choose Express and then hit the “Next” button
- After that, select and click on the Install button
- Select Open QuickBooks after it’s finished.
Custom and Network Install
If you’re looking for a custom installation, we recommend:
- Installing QuickBooks in a different place than the default (such as on a server).
- On a server, you can store your company’s files.
- Set up a multi-user network
In this installation type, you have to follow the steps as discussed below:
- Start with selecting Custom and Network Option followed by hitting “Next” button
- Choose the one that best represents your QuickBooks usage
- Change the install location on the next screen
- Choose Browse to find a location for your QuickBooks folder
- The majority of the users save it to their Programs folder
- To begin the installation, select Next
- Select Open QuickBooks after it’s finished.
Second Case: If You’re Trying to Update QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the Server Computer
If you don’t have QuickBooks on your server but want to share your file across the network, follow these instructions:-
Uninstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager
- Press the Windows key + R keys on your keyboard
- The Run window appears
- Click Ok after entering appwiz.cpl
- Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the drop-down menu
- Follow the onscreen prompts after selecting Uninstall/Change.
Rename Installation Folders
Important Note:
- If you don’t see the Application Data or Program Data folders, open Windows Explorer and look for hidden files and folders.
- If you have other Intuit software installed, you simply need to delete or change the QuickBooks version folder in the Intuit folder named C:\Program Data\Intuit.
The steps to rename the installation folders are as follow:
- Navigate to the installation directories. Please see the graph below:-
| Windows 10/8/7 | Windows Vista |
| ● 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 |
- To open the run command, hit Windows key + R on your keyboard
- Enter the folder’s location (or copy and paste it), then press Enter
- Rename the folder by right-clicking it
- Change the name of the folder to .OLD.
Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager
However, Database Server Manager comes with the QuickBooks Desktop file and you have to download QuickBooks Desktop, if you haven’t already. Once you downloaded then you need to install the Database Server Manager by following these steps:
Note: If you’re an accountant or using more than one version of QuickBooks Desktop on your network, make sure that they must be installed in the correct order. The oldest version should be installed first, followed by the most recent version.
On your Server PC, you’re supposed to download and install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. This is the system where your system’s files are stored.
- On your server computer, close all open programs, including QuickBooks
- Open the installation file you saved with a file name called Setup_QuickBooks.exe
- Next, follow the onscreen prompts
- When QuickBooks prompts you for an installation type, choose Custom or Network Options
- After that, press the “Next” button (Don’t choose Express option)
- Next, select the best solution for your network setup
- The Database Server Manager is installed by both options
- This won’t overwrite any existing company data if QuickBooks Desktop is already installed on your server PC
- Choose “I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer AND I’ll be storing…” if you want Database Server Manager and QuickBooks Desktop on your server PC (This is something Intuit strongly suggests)
- Choose I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop… if you simply want Database Server Manager on your server machine
- Follow the onscreen directions for the rest of the procedure
- Finally, select “Install” once you’re ready.
Closure!
The above discussed all possible ways to get rid of QuickBooks Error 1920 and we hope it helps you for the same. But many times, it happens when you are stuck in between the procedure or may not be able to proceed with the further steps. In that case, we highly suggest you get in touch with our Expertise via QuickBooks Customer Helpdesk. Meanwhile, you can use our LIVE CHAT option to clear all your doubts or queries.
A Frequently Asked Questions
How to Find my Product or License Numbers, If I Need While Installing QuickBooks Desktop?
With the help of few steps, you can easily find your important product information of your QuickBooks Desktop:
● Initially, you have to open the QuickBooks Desktop software
● Next step is to press the F2 key from your keyboard
● With this, it will open Product Information window then look for the product name, number, and license number within the same tab
● At the end of the product name, you can find your release version
● In the Version Used on File column, look for your version
● The list is arranged chronologically, with the oldest version at the top and the most recent version at the bottom.
What are the Steps Involved in Displaying the Hidden Files and Folders Using Windows?
If you’re using Windows 10, then perform the below steps:
● First, open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on your Desktop or System Tray
● Here, go to the View tab and click on the “Hidden Items”.
If you’re using Windows 8.1/ 8, then follow the steps as given below:
● Open the File Explorer using the Windows + E keys from your keyboard
● Move to the View tab and select the File Extensions >>> Hidden Items.
Is it Important to Activate the QuickBooks Desktop after Installation?
Yes, QuickBooks will prompt you to activate the software after your successful installation. Here’s how to activate the QuickBooks software:
● First, open your QuickBooks Desktop
● Go to the Help menu and select the “Activate QuickBooks Desktop” option
● Here, you have to perform the on-screen instructions to verify all the information.
