Skip to content

QuickBooks Error 1920: Message, Reasons, and Methods To Fix It

QuickBooks Error 1920

QuickBooks Error 1920 is a common error in QuickBooks that takes place when the QB Database Manager Server fails to connect to the company file. The error, in most cases, occurs when the users try to install QuickBooks Desktop or a program update. This error can become a great problem for you if not resolved on time, so it is important to handle it carefully. For the same purpose, we have curated this blog for you. It will cover everything about error 1920 in QuickBooks, including the reason behind its occurrence and methods to fix it.

What does QuickBooks Error 1920 mean?

QuickBooks Database Manager Server scans all the installed hard drives for the company to create a connection with these files. But sometimes, when this QBDBMS tries to access the drive on the system, it is not able to do so, and thus this affects the installation or connection. In other words, when the QB Database Manager Service fails to connect with the company file as it is not able to scan the hard drives, it can give an error. This is the QuickBooks error 1920. This error can occur under a number of circumstances, which we will discuss in the next part of the blog.

What is the Error Message for QuickBooks Error 1920?

The error message displayed on the screen for QuickBooks Error 1920 says that 

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

The message clearly depicts the problem that the QBDBMS tried to launch and access a drive but failed to do so.

Some other error messages that you can encounter if the QBCFMonitorService sufferers any issues:

  • QBCFMonitorService.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.
  • Access violation at address FFFFFFFF in module QBCFMonitorService.exe. Read of address 00000000.
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to your problem.
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close your program and notify you if a solution is available.

What are the possible reasons for the appearance of QuickBooks Error 1920?

The error message for the QuickBooks error code 1920 clearly indicates that the main reason for its occurrence is the failure of QB Database Manager Service to start. The other reasons for the error code 1920 are given below:

  1. There is a malfunction in the Operating system of your device.
  2. You might have experienced failed installation or uninstallation of QuickBooks.
  3. There might be some invalid entries in your Windows registry.
  4. Your computer might have gotten infected with a virus or malware.
  5. Improper shutdown of the system due to power failure can also be a possible reason for the QuickBooks error 1920.
  6. You might have mistakenly deleted some important system files or registry entries from your device.
  7. When you try to install the QuickBooks application on your system without having full Admin rights.

When can the QuickBooks Error 1920 appear on your screen?

To simplify the troubleshooting procedure, first, understand when this error 1920 can appear on your screen. There are two conditions where you can face this error, 

  1. When you try to update the QuickBooks database server manager on the server system and
  2. When you are trying to install QuickBooks or update an already existing QuickBooks application on your system.

The troubleshooting steps given below will be based on these two instances only.

If you are facing QBDBMgrN Not Running issue, know how to resolve QBDBMgrN Not Running error.

What are the troubleshooting solutions for QuickBooks Error 1920?

Once you are aware of the reason behind the occurrence of QuickBooks Error 1920, you can easily follow the corresponding steps to troubleshoot it. Follow the solutions based on the instances you have faced the Quickbooks Error 1920.

Instance 1: If you faced the error when you were trying to install or update QuickBooks

Solution 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop Application

  1. Press the Windows + R key and open the control panel.
  2. Then opt for the programs and features tab followed by the uninstall a program option.

programs and features
Programs and Features

  1. After that, from the list of installed programs, you have to opt for QuickBooks desktop.
  2. Lastly, go for the option of uninstall or change and follow the onscreen instructions.

Uninstall or Change a Program
Uninstall or Change a Program

Solution 2: Rename the Installation folders.

For this step, if you do not find the Quickbooks application data or program data folder, then you have to opt for the option to display the hidden files and folders. Also, if you have multiple Intuit apps installed on your device, then make sure to uninstall or rename only the QuickBooks version folder in the Intuit folder. Follow the given instructions to rename the installation folder:

  1. First, navigate to the installation folders and then refer to the list given below.

For Windows 10/8/7

  1. C:\Program Data\Intuit
  2. C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
  3. C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit
  4. C:\Program Files\Intuit
  5. C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit

For Windows 10/8/7

  1. C:\Program Data\Intuit
  2. C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
  3. C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit
  4. C:\Program Files\Intuit
  5. C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
  6. Next, press the Windows key along with the R key to open the run command.

Press Windows+R from Keyboard
Press Windows+R from Keyboard

  1. Now, enter the folder location and hit the Enter key.
  2. Then, click right on the folder and choose the Rename option from the list.
  3. Finally, you need to rename the folder by adding the .OLD at the end and then by clicking Yes.

Rename the Folder
Rename the Folder

Solution 3: Install QuickBooks Desktop again.

Install QuickBooks Desktop
Install QuickBooks Desktop

After you have carried out the previous two steps, you need to install the QuickBooks Desktop application again.

  1. First, prepare the Installation of your QuickBooks software.
  2. Then install the QB desktop on your PC.

  • For this, first, open the downloaded file. This file would be QuickBooks.exe.
  • Then pay attention to the on-screen instructions and accept the software license agreement.
  • After that, choose the Next option and enter your QuickBooks Product and License numbers and hit Next.

  1. Then, you have to decide the right install type for you. You have two options for you. One is Express install, and the other is Custom and Network install.
  2. Lastly, you need to Activate your QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 4: Set up the QuickBooks desktop to use the new company file name.

  1. For this, first, open the QuickBooks desktop application.
  2. Then move on to the QB company file and then click on the option to open or restore an existing company

 Open or Restore an Existing Company
Open or Restore an Existing Company

  1. Then, you need to open a company file by pressing the Next tab.
  2. Once done with it, you have to choose a new name for the company file.
  3. And then hit the Open button.

Solution 4: Manually resolve the QuickBooks Error 1920

  1. The first step is to rename the QuickBooks company file.
  2. Then open the QuickBooks desktop and then open the company file.
  3. Next, press the F2 key or Ctrl +1 keys so as to open the product information window.

  1. Then, navigate to the location of the company file in the file location and Close the QuickBooks desktop.
  2. Now, move the company file location by following the given steps:

  • For Windows 10, 8.1, and 8, you have to click on the Windows Start button and select the file explorer.
  • For Windows 7 and Vista, you have to click right on the Windows Start button and then open Windows explorer.

  1. Then click right on the file menu and then select the rename tab.
  2. After that, type a new name for the company file and hit Enter tab. If Windows asks you to confirm you to perform an action then tab Yes.

Read Also- How to resolve QuickBooks Error 100 (Database Manager Not Working)

Instance 2: If you faced the error when you were trying to update the QuickBooks database server manager on the server system.

You need to carry out the given steps if you do not have Quickbooks on the server but have shared the file over the network using the database server manager.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks database server manager

  1. To start the process, press the Windows + R keys.

  1. Then enter the appwiz.cpl and hit the OK button after the run dialog box appears.

Enter the appwiz.cpl in Run window
Enter the appwiz.cpl in Run window

  1. Next, go to the QuickBooks database server manager.
  2. Lastly, click on the uninstall/change the option and then carry out the instructions given on the screen.

Step 2: Rename the installation folders to resolve the QuickBooks Error 1920.

This step is similar to the above-mentioned step. You have to go to the Intuit apps folder and select the QuickBooks version folder located inside it. If you are unable to see the app data there, you need to display the hidden files and folders also. 

  1. First, visit the installation folder and then refer to the chart given below:

Windows 10/8/7Windows Vista
C:\Program Data\IntuitC:\Program Data\Intuit
C:\Program Data\Common Files\IntuitC:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\IntuitC:\Users\\AppData\Local\Intuit
C:\Program Files\IntuitC:\Program Files\Intuit
C:\Program Files\Common Files\IntuitC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit

  1. Next, press the Windows + R key and open the Run command.
  2. After that, enter the folder location and hit Enter.
  3. Then click right on the folder and select the Rename option.
  4. Lastly, you need to end the process by adding the .Old to the folder name.

Step 3: Reinstall the QuickBooks database server manager to fix the QuickBooks Error 1920.

The last step in this process involves reinstalling the QuickBooks database server manager and setting up the file sharing. The database server manager helps to run the Quickbooks desktop with Multi-user access. It also helps in working with the same company file at the same time.  The steps to download and install the QuickBooks database server manager are as follows:

  • The first step involves downloading and installing the database server manager on the server system. The server system is the computer that hosts the company file.

Note: Remember that if you are a professional accountant or bookkeeper or have hosted more than one version of QuickBooks desktop on your network, you have to install them in order. This means that first install the older version, then the recent one.

  1. First, you need to terminate all the open programs on the server device, including QuickBooks.
  2. Next, open the downloaded file Setup_QuickBooks.exe file and install it.
  3. Then follow the onscreen instructions one by one to proceed ahead with the process.
  4. After that, QuickBooks will ask you to select an install type followed by the custom or network options. Then move to the Next tab and remember not to choose the express option.
  5. Next, hit click on the preferred option to set up the network and again click Next. Both options will help you install the database server manager.
  6. If you want to have both the QuickBooks database manager and QuickBooks on the server system, you are required to click on the  I’ll be using as well as store QuickBooks desktop on this device option.
  7. But in case you do not want the QuickBooks desktop and just using the database server manager on your server system, then you have to click on the option saying  I will not be using QuickBooks desktop option.
  8. Then move ahead with the on-screen instructions, then when you are all set, click on the install tab. Windows might ask you for permissions; grant it all the permissions.

The Wrap-Up Note!!

The above-mentioned methods will help you tackle QuickBooks Error 1920 easily. However, remember to select the methods based on the instances when you came across the issue. Also, you can try to clear the junk files and folders from your system. As sometimes, the cache and junk files can interrupt the working of some applications, and chances are that you might be facing the QuickBooks error 1920 because of this. Thereafter, if you need any other assistance with QuickBooks, you can contact our support team. Call our toll-free number+1-(855)-955-1942 to connect the call.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why am I facing the QuickBooks Error 1920 service failed to start?

You face the QuickBooks Error 1920 service failed to start issue when Your QuickBooks Database Manager server is not able to access a hard drive on the desktop and fails to establish a connection with the company files.

2. How do I resolve the error 1920 while trying to install or update QB Desktop?

You can resolve the error 1920 in QuickBooks if you have faced it while trying to install or update QB Desktop with the following methods:
1. By modifying the names of the installation folders.
2. Uninstalling and Reinstalling QB from the system.
3. Performing manual steps to resolve the issue.

3. What to do if I face QuickBooks error 1920 while updating QBDBMgrN on the server system?

 In cases where you face the error QuickBooks 1920  while you update the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, you need to take the following actions:
1. Uninstalling l QuickBooks Database Manager.
2. Changing the name of the installation folders.
3. Installing QBDBMgrN again.

Oscar Joe Editor
Oscar Joe is a Certified Accountant with Expertise in QuickBooks, Sage and Quicken Accounting Software. Joe has been working with Data Service Solutions for the last 3 years as a QuickBooks Expert and is Helping Accounting software users with their day to day accounting tasks and issues.
follow me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© Dataservicesolutions - All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer

"Data Service Solutions" is a Accounting and Bookkeeping service provider. We are distinguished by the virtue of our expertise in various products developed by a wide range of third-party companies. Read More

Connect With Our Experts & Get Your QuickBooks Queries Resolved Right Away! Dial +1-(855)-955-1942