UntitledQuickBooks Database Server Manager: Setup & Configuration Guide 2025

If you're running QuickBooks in multi-user mode, you need a stable and reliable server connection—this is where QuickBooks Database Server Manager comes in. Whether you're an IT administrator or a small business owner, this tool ensures your company files stay accessible across your network without disruptions. Learn how to download, install & configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Need help? Call +1-888-209-3999 for expert support. <h2 data-start="964" data-end="1014">What is QuickBooks Database Server Manager?</h2> <a href="https://www.qbcommunitypro.com/quickbooks-database-server-manager/">QuickBooks Database Server Manager</a> (QBDSM) is a utility developed by Intuit that allows multiple users to access the QuickBooks company file stored on a server. It creates a network data file (.ND file) and manages company file connectivity for workstations. <blockquote data-start="1284" data-end="1355"> Without QBDSM, multi-user access in QuickBooks simply won’t function. </blockquote> <h2 data-start="1362" data-end="1384">Why You Need It</h2> Using QuickBooks on more than one computer? Here’s why you need QBDSM: <ul data-start="1458" data-end="1780"> <li data-start="1458" data-end="1541"> Multi-user environment: Enables simultaneous access to the same company file. </li> <li data-start="1542" data-end="1624"> Database hosting: Keeps the data file updated and shared across the network. </li> <li data-start="1625" data-end="1698"> Performance management: Monitors and optimizes QuickBooks services. </li> <li data-start="1699" data-end="1780"> Secure connections: Establishes secure channels between users and the file. </li> </ul> <h2 data-start="1787" data-end="1845">Step 1: Download QuickBooks Database Server Manager</h2> Before installation, ensure you're downloading the correct version that matches your QuickBooks version (2020-2025 supported). <h3 data-start="1975" data-end="1999">How to Download:</h3> <ol data-start="2001" data-end="2394"> <li data-start="2001" data-end="2168"> Go to the official <a class="cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2023" data-end="2162">Intuit QuickBooks Tool Hub</a> page. </li> <li data-start="2169" data-end="2224"> Click Download and save the file to your system. </li> <li data-start="2225" data-end="2271"> Locate <code data-start="2235" data-end="2258">QuickBooksToolHub.exe</code> and open it. </li> <li data-start="2272" data-end="2312"> Install and then launch the Tool Hub. </li> <li data-start="2313" data-end="2394"> Navigate to Network Issues > click QuickBooks Database Server Manager. </li> </ol> Alternatively, you can directly download the QuickBooks Server Manager setup when you install QuickBooks Desktop and choose Custom/Network Install. <h2 data-start="2554" data-end="2595">Step 2: Install the Server Manager</h2> <h3 data-start="2597" data-end="2624">Installation Guide:</h3> <ol data-start="2626" data-end="3129"> <li data-start="2626" data-end="2695"> Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded installer file. </li> <li data-start="2696" data-end="2985"> Custom Installation: <ul data-start="2727" data-end="2985"> <li data-start="2727" data-end="2766"> Select Custom or Network Install. </li> <li data-start="2770" data-end="2881"> Choose I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I’ll be storing... if it's the main server. </li> <li data-start="2885" data-end="2985"> Or select I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer if it's a server-only setup. </li> </ul> </li> <li data-start="2986" data-end="3060"> Follow Prompts: Complete installation using on-screen instructions. </li> <li data-start="3061" data-end="3129"> Finish & Reboot: Once completed, restart the server computer. </li> </ol> <h2 data-start="3225" data-end="3284">Step 3: Configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager</h2> After installation, configuration is crucial to ensure seamless multi-user performance. <h3 data-start="3375" data-end="3415">A. Open Database Server Manager:</h3> <ol data-start="3417" data-end="3515"> <li data-start="3417" data-end="3488"> Go to Start > search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager. </li> <li data-start="3489" data-end="3515"> Launch the application. </li> </ol> <h3 data-start="3517" data-end="3544">B. Scan the Folder:</h3> <ol data-start="3546" data-end="3683"> <li data-start="3546" data-end="3575"> Click on Scan Folders. </li> <li data-start="3576" data-end="3658"> Click Browse and select the folder where your company files are stored. </li> <li data-start="3659" data-end="3683"> Click Start Scan. </li> </ol> <blockquote data-start="3685" data-end="3760"> QBDSM will create a <code data-start="3707" data-end="3712">.ND</code> file in the folder, enabling multi-user access. </blockquote> <h3 data-start="3762" data-end="3794">C. Monitor the Services:</h3> <ul data-start="3796" data-end="3906"> <li data-start="3796" data-end="3833"> Go to the Monitored Drives tab. </li> <li data-start="3834" data-end="3906"> Select the drive containing QuickBooks files to monitor automatically. </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="3908" data-end="3944">D. Verify Firewall Settings:</h3> QBDSM configures firewall ports automatically during installation. But in case of network issues: <ul data-start="4045" data-end="4216"> <li data-start="4045" data-end="4082"> Open Windows Firewall settings. </li> <li data-start="4083" data-end="4216"> Allow the following ports based on QuickBooks version: <ul data-start="4142" data-end="4216"> <li data-start="4142" data-end="4169"> QuickBooks 2025: 8020 </li> <li data-start="4172" data-end="4199"> QuickBooks 2024: 8019 </li> <li data-start="4202" data-end="4216"> And so on... </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Read This Blog: <a href="https://www.qbcommunitypro.com/quickbooks-payroll-update-not-working/">QuickBooks Payroll Update Not Working</a> <h2 data-start="4223" data-end="4259">Troubleshooting Common Issues</h2> Even with the perfect setup, problems can arise. Here are some issues and how to resolve them: <h3 data-start="4357" data-end="4391">1. Can't Connect to Server</h3> <ul data-start="4393" data-end="4508"> <li data-start="4393" data-end="4450"> Ensure QBDBMgrN.exe is running in Task Manager. </li> <li data-start="4451" data-end="4508"> Restart QuickBooksDBXX service in Services.msc. </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="4510" data-end="4548">2. Multi-User Mode Not Working</h3> <ul data-start="4550" data-end="4661"> <li data-start="4550" data-end="4618"> Open QuickBooks File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Access. </li> <li data-start="4619" data-end="4661"> Verify folder permissions for all users. </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="4663" data-end="4702">3. Firewall Blocking QuickBooks</h3> <ul data-start="4704" data-end="4801"> <li data-start="4704" data-end="4761"> Add exceptions in your antivirus/firewall settings. </li> <li data-start="4762" data-end="4801"> Manually configure TCP/UDP ports. </li> </ul> <h2 data-start="4808" data-end="4846">Best Practices for Server Setup</h2> <ul data-start="4848" data-end="5022"> <li data-start="4848" data-end="4892"> Use a static IP address on the server. </li> <li data-start="4893" data-end="4961"> Backup regularly using the built-in QuickBooks backup manager. </li> <li data-start="4962" data-end="5022"> Always update QBDSM alongside your QuickBooks version. </li> </ul> <h2 data-start="5235" data-end="5252">Conclusion</h2> Setting up QuickBooks Database Server Manager correctly is the backbone of running QuickBooks in a secure, multi-user environment. From downloading and installing to configuring and troubleshooting—it’s all about ensuring your team can work together without hiccups. Remember, technology works best when it’s properly managed. And when things go off track, help is just one call away: +1-888-209-3999. <h2 data-start="5671" data-end="5723">FAQs About QuickBooks Database Server Manager</h2> <h3 data-start="5725" data-end="5786">1. Is QuickBooks Database Server Manager free to use?</h3> Yes, it’s included with your licensed version of QuickBooks Desktop and is free to install on the server computer. <h3 data-start="5903" data-end="5959">2. Do I need to install QBDSM on every computer?</h3> No. Install it only on the server or the system hosting the QuickBooks company file. <h3 data-start="6046" data-end="6094">3. Can I use multiple versions of QBDSM?</h3> Yes. If your network hosts different versions of QuickBooks (e.g., 2022 and 2025), you need a corresponding version of QBDSM for each. <h3 data-start="6231" data-end="6277">4. How do I update the Server Manager?</h3> You must download and install the latest updates from Intuit or reinstall it when upgrading QuickBooks. <h3 data-start="6383" data-end="6463">5. What’s the difference between QuickBooks Tool Hub and Server Manager?</h3> Tool Hub is a diagnostic suite for general errors. Server Manager specifically manages network connections for multi-user mode.