QuickBooks Error 1920 can interrupt installation or prevent an important QuickBooks service from starting correctly. It commonly appears when installing or updating QuickBooks Desktop, displaying a message such as: “Error 1920: Service QuickBooks Database Manager (QBCFMonitorService) failed to start.”

This service helps QuickBooks Database Server Manager connect to company files. When it fails to start, the installation or update may not finish successfully. In this guide, we’ll explain the possible causes and walk through practical ways to fix QuickBooks Error 1920.

What is QuickBooks Error 1920?

QuickBooks Error 1920 is an installation-related service error. It occurs when Windows cannot start the QuickBooks Database Manager service, also known as QBCFMonitorService, during the installation or update process.

The error may appear when installing a new QuickBooks Desktop version or updating Database Server Manager on a computer that stores company files for other users.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 1920

Several issues can prevent the required service from starting. Common causes include:

• Insufficient Windows permissions: The account running the installation may not have administrator privileges.
• Damaged installation files: Corrupted or incomplete QuickBooks installation components can interfere with service startup.
• Existing installation conflicts: Leftover folders or components from an earlier QuickBooks installation may cause problems.
• Database Server Manager issues: The Database Server Manager may be damaged or incorrectly installed.
• Company file access problems: The Database Manager may be unable to connect to the company file or its folder.
• Windows service problems: Windows may be unable to start the required QuickBooks service.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1920

Try the following solutions based on whether you are installing QuickBooks Desktop or updating Database Server Manager.

Solution 1: Install QuickBooks Using a Windows Administrator Account

If you are installing QuickBooks for the first time and receive Error 1920, check whether your Windows account has administrator privileges.

1. Close the QuickBooks installation window.
2. Sign in to Windows using an administrator account.
3. Locate the QuickBooks installation file.
4. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Administrator access allows the installer to create and configure the required Windows services.

Solution 2: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

If the error appears while installing or updating an existing QuickBooks version, uninstalling the affected installation may help.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Control Panel.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
4. Find your QuickBooks Desktop version.
5. Select Uninstall/Change.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Before proceeding, make sure you have a separate backup of your company file and access to your product and license information.

Solution 3: Rename QuickBooks Installation Folders

Old or damaged installation folders may interfere with a fresh installation. Renaming the relevant folders allows QuickBooks to create new ones during setup.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Locate the QuickBooks installation folders listed in Intuit's Error 1920 troubleshooting guide.
3. Enable the display of hidden files and folders if necessary.
4. Open each relevant folder location.
5. Right-click the applicable QuickBooks folder and select Rename.
6. Add .OLD to the folder name.

Common locations include:

• 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

Important: If other Intuit applications are installed, rename only the folder belonging to the affected QuickBooks version. Do not rename shared folders indiscriminately.

Solution 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

After uninstalling QuickBooks and renaming the appropriate installation folders, reinstall the application.

1. Obtain the correct QuickBooks Desktop installer for your version.
2. Close other running applications.
3. Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
4. Follow the installation prompts.
5. Restart Windows after installation.
6. Open QuickBooks and check whether the error has disappeared.

For additional guidance, read our guide on installing QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 5: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If Error 1920 occurs while updating Database Server Manager on a server computer, reinstalling that component may help.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
3. Find QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the installed programs list.
4. Select Uninstall/Change and follow the instructions.
5. Rename the relevant QuickBooks installation folders as described above.
6. Download and reinstall the appropriate Database Server Manager version.
7. Follow the setup instructions and configure company file sharing again.

After reinstalling, open Database Server Manager and scan the folders containing your company files if required.

If the QBCFMonitorService continues to fail, see our detailed guide on QBCFMonitorService Not Running on This Computer.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 1920

You can reduce the chances of encountering this error by following a few precautions:

• Use a Windows administrator account when installing or updating QuickBooks.
• Download installation files from a trusted source.
• Keep Windows and QuickBooks components updated.
• Avoid interrupting installation or updates.
• Maintain a separate backup of your company file.
• Check that the server computer has the necessary access to company file folders.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 1920 usually occurs when the QuickBooks Database Manager service, particularly QBCFMonitorService, fails to start during installation or an update. Checking administrator permissions, removing the affected installation, renaming the appropriate folders, and reinstalling QuickBooks or Database Server Manager can help resolve the issue.

Always back up your company file before making installation changes. If the error continues, consider contacting a qualified QuickBooks professional to investigate the Windows service or installation configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does QuickBooks Error 1920 mean?

QuickBooks Error 1920 indicates that Windows could not start the QuickBooks Database Manager service, QBCFMonitorService, during installation or an update.

Why does QBCFMonitorService fail to start?

The service may fail because of insufficient Windows permissions, damaged installation components, existing installation conflicts, or problems accessing company file folders.

How do I fix QuickBooks Error 1920 during installation?

Start by using a Windows administrator account. If that does not resolve the issue, uninstall the affected QuickBooks version, rename its relevant installation folders, and reinstall the software.

Can QuickBooks Error 1920 affect multi-user mode?

Yes, Database Server Manager supports access to company files over a network. If its required services cannot start, users may experience problems accessing shared company files.

How do I fix Error 1920 on a server computer?

If the error appears while updating Database Server Manager on a server-only computer, uninstall the affected component, rename the relevant installation folders, reinstall Database Server Manager, and configure company file sharing again.

Does QuickBooks Error 1920 mean my company file is damaged?

Not necessarily, Error 1920 is generally associated with a service failing to start during installation or an update. It does not automatically mean that your company file is damaged.