Problem Overview
This error occurs when QuickBooks cannot start required Windows services during installation. These services are essential for database operations, multi-user access, and background processes.
Common Symptoms
- Installation fails with Error 1903
- Specific service mentioned in error message
- Services show as "Disabled" or "Stopped"
- Permission denied errors
- Installation rollback occurs
Affected Services
- QBDBMgrN - Database Manager
- QBCFMonitorService
- QBIDPService
- QBPOSSDKService
- QBVSSService
Quick Resolution
- Manually start required services
- Configure service permissions
- Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Run installer as Administrator
- Check service dependencies
Step-by-Step Solution
Start the required services manually before running the installer.
- Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc and press Enter
- Locate QuickBooks services (QBDBMgrN, QBCFMonitorService, etc.)
- Right-click each service and select Properties
- Set Startup type to Automatic
- Click Start to manually start the service
- Repeat for all QuickBooks-related services
Note: If services fail to start, note the error message as it will help identify the specific issue (permissions, dependencies, etc.).
Ensure services have proper permissions to run and access required resources.
- Open Services (services.msc)
- Right-click the problematic service and select Properties
- Go to the Log On tab
- Select This account and click Browse
- Enter NT SERVICE\All Services or use Local System account
- Click OK and restart the service
Security Note: Using the Local System account gives the service extensive privileges. Only use this for trusted services.
The QuickBooks Tool Hub includes specialized tools for service-related issues.
- Download and run QuickBooks Tool Hub as Administrator
- Go to the Program Problems tab
- Click QuickBooks Services Tool
- Select Stop all QuickBooks Services
- Wait for confirmation, then select Start all QuickBooks Services
- Restart your computer and try installation again
Success Tip: The Services Tool automatically configures proper permissions and dependencies for all QuickBooks services.
Some QuickBooks services depend on other Windows services to function properly.
- Open Services (services.msc)
- Right-click the problematic service and select Properties
- Go to the Dependencies tab
- Note all services listed in the "This service depends on" section
- Ensure all dependent services are running
- Start any stopped dependencies and restart the QuickBooks service
// Common dependencies for QB services:
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
- RPC Endpoint Mapper
- Windows Event Log
- TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Completely reset service configuration to eliminate corrupted settings.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Stop the problematic service:
net stop "QBDBMgrN"
- Reset service configuration:
sc config "QBDBMgrN" start= auto
- Set service failure actions:
sc failure "QBDBMgrN" reset= 60 actions= restart/60000
- Start the service:
net start "QBDBMgrN"
- Repeat for other QuickBooks services if needed
Note: The space after "start=" in the sc config command is required for proper syntax.
Service Configuration Guide
Permission Solutions
Configure service logon accounts, set proper permissions, use service control manager, and ensure administrative privileges.
Dependency Management
Identify and start dependent services, configure startup order, and ensure required system components are available.
Security Configuration
Configure Windows Firewall exceptions, adjust antivirus settings, and set proper security policies for services.
Service Recovery
Set service failure actions, configure automatic restarts, monitor service health, and implement recovery procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do QuickBooks services fail to start during installation?
Common reasons include: insufficient permissions for the service account, conflicting software blocking service startup, corrupted service configuration, missing dependencies, antivirus interference, or Windows security policies restricting service execution. The installer may not have sufficient privileges to configure services properly.
Can I install QuickBooks without the database manager service?
No, QBDBMgrN (Database Manager) is essential for multi-user functionality and company file management. While single-user mode might work temporarily without it, many features will be unavailable, and you'll encounter errors when trying to access company files or enable multi-user mode.
What if services start manually but fail during installation?
This typically indicates permission issues specifically with the installer. The installer may be running under a different security context than your manual attempts. Try: 1) Ensuring User Account Control is not blocking the installer, 2) Running the installer from an elevated Command Prompt, 3) Temporarily disabling security software, 4) Using the QuickBooks Clean Install tool.
How can I prevent service-related installation errors?
Preventive measures include: always running installers as Administrator, temporarily disabling antivirus during installation, ensuring no QuickBooks processes are running before installation, using the QuickBooks Tool Hub to stop all services before install, keeping Windows updated, and maintaining adequate disk space for service logs and temporary files.