QuickBooks
is a popular accounting software used by businesses of all sizes to manage
their financial transactions. To ensure smooth and efficient operation,
especially in a multi-user environment, QuickBooks offers a tool called
QuickBooks Database Server Manager. In this article, we will explore what QuickBooks Database Server
Manager is, and provide a comprehensive guide on how to download,
set up, and update it.
What is
QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
QB Database Server
Manager (QBDSM)is a utility that allows multiple users to access the same
company file over a network. It creates a network data file (.ND file) for any
company file stored on the host computer. This file acts as a bridge between
the QuickBooks application and the company file, enabling seamless
collaboration among users on different computers.
Why You
Need QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
1.
Multi-User Access: Without Database Server Manager, QuickBooks won’t support
multiple users accessing the company file simultaneously.
2. Data
File Optimization: It helps in optimizing the company data file for network
access, ensuring faster performance.
3.
Automatic Updates: The Database Server Manager can automatically update
itself when a new version is available.
Now, let’s dive into the
steps to download, set up, and update QB Database Server Manager.
Steps
to Download QuickBooks Database Server Manager
1. Log
In as an Administrator: Ensure you are logged in as an administrator on the host
computer where QuickBooks is installed.
2.
Download QuickBooks Installer: Visit the official QuickBooks website or
your Intuit account if you have a subscription. Download the QuickBooks Desktop
installer.
3. Run
the Installer: Locate the downloaded installer file and run it. Follow
the on-screen instructions until you reach the installation type screen.
4.
Choose Installation Type: Select the “Custom” installation type.
5.
Choose Database Server Manager: On the Custom Installation window, check
the box for “Database Server Manager” and uncheck all other components unless
you need them. Click “Next.”
6.
Install: Follow the remaining installation process, and Database
Server Manager will installed on your computer.
Alternative
Method to Download
If you found the initial
option for downloading QBDatabase Server Manager confusing, you can follow
these steps instead:
·
First Download QuickBooks Tools
Hub from Intuit’s official website. Access your downloads by
pressing the Ctrl + J keys simultaneously.
·
Locate and click on the QuickBooksToolsHub.exe file.
·
Grant permission for the application to make
changes by clicking “Yes.”
·
Proceed with the installation by clicking “Next,”
and accept the license agreement by clicking “Yes.”
·
Continue by clicking “Next” and then “Install.”
Please be patient, as the installation process may take some time.
·
Once the installation is complete, click “Finish.”
·
Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon.
·
Under the “Network Issues” tab, select
the “Database Server Manager” option.
After completing this
process, ensure that all users have permission to access the company folders.
Note that by default, QBDBSM will create a unique user for each installation.
How to
Set Up QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Once
you’ve successfully downloaded and installed QB Database Server Manager,
it’s time to set it up for your network.
1. Open
Database Server Manager: Go to the Windows Start menu, type “Database Server
Manager” in the search bar, and open the application.
2. Scan
Folders: In the Database Server Manager, click on the “Scan
Folders” tab. Add the folders where your QuickBooks company files are stored.
Click “Scan.”
3.
Monitor Drive: Database Server Manager will monitor the drive for company
files and create .ND files for them, allowing multi-user access.
4.
Check Service Status: Go to the “Services” tab in Database Server Manager to
check the status of the QuickBooksDBXX service. It should be running.
5. Test
Connectivity: Use the “Test Connectivity” button to ensure that Database
Server Manager is correctly set up and that other computers on the network can
access the company files.
Your QB Database Server
Manager is now set up and ready to facilitate multi-user access to QB company
files.
Update
QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Regular updates are
crucial to keep QB Database Server Manager (QBDSM)running smoothly and
securely. Follow these steps to update it:
1.
Automatic Updates: By default, QBDSM is set to receive automatic updates.
When a new update is available, it will prompt you to install it. Follow the
prompts to complete the update.
2.
Manual Updates: If you want to manually update Database Server Manager,
you can download the latest update from the official website. Ensure that you
download the correct version that matches your QuickBooks Desktop version.
3. Install
the Update: Run the downloaded update file and follow the on-screen
instructions to install it. It will automatically replace the older version
with the latest one.
4.
Restart the Service: After the update is installed, it’s a good practice to restart
the QuickBooksDBXX service in the Windows Services application to ensure that
the changes take effect.
Conclusion
QBDSM is a vital tool for
businesses using QuickBooks in a multi-user environment. It facilitates
efficient collaboration and data access. By following the steps outlined in
this guide, you can easily download, set up, and update QB Database Server
Manager, ensuring the smooth operation of your accounting processes. Keep your
software up to date to enjoy the latest features and security enhancements.
If you
have any questions or find yourself in a challenging situation, don’t hesitate
to reach out to our team of accounting professionals. We are here to assist you
at any time. You can easily get in touch with our accounting experts by dialing
our helpline at 1-844-712-2521, where you can discuss your concerns with our
dedicated QuickBooks Error Support team. Our knowledgeable
experts are committed to resolving all your inquiries in the most effective
manner. So, don’t delay, give us a call, and allow our team to handle the rest
on your behalf.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What
is QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
QuickBooks Database
Server Manager is a utility tool that enables multiple users to access the same
QuickBooks company file over a network. It creates network data files (.ND
files) to facilitate multi-user access.
2. How
do I download QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
To download QuickBooks
Database Server Manager, visit the official QuickBooks website or your Intuit account
if you have a subscription. Download the QuickBooks Desktop installer, choose
the “Custom” installation type, and select “Database Server Manager” during
installation.
3. What
is the purpose of Database Server Manager in QuickBooks?
The purpose of QuickBooks
Database Server Manager is to optimize and manage QuickBooks company files for
network access. It creates .ND files, allowing multiple users to work on the
same file concurrently.
4. How
do I set up QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
To set up QB Database
Server Manager (QBDSM):
·
Open the application.
·
Scan folders containing QuickBooks company
files.
·
Monitor the drive for company files.
·
Check the service status in the “Services”
tab.
·
Test connectivity to ensure proper setup.
5. What
is the role of .ND files in QuickBooks Database Server Manager?
.ND files created by
QuickBooks Database Server Manager act as a bridge between the QuickBooks
application and the company file. They allow multiple users to access the same
company file over a network.