Are you setting up QuickBooks for multi-user access? Then you need to understand how the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDSM) works. This powerful utility is essential for sharing your company file across a network without data conflicts or slowdowns.

In this detailed 2025 guide, you'll learn:

✅ What QBDSM is and how it works

💾 How to download and install it

🔄 How to use it to scan folders and enable multi-user mode

⚠️ How to fix common QuickBooks database errors

📈 Pro tips to optimize your QuickBooks server setup

📞 Need QuickBooks Server Help? Call 855-749-2321 to speak to a certified expert.

What Is QuickBooks Database Server Manager?

QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDSM) is a utility from Intuit that enables multiple users to access the same QuickBooks Desktop company file across a network. It creates .ND (Network Descriptor) files and manages communication between users and the file host.

🔑 Core Functions:

Host QuickBooks files on a server

Enable multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop

Scan folders and update network configurations

Monitor local drives for new company files

📘 Related: How to Set Up QuickBooks Multi-User Mode

💻 How to Download and Install QBDSM

📥 Pro Tip: QBDSM is bundled within the full QuickBooks Desktop installation file.

✅ Steps:

Visit Intuit's Downloads & Updates Page

Choose your QuickBooks Desktop version (e.g., 2025)

Download the installer and run it

Select Custom or Network Install

Choose either:

Host & access the file, or

Only host the file (no QuickBooks access)

How to Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Open QBDSM

Go to:
Start > Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager

2. Scan Folders for Company Files

Click Scan Folders

Add folder(s) that contain your QuickBooks company files

Click Scan
📁 This creates the necessary .ND files that allow users to connect over a network.

3. Monitor Drives

Use the Monitored Drives tab to keep QBDSM watching for new or moved files in real-time.

4. Check Service Status

Make sure the QuickBooksDBXX service is running.

Go to Services tab

Start/Restart the service if needed

🧯 Fixing Common QuickBooks Database Server Errors

Here are the most common issues QuickBooks users face when setting up server hosting:

📘 Related: How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

📞 For hands-on troubleshooting, call 855-749-2321 for expert support.

📈 Pro Tips & Best Practices

💡 Use static IP on the host server to avoid reconnection issues.

🔄 Re-scan folders after moving or renaming company files.

🔒 Ensure proper firewall settings for your QuickBooks version:

QB 2025: Ports 8019, 56728, 55378–55382

⚙️ Set QBDBMgrN to launch on system startup.

📁 Give full read/write access to QuickBooks folders.

📘 Bonus: QuickBooks Firewall Settings for Multi-User Mode

🙋 FAQs

Q1: Can I install Database Server Manager only, without QuickBooks?

Yes! Select the option “I will NOT be using QuickBooks on this computer.” during setup.

Q2: Do I need a separate license for QBDSM?

No, it comes free with QuickBooks Desktop.

Q3: What if I use multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop?

You'll need to install each year's QBDSM separately (e.g., 2022 and 2025).

Q4: Where can I find the database service name?

Go to Services.msc → Look for QuickBooksDB30 (for QuickBooks 2020), or QuickBooksDB35 for 2025.

📞 Talk to a QuickBooks Hosting Expert 

Having issues with your QuickBooks network setup or Database Server Manager? Don't risk corrupting your data.

📞 Call 855-749-2321 for help from certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors.

📋 You can also:

✅ Schedule a Free Setup Consultation

💬 Chat with a Support Expert Live

📥 Download our QuickBooks Server Setup Checklist (PDF)