While working in QuickBooks, you may sometimes encounter an error message titled “Error 12007: The QuickBooks Database Server Manager Service is not running” that prevents you from opening your company file.

The technical-sounding error code can be confusing for the average QuickBooks user. But no need to panic! In most cases, QuickBooks error 12007 indicates a simple issue with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service (QBDBMgrN). Here’s what causes the error and how to troubleshoot it:

What Triggers the QuickBooks 12007 Error?

As the message indicates, Intuit’s QuickBooks management software relies on an internal Database Server Manager service to enable connectivity when hosting company files in a multi-user environment. The QBDBMgrN process facilitates communication between multiple workstations running the QuickBooks client and the hosted database storing your actual company information.

If this database manager service fails to start up properly or gets interrupted, QuickBooks loses the ability to coordinate traffic between devices. This leads to error 12007, typically when trying to launch QuickBooks desktop or open your company file hosted on a server.

The service might stop unexpectedly after a Windows update, server reboot, antivirus scan, or automatic process suspension on the host machine. Without QBDBMgrN running, multi-user modes break down. So how do you get it fixed?

Restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

In most situations, restarting the QuickBooks database server manager clears error 12007 right up. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Services on the Server Hosting Company File
2. Locate the listing for “QuickBooksDBXX” in the services list
3. Right click on QBDBMgrN and choose Restart
4. Give the service a few minutes to fully reload
5. Try opening QuickBooks on a client desktop to access company file

After restarting QBDBMgrN, you should once again connect without any issue. The service restart essentially reinitializes coordination for multi-user traffic to Flow correctly behind the scenes.

If error 12007 still appears for clients after the restart, you may need to reboot the entire server machine. A full reboot often fully clears up hiccups even after manually starting the process.

Adjusting File Folder Sharing Settings

In some cases, connectivity problems arise not from the database manager service itself, but improper user permissions on the hosted company file storage folder. Each Windows user account accessing the QuickBooks data requires proper share and security rights to that network location.

Double check the Sharing and Security tabs on the company file folder properties. Give “Everyone” full control permissions as a test. If error 12007 goes away after tweaking permissions, you know the cause. Adjust long term permissions accordingly later.

Scanning and Rebuilding Damaged Files

Very occasionally, persistent error code 12007 indicates deeper corruption in the company file database itself. As QBDBMgr tries and fails to coordinate access, errors manifest for users.

You can scan and rebuild damaged company files directly within QuickBooks desktop:

1. Launch QuickBooks and open File Menu
2. Select Utilities Validate and Rebuild
3. Follow the prompts to scan and repair your data

The rebuild process often fixes mismatched pieces that prevent proper connectivity behind error 12007. Just be sure to backup company files first!

When to Call Support

If restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, adjusting folder permissions, and rebuilding data does not resolve error code 12007, further network troubleshooting is likely needed. Multi-user environments introduce lots of potential points of failure.

Consider contacting your IT support team or even QuickBooks Tool Hub dedicated support to investigate root causes. They can dig deeper into logs and connectivity tests to pinpoint why company files won’t synchronize properly with QBDBMgrN running.

Preventing Future 12007 Errors

While fixing error 12007 is straight-forward, prevention best practices will help avoid repeat issues:

1. Maintain the QuickBooksDBXX service with monitoring software
2. Control network folder permissions tightly
3. Install monthly QuickBooks patches and updates
4. Never forcibly close QuickBooks without properly exiting

Following these tips will help maintain connectivity behind the scenes and keep error 12007 at bay!