A Guide to Tackling the QuickBooks Error 193 Effortlessly

The QuickBooks error 193 is an error that prevents you from accessing the company file or even accessing the application in multi-user mode. You can address this issue due to issues with your company file, or if the files are damaged or corrupted. When this issue is seen, the following message may pop up on the screen:

“Error Message: Error 193: 0xc1, Unable to start the service error.

Error Message: Error 193: Services – Windows could not start the QuickBooksDBXX service on Local Computer.”

This blog consists of all the information you need to overcome the error and start working smoothly again.

If you want any assistance while working in multi-user mode, feel free to get in touch with our experts.

Troubleshooting Methods To Help You Fix the QuickBooks Error 193

In this section, we have enlisted the methods to help you fix the error 193 in your system by following the methods below.

Solution 1: Fix the Windows Firewall

Sometimes, antivirus software may identify QuickBooks processes as threats and block them or your inputs. This can be resolved by configuring the settings and enabling access to the company file via the specified ports.

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Write the Windows Firewall from the search bar to access it.
3. Head to the Advanced Settings.
4. Right-click on the Inbound Rules.
5. Then, click on the New Rule option.
6. Select the Port and choose Next.
7. Now, ensure that TCP is selected.
8. In the specific local port areas, enter the ports as per the QuickBooks version:
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
9. Once you have entered the port number.
10. Click on Next.
11. Now, tap on the Allow the Connection option.
12. Again, press Next.
13. When prompted, select all profiles and click Next.
14. Now, create a new rule and allot a name such as QBPorts (year).
15. Click on Finish to save the changes.

Try launching and accessing the company file in your system to check if you still encounter the QuickBooks error 193.

Solution 2: Rename the .ND and TLG File

The QB uses the .ND and .TLG files to control network access and transactions. If the files are damaged or set up incorrectly, you may encounter an error in your system. Changing the name of the file will create a new file and resolve the issue.

1. Go to the C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files location.
2. Then locate the file with .nd and .tlg extensions in the folder.
3. Right-click on the files.
4. Choose the Rename option.
5. Add .old at the end of the file name.
6. Save the new file format.
7. Reboot your computer system.

You can also try reinstalling the QBDT application from scratch to resolve the error your software is encountering. 

Solution 3: Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

If you cannot access the company in your application and get an error in your system, then you may clean install QuickBooks Desktop, which reinstalls the application from scratch and helps you overcome the issue in your system.

Solution 4: Update the Windows OS

Using an outdated version of the operating system will cause issues with components and software. Updating will allow you to access new features and tools with enhanced security, stability, and compatibility.

1. Click the search bar.
2. Try to find and click on the Settings tab.
3. Click on the Windows Update tab.
   
4. Now, click on the Check for Updates option.
5. Download and install the update if available.

Staying on the latest version of any application or Windows lets you access the new features and tools that come with it.

Solution 5: Use the Verify and Rebuild Tool

The utility tool will help you to detect the issue in your system and fix it. This allows the QB application to access and modify the company file without facing error 193. Follow the detailed steps below to use it without any hassle.

Verify the Company Data

1. Go to the Window menu.
2. Click on the Close All option.
3. Then, head to the File menu.
4. Tap on the Utilities.
   
5. Now, click on the Verify Data option. The following results may pop up:
   • “QuickBooks detected no problems with your data”: Your data is clean, and you do not need to do anything else.
   • An error message: Search for the specific error message on our QuickBooks Desktop support site for instructions on how to fix it.
   • “Your data has lost integrity”: Data damage was found in the file. Proceed to rebuild your company file to resolve the issue.

Rebuild the Company Data

1. Head to the File menu.
2. Tap on the Utilities option.
3. Then choose the Rebuild Data option.
   
4. If the QB asks to create a backup for the company file, then press OK.
5. Choose where you wish to save the backup.
6. Then, press OK. 
7. Input the new name in the file name field.
8. Hit Save.
9. Now, tap on OK when the Rebuild has completed message appears.

If your folder lacks permissions, you can resolve the issue on your system. 

Solution 6: Modify the Folder Permission

Inappropriate permissions of the folder may limit access to the company data and files. Allowing full control to the service will help to ensure smooth file access.

1. Go to the C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company File location.
2. Then, locate the data folder and right-click on it.
3. Choose the Properties option.
4. Tap on the Security tab.
5. Choose the QBDataServiceUserXX from the account list.
6. Go to the Edit option.
7. Click on the Full Control option.
8. Tap on Apply to save the changes.

Don’t forget to restart your application after performing any of the solutions in your system.

Solution 7: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

The Tool Hub is a software made by Intuit to solve issues like 193 and many more. To use the tool, you first need to download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub, then follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

1. Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Go to the Company File Issues tab.
3. Tap on the QuickBooks File Doctor option.
   
4. Browse the company file due to which you are facing the error.
5. Let the tool run and fix the issue.

If the above mentioned steps didn’t help, you can perform the following in the Tool Hub.

1. Access the QB Tool Hub,
2. Go to the Program Problems section.
3. Then tap on the Quick Fix my Program option.
   
4. Let the scan run and fix the issues with your application.

Restart the application once done and check if the error persists.

Solution 8: Verify Multi-User Mode

Inappropriate multi-user settings may cause errors, and you will be unable to connect users to the company file. Checking and re-enabling the hosting mode will ensure the server and the workstations are in sync.

1. Access the QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Head to the File menu.
3. Tap on the Utilities section.
4. Now, choose the Stop multi-user access option.
   
5. Run the QBDT on the server once all the systems are in single-user mode.
6. Then tap on File.
7. Head to the Utilities tab again.
8. Now, tap on the host multi-user access option.
   

Reboot your server and system to apply the changes to all the systems.

Solution 9: Restart the QuickBooks Database Server 

If you are unable to access the DBSM or check for the error, here are the steps to help you start the program again.

1. Access the QBDT on your server.
2. Tap on the File menu.
3. Click on the Open or Restore Company option.
   
4. Choose Open a company file.
5. Look for and access the company file.
6. Tap on Next.
7. Choose the Open file in multi-user mode. 
8. Tap on Open.
9. Now, sign in to your company file.
10. Go to the File menu.
11. Choose the Close Company/Log off option.
    
12. Tap on the Windows Start menu.
13. Input the database in the search bar and access it.

If the Database Server Manager is installed, then:

1. Choose the Start menu.
2. Look for and access the Control panel.
3. Tap on the Administrative Tools.
4. Choose the Services from the list.
5. Right-click the QuickBooksDBXX service (where XX is the application version).
6. Then, tap on the Restart option.

These steps will help you resolve the QuickBooks error 193 on your system, and you can access your company file.

Things You Might Experience When Facing QuickBooks Error 193

If the error occurs in your system, it can halt your application’s normal processes. The error can be caused by damaged program files or Windows-related issues. Below are the issues you may encounter when error 193 occurs in QBDT.

1. The QB application may stop responding to your commands when you are performing any task.
2. The Windows OS might lag, freeze, hang, or even start to respond very slowly.
3. The input devices may also stop to respond which makes it difficult for the users to close the program.
4. There are tools and features in QB that will be unaccessible for the user.
5. If you are unable to access the company file in multi-user mode.
6. You can encounter a pop-up message that may appear when you encounter the issue.

Let’s move to the next section to understand what can be the cause of this error in your case.

Potential Reasons Why You May Encounter the QuickBooks Error 193 

To understand the error, you should identify why it occurs in your system and what issues it causes. Here’s a list of causes, one of which can be present in your case.

1. If there are duplicate company files present in your files or codes that can cause the QuickBooks error 193:0xc1.
2. If the .QBW file is damaged or corrupted, then the issue can be seen.
3. When you merge or delete customer names and try to access the deleted name.
4. The name of the customer gets corrupted.
5. If the .QBT file in the database is damaged or corrupted.
6. When the Windows OS is not updated to the latest version.
7. If the installation of the QBDT is invalid.
8. The QBDBSM  file is not available.

These were the various reasons due to which you may encounter QuickBooks error 193.

Quick View Table for QuickBooks Error 193

Let’s have a glance at what we have so far discussed about the error in this blog.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the reasons behind your interference with QuickBooks error 193. Further, we have also included the steps to help you overcome the issue in a detailed step-by-step guide. If you need any help with the company file, you can contact ProAdvisor Solutions’ experts to get a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Erica watson

Erica Watson is writing about accounting and bookkeeping for over 7+ years, making even the difficult technical topics easy to understand. She is skilled at creating content about popular accounting and tax softwares such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Quicken, etc. Erica’s knowledge of such softwares allows her to create articles and guides that are both informative and easy to follow. Her writing builds trust with readers, thanks to her ability to explain things clearly while showing a real understanding of the industry.