Restoring the Database Server Connection for Error -6000,-77 in QuickBooks Desktop

When QuickBooks Desktop loses its connection to the database server and shows error -6000,-77, learn how to restore access and resume normal multi-user work.

We recommend that you create a backup of the company file before making any changes and ask all users to switch to single‑user mode or log out. When QuickBooks Desktop shows error -6000,-77 indicating a lost database server connection, the steps below help you restore the link between the host workstation and the QBDBMgrN service. See our QuickBooks error code repair service for additional guidance.

Check the host workstation power and network

1. Confirm that the computer set up as the QuickBooks Database Server Manager host is powered on.
2. Make sure it is connected to the same local network as the client machines.
3. On the host, open the Services console by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
4. Scroll to QBDBMgrN in the list.
5. If the Status column does not show Running, right‑click the service and choose Start.
6. If Start does not succeed, restart the host computer.
7. After the service reports Running, ask a client to open the company file in multi‑user mode.

Verify hosting settings in QuickBooks

1. On the host, open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. From the menu choose File > Utilities > Host Multi‑User Access.
3. Ensure that the option Host Multi‑User Access is checked.
4. If it is not checked, click to enable it.
5. Confirm that the company file is set to be hosted on this workstation.
6. Close QuickBooks and restart the QBDBMgrN service if needed.

Check firewall and antivirus exceptions

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Look for inbound rules that allow TCP port 8019, the default port used by QBDBMgrN.
3. Verify that the rule is enabled for the QBDBMgrN executable.
4. If you use third‑party antivirus software, check that it excludes the QBDBMgrN process and the folder containing the company file.
5. After making any changes, restart the QBDBMgrN service and test the connection from a client workstation.

Preconditions

• Create a current backup of the .QBW file and store it on an external drive or secure location.
• Ensure no one is actively editing the file; have all users log out or switch to single‑user mode.
• Verify that you have administrative rights on the host workstation so you can start services and reboot if needed.

Signs the workaround succeeded

• The client opens the file without seeing error -6000,-77.
• The file title bar displays the correct name and you can perform routine tasks such as entering sales receipts or running a profit‑and‑loss report.
• In the Services console on the host, QBDBMgrN shows a Running status.
• No further error messages appear when multiple users access the file simultaneously.

When the problem runs deeper

If the service starts but the error returns after a few minutes, the underlying cause may be a corrupted network configuration, a damaged QBDBMgrN instance, or file‑level corruption that persists despite a restarted service. In such cases, a Verify and Rebuild operation may be required, or the file might need professional repair. Our engineers can examine the file and determine whether a deeper fix is necessary.