Call Us: +1-800-983-3079 Resolving QuickBooks Error H505 QuickBooks Error H505 is a common issue faced by users attempting to access a company file located on another computer. This error typically indicates that the QuickBooks installation on the host system is not properly configured or that the system lacks the necessary settings to allow multi-user mode. In this blog post, we'll delve into the causes of Error H505 and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving it. What Causes QuickBooks Error H505? Understanding the root causes of Error H505 can help you prevent it from occurring in the future. Here are the primary reasons why this error might appear: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: The computer hosting the QuickBooks company file is not correctly set up to share files. Firewall Settings: The firewall or security software on your computer is blocking communication between QuickBooks and the server. Damaged or Missing .ND File: The .ND file, which enables QuickBooks to access company files in a network, is either damaged or missing. DNS Settings: Incorrect or misconfigured DNS settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the server. QuickBooks Services Not Running: Necessary QuickBooks services, such as QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitor, are not running on the server. Step-by-Step Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error H505 Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix Error H505: Step 1: Verify Hosting Settings 1. 2. Open QuickBooks on all workstations. Go to the File menu and select Utilities. Call Us: +1-800-983-3079 3. 4. If you see the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it. If you see Host Multi-User Access, do not select it and move to the next workstation. Repeat this process on all workstations. Step 2: Check the Services 1. 2. 3. 4. On the server, press Windows+R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. Locate QuickBooksDBXX (where XX represents your version) and QBCFMonitorService. Ensure both services are set to Automatic and are running. If not, right-click each service and select Start. Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security. Select Windows Defender Firewall. Click on Advanced Settings. Right-click on Inbound Rules and select New Rule. Choose Port and click Next. Select TCP and enter the following ports: o QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382 o QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377 o (Include ports for other versions as needed) Click Next and select Allow the connection. Follow the prompts to complete the rule creation and repeat for Outbound Rules. Step 4: Check the .ND File 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Navigate to the folder containing your QuickBooks company file. Look for a file with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd). Right-click the .ND file and select Rename. Add .old to the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd.old). Open QuickBooks again to create a new .ND file automatically. Step 5: Verify DNS Settings 1. 2. 3. 4. Press Windows+R and type cmd to open the Command Prompt. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter. Note the Host Name and DNS Servers. Ensure that all workstations have the same DNS settings as the server. Conclusion!! By following these steps, you should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error H505 and restore access to your company file in multi-user mode. If the issue persists, consider contacting QuickBooks support for further assistance. Regularly maintaining your network settings and ensuring proper configuration can help prevent similar errors in the future.