How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error H505?

QuickBooks Error Code H505 occurs when a user tries to access a company file located on another computer (server), but QuickBooks fails to connect. This issue is most common in multi-user mode and prevents proper communication between workstations and the host system. QuickBooks Desktop Error H505 is part of the H-series errors (like H101, H202, H303, and H505). This error is common in multi-user setups and can show up with a message like, “This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.” It can happen in all QuickBooks versions, like Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. Common reasons for the error include wrong settings, firewall blocking the connection, QuickBooks services not running, or issues with the network data (.ND) file.

To fix this error, you can start by using the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool to automatically fix connection problems. Make sure that only the server computer has Hosting Multi-User Access enabled and restart QuickBooks services. Also, check the firewall to make sure QuickBooks can connect, and delete the old .ND file so it can be recreated. Make sure your QuickBooks is up to date, and all computers are on the same network. To prevent this error in the future, keep QuickBooks updated, use static IPs, and avoid hosting files on multiple computers. We have mentioned 15 methods below to fix QuickBooks Desktop H505 Error.

Method 1: Correct the Hosting Configuration Settings

To resolve the multi-user environment issue, we need to adjust the hosting settings for the server, not the workstations. Follow these steps for QuickBooks Enterprise error H505 before accessing the company file.

1. Verify the Hosting Settings:

• Open QuickBooks on any workstation showing the H505 error.
• Do not open the company file. Instead, click File and then Utilities.
• When “Host Multi-User Access” appears, skip the current workstation and proceed to the next one.
• When “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” appears, select it.

2. Check the Server Computer:

• On the server computer hosting your company files, open QuickBooks.
• Click File, then Utilities.
• Select “Host Multi-User Access” if it is available.
• Do not select “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” if it is available.

This process will ensure the correct settings are applied for multi-user access.

Method 2: Open QuickBooks Sample File in Multi-User Mode

To resolve the multi-user error, check your file size and condense it if it’s large. Then, open a sample company file in multi-user mode to isolate the cause of the H505 error:

1. Hold the Ctrl key and open QuickBooks to the No Company Open screen.
2. Click Open a sample file.
3. The sample file runs in multi-user mode, the issue is with your company file.
4. Otherwise, your QuickBooks installation may need fixing.

Method 3: Install a Trial Version

This method involves installing a trial version of QuickBooks to test for the H505 error.

1. Install a trial version of the latest or previous QuickBooks version.
2. Run a sample file in the trial version.
3. Check if the H505 error appears.
4. When the error shows, the issue may be with your app.

Method 4: Host Your Network

Hosting your network and collaborating with your Intuit Hosting Provider can help resolve the H505 error.

1. Start by hosting your network.
2. Contact your Intuit Hosting Provider to restart the hosting environment.
3. Work with them during the troubleshooting process for QuickBooks error H505.

Method 5: Run QB Database Server Manager on the Server

Running the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server can help resolve the H505 error.

1. Exit QuickBooks and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Install and open the Tool Hub.
3. Click Network Issues and select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
4. Click Start Scan if your company file folder is visible.
5. Once the scan completes, click Close.
6. Open QuickBooks on each workstation with Error H505.
7. Go to File and select Switch to Multi-user Mode. 
8. Verify this on the server if it also acts as a workstation.

Method 6: Rename the Network Descriptor File

A damaged Network Descriptor (.ND) file can cause QuickBooks error H505. This file is needed for a multi-user setup and is created by the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

1. Go to the folder with your company files and search for *.ND.
2. When no .ND files appear, open a company file to generate them.
3. Right-click each .ND file and rename it by adding .OLD at the end.
4. Open Database Server Manager and rescan the folders to create new .ND files.

Method 7: Resolve Data Damage in the Company File

This method helps to fix data corruption in your company file, which may be causing the H505 error.

Step 1: Use Verify and Rebuild Data Tool

Verify and Rebuild Data tools scan your company file for errors. Verify Data detects issues, and Rebuild Data fixes them. Follow these steps to use both tools:

1. Go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
2. Click OK in the QuickBooks Information window and follow the prompts to back up your file.
3. Wait for the tool to finish repairing the file.
4. Once done, click OK.
5. Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data.
6. When no issues are found, click OK and continue using QuickBooks.
7. When issues are found, select “Rebuild Now.”

Step 2: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks Tool Hub includes QuickBooks File Doctor, which helps fix H505 errors caused by data damage. Use it with these steps:

1. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Click Company File Issues.
3. Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor and wait for it to open.
4. Choose your company file or browse to find it.
5. Select the option to check both file and network, then click Continue.
6. Enter your QuickBooks admin password and click Next.

Method 8: Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

A clean install removes installation issues that can cause H505 errors. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks

• Press the Windows key and search for Control Panel.
• Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
• Select QuickBooks from the list.
• Click Uninstall/Change, choose Remove, and click Next.

Step 2: Rename Installation Folders

• Show hidden files and open File Explorer.
• Locate QuickBooks folders in these paths:
  • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
  • C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
• Right-click the folder, select Rename, and add .OLD to the end. This stops QuickBooks from using it after reinstall.

Step 3: Reinstall QuickBooks

• Use your QuickBooks installer.
• Enter your product and license numbers when prompted.
• Complete the installation process.

Method 9: Ensure QuickBooks Database Services Are Running

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager may have stopped, causing error H505. Start and keep these services running to fix the issue.

Follow these steps for QuickBooksDBXX and repeat for QBCFMonitorService:

• Open the Start menu on the server and search for Run.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Find QuickBooksDBXX (XX is your version number, e.g., 33 for QuickBooks 2023).
• Double-click it and set Startup type to Automatic.
• Make sure the Service status is Running. If not, click Start.
• Go to the Recovery tab. Set all failure options to Restart the Service.
• Click Apply, then OK.
• Repeat these steps for QBCFMonitorService.
• Open QuickBooks on each workstation, go to File, and select Switch to Multi-user Mode.
• When it opens without issues, the H505 error is fixed.

Method  10: Reinstall QuickBooks Database Manager

When the H505 error occurs and the Database Server Manager stops, follow these steps to uninstall and clean install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

1. Press Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
2. Find QuickBooks Database Server Manager, click Uninstall/Change.
3. After uninstallation, rename the installation folder:
   • Press Windows key + R, paste C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit, and press Enter.
   • Right-click the folder and rename it .OLD.
4. Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
   • Close all programs, including QuickBooks.
   • Run Setup_QuickBooks.exe and follow the instructions.
   • Choose Custom or Network Options, then click Next.
   • Select the correct option based on your network setup and click Next.
   • To use both QuickBooks Desktop and the Database Server Manager, select “I’ll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer” AND “I’ll be storing….”
   • When only the Database Server Manager is needed, select “I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop.”
   • Click Install.

Method 11: Check Firewall Permissions

To fix the QuickBooks H505 error, configure your firewall and antivirus to allow multi-user access by adding exceptions for QuickBooks:

1. Exclude QuickBooks from Windows Firewall:
   • Open the Start menu, search for Windows Firewall, and open it.
   • Go to Advanced Settings.
   • Right-click Inbound Rules and select New Rule.
   • Choose Port, then click Next.
   • Select TCP and enter the required ports for your QuickBooks version:
     • For QuickBooks 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX
     • For QuickBooks 2019: 8019, XXXXX
     • For QuickBooks 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
     • For QuickBooks 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
   • Click Next, select Allow the Connection, and click Next.
   • Check all profiles, then click Next and name the rule (e.g., QBPorts(year)). Click Finish.
     
2. Create Outbound Rules:
   • Repeat the above steps to create outbound rules for the same ports.
     
3. Add QuickBooks Program as an Exception:
   • Open Windows Firewall again and go to Advanced Settings.
   • Right-click Inbound Rules and choose New Rule.
   • Select Program, then Next.
   • Choose This Program Path, browse to select the QuickBooks executable file, and click Next.
   • Select Allow the Connection, then Next.
   • Check all profiles, click Next, and name the rule.
   • Repeat these steps to create outbound rules for QuickBooks.
   • This will allow QuickBooks to communicate without interference from the firewall.

Executable File	Path
DBManagerExe.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBDBMgrN.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBCFMonitorService.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks

Method 12: Upgrade Your OS Build

Running an outdated Windows version can increase the chance of encountering the H505 error in multi-user mode. To fix this, update your operating system:

1. Open the Start menu and type Check for updates.
2. Press Enter and install any available updates.

Method 13: Provide Windows Access Permissions to Share Company Files

Ensure QuickBooks has proper access to company files on the network to prevent issues.

For Windows 10:

1. Press the Windows key and open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the QB folder with your company files, and select Properties.
3. Go to the Sharing tab and click Share Add.
4. Select QBDataServiceUserXX for your version and set Full Control permission for both users, then click Share.

For Windows Server 2012:

1. Press the Windows key, type Run, and open it.
2. Type ServerManager and click OK.
3. In Server Manager, go to File and Storage Services > Shares.
4. Click New Share, then choose SMB Share – Quick.
5. Select Type a custom path, browse to the folder you want to share, and click Next.
6. Leave default selections in the Configure Share settings and click Next.
7. Open QuickBooks on your server and workstations to check for error H505.

Method 14: Start Testing Network Connectivity

Test the connection from a workstation to your server to verify network connectivity. If you encounter error H505, follow these steps to enable Network Discovery:

1. Open the Start menu on the server and workstations.
2. Type “Network” and open Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Ensure Network Discovery is Turned On under both Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.

Next, retrieve your server name:

1. Press Windows to open the Start menu on your server.
2. Type “Run” in the search bar and open the Run application.
3. Enter “CMD” and press Enter.
4. In the CMD window, type “ipconfig/all” and press Enter.
5. Look for the Host Name under Windows IP Configuration (it will be highlighted on the right).
6. Note down or copy the Host Name for reference.

Return to your workstation to check the server. If needed, seek help from an IT professional for further verification.

Now, test the connection from each workstation:

• Press Windows to open the Start menu on your workstation.
  Type “Run” in the search bar and open the Run application.
• Enter “CMD” and press Enter.
• Type “ping [your server name]” (without brackets) and press Enter.
• Repeat the steps for each workstation facing the H505 error.
• A reply with no packet loss indicates that your server is fine.
• When there’s packet loss or delays, stop and contact an IT professional for network troubleshooting.

Method 15: Edit Windows Host Files by Adding the Server

When you encounter error H505, follow these steps on both the server and workstations to add the server to the Windows hosts file:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Press Windows to open the Start menu on the server.
3. Choose Computer and navigate to:
   • C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc or
   • C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc
4. Double-click the hosts file and open it with Notepad.
5. Add the server’s IP address and computer name (separate them with the Tab key).
6. Add the workstation’s IP and name to the server’s hosts file.
7.  Add the server’s IP and name to the workstation’s hosts file.

Then, open QuickBooks and check if the H505 error is resolved.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop H505 Error?

1. Logged in as an Administrator on all affected computers.
2. All systems (server and workstations) connected to the same local network.
3. QuickBooks updated to the latest version.
4. Backup the company file before fixing.
5. Access to the server computer hosting the file.
6. Firewall settings allow QuickBooks to communicate over required ports.
7. Install QuickBooks Tool Hub for repairs.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop H505 Error?

1. Occurs when accessing a company file in multi-user mode.
2. Shows a message like, “This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”
3. Blocks connection between workstations and server.
4. QuickBooks may freeze or crash.
   

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error H505?

To prevent QuickBooks Error H505:

1. Ensure only the server hosts the company file.
2. Use static IP addresses for all systems.
3. Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version.
4. Set up firewall and antivirus to allow QuickBooks ports.
5. Avoid manual changes to .ND or .TLG files.
6. Perform regular network checks for connectivity.
   

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop H505 Error?

Seek professional help for QuickBooks Desktop H505 Error if you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps, such as using the QuickBooks File Doctor, checking firewall settings, and ensuring proper network configuration, but the issue persists. If the error continues to block access to the company file, or if you encounter recurring problems that affect multiple workstations, it’s best to call us. Also, if you’re unsure about making advanced network changes or dealing with server configurations, professional assistance will help resolve the issue quickly and avoid potential data loss.