QuickBooks Error H505: Causes, Solutions, and Expert Help

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting tool that helps businesses manage finances, invoices, and payroll efficiently. However, users may encounter various technical errors that disrupt workflow, especially in a multi-user setup. One common issue is QuickBooks Error H505, which occurs when a user attempts to access a company file stored on another computer and QuickBooks fails to establish a connection.

In this blog, we’ll discuss QuickBooks Error H505 in detail, covering its causes, symptoms, and effective solutions. Whether you’re a business owner or an accountant, you’ll find the steps necessary to fix this issue and get QuickBooks running smoothly again.

Read more: QuickBooks error 6123, 0

What is QuickBooks Error H505?

QuickBooks Error H505 belongs to a series of H-series errors (H101, H202, H303, H505) that occur when there are issues with multi-user hosting. These errors are related to improper configuration, making it difficult for QuickBooks to communicate with the company file stored on another computer.

When you encounter QuickBooks Error H505, the error message typically reads:

"Error H505: The company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs help connecting."

This error prevents users from accessing the company file in multi-user mode, which can cause delays in accessing financial data.

Causes of QuickBooks Error H505

Several factors can trigger QuickBooks Error H505, and understanding the root causes can help you apply the correct solution. Here are some common reasons:

1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration

QuickBooks may throw Error H505 when the hosting configuration is incorrect. If more than one computer on the network is set to host multi-user access, the system may experience conflicts.

2. Firewall Blocking Communication

Firewalls or antivirus programs may block the communication between QuickBooks and the server where the company file is stored. If the necessary QuickBooks ports are not open, Error H505 can occur.

3. Missing or Damaged .ND File

The .ND (Network Data) file is essential for QuickBooks to access company files over a network. If the .ND file is damaged or missing, QuickBooks will be unable to establish a connection, leading to this error.

4. QuickBooks Services Not Running

QuickBooks relies on several services, such as QuickBooksDBXX (XX representing your version of QuickBooks) and QBCFMonitorService, to facilitate multi-user mode. If these services are not running, Error H505 may arise.

5. DNS Server Issues

Problems with the DNS (Domain Name System) server can prevent QuickBooks from resolving the IP address of the computer where the company file is hosted, leading to connection errors like H505.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H505

If you encounter QuickBooks Error H505, you may notice the following symptoms:

• QuickBooks is unable to switch to multi-user mode.
• An error message pops up indicating Error H505 when trying to access the company file.
• QuickBooks runs slowly or freezes when trying to open a company file.
• The computer becomes unresponsive, and you cannot perform other tasks in QuickBooks.
• The software crashes when attempting to open the file in multi-user mode.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H505

Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve QuickBooks Error H505. Below, we’ve outlined the most effective solutions.

1. Check Hosting Settings

One of the first steps is to check the hosting settings on each computer in the network. The server computer (where the company file is stored) should be the only machine hosting multi-user access, while the workstations should not.

Here’s how to check and adjust the hosting settings:

1. Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
2. Go to File Utilities.
3. If you see the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click on it to disable hosting. If it says Host Multi-User Access, leave it as is.
4. Repeat this process on all workstations except the server.

The server should be the only machine that hosts multi-user mode.

2. Configure Firewall Settings

Sometimes, your firewall may block communication between QuickBooks and the server. To resolve this, you’ll need to configure your firewall to allow QuickBooks through.

To configure firewall settings:

1. Open your firewall settings.
2. Add the following QuickBooks ports as exceptions:
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
3. Ensure that QuickBooks and its services, such as QBCFMonitorService and QuickBooksDBXX, are allowed through the firewall.
4. After updating the firewall settings, restart your computer and try accessing the company file again.

Check out more: quickbooks error 1712

3. Repair the .ND File

The .ND file helps QuickBooks locate the company file on a network. If it’s damaged, renaming or deleting the file will prompt QuickBooks to create a new one, which may resolve the error.

To repair the .ND file:

1. Navigate to the folder where your QuickBooks company file is stored.
2. Look for the .ND file that corresponds to your company file (e.g., companyfile.qbw.nd).
3. Right-click on the .ND file and select Rename.
4. Add .OLD to the end of the file name (e.g., companyfile.qbw.nd.old).
5. Open QuickBooks and try accessing the company file again.

4. Verify QuickBooks Services

QuickBooks relies on specific services to run in multi-user mode. If these services are not running, you’ll need to start them manually.

To verify QuickBooks services:

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc, then press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is your QuickBooks version).
3. Right-click on the service and select Start if it’s not running.
4. Repeat the same process for the QBCFMonitorService.
5. Once the services are running, open QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

5. Edit the Windows Hosts File

In some cases, editing the Windows Hosts file can resolve DNS issues that lead to Error H505. You’ll need to add the IP address and computer name of the server hosting the QuickBooks file.

Here’s how to edit the Hosts file:

1. Open Notepad as an administrator.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc.
3. Open the Hosts file.
4. Add the server's IP address and computer name at the bottom of the file.
5. Save the file and restart your computer.

6. Use QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks provides a built-in tool called QuickBooks File Doctor, which can automatically diagnose and fix network-related issues.

Here’s how to use QuickBooks File Doctor:

1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the Intuit website.
2. Open the Tool Hub and click on Company File Issues.
3. Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
4. Choose your company file and let the tool scan for errors.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to repair the file.

Continue reading: quickbooks cloud hosting services

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H505 can be frustrating, especially when it prevents you from accessing your company file in multi-user mode. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore proper functionality to QuickBooks.

However, if you’re still experiencing difficulties or need expert assistance, don’t hesitate to contact QuickBooks support at +1-888-538-1314. The support team can provide professional guidance and help resolve the issue quickly, so your business can get back on track.