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How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code H505?

QuickBooks Error Code H505

QuickBooks is a widely used accounting software that provides various features for small to medium-sized businesses. However, users might encounter certain errors while working with the software, such as QuickBooks Error Code H505. This particular error typically occurs when a user tries to access a QuickBooks company file that is not located on their computer but rather on another computer from the network. 

In this article, we’ll understand the steps to resolve this error as it is crucial in ensuring the seamless functionality of the software and maintaining the integrity of financial data.

What is QuickBooks Error Code H505?

QuickBooks Error H505 is an error code that belongs to a group of errors that usually occur when users are trying to access a company file that is located on another computer. Specifically, Error H505 occurs when QuickBooks is unable to connect to the company file on another computer.

What are the Causes of QuickBooks Error Code H505?

Error H505 occurs when QuickBooks is unable to connect to the company file on another computer due to one of the following reasons:

  • The firewall is blocking communication to and from the company file.
  • Incorrect or improper hosting configuration settings.
  • The Database server is unable to scan the QuickBooks files/folders on the server.
  • The second file is damaged, missing, or incorrect.
  • QuickBooks is unable to locate the IP address of the system.
  • The QuickBooks DBXX service is not operational.
  • DNS settings are Incorrect 

What are the Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H505?

  • The inability to use the multi-user mode.
  • The QuickBooks program window crashes, leading to recurrent system crashes.
  • Windows may become unresponsive and freeze intermittently.
  • Users encounter difficulties in opening the QuickBooks company file stored on the server.
  • The appearance of Error code H505 on the screen.

Preparatory Steps Before Resolving QuickBooks Error Code H505

  • Confirm that the company file is backed up.
  • Update QuickBooks Desktop to the newest version.
  • In the Tools Hub program run the “Quick fix my program” option.
  • Start the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  • Adjust the firewall settings to prevent any disruptions during the process.
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Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error Code H505

1: Utilize QuickBooks File Doctor

First, download and run the QuickBooks File Doctor on the server. This tool can automatically resolve H-series and multi-user errors. If QuickBooks Error Code H505 persists, proceed to apply Solution 2.

  • Begin by downloading the QuickBooks Tool Hub program.
  • Save the downloaded file on your computer and install it.
  • After the download, open the Tool Hub to launch it.
  • Ensure that QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the server system and that the network is accessible.
  • Once the Tool Hub is open, click on the ‘Company File Issues’ tab.
  • Choose the ‘Run QuickBooks File Doctor’ option from the available on-screen selections.
  • Select the specific company file that requires diagnosis and repair.

Alternatively, you can directly download the QuickBooks File Doctor tool and run it on the server. This tool is capable of resolving multi-user errors, effectively eliminating the H-series errors.

2: Check QuickBooks Services and Hosting

Step 1: Begin by Verifying the Services

  1. Ensure the QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitor services are running.
  • Access the Services window by pressing the “Windows” or “Start” button, 
  • Press the “Windows+R” keys.
  • then type “MSC” in the run box and press “Enter”.
  1. Search for “QuickBooksDBXX service”
  2. If the QuickBooksDBXX service isn’t visible, confirm the installation of the Database Server Manager on the server.
  • Launch QuickBooks, ensuring that the full program is running on the server. Finally, verify that hosting is enabled.
  1. Check the QuickBooksDBXX service’s startup type and service status.
  2. Then navigate to the “Recovery” tab and save any changes made.

Step 2: Confirm the Hosting

  • Access QuickBooks on each hosting computer.
  • Navigate to “File” and then “Utilities”.
  • If “Host Multi-User Access” is visible, it indicates that the computer cannot host the file.
  • Select “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access”.
  • Go to the “Company” menu and choose the “File Must Be Closed” window, then click “Yes”.

3: Modify the Host File

  • Start with opening the “Run” window by pressing the “Windows + R” keys simultaneously.
  • Type “cmd” and press “Enter” to launch the Command Prompt window.
  • Input “ipconfig/all” and press “Enter” to execute the command.
  • Note down the “Hostname and IP Address” and repeat the process for all systems with a multi-user setup.

Next, edit the Windows Hosts file:

  • First, close QuickBooks and navigate to the “Start” menu.
  • Then, access “This PC” and ensure you locate either “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc” or “C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc”.
  • If you are unable to find the Windows folder on This PC, follow the steps to display hidden files and folders.
  1. Select the “View” tab and click on “Hidden items” to reveal the hidden files.
  2. Right-click the host’s file and choose “Open with” to open it with Notepad.
  3. Enter the IP Address and Computer Name. Use the Tab key instead of the spacebar to create spaces between the IP address and system name.
  4. Save the changes and reopen QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

4: Establish a New Folder for the Company File and Grant Access to the File

  • Start by creating a new folder on the hosting computer.
  • Ensure that Windows has the necessary entry permissions for the company file.
  • Copy and paste the qbw file to another folder.
  • Finally, switch to multi-user mode and open the company file to finish the process

5: Verify the Services on the Server.

  • Access the Windows tab and the Start menu.
  • Open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “services. msc” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
  • Double-click on QuickBooks DBXX.
  • Select “Automatic” for the startup type.
  • Make sure that the service status is either “Started” or “Running“.
  • Select “Start.”
  • Navigate to the “Recovery” tab.
  • Choose “Restart the Service” from the drop-down menus for “First failure,” “Second failure,” and “Subsequent failures.”
  • Select “Apply” and then choose “OK” to save the changes.
  • Finally, repeat the steps for QBCFMonitorService.

6: Set up the Firewall Port Configuration

  • Access the Run box using the Windows + R keys simultaneously.
  • Access the Control Panel using the Run command. 
  • Type “Command” in the Run box and press Enter.
  • Access the “System and Security” category within the Control Panel.
  • Open “Windows Firewall” and “Network Protection.”
  • Click on “Advanced Settings” and select the “Inbound Rules.”
  • Create a new rule and select the “Port” option. Proceed to the next step.
  • Ensure that the chosen TCP option is correct.
  • Enter the port for the specific version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  • After entering the year code in the designated field, click “Next” and restart the software.

7: Set up the Firewall Configuration on the System and Establish Exclusions for Specific Cases

  • Begin by pressing the Windows key and navigating to the Control Panel.
  • Select the Firewall settings by double-clicking on the Control Panel.
  • Choose the Allow the connection through the system’s firewall option.
  • Click on the “Add program” option and include QuickBooks 20xx in the exception list.
  • To ensure the changes are saved reboot the system.

For the specific versions of QuickBooks software, add the following ports:

  • QuickBooks Desktop 2015: 8019, 56725, 55363, 55367
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2016: 8019, 56726, 55368, 55372
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373, 55377
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378, 55382
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8091, XXXX
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8091, XXXX
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8091, XXXX
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2022: 8091, XXXX
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2023: 8091, XXXX

8: Utilize the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Step 1: Download and Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub for the Server

  • Close QuickBooks before proceeding.
  • Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub file and save it in an easily accessible location.
  • Open the previously downloaded file, QuickBookstoolhub.exe.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions for installation and accept the terms and conditions.
  • Once the installation is complete, double-click the icon in Windows to launch the Tool Hub. 
  • If the icon is not visible, search for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in Windows and select the program.

Step 2: Execute QuickBooks Database Server Manager using the Tool Hub Program.

  • In the QuickBooks Tool Hub select the “Network Issues” tab.
  • Choose the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. If QuickBooks isn’t installed on the server, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
  • Opt for the “Start Scan” option to scan the company file folders. If the folders are not detected, browse to the location of the company file and click on “Start Scan.”
  • The Database Server Manager will automatically repair firewall permissions. Once the scanning process is complete, select “Close.”
  • The final step is to open QuickBooks on each workstation experiencing issues. Choose the “File” option and then Switch to the multi-user mode option. Ensure to check any server system as a workstation, if applicable.

9: Follow the Steps to Host the Company Files

Step 1: Setting up your Network

If the QuickBooks database server manager is not already installed, ensure to install the database server manager on the server for the specific version of QuickBooks. The server is the system responsible for hosting the company files. After installing the database server manager, follow the steps below:

  • Full program option: Install the full version of QuickBooks Desktop and the database server manager on the server system.
  • Server-only option: Install the database server manager exclusively on the server system.

Step 2: Establishing the Network with Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2

To utilize Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2 for hosting the network, follow these steps:

  • QuickBooks Enterprise hosting: If QuickBooks Enterprise hosting is being utilized, it is advisable to consult professionals for guidance.
  • Alternative hosting solution: If another hosting solution is in use, contact the hosting provider directly to restart the hosting environment.

10: Open Network Ports for QuickBooks

1: Configuring Firewall Settings

  • Navigate to Windows Firewall settings by right-clicking on the Windows icon and selecting the Control Panel.
  • Enter “firewall” into the search bar and then press the Enter key.
  • After clicking on “Windows Firewall,” select “Advanced Settings” from the available options.
  • Right-click “Outbound Rules”, and then select “New Rule.”
  • Click on “Ports” and then “Next.”
  • Select the “TCP” option and input the specific local ports for your version of QuickBooks.
  1. For QuickBooks desktop 2015: 8019,56725,55363-55367
  2. For QuickBooks desktop 2016: 8019,56726,55368-55372 QuickBooks
  3. desktop 2017: 8019,56727,55373-55377
  4. For QuickBooks desktop 2018: 8019,56728,55378-55382
  • Now, press “Next,” and choose “Allow the connection,” followed by “Next.”
  • Type in the name, and click “Finish.”
  • Repeat steps 1-5 for inbound rules.
  • Finally, return to multi-user mode and open QuickBooks.

2: Activating Network Discovery

  • Access the Control Panel, then choose “System and Security” followed by clicking on “Windows Firewall.”
  • Enable the associated app/feature on the Windows Firewall by clicking “Allow.”
  • Choose “Modify,” click on “Network Discovery,” and then select “OK.” 

3: Identifying the Server Name

  • Access the Run command by pressing Windows + R, then type “CMD” and press Enter.
  • Input “config/all” and press Enter.
  • Look for the hostname in the IP configuration section to find the server name on the right.
  • Save your progress and click “Next.”

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error Code H505 is an issue that arises when a user attempts to access a company file located on another computer within the network. This error can hinder the smooth functioning of QuickBooks, leading to disruptions in financial management processes. Resolving this error involves a series of steps, including configuring settings, ensuring firewall permissions, and making adjustments to the host file. By following these steps, users can effectively address the error and restore the seamless operation of QuickBooks.

If you’re still facing problems with QuickBooks Error Code H505 reach out to our QuickBooks experts at +1-855-875-1223.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Fix a Connection Error in QuickBooks?

To refresh the page, click the Reload button or press F5 on your keyboard (Command + R for Mac users). If the issue persists, restart your browser, and then proceed to sign in to QuickBooks Online. Should the error message persist, reach out to a QuickBooks Online customer care representative for assistance.

How do I Fix a QuickBooks Error Code?

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
3. Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
5. Once the installation is complete, open the tool hub on your Windows desktop.
6. Select “Program Problems.”
7. Click on “Quick Fix my Program.”

What is QuickBooks Error H505?

QuickBooks error code H505 typically occurs as a technical error when users attempt to access or transfer company files to different computer systems.

What are the Various Causes Behind Error H505?

1. Incorrect hosting configuration on the device.
2. The presence of an incorrect or damaged.ND file, preventing the QuickBooks company file from being accessed across the network.
3. Incorrect DNS settings.
4. Issues with QuickBooks services like QuickBooksDBXX/QBCF not functioning properly.
5. Failure of the database server manager to identify the IP address of the host computer, possibly due to the use of multiple IP addresses.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code H505?

1. Utilize QuickBooks File Doctor Tool.
2. Establish a new folder for the company file and grant access.
3. Adjust the firewall port settings.
4. Configure your QuickBooks hosting settings.
5. Modify system firewall configurations.
6. Edit the Host File.

About The Author

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

At QAsolved, we are a team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering unparalleled accounting and bookkeeping services. With backgrounds in finance and technology, our collaborative efforts focus on providing practical solutions and guidance. Our services are tailored for a range of businesses, covering advisory, CFO services, bookkeeping, and financial systems consulting. QAsolved is an award-winning consulting firm and Intuit’s #1 QuickBooks Reseller Partner. We offer comprehensive QuickBooks services, including consulting, integration, migration, maintenance, data conversion, training, and support, among other services. Over the years, we have assisted over 30K customers across various industries with their Intuit products.

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