How to Fix QuickBooks Error H505: A Comprehensive Guide

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software widely used by businesses to manage their financial operations efficiently. However, like any software, it is prone to errors that can disrupt its functionality. One such common issue is QuickBooks Error H505. This error typically occurs when users attempt to switch to multi-user mode, indicating problems with the hosting setup. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes of QuickBooks Error H505 and provide detailed steps to resolve it.

Understanding QuickBooks Error H505

QuickBooks Error H505 is part of a series of H-series errors that occur in multi-user mode. The error message usually states: “This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.” This error arises when QuickBooks cannot access the company file located on another computer. Common causes include:

1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: If the hosting settings on the server or workstations are misconfigured, it can lead to this error.
2. Firewall Blocking Communication: Firewalls can block communication between QuickBooks and the server where the company file is stored.
3. Damaged or Incorrect .ND File: The Network Data (.ND) file, which helps QuickBooks connect to the server, might be damaged or incorrectly configured.
4. QuickBooks Services Not Running: Essential QuickBooks services like QuickBooksDBXX or QBCFMonitor may not be running on the server.
5. Incorrect DNS Settings: Problems with DNS settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the company file on the network.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error H505

Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings

Ensuring the correct hosting settings is crucial for resolving QuickBooks Error H505. Only the server (or the computer that hosts the company file) should have hosting enabled.

1. On the Server:

• Open QuickBooks on the server.
• Go to ‘File’ and select ‘Utilities.’
• If ‘Host Multi-User Access’ is displayed, do not change anything. If ‘Stop Hosting Multi-User Access’ is displayed, select it to disable hosting.

1. On Each Workstation:

• Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
• Go to ‘File’ and select ‘Utilities.’
• If ‘Stop Hosting Multi-User Access’ is displayed, select it to disable hosting. If ‘Host Multi-User Access’ is displayed, do not change anything.

Solution 2: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor is a tool designed to diagnose and repair various QuickBooks errors, including H505. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub:

• Visit the Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Install the tool and open it.

1. Run QuickBooks File Doctor:

• In QuickBooks Tool Hub, select the ‘Company File Issues’ tab.
• Click on ‘Run QuickBooks File Doctor.’ This tool will open automatically.
• Select your company file from the drop-down menu. If you don’t see your file, click ‘Browse’ and manually locate it.
• Choose ‘Check your file’ and then click ‘Continue.’
• Enter your QuickBooks admin password and click ‘Next.’

1. Follow the Prompts: Allow the tool to run and follow any additional prompts to complete the process.

Solution 3: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

Improperly configured firewall settings can block communication between QuickBooks and the server. Configuring the firewall correctly can resolve this issue.

1. Add Firewall Ports:

• Open the Control Panel and go to ‘System and Security.’
• Select ‘Windows Firewall’ and then ‘Advanced Settings.’
• Right-click on ‘Inbound Rules’ and select ‘New Rule.’
• Select ‘Port’ and click ‘Next.’
• Ensure ‘TCP’ is selected, and enter the following ports: 8019, 56728, 55378–55382. Click ‘Next.’
• Select ‘Allow the connection’ and click ‘Next.’
• Ensure all profiles are checked and click ‘Next.’
• Name the rule ‘QuickBooks Ports’ and click ‘Finish.’

1. Add QuickBooks Programs to Firewall Exceptions:

• In the Windows Firewall, right-click ‘Outbound Rules’ and select ‘New Rule.’
• Select ‘Program’ and click ‘Next.’
• Browse to the QuickBooks executable file (usually found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks) and click ‘Next.’
• Select ‘Allow the connection’ and click ‘Next.’
• Ensure all profiles are checked and click ‘Next.’
• Name the rule ‘QuickBooks Program’ and click ‘Finish.’

Solution 4: Verify and Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

The .ND and .TLG files are configuration files that enable QuickBooks to access a company file in a network or multi-user environment. Renaming these files can resolve issues without causing data loss.

1. Locate the Files:

• Open the folder containing your QuickBooks company file.
• Look for files with the same name as your company file but with extensions.ND and .TLG (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd and CompanyName.qbw.tlg).

1. Rename the Files:

• Right-click each file and select ‘Rename.’
• Add ‘.old’ at the end of each file name (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd.old and CompanyName.qbw.tlg.old).

1. Restart QuickBooks: Try opening your company file again to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 5: Ensure QuickBooks Services Are Running

Essential QuickBooks services need to be running on the server to facilitate multi-user mode. Verifying and starting these services can help resolve Error H505.

1. Open Services:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run command.
• Type ‘services.msc’ and press Enter.

1. Locate QuickBooks Services:

• Find the services named ‘QuickBooksDBXX’ (where XX denotes the version of QuickBooks) and ‘QBCFMonitorService.’

1. Start the Services:

• Right-click each service and select ‘Start.’ If the service is already running, select ‘Restart.’
• Ensure the ‘Startup Type’ is set to ‘Automatic’ for both services.

Solution 6: Check and Update DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the company file on the network. Ensuring the correct DNS settings can resolve this issue.

1. Open Network Settings:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run command.
• Type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and press Enter.

1. Update DNS Settings:

• Right-click on your network connection and select ‘Properties.’
• Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click ‘Properties.’
• Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses.’
• Enter ‘8.8.8.8’ for the Preferred DNS server and ‘8.8.4.4’ for the Alternate DNS server (Google’s public DNS).
• Click ‘OK’ to save changes.

1. Restart Your Computer:

• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H505 can be a significant hindrance to your accounting tasks, especially in a multi-user environment. By following the solutions outlined in this guide — verifying hosting settings, using QuickBooks File Doctor, configuring firewall and security settings, renaming .ND and . TLG files, ensuring QuickBooks services are running, and updating DNS settings — you can effectively resolve the error and ensure smooth operation of QuickBooks. If the error persists, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for further assistance.