QuickBooks Error H505: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

QuickBooks Error H505 is a common issue that many users encounter while trying to access a company file that is located on another computer. This error signifies that the computer where the QuickBooks company file is located needs additional configuration. In this article, we will delve into what QuickBooks Error H505 is, explore the general causes, and provide troubleshooting solutions to fix this error effectively.

What is QuickBooks Error H505?

QuickBooks Error H505 belongs to a series of H-series errors, which generally indicate issues related to the multi-user hosting setup. Specifically, Error H505 occurs when the system trying to access the QuickBooks company file is unable to communicate with the server. This results in a disruption that prevents multiple users from working on the same file simultaneously.

Error Message

The typical error message associated with QuickBooks Error H505 reads:

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Or you might see:

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General Causes of QuickBooks Error H505

Understanding the root causes of QuickBooks Error H505 is crucial for effectively troubleshooting and resolving the issue. Here are the primary reasons why this error might occur:

  1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration:
    • The system hosting the company file might not be set up correctly for multi-user access.
  2. Blocked Incoming and Outgoing Communication:
    • The server computer’s firewall settings might be blocking communication between QuickBooks and other computers.
  3. Damaged or Corrupt .ND File:
    • The Network Data (.ND) file that facilitates communication between QuickBooks and the server might be damaged or corrupted.
  4. DNS Issues:
    • Problems with DNS settings can hinder the proper functioning of QuickBooks in a multi-user environment.
  5. QuickBooks Database Server Manager Issues:
    • If the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running properly, it can cause multi-user errors like H505.

Troubleshooting Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error H505

Now that we have an understanding of what causes QuickBooks Error H505, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps meticulously to resolve the issue:

1. Verify Hosting Settings

Ensure that only the server (where the company file is stored) is set to host multi-user access. Here’s how:

  1. On the server computer:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
    • Make sure the option Host Multi-User Access is selected.
  2. On each workstation:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
    • Ensure Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is selected.

2. Use QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor is a handy tool provided by Intuit that can diagnose and fix various errors, including H505. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
  2. Open the Tool Hub and select Company File Issues.
  3. Click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
  4. Choose your company file from the drop-down menu and select Check your file.
  5. Enter your QuickBooks admin password and click Next.

3. Configure Firewall Settings

To ensure that QuickBooks can communicate without any issues, configure your firewall settings:

  1. Open the Control Panel and select System and Security.
  2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall and then select Advanced Settings.
  3. Right-click on Inbound Rules and choose New Rule.
  4. Select Port and click Next.
  5. Ensure TCP is selected, and enter the following ports:
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
    • (Adjust ports based on your version if necessary)
  6. Click Next, select Allow the Connection, and then follow the prompts to complete the setup.
  7. Repeat these steps for Outbound Rules.

4. Edit the Windows Hosts File

Editing the Windows Hosts file can resolve DNS issues that might be causing QuickBooks Error H505:

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc.
  2. Open the hosts file using Notepad.
  3. Add the IP address and computer name of the server hosting the company file at the end of the file.
    • Example: 192.168.1.100 ServerName
  4. Save the file and close Notepad.

5. Verify and Rebuild Data

Using the Verify and Rebuild Data tool in QuickBooks can help identify and fix issues with your company file:

  1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
  2. Select Verify Data and allow the process to complete.
  3. If issues are found, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
  4. Follow the prompts to backup your company file and complete the rebuild process.

6. Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Restarting the QuickBooks Database Server Manager can refresh the connection and resolve the H505 error:

  1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select Network Issues.
  2. Click on QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  3. In the Database Server Manager, click Start Scan.
  4. Once the scan is complete, restart your server and workstation computers.

7. Check Folder Permissions

Ensure that the folder containing your company file has the correct permissions:

  1. Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored.
  2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Security tab and ensure that all users have Full Control.
  4. Adjust permissions if necessary and apply the changes.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H505 can be a significant hindrance to smooth multi-user operations, but with the right steps, it can be resolved effectively. By verifying hosting settings, using QuickBooks File Doctor, configuring firewall settings, editing the Windows Hosts file, verifying and rebuilding data, restarting QuickBooks Database Server Manager, and checking folder permissions, you can eliminate this error and ensure seamless functionality.

June 22, 2024
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