Fix QuickBooks Error H505 | Multi-User Mode Guide

When you try to switch to multi-user mode, you may receive an error message called QuickBooks error H505. This error usually means that something is preventing the multi-user connection to the server. Error code H505 is part of the H series of errors, which are associated with network problems. It appears on your screen with a warning like this:

Error Code: H505

Error Description: This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.

If you’re experiencing this error, this information may help. However, if you need expert assistance, you can call our toll-free number +1-800-865-4183. Our QuickBooks desktop support team will help you fix the problem.

What is QuickBooks Error Code H505?

Error code H505 occurs when a user tries to access company files or data from another computer and that computer isn’t set up correctly.

It can also occur if the computer requires additional setup or installation. H-series errors typically relate to hosting settings. This error occurs because one or more of your computers is set up as a QuickBooks server. Keep in mind that only the server computer should be set up to host company files. Other computers can use multi-user mode, but they shouldn’t be set up as hosts.

Why does QuickBooks error code H505 occur?

• Common causes of error code H505 are:
• firewall blocks incoming and outgoing communications to the company file.
• Incorrect hosting configuration settings.
• QuickBooks cannot scan the database server for files or folders.
• A corrupt, missing, or incorrect .nd file.
• QuickBooks cannot find the computer’s IP address.
• The QuickBooks DBXX service is not running.
• Incorrect DNS settings.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H505 | Multi-User Mode Guide

The solutions are here to help you so, that you can resolve it on your own. Multiple solutions are according to the reasons that are mentioned above. So, identify the reason and then apply the solution accordingly.

Solution 1: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

Download and run the QuickBooks File Doctor on the server. This automatically removes H series and multi-user errors.

• Go to the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub
• Save the downloaded file on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it
• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub by double-clicking the icon
• Make sure QuickBooks desktop is installed on the server and the network is working
• Click on the “Company File Issues” tab
• Choose “Run QuickBooks File Doctor” from the available options
• Select the company file you want to diagnose and repair

You can also directly download the QuickBooks File Doctor tool and run it on the server. This tool can fix multi-user issues and completely remove H series errors.

Solution 2: Verify Services & Hosting

Step 1: Check the Services

• Press the Windows or Start button
• Press Window + R
• In the run box, type MSC and press Enter
• Search for QuickBooksDBXX service in the service window
• If the service is not visible, make sure the Database Server Manager is installed on the server
• Open QuickBooks and check if the full program is running on the server. Also, ensure hosting is enabled
• Open the QuickBooksDBXX service and confirm the startup type and service status
• Click the Recovery tab
• Save the changes

Step 2: Check Hosting Setup

• Open QuickBooks on each hosting computer
• Go to File, then Utilities
• If you can’t see “Host Multi-User Access,” the computer can’t host the file
• If you see “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access,” choose that option
• Go to Company
• Select “File Must Be Closed” window
• Click “Yes”

Solution 3: Editing the host file

• The first step is to press the Windows key and R key together to open the Run window
• Then type in “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt window
• Next, type “ipconfig/all” and press Enter to run the command
• Write down the Hostname and IP Address somewhere.

Repeat this process for all systems that have multiple users

After that, edit the Windows Hosts file:

• Shut down QuickBooks and go to the Start menu
• Go to This PC and navigate to “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc” or “C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc”
• If you can’t find the Windows folder, check for hidden files and folders
• Click on the View tab and then click on Hidden items to see the hidden files
• Right-click on the host file and choose “Open” with Notepad
• Fill in the IP Address and Computer Name. Use the Tab key instead of a space between the IP address and the system name
• Save the changes and open QuickBooks again in multi-user mode

Solution 4: Create a new folder for the company file and enable access to company file

• First, create a new folder on the hosting computer
• Make sure the Windows system has permission to access the company file
• Copy the qbw file into the new folder
• Open QuickBooks in multi-user mode and open the company file to complete the process

Solution 5: Check the services on the server

• Open the Start menu on the server system
• Press Run to open the Run window
• Type in “services.msc” and press Enter
• Double-click QuickBooks DBXX
• Select the Automatic option for the startup type
• Ensure the service status is running or started
• Click Start
• Go to the Recovery tab
• Choose to restart the service from each of these drop-down menus: first failure, second failure, and subsequent failure
• Click Apply and then OK to save the changes
• End and repeat the steps for QBCFMonitorService

Solution 6: Configure firewall port settings

If you continue to face the same issue, configure the firewall ports for QuickBooks using these steps:

• Open the Run box by pressing Windows + R
• Use the Run command to access the Control Panel
• Type the command in the Run box and press Enter
• In the Control Panel, select the System and Security tab
• Open Windows Firewall and Network Protection
• Click on Advanced settings and select Inbound Rules
• Select a new rule
• Choose a port and click Next
• Make sure the chosen TCP option is correct
• Enter the port number for the specific version of QuickBooks Desktop
• After entering the year code in the respective field, click Next and then restart the software

Solution 7: Configure the system’s firewall settings and create exceptions

• Press the Windows key and go to the Control Panel
• Double-click on the Control Panel and select Firewall settings
• Select Allow a program through the system’s firewall
• Click Add program and include QuickBooks 20xx in the exception list
• Reboot the system to save the changes

You need to add the following ports for different versions of QuickBooks software:

• 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

Solution 8: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

You can start the QuickBooks database server manager from the QuickBooks tool hub by following these steps:

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub on the Server

• First, close QuickBooks.
• Then, download the QuickBooks tool hub file.
• Save the file in a place you can easily find.
• Open the downloaded file, which is called QuickBookstoolhub.exe.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Once the installation is done, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
• If the icon isn’t showing, search for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in Windows and select the program from the list.

Step 2: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Tool Hub

• In the QuickBooks tool hub, click on the “Network Issues” tab.
• Select “QuickBooks Database Server Manager.” If QuickBooks isn’t installed on the server, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
• Click on “Start Scan” to check for issues with the company file folder. If the folder isn’t found, browse to where the company file is stored and click “Start Scan.”
• The database server manager will automatically fix any firewall permissions. After the scan is done, click “Close.”
• Finally, open QuickBooks on each workstation that’s having trouble.
• Go to the “File” menu and choose “Multi-user Mode.” If the user is acting as a server, make sure to check that too.

Solution 9: Follow Steps to Host the Company Files

Step 1: Set Up Your Own Network

If the QuickBooks database server manager isn’t installed, make sure to install it on the server for every version of QuickBooks being used. The server is the computer where the company files are stored. After installing the database server manager, you can follow these steps.

• Full Program Option: Install the full version of QuickBooks desktop and the database server manager on the server computer.
• Server Only Option: Only install the database server manager on the server computer.

Step 2: Host Using Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2

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

• If you are using QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting, it’s suggested to reach out to a professional for assistance.
• If you are using a different hosting solution, contact your hosting provider directly to restart the hosting environment.

Solution 10: Open Network Ports for QuickBooks

Step 1: Set Up Firewall Settings

• Begin by opening the Windows Firewall settings. To do this, right-click on the Windows icon and select “Control Panel.”
• Type “firewall” in the search bar and press Enter.
• Click on “Windows Firewall” and then choose “Advanced Settings.”
• In the left menu, right-click on “Outbound Rules” and select “New Rule.”
• Choose “Port” and click Next.
• Click on “TCP” and then click Next.
• In the “Specific Local Ports” field, enter the following ports based on your QuickBooks desktop version:
• For QuickBooks Desktop 2015: 8019, 56725, 55363-55367
• For QuickBooks Desktop 2016: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372
• For QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
• For QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
• Click Next, then select “Allow the connection” and click Next.
• Enter a name for the rule and click Finish.
• Repeat steps 1 to 5 for Inbound Rules.
• The final step is to go back to Multi-user Mode and open QuickBooks.

Step 2: Enable Network Discovery

• Go to the Control Panel and select “System and Security.”
• Click on “Windows Firewall.”
• Click on “Allow apps or features through Windows Firewall.”
• Choose “Change Settings” and then select “Network Discovery.” Click “OK.”

Step 3: Find the Server Name

• Press the Windows key + R and type “CMD” then press Enter.
• Type “config/all” and press Enter.
• Look for the host name in the IP configuration section.
• You will see the server name on the right side.
• Click “Save” and then “Next.

Final Note!

This is the end of the article. We hope that the steps provided above help in resolving the QuickBooks error code H505. If the error still occurs after applying all the solutions, you can contact the best QuickBooks enterprise support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions