How to fix QuickBooks Error H505? (Multi-User Mode Issue)

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QuickBooks Error H505 indicates troubles in accessing company files stored on another server. Despite the exceptional multi-user mode of the application, such issues cause significant problems for the users. That is why we are bringing you this comprehensive guide with in-depth details into the causes and methods to fix this issue.

One of the most cutting-edge accounting programs, QuickBooks provides countless features for the dependable & secure operation of financial data. One of these features offered by this program is the QuickBooks multi-user mode. The ability for numerous users to work on the same corporate file from various workstations is helpful. When you are unable to access the company file that is on another computer, QuickBooks Error Code H505 occurs. There may also be a number of additional reasons. To help you quickly find an answer to your question, we have included all potential reasons and related troubleshooting techniques in this blog.

“Troubleshooting For Error H505 Requires Good Hands-on Technical knowledge. However, If you don’t possess enough technical skills, We recommend contacting QB Technical support number at +1-855-856-0042 and Letting the experts Identify and Resolve it swiftly ”

What Does QuickBooks Error H505 Mean?

QuickBooks H505 error is a perplexing technical issue that occurs while accessing the company file. When the error occurs, you may see an error message on your screen that reads, “You are trying to work with a company file that is located on another computer, but that computer needs additional installation and setup (H505)”. Furthermore, the error message also prompts users to verify that QuickBooks is set up to host multi-user access.

H-series errors are standard in QuickBooks and can come up whenever a user tries to establish a multi-user connection. Workstations face problems connecting to the server (the computer hosting the company file), due to which these errors arise. QuickBooks error H505 displays on the user’s computer when connecting it to the one hosting the company file. Technical glitches in the network are the primary causes of these errors.

Although QuickBooks allows multi-user access, issues can arise while establishing a connection between the two host servers and the workstation, which may result in an h505 error QuickBooks. These issues can arise due to multiple reasons, which are essential to know so that appropriate troubleshooting can get applied. 

All the Possible Reasons Behind The QuickBooks Error Code H505

H505 QuickBooks can take place due to several reasons described in the below-given steps:

• When the network data (.ND) is damaged, it can prevent QuickBooks from accessing the server.
• If the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is turned off, error code h505 QuickBooks 2023 might emerge.
• Sometimes, QuickBooks fails to communicate with the company file located on the server due to incorrect hosting configuration settings.
• When you are not able to get the IP address of the Host computer, this problem can come into sight.
• Wrong DNS settings are also one of the apparent reasons behind the QB error h505.
• Restrictive Firewall settings are preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.
• Multiple workstations acting as the host server can cause issues, leading to error h505 QuickBooks Desktop. 
• If the server is unreachable or down, it can lead to an h505 error QuickBooks Desktop. 
• The services required by QuickBooks to establish a connection between server and workstations like QuickBooks DBXX might not work, causing H-series errors to pop up. 
• When users haven’t updated their QuickBooks Desktop application, it results in QuickBooks error code h505.
• If the system files are damaged or corrupted, users will see QB error h505.

When you detect one or more of these reasons in your system, you must implement troubleshooting immediately to resolve the problem. However, before you do, let’s confirm the presence of QuickBooks error code h505 with the evident signs.

You may also see: How to Resolve the QuickBooks Error 1920

Symptoms left by Error H505

When error h505 QuickBooks comes forward in an accounting task, it leaves the following marks:

• The first issue that arises is the multi-user mode doesn’t work.
• Accessing a file on another system becomes a problem.
• QuickBooks programs, as well as Windows, might experience crashing, freezing, or delay-like symptoms. 
• Unresponsiveness and sluggish performance might be seen on Windows.
• The error message with the error h505 QuickBooks Desktop might emerge on the screen.
• An active QB file on the screen might crash or close unexpectedly.
• Users may not get any response from the mouse and keyboard commands due to QuickBooks error message h505.

These symptoms are enough to push a user to rectify QuickBooks error H505.

Essentials to Remember Before Resolution

Take a look at the following crucial points before proceeding with the resolution of the QB h505 error:

• Ensure appropriate installation of the QB application on the system.
• The full QB Desktop version should have database or license manager hosting only. 
• Do install the QB application on the server. Otherwise, the multi-user mode won’t work.
• Download QB from the official website only to avoid damage, virus, or corruption in the server system.
• Enter your QuickBooks application with administrator details while you practice how to fix QuickBooks error h505.
• Prevent data loss by forming a backup of your files beforehand.
• Make sure you download the latest tax tables and payroll app updates.
• Use the tools by QB Tool Hub, including Quick Fix My Program to repair performance issues.
• Ensure your QuickBooks Database Server Manager has an active status.
• Look at the firewall restrictions and lift them before resolving error code h505 QuickBooks.

Now, you can proceed with the QuickBooks h505 Error fix. 

Recommended to read: How to fix QuickBooks Abort Error

How To Erase QuickBooks Error Code H505 From QB?

If you’re wondering how to fix QuickBooks error code h505, keep following the step-wise instructions. Follow the below-described solutions to get rid of QuickBooks error H505:

Solution 1: Fix the Damaged .ND File

Network Data (.ND) is a configuration file located in the same folder having the QuickBooks company file. QuickBooks uses this file to access the file located on the network. To rename.ND file, follow the below-given steps:

• Go to the folder containing the QuickBooks company file.
• Next, locate and right-click the network data file having an extension .ND.

• Select Rename and add .OLD at the end of the file name.

Check if the QuickBooks h505 error message is resolved. If not, try the next troubleshooting solution.

Solution 2: Fix your firewall using QuickBooks Database Server Manager

QuickBooks Database Server Manager helps QuickBooks to communicate with the network server. When the service is disabled, you may receive error H505 in QuickBooks Desktop when opening the company file. To resolve the error:

• Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from a legit source.
• Save the downloaded file to a suitable location.
• Next, click on the downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool.
• Once the installation is done, open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

• Now from within the tool, select Network Issues, and it will open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Use the Browse option to select the company file folder and then click Start Scan.
• It will make QuickBooks Database Server Manager repair your Firewall and provide all the efficient permission to access all the workstations.
• Hit Close once you are done.

If the Intuit error message H505 appears again on your screen, then move to the next procedure.

Solution 3: Create A New .QBW Company File in multi-user mode

When there is a server issue, you need to check if your company file is also having a problem:

• Create a new folder on the host computer and then enable the full access permissions.
• Next, you need to create .QBW file in the multi-user mode.

• Check if you can access the company file from all the workstations across the network.
• These steps can help you in troubleshoot the h505 QuickBooks error.

You may also read:  How to Fix QuickBooks Error 163

Solution 4: Check the Host multi-user mode settings (if it is on or off)

Host multi-user mode lets QuickBooks to Host the Company file for multiple users. However, If it is on in any workstation, So that may cause the the Error h505 QuickBooks 2023 and stop hosting mode in workstation steps mentioned below as:

For workstations

• Open the QuickBooks Program, on Which workstation you’re encountering, QuickBooks Error code H505, H202, H101, H303.
• Now, In the Home window of the QuickBooks Program, Click on “File”, then drag the mouse over the “utilities”.
• If you notice, “Stop hosting multi-user access.” click on the button to stop the multi-user access for that workstation.

• Restart the computer and now use the multi-user mode.

For server computer

• Open the QuickBooks as usual and Don’t open the company file.
• Now, Click on the “File“, and then drag down the mouse to the utility option.

• If you see the Option as “Host multi-user access“, Click on it. But if you found “Stop multi-user access“, then Don’t click on the button. See if QuickBooks enterprise error h505 is gone.

Solution 5: Edit the Windows host file

Implement this action as follows to get rid of error h505 in QuickBooks Desktop:

• Access the Run window by pressing the Windows and R keys together. 
• Type cmd and press enter to get to the command prompt window.
• Further, type the command ipconfig/all and press enter.
• Now, you need to note down the Hostname and IP address somewhere accessible. Repeat these steps for the system with the multi-user setup. 

Now, let’s proceed to edit the Windows host file as follows:

• Close QuickBooks and hit the Start menu.
• Go to This PC or My Computer and follow any of the following paths: “C:\Windows \ System32 \ Drivers\ Etc OR C:\Windows \ Syswow64\ Drivers\Etc.” 
• If the Windows folder isn’t available on the PC, you can try finding it by unhiding the hidden folders as follows:
• Tap the view tab and click the hidden items option to see the hidden folders.
• Now, click the hosts’ file and choose to open it through a notepad. 
• Next, enter the IP address and computer name. Make sure to use the tab key instead of the space bar while
• entering these details and putting in a space between the information.
• Save all these changes, and you are now ready to open QB in the multi-user mode.

Solution 6: Verify the Services on the Server

See if QBCFMonitorService and QBDBXX services are working properly as follows:

• Begin by launching the run window from either the Start menu or through the shortcut ‘Windows + R’ keys. 
• Type and enter the command services.msc here.
• Now, double-click QuickBooksDBXX from the list, and for the startup type, choose Automatic. 
• Next, the user needs to ascertain the running or stared status of the services
• Hit Start and then the Recovery tab.
• Also, opt for restarting the services from the drop-down menu, namely first, second, and subsequent failure.
• Hit the Apply tab and OK to confirm the changes.
• End everything and now repeat them again for QBCFMonitor services. 

Solution 7: Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

QuickBooks File Doctor is a utility available in the QB tool hub that fixes network and company file issues. It can be implemented as follows:

• Firstly, you need to initiate the download and installation of the QuickBooks Tool Hub on your system. The steps for the same are available in Solution 2. 
• Once this procedure is over and you successfully set up the tool hub, visit the Company file issues section. 
• Here, select the QuickBooks File Doctor option. 
• Locate the company file automatically or manually if the first option doesn’t work. Browse the desired company file in a second way. 
• Now, click and let the tool detect and fix errors. It might take some time. 
• Once done, you can close and reboot your system and check the error. 

You may also read: How to resolve QuickBooks Error 6176

Solution 8: Disable your Firewall

Prevent your firewall from restricting QB and causing h505 error in QuickBooks desktop by disabling it:

• Visit the Control Panel on your system. 
• Further, hit the System and Security option.
• Here, locate the Windows Firewall Defender option. 
• Inside these settings, look to Turn Off Windows Firewall Defender on the left side.
• Also, make sure to checkmark the Public and private networks box.
• Hit OK and check for the issue. 

Solution 9: Update the Outdated QuickBooks Desktop

Undertake the following steps to update your out-of-date QuickBooks Desktop application and resolve error h505 QuickBooks:

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop and navigate to the Help menu. Here, click About QuickBooks to check your current version.
• Opt for the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
• Tap the Update Now option.
• Now, make sure you mark the New Features, Maintenance Releases, and Reset Updates checkboxes.
• Hit the Get Update option.
• Reboot QuickBooks, and if you’re asked to install updates, tap the Install Now option.
• After installing the updates, reboot your computer and retry accessing the company file.

Now, see if you’re still seeing QB error h505. If yes, proceed with other methods.

Solution 10: Form a New Company File Folder

Change your company file location by creating a new folder. This method is beneficial when your QuickBooks company file folder is corrupted and causing QuickBooks h505 error:

• Head to the company file folder on your server. Copy your company file (Ctrl + C or right-click > copy).
• Form a new folder on your desktop by right-tapping and clicking New > Folder.
• Further, paste (Ctrl + V) or right-click + Paste your company file into the new folder you created.
• Now, right-tap this folder and opt for the Properties option.
• Hit the Advanced Sharing option under the Share section to resolve error h505 in QuickBooks desktop.
• Tickmark the Share this Folder checkbox and hit the Permissions option.
• Ensure to click the Full Control box for Everyone group. Then, click Apply and OK.
• Again, tap Apply and OK based on the prompts you receive on the screen.
• Now, try accessing your company file from the workstations and check if the QuickBooks enterprise error h505 persists.

Solution 11: Ping the Server from the Workstation

Verify the server and workstation connection by pinging your server from the workstation. Do it from each workstation getting QuickBooks h505 error.

Initiate this solution by turning Network Discovery ON on your server computer and workstations getting QB error code h505:

• Launch the Windows Start menu on both your server and workstations.
• Type network in the search field and launch the Network and Sharing Center.
• Pick the Change Advanced Sharing Settings option.
• Ensure to turn on network discovery by choosing it in the Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing sections.

Now, learn your server name from the server to eliminate the symptoms of QuickBooks error h505:

• Click the Windows icon to open the Start menu on the server computer.
• Type Run in the search field to launch the Run window.
• Write CMD in the run box and press Enter.
• Type ipconfig /all and hit Enter in the CMD window.
• Look for the hostname in the Windows IP configuration tab. The server name will be available on the right side.
• Note the hostname and copy it to Notepad or Word doc for prompt access.

Now, return to the workstation to test the server. As these steps get complex, you may require professional help. Consider experts who know how to fix QuickBooks error code h505:

• Click the Windows start menu from the workstation.
• Type Run in the search field and enter to launch the Run window.
• Further, type CMD in the run window and hit Enter.
• Type “ping [your server name],” without the brackets, and click Enter.
• Follow these steps for every workstation requiring QuickBooks error h505 fix.

Your server works fine if you get a response for each packet without losses. However, stop and consult a professional if you encounter packet loss or a sluggish reply.

Solution 12: Configure Security and Firewall Settings for QB Desktop

Restrictive firewall settings must be configured to eliminate h505 QuickBooks. Here are the steps to add a firewall port exception to QB:

• Hit the Windows icon to access the Start menu and search for Windows Firewall here.

• Open the Windows Firewall window and choose Advanced Settings.

• Right-click Inbound Rules (Follow the same steps except change Inbound to Outbound Rules once done). Now, click New Rule.

• Tap Port, followed by Next.
• Make sure you choose TCP while rectifying the h505 QuickBooks desktop error.
• Now, mention the specific ports required for your QB year version in the Specific Local Ports field:
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later have 8019, XXXXX ports.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2019 contains 8019, XXXXX ports.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2018 follows 8019, 56728, 55378-55382 ports.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2017 has 8019, 56727, 55373-55377 ports.
• Click Next once you enter the Port number.
• Hit the Allow the Connection option and tap Next.
• Mark all the profiles if the prompt appears and tap Next.
• Form a rule and assign a name along the lines of “QBPorts(year).”

Repeat these steps for Outbound Rules, then switch to multi-user mode. See if you still get the h505 error QuickBooks:

Further, create Windows firewall exceptions for QuickBooks Desktop on your system:

• Tap the Start menu icon, type Windows Firewall, and open the Firewall window.
• Opt for Advanced Settings, followed by right-tapping Inbound Rules.
• Click New Rule.
• Pick Program, then Next.
• Select the This Program Path option and click Browse.
• Locate the executable field required to resolve error code h505 QuickBooks 2021 from the table below. Hit Next.
• Tap Allow the Connection > Next.
• Verify all the profiles are marked when prompted, then tap Next.
• Form a rule and name something as follows: “QBFirewallException(name.exe).”
• Repeat all the steps for Outbound Rules.

Solution 13: Ensure Accurate Permission Settings for Folders

Restrict unauthorized access to your critical QuickBooks data by ensuring all folders have sufficient permissions. Users should offer permissions only to the needed groups and limit it to keep as much as necessary. Regularly reviewing and updating folder permissions ensures seamless functioning and prevents error code h505 QuickBooks 2022.

Here are the steps taken to set up folder permissions in QuickBooks:

• Launch the folder containing your company file from the File menu, followed by File Explorer.
• When the company file folder appears, right-click it and choose Properties.
• Hit the Security tab, then Advanced.
• Select QBDataServiceUserXX and set the following settings to Allowed:
  • Traverse Folder/Execute File
  • Read Extended Attributes
  • Create Files/Write Data
  • Write Attributes
  • Create Folders/Append Data
  • List Folder/Read Data
  • Read Permissions
  • Write Extended Attributes
  • Read Attributes
• Select Properties and go to the Security tab. Opt to edit QBDataServiceUserXX for h505 in QuickBooks desktop.
• Tap the Add option, type the user or group name you wish to add, and offer access to the folder.
• Check all the names and ensure everything’s correct.
• Pick the user or group from the list after adding them.
• Choose the permissions you wish to permit to the user or group in the Permissions for Users or Groups section. For instance, click Full Control if you wish to give them complete control and access.
• Hit Apply and OK to validate the changes.

Now, you can check if the error code h505 QuickBooks 2023 persists.

Further, check the folder permissions as follows:

• Hit the Start icon to open this menu and click File Explorer.
• Look for the folder you wish to alter the permissions for and right-click it:
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
  • C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT\QUICKBOOKS
  • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6.0
  • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v3
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)
  • C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v5
  • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\FAMXX (XX = year)
  • C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client

Your QuickBooks version states whether you have all these folders or not. Now, it’s time to take the following actions and rectify the QuickBooks h505 error message:

• Click Properties after right-clicking these folders.
• Select Everyone in the Security section. (Tap Add, type Everyone, and click OK if Everyone is not an option.)
• Click Full Control, followed by Apply and OK, and check the presence of QuickBooks error h505 on server.

Solution 14: Use System File Checker

System File Checker scan helps scan system files and rectify problems like QuickBooks error h505 another computer. Run this scan as follows:

• Type Run in the start menu to open the Run window or Press Windows + R to launch it.
• Write cmd to open the command prompt window. However, don’t press Enter yet.
• Instead, press Ctrl and Shift keys together and launch the Command Prompt dialog box. It will run with admin permissions and appear as a blank black window with a moving cursor.
• Type SFC/Scannow and press Enter.
• The System file checker scan will begin and run for a few minutes. It should fix all the damaged files causing the QB h505 error.

Solution 15: Repair the QuickBooks Application

Now, it’s time to fix problems with your QB app that are causing the h505 QuickBooks error. Follow these steps for repair:

• Opt for Control Panel from the Start menu or run window.
• Open it and opt for the Programs and Features tab.
• Select Uninstall a program and reach the list of apps currently installed on the device.
• Locate and pick QuickBooks from the list.
• Tap the Repair option and execute the prompts allowing you to do so.
• Finish the procedure, reboot your device, and see whether the QuickBooks h505 error fix worked.

Need any help in fixing the problem?

Now that you are here after reading this full post, you would have fixed the error code H505 in QuickBooks. However, if you need help from qualified QuickBooks experts in the error resolution, give us a call on our QuickBooks Desktop support number 1-(855)-856-0042. On connecting, you can get hassle-free assistance in troubleshooting QuickBooks error H505.

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Summary

Article Name

How to fix QuickBooks Error H505? (Multi-User Mode Issue)

Description

If you are frustrated by the frequent appearance of QuickBooks error H505, follow the experts’ solutions in this article for a permanent fix.

Author

Erica Watson

Publisher Name

Pro Advisor Solutions

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