🛠️ Resolving QuickBooks Error H505: Causes and Troubleshooting Solutions

QuickBooks Desktop’s multi-user mode allows multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously. However, when the setup isn’t configured correctly, users may encounter Error H505, which typically appears with a message like:

“QuickBooks Error H505: This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”

This error prevents workstations from accessing the company file hosted on a server, disrupting collaboration and productivity.

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🔍 What Causes QuickBooks Error H505?

QuickBooks Error H505 is part of the H-series errors (H101, H202, H303, H505) that relate to multi-user access issues. Common causes include:

• Incorrect hosting configuration: Multiple computers are set to host the company file instead of just the server.
• Blocked communication ports: Firewall settings prevent QuickBooks from accessing the server.
• Missing or inactive QuickBooks services: The QuickBooksDBXX or QBCFMonitorService isn’t running.
• Incorrect DNS settings or IP address mapping
• Damaged or misconfigured .ND file: The network descriptor file may be corrupted or outdated.

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✅ Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Solutions

Step 1: Verify Hosting Settings

Ensure only the server computer is hosting the company file:

• On each workstation:
  • Open QuickBooks > File > Utilities
  • If you see Host Multi-User Access, do nothing
  • If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it

Only the server should host the file to avoid conflicts.

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Step 2: Check QuickBooks Services

Ensure required services are running:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
• Locate and double-click:
  • QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is your version year)
  • QBCFMonitorService
• Set Startup Type to Automatic
• Click Start if the service is not running

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Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

Allow QuickBooks through your firewall:

• Open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall
• Add exceptions for:
  • QBDBMgrN.exe
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe
  • QuickBooks.exe
• Open the required ports for your QuickBooks version:
  • 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
  • 2020: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
  • 2019: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372

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Step 4: Ping the Server from Workstations

To test network connectivity:

• On the workstation, open Command Prompt
• Type ping [ServerName] and press Enter
• If packets are lost or the server is unreachable, check your network setup

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Step 5: Rename the .ND File

The .ND file helps QuickBooks locate the company file over the network:

• Navigate to the folder containing your company file
• Find the file named YourCompanyFile.qbw.nd
• Right-click and rename it to YourCompanyFile.qbw.nd.old
• Open QuickBooks and rescan the folder using Database Server Manager

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Step 6: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub
• Open Tool Hub > Network Issues
• Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager
• Scan the folder containing your company file

This rebuilds the .ND file and resolves network access issues.

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