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Fixing QuickBooks Error H505: Multi-User Mode Issues and Solutions

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Dennislopez5612
Dennislopez5612
07 Mar 2025 12:41

One of the most popular accounting software programs for small and medium-sized enterprises is QuickBooks. Multiple users can view a firm file on a server thanks to its multi-user functionality. However, QuickBooks Error H505, a frequent problem associated with multi-user mode, might occasionally be encountered by users. Usually, network problems, improper setups, or misconfigured hosting settings prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the company file on another server, resulting in this error. We will go over the causes, signs, and workarounds for QuickBooks Error H505 in this post.

 

Understanding QuickBooks Error H505

The H-series of issues, which include QuickBooks Error H505, typically arise while attempting to switch QuickBooks to multi-user mode. The error message indicates that QuickBooks cannot connect to the server-based company file. Incorrect DNS settings, firewall limitations, or hosting settings can all cause this.

 

Causes of QuickBooks Error H505

There are several reasons why QuickBooks Error H505 may occur. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration – The problem could appear if the workstation running QuickBooks is configured to host the company file rather than the server.

  2. Firewall Blocking QuickBooks Communication – Multi-user mode may not work effectively if the firewall settings impede communication between QuickBooks and the server.

  3. Incorrect DNS Settings – If the DNS settings are misconfigured, QuickBooks may not be able to find the server hosting the company file.

  4. Damaged or Incorrect .ND File – The .ND (Network Data) file helps QuickBooks communicate over the network. If it is corrupted or not configured properly, the error may arise.

  5. QuickBooks Database Server Manager Issues – QuickBooks will not be able to connect to the company file if the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not operating or is not configured properly.

  6. Multiple Hosting Configurations – The server hosting QuickBooks may experience issues if several computers on the network have hosting enabled.

 

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H505

Users experiencing QuickBooks Error H505 may notice the following symptoms:

  • QuickBooks cannot switch to multi-user mode.

  • An error message appears stating: Error H505: QuickBooks cannot access the company file.

  • The system becomes slow or lags when accessing QuickBooks.

  • Users are unable to open the company file stored on another computer.

  • QuickBooks freezes or crashes intermittently.

 

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error H505

Below are step-by-step solutions to fix QuickBooks Error H505 and restore multi-user access.

Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings

  1. Open QuickBooks on the workstation where the error appears.

  2. Go to File > Utilities.

  3. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click on it to disable hosting.

  4. Repeat this step on all workstations except for the server.

  5. Now, on the server, ensure Host Multi-User Access is turned on.

  6. Restart QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 2: Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

  1. On the server computer, open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

  2. Click Scan Folders and then Browse to locate the folder containing the company file.

  3. Click OK and then Start Scan.

  4. The tool will repair the .ND file and configure the firewall settings.

  5. Once completed, restart QuickBooks and check if multi-user mode works.

Solution 3: Configure Firewall Settings

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Windows Defender Firewall.

  2. Click on Advanced Settings.

  3. In the left pane, select Inbound Rules, then click New Rule.

  4. Select Port and click Next.

  5. Choose TCP and enter the following ports based on your QuickBooks version:

    • QuickBooks Desktop 2023: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382

    • QuickBooks Desktop 2022: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377

    • QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372

  6. Click Next, select Allow the Connection, and follow the prompts.

  7. Repeat the process for Outbound Rules.

  8. Restart the computer and check if the issue persists.

Solution 4: Edit the Windows Hosts File

  1. Press Windows R and type cmd, then press Enter.

  2. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.

  3. Note the IP address of the server.

  4. Open Notepad as Administrator.

  5. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\hosts.

  6. Add a new line at the end: Server-IP Address Server-Name (e.g., 192.168.1.100 QBServer).

  7. Save and close the file.

  8. Restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 5: Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

  1. Open the folder containing the company file.

  2. Locate the files with extensions .ND and .TLG (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd and CompanyFile.qbw.tlg).

  3. Right-click each file and select Rename.

  4. Add .OLD to the end of each file (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd.OLD).

  5. Open QuickBooks and try switching to multi-user mode.

Solution 6: Restart QuickBooks Services

  1. Press Windows R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Locate QuickBooksDBXX (where XX represents the QuickBooks version).

  3. Right-click it and select Restart.

  4. Repeat this for QuickBooks Services.

  5. Restart the server and try opening QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

    For More : QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table Update

 

Preventing QuickBooks Error H505 in the Future

To avoid facing QuickBooks Error H505 again, follow these best practices:

  • Ensure only the server is set to host multi-user mode.

  • Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version.

  • Configure firewall and security settings to allow QuickBooks communication.

  • Keep the QuickBooks Database Server Manager updated and running.

  • Use a stable network connection and properly configure DNS settings.

 

Conclusion

In multi-user mode, QuickBooks Error H505 is a frequent problem that can be caused by faulty DNS settings, firewall restrictions, or hosting arrangements. Users can successfully troubleshoot and resolve the error by using the solutions in this article, guaranteeing smooth access to QuickBooks in a multi-user setting. The problem can be avoided with regular maintenance, appropriate setups, and security settings. It is advised to speak with QuickBooks Support or a qualified expert if the error continues.

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