henrylay121
New Member
Error H505 appears with the message: "This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting." This error is part of the H series errors (H101, H202, H303, H505) that all relate to multi-user connectivity issues but have slightly different root causes.
Common Causes of QuickBooks Error H505
Network connectivity issues between computers
QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running correctly
Windows firewall blocking QuickBooks connections
Incorrect QuickBooks hosting settings
Damaged or corrupted Network Descriptor (.ND) files
DNS resolution problems on your network
Outdated QuickBooks software
Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Error H505
Q: What exactly is QuickBooks Error H505 indicating?
A: Error H505 indicates that your computer cannot establish a proper connection with the server hosting the QuickBooks company file. Specifically, it means that while your computer can find the server, it cannot properly communicate with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager running on that host computer.
Q: How is H505 different from other H-series errors like H202?
A: While both H505 and H202 relate to multi-user access issues, H505 specifically indicates problems with services on the host computer that should be facilitating the connection. H202 is more general and can occur due to various connection issues. The solutions for both are similar, but H505 often requires more focus on the server configuration.
Q: Can I still work on my QuickBooks file when encountering H505?
A: Yes, you can open the file in single-user mode as a temporary workaround. However, this means only one person can access the file at a time, which can disrupt workflow in a multi-user environment.
Q: Will fixing Error H505 cause any data loss?
A: The troubleshooting steps for H505 don't directly modify your company data, so the risk of data loss is minimal. However, it's always recommended to create a backup of your company file before attempting any solutions.
Q: How can I tell which computer should be the host for multi-user access?
A: The host computer should typically be the most powerful and reliable computer on your network that remains on during business hours. It should have QuickBooks installed and be running the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Q: Does this error affect QuickBooks Online users?
A: No, Error H505 is specific to QuickBooks Desktop in multi-user environments. QuickBooks Online is cloud-based and doesn't encounter this particular error.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error H505
Solution 1: Verify Network Connectivity
Ensure all computers are connected to the same network
Try pinging the host computer from the workstation:
Open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in Windows)
Type ping [hostname] or ping [IP address] of the host computer
Check if you receive replies without packet loss
Verify that you can access shared folders on the host computer
Make sure all computers have updated network drivers
Solution 2: Configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager
On the host computer, open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
Go to Start > Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Click "Scan Folders" tab
Click "Add Folder" and browse to the location of your company file
Click "Scan" to let the Database Server Manager detect and configure the company files
After scanning completes, restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service:
Press Windows+R, type "services.msc" and press Enter
Find "QuickBooksDBXX" service (XX represents the version year)
Right-click and select "Restart"
Solution 3: Check Hosting Settings
On the host computer:
Open QuickBooks (without opening a company file)
Go to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Access
Ensure hosting is turned on
On workstation computers:
Open QuickBooks (without opening a company file)
Go to File > Utilities
Ensure "Host Multi-User Access" is NOT enabled (if "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access" appears, click it)
Solution 4: Configure Windows Firewall
On the host computer, open Control Panel
Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
Click "Change settings" button
Click "Allow another app" button
Browse to the QuickBooks installation folder and add:
QBDBMgrN.exe (Database Server Manager)
QBW32.exe (QuickBooks application)
QBCFMonitorService.exe (Company File Monitor)
Ensure these applications are allowed on both private and public networks
Click "OK" to save changes
Repeat this process for any third-party firewall software you may be using
Solution 5: Create or Repair .ND Files
On the host computer, go to the folder containing your company file
Look for files with the same name as your company file but with .ND extension
Rename these .ND files by adding .OLD at the end (e.g., "CompanyFile.qbw.ND.OLD")
Open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and scan the folder again
New .ND files will be created automatically
Solution 6: Use QuickBooks File Doctor
Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit's website
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub
Select "Network Issues"
Run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool
Select the company file you're having issues with
Choose "Both file damage and network connectivity" option
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostic and repair process
Solution 7: Update QuickBooks
Open QuickBooks on the host computer
Press F2 to check your current version
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks
Click "Update Now" tab
Select all available updates
Click "Get Updates" to download them
Once downloaded, close and reopen QuickBooks
When prompted to install updates, select "Yes"
Repeat this process on all workstations
Preventive Measures to Avoid Error H505
Regularly update QuickBooks on all computers
Perform routine maintenance on your network
Use wired connections rather than Wi-Fi for more stable connectivity
Schedule regular scans with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service weekly
Create regular backups of your company file
Avoid using network drives or mapped drives for company file storage
When to Contact QuickBooks Support
If you've tried all the above solutions and still encounter Error H505, it may be time to contact QuickBooks technical support. The issue could be more complex, potentially involving:
Specific network configuration issues
Corruption in the company file
Compatibility issues with your operating system
Hardware problems on the host computer
When contacting support, be prepared to provide:
Your QuickBooks version
Operating system details for all computers
Network configuration information
Error messages exactly as they appear
Steps you've already taken to resolve the issue
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error H505 can be frustrating, especially in busy work environments where multiple users need simultaneous access to financial data. However, by systematically working through the solutions outlined above, most users can resolve this error and restore multi-user functionality to their QuickBooks system.
Common Causes of QuickBooks Error H505
Network connectivity issues between computers
QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running correctly
Windows firewall blocking QuickBooks connections
Incorrect QuickBooks hosting settings
Damaged or corrupted Network Descriptor (.ND) files
DNS resolution problems on your network
Outdated QuickBooks software
Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Error H505
Q: What exactly is QuickBooks Error H505 indicating?
A: Error H505 indicates that your computer cannot establish a proper connection with the server hosting the QuickBooks company file. Specifically, it means that while your computer can find the server, it cannot properly communicate with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager running on that host computer.
Q: How is H505 different from other H-series errors like H202?
A: While both H505 and H202 relate to multi-user access issues, H505 specifically indicates problems with services on the host computer that should be facilitating the connection. H202 is more general and can occur due to various connection issues. The solutions for both are similar, but H505 often requires more focus on the server configuration.
Q: Can I still work on my QuickBooks file when encountering H505?
A: Yes, you can open the file in single-user mode as a temporary workaround. However, this means only one person can access the file at a time, which can disrupt workflow in a multi-user environment.
Q: Will fixing Error H505 cause any data loss?
A: The troubleshooting steps for H505 don't directly modify your company data, so the risk of data loss is minimal. However, it's always recommended to create a backup of your company file before attempting any solutions.
Q: How can I tell which computer should be the host for multi-user access?
A: The host computer should typically be the most powerful and reliable computer on your network that remains on during business hours. It should have QuickBooks installed and be running the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Q: Does this error affect QuickBooks Online users?
A: No, Error H505 is specific to QuickBooks Desktop in multi-user environments. QuickBooks Online is cloud-based and doesn't encounter this particular error.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error H505
Solution 1: Verify Network Connectivity
Ensure all computers are connected to the same network
Try pinging the host computer from the workstation:
Open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in Windows)
Type ping [hostname] or ping [IP address] of the host computer
Check if you receive replies without packet loss
Verify that you can access shared folders on the host computer
Make sure all computers have updated network drivers
Solution 2: Configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager
On the host computer, open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
Go to Start > Programs > QuickBooks > QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Click "Scan Folders" tab
Click "Add Folder" and browse to the location of your company file
Click "Scan" to let the Database Server Manager detect and configure the company files
After scanning completes, restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service:
Press Windows+R, type "services.msc" and press Enter
Find "QuickBooksDBXX" service (XX represents the version year)
Right-click and select "Restart"
Solution 3: Check Hosting Settings
On the host computer:
Open QuickBooks (without opening a company file)
Go to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Access
Ensure hosting is turned on
On workstation computers:
Open QuickBooks (without opening a company file)
Go to File > Utilities
Ensure "Host Multi-User Access" is NOT enabled (if "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access" appears, click it)
Solution 4: Configure Windows Firewall
On the host computer, open Control Panel
Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
Click "Change settings" button
Click "Allow another app" button
Browse to the QuickBooks installation folder and add:
QBDBMgrN.exe (Database Server Manager)
QBW32.exe (QuickBooks application)
QBCFMonitorService.exe (Company File Monitor)
Ensure these applications are allowed on both private and public networks
Click "OK" to save changes
Repeat this process for any third-party firewall software you may be using
Solution 5: Create or Repair .ND Files
On the host computer, go to the folder containing your company file
Look for files with the same name as your company file but with .ND extension
Rename these .ND files by adding .OLD at the end (e.g., "CompanyFile.qbw.ND.OLD")
Open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and scan the folder again
New .ND files will be created automatically
Solution 6: Use QuickBooks File Doctor
Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit's website
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub
Select "Network Issues"
Run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool
Select the company file you're having issues with
Choose "Both file damage and network connectivity" option
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostic and repair process
Solution 7: Update QuickBooks
Open QuickBooks on the host computer
Press F2 to check your current version
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks
Click "Update Now" tab
Select all available updates
Click "Get Updates" to download them
Once downloaded, close and reopen QuickBooks
When prompted to install updates, select "Yes"
Repeat this process on all workstations
Preventive Measures to Avoid Error H505
Regularly update QuickBooks on all computers
Perform routine maintenance on your network
Use wired connections rather than Wi-Fi for more stable connectivity
Schedule regular scans with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Restart the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service weekly
Create regular backups of your company file
Avoid using network drives or mapped drives for company file storage
When to Contact QuickBooks Support
If you've tried all the above solutions and still encounter Error H505, it may be time to contact QuickBooks technical support. The issue could be more complex, potentially involving:
Specific network configuration issues
Corruption in the company file
Compatibility issues with your operating system
Hardware problems on the host computer
When contacting support, be prepared to provide:
Your QuickBooks version
Operating system details for all computers
Network configuration information
Error messages exactly as they appear
Steps you've already taken to resolve the issue
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error H505 can be frustrating, especially in busy work environments where multiple users need simultaneous access to financial data. However, by systematically working through the solutions outlined above, most users can resolve this error and restore multi-user functionality to their QuickBooks system.
