These errors mean something is blocking the multi-user connection to your server. We'll show you how to fix the issue.
This error indicates that there are technical glitches in the network set up that is interrupting the connection between different workstations in the network.
QuickBooks error code H505 is basically a technical error that can be seen when the user tries to access or move the company files to other computer systems.
If you’re encountering QB error H505, you know how frustrating it can be. QuickBooks error H505 typically occurs in a multi-user setup when QuickBooks is unable to access the company file from a remote computer or server. This error usually happens because of network connectivity issues, incorrect configuration, or firewall settings. Fortunately, resolving QB error H505 can be relatively straightforward with the right approach.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective ways to resolve QB error H505 and get your QuickBooks back on track.
What Is QB Error H505?
QB error H505 typically appears when a user tries to open a company file stored on a server, and QuickBooks cannot communicate with the server. The full error message generally reads:
"Error H505: This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting."
This can happen if there are issues with the network, server setup, or if QuickBooks is unable to establish the necessary connection to open the company file on a remote machine.
Common Causes of QB Error H505
There are a variety of reasons quickbooks error h505, might occur, including:
- Firewall or Antivirus Issues
- Firewalls or antivirus software can block the communication between QuickBooks and the server. If the firewall isn’t configured properly, QuickBooks may not be able to access the company file stored on another computer.
- Incorrect Hosting Setup
- QuickBooks must be set up to host the company file on a server. If the hosting settings are incorrect, or if QuickBooks is not properly configured to use multi-user mode, QB error H505 can occur.
- Network Connectivity Problems
- Problems with the network connection between your workstations and the server can prevent QuickBooks from opening the company file.
- Incorrect DNS Settings
- If the DNS settings on the server or workstations are misconfigured, it can cause QuickBooks to fail to establish a connection with the company file.
Quick Fixes for QB Error H505
Follow these simple troubleshooting steps to resolve QB error H505:
Step 1: Check Your Hosting Configuration
The first step in resolving QB error H505 is ensuring that QuickBooks is properly set up for multi-user mode on the server.
- Check Hosting Settings:
- Open QuickBooks on your server computer.
- Click on File > Utilities.
- If the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Mode appears, select it. This ensures that hosting is not enabled on the server, which may be causing the error.
- Next, on the workstations, go to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Setup and make sure that the workstations are configured to host the company file.
- Set the Correct Hosting Option:
- After stopping hosting on the server, enable it on the workstation that will host the company file, then restart QuickBooks.
Step 2: Verify the Server and Workstations' Connection
QB error H505 may be due to a network or connectivity issue. Make sure the server and the workstations are connected to the same network and can communicate with each other.
- Test the Connection:
- Ping the server from each workstation to verify that they can communicate over the network. If you cannot ping the server, you may have a network issue that needs to be resolved.
- Ensure Proper File Permissions:
- Right-click on the folder where your company file is stored on the server and select Properties.
- In the Security tab, make sure all users have Full Control of the folder.
Step 3: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Sometimes QB error H505 occurs due to security software blocking the connection between QuickBooks and the server. To resolve this:
- Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software:
- Disable the firewall or antivirus on both the server and the workstations temporarily to check if they are causing the issue.
- If QuickBooks works after disabling the firewall, you will need to configure your security software to allow QuickBooks through.
- Allow QuickBooks Through the Firewall:
- If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, you will need to add QuickBooks to your firewall’s list of allowed programs. Check with your firewall or antivirus software provider for instructions on how to do this.
Step 4: Verify DNS Settings
Sometimes QB error H505 can be caused by incorrect DNS settings. To check and update the DNS settings on your system:
- Access the DNS Configuration:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on your network connection and select Properties.
- In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) settings, verify that the DNS settings are correctly configured. You may need to use the DNS server addresses provided by your network administrator.
- Restart the Network Devices:
- After updating DNS settings, restart your router, modem, and the affected computers to apply the changes.
Step 5: Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager
If the above steps don’t work, try using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager to resolve QB error H505. This tool is designed to help fix multi-user setup issues and can automatically detect and fix issues with the QuickBooks database.
- Install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server.
- Open the tool and click on Scan Folders.
- Select the folder where your company file is stored, then click Start Scan.
- Once the scan completes, restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.
Step 6: Reboot QuickBooks Services
Rebooting the QuickBooks services may help resolve QB error H505. This step ensures that the necessary services are running on both the server and workstations.
- Open Services by typing "services.msc" in the search box and pressing Enter.
- Locate the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and QuickBooks DBXX services.
- Right-click on the services and select Restart.
- Once the services are restarted, try accessing QuickBooks again.
Conclusion
QB error H505 can be a headache, but by following these quick fixes, you can resolve the issue and get back to managing your QuickBooks company files. Start by ensuring that your multi-user setup is correct, then check your network, firewall, and DNS settings. If these don’t work, use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and reboot QuickBooks services.
If the problem persists, you may want to reach out to QuickBooks support for further assistance. By fixing the underlying issue, you can prevent QB error H505 from disrupting your workflow in the future.