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QuickBooks Error H505: How to Fix Multi-User Mode Issues Fast

  • By Jonathan Browns
  • Nov 22, 2025
  • Accounting
  • 7 min read

QuickBooks has become an indispensable tool for organizations, providing robust accounting solutions that streamline financial tasks. It offers a range of useful features, including a multi-user mode that allows multiple users to access the same data file simultaneously. However, many users have reported encountering QuickBooks Error H505 while working in a multi-user environment. When this occurs, the application typically displays the following error message:

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

quickbooks error H505

As a result, the QuickBooks Desktop Error H505 not only switches the user to the single-user mode but also creates disturbance while accomplishing the accounting tasks. Due to this, it’s essential to get it fixed timely using the easy and simple solutions discussed ahead in this post.

Are you facing difficulties while switching to the multi-user mode due to QuickBooks Error H505 and need help? Immediately contact us at +1-866-408-0444 and get the issue resolved within the shortest possible time.

What are the causes of QuickBooks Desktop Error H505?

The primary stage in resolving the QuickBooks Desktop Error H505 consists of understanding the actual factors that might lead to this issue. Therefore, to help you out, we have come up with the most prominent causes that trigger this error. Let’s start by knowing about all those factors in detail.

  • Primarily, this error can occur when QuickBooks is unable to locate the IP address of the server hosting the company file or the system itself.
  • It may also arise if the user does not have sufficient administrative privileges to access the data file in multi-user mode.
  • Improper configuration of the server hosting the company file can prevent users from using multi-user mode successfully.
  • In some cases, H505 Error QuickBooks may appear if the network data file being accessed is damaged, missing, or corrupted.
  • Additionally, security programs such as Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software can block incoming and outgoing access to the data file.

Signs That Indicate the Occurrence of QuickBooks Desktop Error H505

Here, we have listed the signs and symptoms to recognize the occurrence of Error H505 in QuickBooks Desktop.

  • The constant freezing or crashing of the Windows is observed on the arrival of QuickBooks Error H505.
  • In other cases, when this issue arises it prevents the users from running the company file in a multi-user environment.
  • Sometimes, Error Code H505 in QuickBooks may arise if the company file is placed on the network, and as a result, the user is unable to connect with another computer in the network hosting the file.
  • Moreover, the users may also find delays in the ongoing business activity which might cause severe losses to the company.

Prerequisites to Complete Before Fixing QuickBooks Error H505

Go through the precautionary measures given below closely to address the Error H505 in QuickBooks smoothly.

  • Never skip to conduct the backup of the company file so that when the original file gets damaged or corrupted the duplicate one saves you from completing the ongoing task without any delays.
  • Secondly, you must check that you have enough admin rights to access the company file in a multi-user environment.
  • Also, test that your workstation is getting the proper network connectivity and is not creating restrictions for you to access the file.
  • Don’t forget to update the QuickBooks Desktop application to the currently available version.

Also Read : QuickBooks Error H202

Proven and Reliable Solutions to Quickly Resolve QuickBooks Error H505

After having a deep knowledge of QuickBooks Error Code H505, you will be required to troubleshoot the issue. To accomplish the desired task, you simply follow the solutions given below.

1. Begin by Adjusting the Hosting Configuration Settings

To avoid the potential QuickBooks Error H505, you must ascertain that the hosting settings are configured properly.

  • Launch the QuickBooks application, which hosts your company file on the workstation.
  • After this, switch to the File menu > Utilities option to proceed ahead with the process.
hosting configuration settings
  • When you see that the Host Multi-User Access option is chosen, then click on it and then go to the next step.
  • Now, the users must implement the same steps on all of the workstations encountering the Error Code H505 QuickBooks.
  • Once you are done verifying the workstations, switch to the server computer that is responsible for hosting the company file.
  • Proceeding on to the next step, all you require is to open the QuickBooks application on your server computer and hit the File menu followed by Utilities.
  • When you see that the Host Multi-User Access option is chosen, simply click on it. Whereas, if you get the Stop Hosting Multi-User Access option then prevent tapping on it.

Learn More:- QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working

2. Start Reviewing the Services on the Server

  • Primarily, select the Start menu on the server computer and add “Run” in the empty area.
  • When the Run window emerges, simply insert the command stating “services.msc” and hit the Enter key to open the Services screen.
services on the server
  • After doing this, start searching for the QuickBooks DBXX and opt for the Automatic tab for the startup type.
  • On the other end, the users must ascertain that the service status is either set as Running or Started.
  • Following this, browse to the Start tab > Recovery tab and then pick the Restart the service tab from the drop-down boxes of First Failure, Subsequent Failure, and Second Failure.
  • Thereon, you are supposed to hit the Apply tab and then the OK tab to restore the changes made.
  • Finally, you must perform the same steps for the QBCFMonitorService to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

3. Ensure DNS Settings Are Configured Correctly

Another prominent reason behind the QuickBooks Error Code H505 is incorrect DNS settings. Therefore, it is mandatory to overcome the DNS settings by implementing the instructions as follows.

  • First of all, you must click the Start menu, and include “Run” in the search console to bring up the Run window.
  • When you see the Run screen, input “CMD” in the empty space and hit the Enter key.
  • Immediately, it will take you to the Command Prompt window where you must include “ipconfig/flushdns” and press the Enter key.
  • Conclude the process by verifying that the DNS Settings of your system are set properly to host the file on the network.

Learn More : QuickBooks Error H303

4. Correcting the Firewall Port Settings Properly

To address the multi-user error H505 in QuickBooks, it is mandatory that the firewall settings are configured properly to run the company file securely. Therefore, to resolve the issue, make the necessary changes to the firewall setting using the step-by-step instructions stated below.

  • The first and foremost step is to launch the Run Command window and include “Windows Firewall” in the search panel.
  • With this, you will be redirected to the Windows Firewall window, and from there switch to the Advanced Settings tab.
  • After doing this, you simply need to right-click on the Inbound Rules to click the New Rule tab.
firewall antivirus ports
  • When you are done now, move to the Port > Next, and from the Advanced Settings proceed to rules and specific local ports.
  • Then what you need is to verify that the TCP checkbox is selected and then proceed ahead with the process.
  • Here, you must access the necessary ports corresponding to the QuickBooks version you are using from the Specific local ports field.
    • For QuickBooks DT 2020 and later 8019, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks DT 2019: 8019, XXXX
    • QuickBooks DT 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55328.
    • QuickBooks DT 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
  • Once you include the port number, hit the Next tab and then choose the “Allow the Connection” tab.
allow the connection
  • When you are asked, then you need to ascertain that all the profiles are marked.
  • Next, you must verify that you have constructed a new rule and assign a new name “QBPorts(year).”
  • After applying the above steps, tap the Finish tab and then use the same steps for the Outbound Rules.

5. Solving the Issues That Lies With the Network Data File (.ND)

To resolve the damage that lies with the network data file, simply give a new name to the file. For that, you only need to impose the steps instructed below in the same manner as prescribed below.

  • Mover to the folder that carries your QuickBooks company file on your workstation.
  • Right after that, start searching for the file having the.ND extension and right-click on it to choose the Rename option.
  • Here, start naming the network data file by including.OLD at the end of the file name and save it at an easy-to-access location.
  • At last, try to launch the data file in the multi-user environment and see if you are still confronting the QuickBooks Error H505.

6. Receive the Latest Updates of the QuickBooks Desktop Timely

Updating the QuickBooks Desktop to the currently available version will not only remove the damages in the application but also help you accomplish the task easily.

Latest Updates of the QuickBooks Desktop
  • To download the updates, simply open the QuickBooks application, navigate to the Help menu, and then choose the About QuickBooks option.
  • Now, after this, navigate to the Update QuickBooks window and hit the Update Now tab.
  • Afterward, you must ascertain that the checkbox marked “New Features, Maintenance Releases, and Reset Updates” is checked.
  • Once you have tried applying the above steps, hit the Get Updates tab and then relaunch the QuickBooks application to install the updates successfully on your device. Later on, hit the Install Now tab and see whether the issue is resolved.

Also See : QuickBooks Error H101

Conclusion

With this, we hope that the solutions described above are worth reading and help you remove the QuickBooks Error H505. Thus, it would also help you open the company file in a multi-user environment without any further difficulties. If this issue is still creating a disturbance while accessing the multi-user mode, immediately connect with our QB experts at +1-866-408-0444 for a quick resolution.

1. What is QuickBooks H505 Error?

QuickBooks H505 error occurs when the application is unable to access the company file in a multi-user environment. It usually indicates a problem with the server hosting the file, incorrect network settings, or insufficient permissions. This error is often referred to as QuickBooks error code H505.

2. What are the common causes of H505 Error QuickBooks?

The H505 error in QuickBooks can appear due to several reasons, including:

  • QuickBooks is unable to detect the server hosting the company file.
  • The server is not properly configured for multi-user access.
  • Network or firewall settings are blocking QuickBooks.
  • The company file is damaged or corrupted.

3. How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code H505?

To resolve QuickBooks error code H505, ensure that the server hosting the company file is correctly configured, verify that DNS settings are accurate, check firewall and antivirus settings, and confirm proper admin access. Using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager can also help fix the issue.

4. Can QuickBooks H505 Error Affect Multi-User Mode?

Yes, the H505 error QuickBooks typically appears when trying to work in multi-user mode. It prevents users from accessing the company file simultaneously, disrupting collaborative accounting operations.

5. How to Fix Error H505 in QuickBooks Desktop?

To fix error H505 in QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps:

  • Ensure hosting is enabled on the server only.
  • Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  • Verify DNS and firewall settings.
  • Grant proper administrative permissions to all users.
  • Repair or restore the company file if it is damaged.

About The Author

Jonathan
Jonathan Browns

Jonathan Brown is a trained QuickBooks professional with 10 years of experience in the accounting sector. Moreover, he is passionate about helping businesses reduce the stress of managing accounts. Also, he is proficient in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners to use QuickBooks and enhance their accounting experience.

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