QuickBooks Error H505 is part of the H-series errors that typically occur when a user tries to access a QuickBooks company file located on another computer (hosted on a server), but the connection to that server fails due to improper configuration.
This error usually occurs in multi-user mode, where the file is stored on a central server and shared with multiple users.
Why Does QuickBooks Error H505 Occur?
Common Reasons Behind QuickBooks Error H505
QuickBooks displays Error H505 when your computer is unable to connect to the company file on another system due to hosting, network, or permission issues. Here are the primary reasons:
Incorrect Hosting Configuration One or more workstations are set as hosts instead of just the server.
Blocked Communication by Firewall The firewall or security settings prevent data exchange between systems.
Damaged or Incorrect .ND File The .ND (Network Data) file that allows access to the file over a network is damaged.
QuickBooks Services Not Running Required services like QuickBooksDBXX or QBCFMonitorService are not active.
Incorrect DNS Settings or IP Configuration The network path to the host computer is not correctly mapped.
Insufficient Folder Permissions The system doesn't have full control over the shared folder containing the company file.
How to Fix QuickBooks Error H505
Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve Error H505
Here’s a comprehensive list of troubleshooting steps you should follow to eliminate QuickBooks Error H505.
Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings
Ensure Only Server Has Hosting Enabled
Open QuickBooks on each system.
Navigate to File > Utilities.
On workstations, it should say Host Multi-User Access (DO NOT click it).
On the server, it should show Stop Hosting Multi-User Access (This means hosting is ON).
✅ Only one computer (server) should act as the host.
Solution 2: Check Windows Firewall Settings
Allow QuickBooks Through the Firewall
Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
Add the following QuickBooks ports for your version:
QuickBooks 2023: 8019, 56728, 55378–55382
Save settings and restart your systems.
You may also temporarily disable the firewall to check if it's the cause.
Solution 3: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Scan and Share the Folder Properly
Download or open QuickBooks Tool Hub (latest version).
Navigate to Network Issues.
Click Browse and add your company file folder.
Click Start Scan.
This tool will fix network-related issues and allow other users to connect.
Solution 4: Rename the .ND File
Fix Damaged Network Data File
Open the folder that contains your company file.
Find the file with the .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd).
Right-click and rename it to CompanyFile.qbw.nd.old.
QuickBooks will recreate this file automatically when you re-scan using the Database Server Manager.
Solution 5: Ensure Services Are Running
Check QuickBooks Services on Server
Press Windows + R and type services.msc.
Locate:
QuickBooksDBXX (e.g., QuickBooksDB33 for version 2023)
QBCFMonitorService
Make sure both services are:
Running
Startup type: Automatic
If not, right-click → Start → Set to Automatic.
Solution 6: Configure Windows Hosts File
Manually Add Host Computer IP
Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
Open hosts file with Notepad as administrator.
Add the following line:
pgsqlCopyEdit[Server IP Address] [Server Name]Save the file and restart QuickBooks.
This forces the workstation to connect directly to the server.
Solution 7: Set Folder Permissions Correctly
Share the Company File Folder
Right-click on the folder with the company file.
Click Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing.
Check Share this folder, then go to Permissions.
Ensure Full Control is given to Everyone or the QBDataServiceUserXX.
Improper folder permissions can block network access to the company file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does QuickBooks Error H505 mean?
QuickBooks Error H505 indicates that a workstation is trying to access a file on a server, but it cannot connect because the host is not correctly configured or network issues are blocking access.
2. Can multiple systems host a QuickBooks company file?
No. Only one system—the server—should have hosting enabled. Enabling hosting on multiple systems causes conflicts and can trigger H505.
3. Is Error H505 the same as H202 or H303?
They are related but occur for slightly different reasons:
H202: Unable to connect to the host.
H303/H505: Host is found but can’t access the file due to firewall, permissions, or services.
4. Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix Error H505?
Not always. This error is typically network-related, so unless QuickBooks installation is corrupted, a reinstall is unnecessary. Instead, use QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix network issues.
5. Is QuickBooks Tool Hub safe and effective?
Yes. It is free and developed by Intuit to fix common issues like H505, company file errors, and network problems.
6. When should I call support for Error H505?
If the above solutions don’t work, there could be:
Deeper network misconfiguration
DNS or IP conflicts
Damaged database services
📞 Call certified QuickBooks experts at +1(855)-738-0359 for advanced troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Error H505 is frustrating, especially when your team relies on smooth multi-user access. Fortunately, it's usually fixable through hosting configuration, firewall tweaks, and database management.
Always ensure:
Only the host computer has multi-user hosting enabled.
Firewalls and ports are correctly configured.
QuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed and running.
Don't let error H505 interrupt your workflow. Take the steps outlined in this guide—or call +1(855)-738-0359 for fast expert help.