The QuickBooks H505 error is a common issue that arises when you try to access a company file located on another computer, and QuickBooks is unable to connect to the server. This error is part of a series of multi-user setup errors (H101, H202, H303, H505) that typically indicate a problem with the network configuration or improper hosting settings.
This error usually appears with the following message:
If you're seeing this message, you're likely trying to use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, but your system is having trouble communicating with the host computer.
Q2: What Causes QuickBooks Error H505?
There are several potential reasons behind the QuickBooks H505 error:
These issues all contribute to communication breakdowns between systems, especially in multi-user environments.
Q3: What Are the Symptoms of QuickBooks H505 Error?
You might be experiencing the H505 error if:
If these issues sound familiar, you're not alone—many businesses encounter them while working in networked QuickBooks environments.
Q4: How Do I Fix QuickBooks H505 Error?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the QuickBooks H505 error:
Only the server (host computer) should host the file.
Q5: What If You Still Can’t Resolve the H505 Error?
If you've tried the above steps and the error still persists, it's time to get expert help. Multi-user setup errors can get tricky, especially when dealing with network settings, firewall rules, or server misconfigurations.
Call QuickBooks Support Now at 1-855-526-5749
Our certified QuickBooks experts are available 24/7 to provide live, step-by-step assistance. Whether you're a small business owner or an accountant managing multiple company files, our team can help you restore multi-user access, optimize your network setup, and eliminate the H505 error for good.
Q6: How Can You Prevent QuickBooks H505 Error in the Future?
To reduce the chances of facing the H505 error again:
Also, schedule periodic maintenance of your company files and network setup.
Conclusion: Don’t Let QuickBooks H505 Error Disrupt Your Business
QuickBooks is a powerful tool, but network errors like H505 can be frustrating and disruptive—especially during peak business hours. Fortunately, most causes are known and fixable with the right guidance.
If you're still stuck or unsure about handling technical settings, it's best to consult with an expert.
Call QuickBooks Support at 1-855-526-5749 and get immediate help from professionals who specialize in resolving H-series errors.
Let us take the stress out of troubleshooting so you can get back to what matters—running your business efficiently.
This error usually appears with the following message:
“This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”
If you're seeing this message, you're likely trying to use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, but your system is having trouble communicating with the host computer.
Q2: What Causes QuickBooks Error H505?
There are several potential reasons behind the QuickBooks H505 error:
- Incorrect hosting configuration – Another computer might be incorrectly configured to host the company file.
- Damaged or incorrect .ND file – The Network Data (.ND) file is used by QuickBooks to access company files in a network.
- Firewall or security software blocking communication – Your firewall might be blocking incoming or outgoing connections.
- QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running – This tool helps you share your company file with other computers on the network.
- Domain name not resolved – QuickBooks cannot resolve the IP address of the host computer.
These issues all contribute to communication breakdowns between systems, especially in multi-user environments.
Q3: What Are the Symptoms of QuickBooks H505 Error?
You might be experiencing the H505 error if:
- QuickBooks freezes or becomes sluggish while switching to multi-user mode.
- You’re unable to open the company file hosted on a different computer.
- You receive an H-series error code such as H505, H202, etc.
- Your network setup suddenly stops functioning as expected.
If these issues sound familiar, you're not alone—many businesses encounter them while working in networked QuickBooks environments.
Q4: How Do I Fix QuickBooks H505 Error?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the QuickBooks H505 error:
Step 1: Verify Hosting Settings
- On each workstation:
- Open QuickBooks > File > Utilities.
- If you see "Host Multi-User Access", do not select it.
- If it says "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access", select it and disable it.
Only the server (host computer) should host the file.
Step 2: Use QuickBooks File Doctor
- Download and run QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Choose Company File Issues > Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
- Let the tool scan and repair file and network issues.
Step 3: Configure Windows Firewall
- Make sure ports 8019, 56728, 55378-55382 are open.
- Add exceptions for QuickBooks in Windows Firewall.
Step 4: Check QuickBooks Services
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
- Find QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is your version year) and QBCFMonitorService.
- Make sure both are set to Automatic and are running.
Step 5: Edit Host File (Advanced)
- Open the host file on your computer.
- Add the IP address and computer name of the host system.
- Save the file and try to reopen QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
Q5: What If You Still Can’t Resolve the H505 Error?
If you've tried the above steps and the error still persists, it's time to get expert help. Multi-user setup errors can get tricky, especially when dealing with network settings, firewall rules, or server misconfigurations.

Our certified QuickBooks experts are available 24/7 to provide live, step-by-step assistance. Whether you're a small business owner or an accountant managing multiple company files, our team can help you restore multi-user access, optimize your network setup, and eliminate the H505 error for good.
Q6: How Can You Prevent QuickBooks H505 Error in the Future?
To reduce the chances of facing the H505 error again:
- Always keep QuickBooks and Windows updated.
- Regularly check your network connectivity and firewall settings.
- Backup your QuickBooks files routinely.
- Make sure only the host computer is enabled to host the company file.
- Consider a dedicated server for multi-user environments.
Also, schedule periodic maintenance of your company files and network setup.
Conclusion: Don’t Let QuickBooks H505 Error Disrupt Your Business
QuickBooks is a powerful tool, but network errors like H505 can be frustrating and disruptive—especially during peak business hours. Fortunately, most causes are known and fixable with the right guidance.
If you're still stuck or unsure about handling technical settings, it's best to consult with an expert.

Let us take the stress out of troubleshooting so you can get back to what matters—running your business efficiently.