Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Error H505 – Full Fix 2026 Guide. Dial +1-866-513-4656 for expert repair steps.
Are you stuck trying to switch QuickBooks to multi-user mode only to see Error H505 pop up on your screen? You’re not alone—this issue frustrates countless QuickBooks Desktop users every tax season. The error indicates a communication gap between your company file and the host computer, blocking shared access over the network.
Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Error H505 fast with this 2026 Full Guide. Call +1-866-513-4656 for expert help and stepwise troubleshooting.
Whether you’re managing payroll, updating data, or syncing with other users, this glitch can halt everything. But don’t worry—this QuickBooks Multi-User Error H505 – Full Fix 2026 Guide breaks down the causes, quick fixes, and long-term prevention steps clearly. If you need instant assistance, call +1-866-513-4656 and get connected with QuickBooks-certified experts who handle these cases daily.
What Is QuickBooks Error H505?
Error H505 appears when QuickBooks Desktop can’t connect to a company file stored on another system due to hosting or network issues. It usually occurs when one or more workstation computers try accessing a file without proper configuration.
Error Message Example:
“This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs help connecting.”
Main Causes of QuickBooks Error H505
- Incorrect Hosting Setup:
- QuickBooks may not be set correctly for multi-user mode. Either multiple systems are hosting the company file, or the host computer isn’t running the Database Server Manager.
- Damaged or Blocked Firewall Port:
- The Windows Firewall may block QBDBMgrN.exe and QuickBooks services, preventing server communication.
- QuickBooks Services Not Running:
- Critical services like QuickBooksDBXX or QBCFMonitorService may have stopped, interrupting multi-user sync.
- Incorrect DNS Settings:
- Unresolved or incorrect DNS configurations can stop workstations from identifying the host system.
- Corrupted .ND or .TLG Files:
- These configuration files help QuickBooks establish connections. If damaged, the workstation can’t access the company data over the network.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error H505
Solution 1: Verify Hosting Settings
On the Server Computer:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- Go to File > Utilities.
- Ensure that Host Multi-User Access is selected. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it to refresh hosting permissions.
- Restart QuickBooks on all computers.
On Workstations:
- Open QuickBooks, select File > Utilities.
- If you see Host Multi-User Access, do not select it. Hosting should only happen on the server.
Solution 2: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Close QuickBooks Desktop.
- Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub (latest 2026 version).
- Open Tool Hub and go to Network Issues tab.
- Choose QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
- Scan your company file folder and restart QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
This utility automatically fixes H-series errors like H202, H303, H505, and communication breakdowns between computers.
Solution 3: Configure Windows Firewall Ports
- Press Windows + R, type control, and open Control Panel.
- Select System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings.
- Choose Inbound Rules > New Rule > Port.
- Add the following QuickBooks ports for 2026 versions:
- QuickBooks Desktop 2026: 8019, 56728, 55378–55382
- Repeat the same for Outbound Rules, then click OK.
- Restart your system and launch QuickBooks.
Solution 4: Check QuickBooks Services
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
- Locate QuickBooksDBXX (XX = year version) and QBCFMonitorService.
- Ensure both are set to Running with Automatic startup.
- If not, double-click the service, choose Automatic, then click Start.
Solution 5: Rename .ND and .TLG Files
- Open the folder containing your company file.
- Locate files with extensions .ND and .TLG (Example: CompanyName.qbw.nd).
- Right-click each and rename by adding .OLD at the end.
- Reopen QuickBooks; it will automatically recreate these files.
Solution 6: Test Network Connection via Ping
- Note down the host computer’s name.
- On another workstation, open Command Prompt and type:
- text
- ping [hostname]
- If a failed response appears, troubleshoot your network—reconnect or repair shared drives.
Prevention Tips for Future
Keep QuickBooks Tool Hub updated (check quarterly).
Always allow QuickBooks-related ports through your firewall.
Assign static IPs for all systems on your network.
Limit “hosting” rights only to one server.
Schedule regular updates to QuickBooks Desktop and Windows security.
Back up the company file daily to prevent damage recovery issues.
FAQs on Error H505
1. What is QuickBooks Error H505?
It’s an H-series multi-user connectivity error that prevents other computers from accessing your company file hosted on a server.
2. Is Error H505 similar to H202 or H303?
Yes, all are connection-related multi-user errors. The difference lies in the kind of network location or service conflict detected.
3. How do I fix QuickBooks Error H505 permanently?
Set proper hosting configurations, run QuickBooks Tool Hub, and ensure the Database Server Manager is active on the host computer.
4. Can QuickBooks Online users face H505?
No, the error applies only to QuickBooks Desktop since it runs on local servers, not cloud-hosted files.
5. Why does QuickBooks Multi-User Mode not work after an update?
After updates, firewall settings or QuickBooks services may reset. Recheck your hosting and service configuration to restore access.
6. What should I do if QuickBooks won’t open after fixing the error?
Try repairing the installation via Control Panel > Programs and Features > QuickBooks > Repair, or reinstall QuickBooks using a clean install tool.
If you’ve tried all these methods and Error H505 still persists, don’t hesitate to call +1-866-513-4656. Our team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting or remote server reconfiguration to get your QuickBooks Desktop running smoothly again in multi-user mode.