How to Resolve QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202: Step-by-Step Fixes

QuickBooks is a versatile accounting software that allows businesses to manage their finances efficiently. However, like any software, QuickBooks can sometimes encounter errors that disrupt workflow. Among the most common multi-user mode issues are Errors H505 and H202. These errors usually occur when QuickBooks is unable to connect with the server or another workstation in a multi-user environment, effectively blocking users from accessing their company files.

In this article, we'll discuss what causes QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202, and provide a detailed guide on how to fix them.

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What Are QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202?

Both Error H505 and Error H202 belong to the same family of H-series errors, which are typically linked to problems with accessing QuickBooks in multi-user mode. Here's what these specific errors mean:

• Error H202: This error occurs when QuickBooks is trying to establish a connection to the company file stored on another computer (the server), but is unable to communicate effectively.
• Error H505: This error arises when the user tries to access the company file located on a server that does not host the file properly. It often indicates an issue with the settings that enable multi-user mode.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202

Several factors can cause these errors, including:

1. Blocked Communication Between QuickBooks and Server: This may be due to firewall settings that block incoming/outgoing communication between the server and workstations.
2. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: When the hosting settings on the server or workstations are incorrect, QuickBooks may fail to connect properly in multi-user mode.
3. Missing or Damaged Network File (ND): The .ND file is responsible for configuring QuickBooks to allow multi-user access. If this file is missing or damaged, users may experience connection issues.
4. DNS Issues: Domain Name System (DNS) settings can sometimes interfere with QuickBooks' ability to communicate between the server and workstations.
5. QuickBooks Database Server Manager: If this service isn’t running or is not correctly installed, it can prevent QuickBooks from functioning in multi-user mode.

How to Fix QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202:

Step 1: Verify Hosting Settings

In a multi-user setup, only the server (the computer where the company file is stored) should have hosting enabled. All other workstations should have hosting disabled. To check this:

• On the Workstations:

1. Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
2. Click on File from the menu.
3. Hover over Utilities.
4. If you see the option Host Multi-User Access, this means the workstation is not hosting the company file, which is correct.
5. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click on it to disable hosting.

• On the Server:

1. Open QuickBooks on the server.
2. Click on File > Utilities.
3. If you see Host Multi-User Access, select this option to enable hosting.

Step 2: Check the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager ensures that QuickBooks can communicate with other computers. To fix errors H202 and H505, follow these steps:

1. Open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server. You can find it by searching for QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the Windows Start menu.
2. In the server manager, click on Scan Folders.
3. Add the folder where your company file is located and click Scan.
4. Once the scan is complete, check if the errors persist.

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Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

If the firewall is blocking QuickBooks, you'll need to configure it to allow communication. Here's how:

1. Open Firewall Ports: QuickBooks requires certain firewall ports to be open. Open the following ports for both inbound and outbound communication:

• QuickBooks Desktop 2022: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
• QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377

You can add these ports by going to the Advanced Settings in your firewall software.

1. Add QuickBooks to Firewall Exceptions:

• Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > Windows Firewall.
• Click on Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
• Find and add QuickBooks and QuickBooks Database Server Manager to the list of allowed apps.

Step 4: Check and Repair the .ND File

The .ND file is crucial for multi-user mode. If it's damaged or missing, QuickBooks won't function correctly. Here's how to fix it:

1. Go to the folder where your QuickBooks company file is stored.
2. Look for a file with the same name as your company file but with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd).
3. Right-click the .ND file and select Delete.
4. After deleting the file, open QuickBooks Database Server Manager again and perform a scan as described in Step 2. A new .ND file will be created automatically.

Step 5: Test Network Connectivity

To verify that the issue is not with the network connection itself:

1. On the server and each workstation, open the Run dialog box (Windows + R), and type ping [ServerName] (replace [ServerName] with the name of the server).
2. If the ping request times out, the issue could be related to network connectivity. Check cables, routers, and network adapters to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Step 6: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, download and run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool. This tool can automatically diagnose and repair many common QuickBooks errors.

1. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official website.
2. Open the Tool Hub and select Company File Issues.
3. Click on QuickBooks File Doctor and run the scan.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Errors H505 and H202 typically stem from communication issues in a multi-user setup. By following the above steps—verifying hosting settings, configuring firewalls, checking network connections, and using tools like the QuickBooks Database Server Manager—you can resolve these errors and get QuickBooks back to functioning smoothly in multi-user mode.