QuickBooks Cannot Communicate with the Company File Due to Firewall: Fixing It

Posted by James richard
2
Jul 3, 2024
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The typical server communication issue QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file due to Firewall is frequently brought up when the Windows firewall obstructs the connection. Workstations must access the server (Host computer) that houses the company file using multi-user mode. 

Firewalls are essential for protecting company file data because they block outside threats. However, communication issues may occur when QuickBooks on separate workstations cannot access the business file because of the strict firewall rules safeguarding the server. Comprehending and appropriately adjusting firewall configurations can rectify these disturbances and guarantee uninterrupted access to corporate documents.

Fixing the QuickBooks Unable to Connect with the Company File Issue

Connection with the company file is essential to managing everyday tasks in QB. Hence, you can fix QB’s inability to communicate with the company file using these easy steps.

Solution 1: Manually Configure Firewall

If QuickBooks File Doctor doesn't resolve your firewall issue, you can manually configure the firewall.

Add Firewall Port Exception for QuickBook
  1. From the Windows Start menu, enter Windows Firewall in the search bar.
  2. Now, choose the Advanced Settings option.
  3. Next, click on the Inbound Rules and choose the New Rule option.
  4. Here, you need to select Port and then choose the Next button.
  5. Now, make sure you have chosen TCP.
  6. Further, in the Specific local ports field, you need to enter the ports of the current QB version on your system.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
Note: During installation, some specific firewall ports were assigned to QuickBooks Desktop 2019, 2020, and future versions, which use dynamic ports by QuickBooks Desktop to ensure exclusive use.

Get Dynamic Port Number
  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Open the Product Information window by pressing F2.
  3. Find the dynamic port number under the Port section.
  4. Note down the port number.
  5. After entering the port numbers, follow the prompts to complete the rule setup.

Solution 2: Create Windows Firewall Exceptions for QuickBooks Programs

QuickBooks utilizes executable files (.exe) to carry out various tasks. When Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks, follow the steps below to create a Windows Firewall exception for each executable listed below: 
  1. From the Windows Start menu, you must head to the Windows Firewall option via the search bar.
  2. Further, click on the Advanced Settings option.
  3. In the settings window, you need to choose the option Inbound Rules.
  4. Next, choose the option to add a New Rule in the Firewall.
  5. Click on the Program option and then hit the Next button.
  6. Further, select This Program Path and then choose the Browse option to look further.
  7. Now, locate and select one of the executable files from the table below, then click Next.
  8. Select the option to Allow the Connection and click the Next button.
  9. When prompted, ensure all profiles are selected, then click Next.
  10. Name the rule, such as QBFirewallException(name.exe).
  11. Repeat these steps to create outbound rules, selecting Outbound Rules at step 4 instead.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to deal with issues when QuickBooks cannot communicate with the company file due to Firewall. We advise you to go through the entire blog to understand this issue and its solutions completely.

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