Do This If Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks Desktop

Windows Firewall, or a feature of Microsoft Windows, is a security application that controls the traffic that enters or exists on your device. This traffic is filtered based on various criteria, such as source and destination IP address or source and destination port number. QuickBooks has these port numbers assigned to pass through the Firewall, which can be blocked for security reasons. The Firewall might also be considered a threat or unwanted access to pass through your computer. This blog will cover the possible reasons and instances when the Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks with suitable fixes. Let’s go through this comprehensive guide.

Not a techie and wondering what to do to configure Windows Firewall settings? Don’t worry; our technical and QuickBooks professionals are available to handle such critical tasks. Dial +1(866) 500-0076 now!

Setting Up the Firewall Windows Settings in QuickBooks Desktop

Disabling the Windows Firewall will leave your computer unprotected and weaken the system security. Along with manual configuration, running different QuickBooks tools will also help you fix the respective issue.

This section will cover the various processes that the Windows Firewall can hinder and step-by-step instructions to address the issue accordingly.

Case I: When Opening a Company File

You may fail to open the company file in QuickBooks and encounter an error message stating,

“Cannot communicate with the company file due to a firewall.“

This is due to the Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks. To successfully open the company file without interruptions, you must configure the settings or resolve the associated issue. Proceed with the below solutions to do so:

1. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor utility will help you fix the firewall settings so you cannot open the company file over the network. Adhere to the following steps to make use of the tool:

a. Get QuickBooks Tool Hub

• Exit QuickBooks Desktop.
• Get the most recent version of QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.8). Save the downloaded file on your computer from where you can easily locate.

Note: If you already have Tool Hub on your computer, check the current version from the Home page.

• Locate the file you just downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe and double-click on it.
• Follow the on-screen instructions on your screen and agree with the product’s terms and conditions.

Note: If you can’t find QuickBooks Tool Hub, manually search for it on your Windows.

b. Make Use of QuickBooks File Doctor

• Launch QB Tool Hub and navigate to Company File Issues.
• Hit on Run QuickBooks File Doctor. The file doctor tool might take a minute or two to open; wait until then.
• Now, choose your company file from the drop-down menu. If you can’t see the file, click on Browse and search to find the file manually.
• Select Check your file and network, then tap on Continue.
• Type the QuickBooks admin password and select Next.

The scan time depends on your company file size, which usually takes up to 5 minutes. Once the scan is successful, launch QuickBooks and then open the company file. In some cases, the scan may even say it was unsuccessful after addressing the issues.

2. Update QuickBooks Desktop

Sometimes, using an outdated version of QuickBooks hinders regular operations and can also cause connectivity issues. So, it is recommended to keep your QuickBooks updated to the most recent version.

• Launch QuickBooks and navigate to the top menu bar.
• Select Help, then Update QuickBooks Desktop from the drop-down.
• The Update QuickBooks window will open.
• Move to the Update Now tab and mark the Reset Updates checkbox.

• Now, hit the Get Updates button and wait the update downloads.
• Restart your computer and open QuickBooks again to let the changes apply.

3. Configure the Windows Firewall Settings Manually

You might fail to open your company file when Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks. In that case, you must configure the Windows Firewall settings by adding the firewall port exception or by creating an exception for QuickBooks programs:

Add Firewall port exception for QuickBooks

In case you use multiple versions of QuickBooks on the same computer, perform the below steps to carefully the firewall port exception:

• Press the Windows logo icon on your keyboard to open the Windows Start menu.
• Search for the Windows Firewall application and hit Enter.
• Go to Advanced Settings.
• Now, right-click the Inbound Rules, then click on New Rule.
• Choose Port and then hit on Next.

• Ensure the rule applies to TCP.
• Enter the specific port number of your version of QuickBooks in the Specific local port field. – 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.

Important: QuickBooks Desktop 2019, 2020, and other future versions of QuickBooks use dynamic ports. These are specific firewall ports that are used during the software installation. The assigned port number ensures the QuickBooks Desktop gets exclusive use of the given port.

• Get the dynamic port number: – Launch the Windows Start menu. – Search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager and hit the Enter key. – Move to the Port Monitor tab. – Find the QuickBooks Desktop version you use and note down the Port Number. This will be used to create firewall port exception in the further steps.

Note: Remember that you can modify the assigned port number by selecting Renew, but only for QuickBooks Desktop 2019 and later versions. If you do, navigate to the Scan Folders tab and click on Scan Now to reset the firewall permissions.

• Enter the port number and select Next.
• Choose Allow the Connection, then select Next.
• When prompted, ensure all the profiles are marked. Choose Next.
• Create this rule while naming it as QBPorts(year).
• Once all done, select Finish.

Launch QuickBooks Desktop and try switching it to the multi-user mode. You can also open your QuickBooks over the network using the computer that hosts your company file. If the Windows Firewall still blocks the connection, move on to the next step.

Create Windows Firewall exceptions for QuickBooks programs

QuickBooks uses the executable files (.exe) to run various programs. Follow the steps below to create an exception for each executable file in the table below.

• Open the Windows Start menu.
• In the search bar, type Windows Firewall and hit the Enter key.
• Select Advanced settings and right-click the Inbound Rules. Now, click on New Rule.
• Choose the rule type as Program, then click Next.
• Select This program path and hit on Browse.
• In the table below, locate and pick an executable file. Then, choose Next.
• Click on Allow the connection and select Next.
• Finally, create this rule by naming it as QBFirewallException(name.exe).

Create outbound rules by repeating the previous procedures. Proceed as before, with the exception of choosing Outbound Rules at step 4.

Executable files	Location
AutoBackupExe.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
Dbmlsync.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
DBManagerExe.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileManagement.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileMovementExe.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QuickBooksMessaging.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBW32.exe	C:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBServerUtilityMgr.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBCFMonitorService.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBLaunch.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBUpdate.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate
IntuitSyncManager.exe	C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync
OnlineBackup.exe	C:\Program Files\QuickBooks Online Backup

Note: If case you see these files as Program Files (x86), this just means your using a 64-bit Operating system.

Launch your QuickBooks desktop program and switch it to multi-user mode. If you still encounter problems or any errors, configure your program’s antivirus settings.

Check the antivirus and configure it

Make sure QuickBooks Desktop has normal permissions so that QuickBooks programs are not blocked. The steps vary from program to program in terms of enabling antivirus settings. To do this, check the program’s official site to set permissions for your antivirus software.

After this, restart your computer for changes to save. Once you’ve finished configuring the firewall, restart your computer and reopen QuickBooks.

4. Setting up the Folder Permissions

You must ensure the folder holding your company file is set up to share the company file over the network. Proceed with the below steps to configure the permissions:

a. Set the Folder Permissions
Verify if the permissions are set correctly

• Launch the Windows Start menu.
• Search for File Explorer and hit the Enter key.
• Look for the company file folder and right-click on it. Then, choose Properties.
• Move to the Security tab and click on Advanced.
• Select QBDataServiceUserXX and click Edit.
• Now, set the following settings to Allowed: – Traverse Folder/Execute File – List Folder/Read Data – Read Attributes – Read Extended Attributes – Create Files/Write Data – Create Folders/Append Data – Write Attributes – Write Extended Attributes – Read Permissions

If the permissions are not configured correctly:

• Right-click the folder that has your company file and select Properties.
• Choose Security, then click on Edit.
• Select QBDataServiceUserXX and hit on Full Control, then Allow.
• Click Apply, then OK.

Modify the Folder Permissions

To adjust the folder permissions:

• Launch the Windows Start menu.
• Search for File Explorer and hit Enter.
• Locate the below folder and right-click on each: – C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 – C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6.0 – C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v5 – C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v3 – C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client – C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year) – C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT – C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT\QUICKBOOKS – C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\FAMXX (XX = year) – C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files – C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)

Follow the instructions for any of the folders below. Remember that you might not have every one of these directories.

• Right-click the company file folder and choose Properties.
• Move to the Security tab, select Everyone. Note: If Everyone is in the Group or User Name checkbox, select Add and then type Everyone. Click OK.
• Choose Full Control and then click Apply and OK.

b. Configure the Windows access permissions to share the company file

As you deal with your company file over the network, make sure QuickBooks has the appropriate level of access to help avoid problems later.

• Open the Windows Start menu.
• Locate your company file folder and right-click on it.
• Click on Properties then Sharing and then select Share Add.
• For your version of QuickBooks, select the corresponding QBDataServiceUserXX.
• Now, configure the permission to Full Control and select Share.

5. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Your computer is the main computer that hosts your company files, and the ones connected are workstations. You must ensure that you run QuickBooks Database Server Manager to successfully open the company file on the network.

Note: Install and set up the Database Server Manager on the main computer if you haven’t done so yet

• In QB Tool Hub, select Network Issues.
• Choose QuickBooks Database Server Manager. You will be prompted to install it if you haven’t yet.
• If your company file folder is displayed, select Start Scan in QBDSM. If they aren’t, click Browse to locate the company file and then click Start Scan..
• The QuickBooks Database Server Manager will automatically repair the Firewall permissions.
• When the scan is finished, select Close.

Note: Locate and open the folder you scanned after you’re finished. Ensure the company file folder has the .ND file. It looks like this: [your company file]qbw.nd.

6. Disable the Hosting on Workstations

Ensure the hosting is disabled on the workstations, as your server computer is the main one that hosts your company files. These computers are connected to the server and don’t host company files.

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop on one of the workstations.
• Instead opening your company file. Navigate to the File menu and choose Utilities.
• If the option you see is the Host Multi-User Access option, don’t select it. Move to the next workstation as this isn’t causing the issue.
• Select the option only if it says, Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.

Now, check on each workstation and then move to the server computer and try resetting the hosting settings.

• Launch QB Desktop on the server computer.
• Navigate to File, then Utilities.
• If you see the Host Multi-User Access option, select it. Repeat the same process and select Stop Hosting Multi-User Access to reset the hosting settings.
• Repeat the process on more time and select Host Multi-User Access to enable the hosting.

Case II: When downloading QB updates

Downloading the QuickBooks Desktop is necessary to get timely security patches and updated features and stay updated with the current features. However, you may encounter errors such as QuickBooks error 12000 and QuickBooks error 15000 when Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks.

This may also happen due to an outdated operating system. Perform the below steps to address the problem and get back to updating the program.

1. Update Windows

Bring your operating system to the latest version and then try downloading the QuickBooks update again.

• Press the Windows logo to launch the Windows Start menu.
• Search for Settings and then hit the Enter key.
• Select Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update, then select Check for Updates.

• If the updates are available, select Download & Install the updates.
• Finally, reboot your computer to ensure the issues are fixed.

2. Configure the Windows Firewall settings

If Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks during the update, you must configure the settings and allow the applications through the ports. This helps you run the QuickBooks processes such as downloading the newer version of QuickBooks seamlessly.

Proceed to Solution 3 in Case I to find the suitable steps to set up the Windows Firewall for QuickBooks.

Case III: When scheduling a company file backup with Intuit Data Protect

Sometimes, you might fail to schedule a company file backup using Intuit Data Protect due to the firewall and might also see an error message stating,

“Intuit Data Protect Backup Failed: Firewall or connection issue.”

Multiple reasons could be involved, such as incorrectly configured Windows firewall ports, highly stored caches, cookies, etc. We will discuss the steps below to fix the issue where your Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks.

1. Ensure the Windows firewall isn’t blocking Intuit Data Protect

Intuit Data Protect requires to access the Windows Firewall to backup your company file. Check the firewall settings and ensure the important files are allowed through the ports.

a. Add important files to the Windows firewall

• Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.
• Type Windows Firewall into the search field.
• Click on Allow an app through Windows Firewall and then Allow another app.
• Select Browse and navigate to Program Files(x86)\Common Files\Intuit\Data Protect.
• Choose QBIDPservice.exe, then click Open.
• Tap on Network types and mark the Private checkbox. Then, click Add.
• Repeat the above 5 and 6 steps for the IBUenghost.exe and IntuitDataProtect.exe files. If a message prompts on your screen saying the files already exist, you’re all set.

Note:Except for the Windows Firewall, other third-party software on your computer can also block important files. Ensure these files are allowed through the antivirus ports. If you aren’t aware of how to do so, visit the official website of your antivirus product.

b. Add Intuit Data Protect to your Trusted Sites

Ensure the Intuit website are added as trusted sites in Internet Options.

• Press the Windows logo on your keyboard.
• Type Internet Options into the search and hit Enter.
• Go to Security, then select Trusted sites.
• Choose Sites, then add the following sites. You can copy and paste or type them manually. Click Add each time you add a website. – backup.com – *.intuit.net – *.intuit.com – *.intuitdataprotect.com – *.quickbooks.com – workplace.intuit.com – emerald.backup.com
• Ensure the Require server verification (https: ) for all sites in this zone checkbox is selected.
• Click Close, then select OK.
• Make sure you can open the Intuit Data Protect certificate site. You need to be able to open it to avoid errors in your backup.
• Try backing up with Intuit Data Protect. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next solution.

3. Make Sure Intuit Data Protect is up to date

You won’t be able to back up the company file data using Intuit Data Protect if the version is outdated. Therefore, ensure to download the Intuit Data Protect update by following the below steps:

a. Download the Intuit Data Protect update

• In QuickBooks, navigate to the Help menu.
• Choose Update QuickBooks and then move to the Update Now tab.
• Make sure you select Data Protect, then click Get Updates.

b. Install the downloaded update

• On your desktop toolbar, select the up arrow ^. You will see it in the lower-right corner near the clock.
• Right-click the Intuit Data Protect icon from the Windows toolbar and choose About Intuit Data Protect. This icon looks like a green padlock.
• Click on Update.
• Once all done, select OK.

Case IV: When using QuickBooks Payments

You must configure the security settings when the Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks for uninterrupted payment process. As all the web-based credit card or bank processes uses SSL to transmit data through firewall ports. Incorrectly configured Windows Firewall can blocks ports and hence interrupting the overall payment processes. You may also encounter the following error messages:

• Page cannot be displayed
• Server response reported an error
• Error 404, Error 500, etc
• Your request requires escalation
• Time out messages
• The page you are trying to view is taking too long to respond
• Script errors
• Blank page

To ensure these payment based service are working without any interruption, you must add these ports as an exception. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Configure the Windows Firewall settings

If the Windows Firewall is interrupting the QuickBooks Payments or other payment applications, you must configure it using the specific port number and create an exception to allow the data exchange on your computer.

For the instructions, we recommend you visit Solution 3 in Case 1, but use the port number given below to create an exception.

Open and allow these internet ports:

• 8443 (UDP and TCP)
• 443 (UDP and TCP)

Enable these applications for internet access:

• QBW32.exe
• QBPOS.exe
• EFTSVR.exe

Enable these domains for QuickBooks payments access:

• *.intuit.com
• *.innovativemerchant.com
• *.innovativegateway.com

2. Change the User Account settings

The User Account Settings is a Windows security feature that protects your operating system from unauthorized changes. Make changes as an admin; the payment processes may fail if other users make the changes.

For any system changes that require administrator permission, UAC will notify the user whether they want to allow the change or not. So, consider changing the UAC settings by following these steps:

• Launch the Run prompt by pressing the Windows+R icon key.
• Search for Control Panel and then press the Enter key.
• Choose User Accounts and then click on User Accounts (Classic View).
• Hit on Change user account control settings.
• Now, move the slider: – To disable UAC, set it to Never Notify and click OK. – To turn on UAC, set it to Always Notify and click OK.

• Finally, reboot your computer.

Summary

As a security application, the Windows Firewall filters your computer’s incoming and outgoing data to protect the system from security threats, viruses, or unwanted entries. Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks as it might have considered the program a threat to your computer. The above solutions will help you configure the Windows Firewall settings and ensure you can run the QB services smoothly.

For further assistance, it is recommended that you connect with technical experts. Dial +1(866) 500-0076 will connect with QuickBooks ProAdvisors and let them handle the issue.