Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks

Windows Firewall is a built-in security feature in Microsoft Windows operating systems that help protect your computer from unauthorized access and potential threats from the internet and local network. It acts as a barrier between your computer and the outside world, monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predefined rules.

Identify the Firewall Software

To determine the firewall software installed on your computer or network, you can follow these steps:

• Check for Built-in Firewall: Determine if your operating system, such as Windows, has a built-in firewall like Windows Firewall.
• Review Security Software: Examine the security software installed on your computer. Common examples include McAfee, Norton, Avast, and others. These security programs often include firewall functionality.

By checking these sources, you can identify the firewall software being used on your computer or network.

Add QuickBooks to Allowed Apps

To configure your firewall settings for QuickBooks Desktop follow these steps to ensure proper configuration:

1. Open the Windows Firewall Settings
   • Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “firewall.”
   • Select “Windows Defender Firewall” from the search results.
2. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” on the left-hand side of the window.
3. Click on the “Change settings” button (administrator permission might be required).
4. Locate QuickBooks in the list of allowed apps & features. If you don’t find QuickBooks, you will need to add it:
   • Click on the “Allow another app” button.
   • Click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the installation folder of QuickBooks. By default, it is usually located in “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [year].”
   • Select the QuickBooks executable file (usually named “QBW32.exe” or “QBDBMgrN.exe“) and click “Open.”
   • Click “Add” and ensure that QuickBooks is now listed in the allowed apps and features.
5. Ensure that both inbound and outbound connections are allowed for QuickBooks:
   • Scroll down the list and locate “QuickBooks” or “QBW32.exe” and verify that both the “Private” and “Public” checkboxes are checked.
   • If you don’t see QuickBooks listed, repeat the step to add it for both “Private” and “Public” networks.

6. Repeat the steps for the following files
   • QBW32.exe (QuickBooks executable file)
   • QBUpdate.exe (QuickBooks update executable file)
   • QBDBMgr.exe (QuickBooks Database Server Manager executable file)
   • QBDBMgrN.exe (QuickBooks Database Server Manager executable file for the multi-user hosting setup)
7. Click “OK” to save the changes and exit the Windows Firewall settings.
8. Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

After allowing QuickBooks through Windows Firewall, it should be properly configured to function properly. Open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that QuickBooks is allowed through the Windows Firewall.

If the issues still persist, opening the Firewall Ports for QuickBooks may help resolve them.

A firewall port, often referred to simply as a “port,” is a communication endpoint used in computer networking to enable data transfer between different devices or applications over a network. Ports are essential for facilitating communication between various services, programs, or applications running on a computer or server. To ensure QuickBooks functions properly and is allowed through the Windows Firewall, you may need to open specific firewall ports. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Identify the Ports

QuickBooks uses specific ports for communication. By default, QuickBooks Desktop uses the following ports:

• QuickBooks Desktop 2023: Ports 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
• QuickBooks Desktop 2022: Ports 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
• QuickBooks Desktop 2021: Ports 8019, 56726, 55368-55372
• QuickBooks Desktop 2020: Ports 8019, 56725, 55363-55367
• QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
• QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
• Note: QuickBooks Desktop 2019, 2020, and upcoming versions utilize dynamic ports. These ports are individual firewall ports (not a range) that are allocated during the installation process. This ensures that QuickBooks Desktop has exclusive access to a particular port.
  • Get Dynamic Port Number: To obtain the dynamic port number for QuickBooks, follow these steps:
    • Open the Start menu on your Windows computer.
    • Type “QuickBooks Database Server Manager” in the search field and open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
    • Navigate to the Port Monitor tab.
    • Locate your QuickBooks version.
    • Make a note of the Port Number displayed. This information will be used for configuring your firewall port exceptions.
    • Remember that you have the option to change the assigned port number by selecting the “Renew” option. If you decide to do so, go to the Scan Folders tab and click on “Scan Now” to reset the firewall permissions.

Step 2: Open Ports in Windows Firewall

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
• Click on System and Security and then select Windows Defender Firewall.
• On the left pane, click on Advanced settings. This will open the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window.

Step 3: Create Inbound Rules

• In the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window, click on Inbound Rules on the left side.
• Click on New Rule… on the right side to open the New Inbound Rule Wizard.

• Select Port and click Next.
• Choose TCP and enter the specific port number for QuickBooks (e.g., 8019 – Identified in Step 1) in the Specific local ports field. If you need to open multiple ports, separate them with commas.
• Click Next.

Step 4: Allow the Connection

• Select Allow the connection and click Next.
• Ensure that all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) are checked.
• Click Next.

Step 5: Name the Rule

• Provide a name for the rule, such as “QuickBooks Port 8019” for clarity.
• Optionally, you can add a description.
• Click Finish to create the rule.

Step 6: Repeat for Other Ports

If you have multiple ports to open, repeat the steps above for each additional port (Identified in Step 1).

After creating the inbound rules for the required ports, QuickBooks should be allowed through the Windows Firewall, and you should be able to use the application without any connectivity issues. Open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that QuickBooks is allowed through the Windows Firewall.

If the issues still persist, making exceptions for the QuickBooks program may help resolve them.

Allow QuickBooks through Windows Firewall to access the internet and necessary network services, ensuring smooth functionality and uninterrupted usage of the application. Follow the steps to create inbound and outbound rules in Windows Defender Firewall to allow exceptions for QuickBooks programs:

Create Inbound Rules

Step 1: Open “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security”

• Click on the “Start” button and type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the search bar.
• Select “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” from the search results.
• This will open the Windows Defender Firewall management console.

Step 2: Create Inbound Rules

• In the left-hand pane of the Windows Defender Firewall console, click on “Inbound Rules.”
• In the right-hand pane, right-click on an empty area and choose “New Rule.”

Step 3: Select Rule Type

• In the “New Inbound Rule Wizard,” select “Program” and click “Next.”

Step 4: Locate QuickBooks Program

• Click on the “Browse” button to navigate to the QuickBooks installation folder on your computer.
• The default installation path for QuickBooks is usually “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks” or “C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks.”
• Find and select the file “QBDBMgrN.exe” (QuickBooks Database Server Manager) and click “Open.”

Step 5: Allow the Connection

• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.
• Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next.”
• This will ensure that the QuickBooks program is allowed to receive inbound connections.

Step 6: Choose Profiles

• You’ll get a list of three profiles: Domain, Private, and Public.
• Ensure that all three profiles are checked to allow the QuickBooks program to receive connections on all types of networks.
• Click “Next.”

Step 7: Name the Rule

• Provide a descriptive name for the rule, such as “QuickBooks QBDBMgrN,” so you can easily identify it later.
• Click “Finish” to create the inbound rule for “QBDBMgrN.exe.”

Step 8: Create Additional Inbound Rules

• Repeat steps 3 to 7 for the following QuickBooks files located in the QuickBooks installation folder:
  • QBDBMgr.exe (QuickBooks Database Server Manager)
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe (QuickBooks Company File Monitoring Service)
  • QuickBooksMessaging.exe

Create Outbound Rules

Step 1: Open “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security”

• Click on the “Start” button and type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the search bar.
• Select “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” from the search results.
• This will open the Windows Defender Firewall management console.

Step 2: Create Outbound Rules

• In the left-hand pane of the Windows Defender Firewall console, click on “Outbound Rules.”
• In the right-hand pane, right-click on an empty area and choose “New Rule.”

Step 3: Select Rule Type

• In the “New Outbound Rule Wizard,” select “Program” and click “Next.”

Step 4: Locate QuickBooks Program

• Click on the “Browse” button to navigate to the QuickBooks installation folder on your computer.
• The default installation path for QuickBooks is usually “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks” or “C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks.”
• Find and select one of the executable files (AutoBackupExe.exe) in the table below and click “Open.”

Step 5: Allow the Connection

• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.
• Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next.”
• This will ensure that the QuickBooks program is allowed to receive outbound connections.

Step 6: Choose Profiles

• You’ll get a list of three profiles: Domain, Private, and Public.
• Ensure that all three profiles are checked to allow the QuickBooks program to receive connections on all types of networks.
• Click “Next.”

Step 7: Name the Rule

• Provide a descriptive name for the rule, such as “QBFirewallException(AutoBackupExe.exe),” so you can easily identify it later.
• Click “Finish” to create the outbound rule for “AutoBackupExe.exe.”

Step 8: Create Additional Outbound Rules

• Repeat steps 3 to 7 for the QuickBooks files mentioned in the table below

Step 9: Restart Your Computer

• Once you have created inbound and outbound rules for all the relevant QuickBooks files, it’s important to restart your computer to apply the changes effectively.

By following these detailed steps, you will have successfully created both inbound and outbound rules in Windows Defender Firewall to allow exceptions for QuickBooks programs. These rules will help ensure the smooth functioning of QuickBooks and its associated services while maintaining a secure network environment. Now open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that QuickBooks is allowed through the Windows Firewall.

If the issues still persist, resetting firewall rules may help resolve them.

Resetting the Windows Firewall rules can help resolve issues with QuickBooks being blocked. Here’s how to reset the Windows Firewall rules:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator

• Press Windows key + S on your keyboard to open the search bar.
• Type “Command Prompt” in the search bar.
• Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results.
• Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu. This will open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2: Reset Windows Firewall Rules

• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter
  • netsh advfirewall reset
• After executing the command, you should see a message saying, “Ok” or “The command completed successfully“.

Step 3: Reset IP and Winsock Settings (Optional)

• In the same Command Prompt window, you can also reset IP and Winsock settings. This can be helpful if you are experiencing network-related issues along with the firewall problem. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
  • netsh int ip reset
  • netsh int ipv6 reset
  • netsh winsock reset
• Each command should return a success message. If any of them fail, ensure you typed the command correctly, and try again.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After resetting the firewall rules and optionally the IP and Winsock settings, it’s essential to restart your computer. This will apply the changes and refresh the firewall configuration.

Step 5: Test QuickBooks

Once your computer has restarted, launch QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved. Resetting firewall rules should have cleared any potential conflicts and allowed QuickBooks to communicate through the firewall. If the issues still persist, configuring or disabling third-party firewall may help resolve them.

A third-party firewall refers to a type of firewall software that is developed and provided by a company other than the manufacturer of the operating system. A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic on a computer or network. It acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, helping to prevent unauthorized access and protect your system from potential threats.

Identify Third-Party Firewall

To check if you have third-party firewall software installed on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Check the System Tray (Notification Area): Look at the bottom-right corner of your Windows desktop, in the system tray (notification area). You may see an icon representing the firewall software. Hover your mouse over the icons to see their names. Common firewall software icons may include McAfee, Norton, Avast, Bitdefender, etc. If you see one of these icons, it indicates that you have a third-party firewall installed.
2. Check Control Panel:
   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
   • In the Control Panel, select “Programs” or “Programs and Features“.
   • Look through the list of installed programs for any firewall software other than the default Windows Firewall. The software will typically have the name of the vendor (e.g., McAfee Firewall, Norton Firewall).
3. Check Windows Security Center (Windows Defender Security Center):
   • Type “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and open the Windows Security app.
   • Click on “Firewall & network protection“.
   • If you have a third-party firewall installed, it will be listed under the “Firewall” section along with the option to manage it.

Disable Third-Party Firewall

To disable a third-party firewall, follow these general steps. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the firewall software you are using.

1. Open the Firewall Software:
   Locate the icon of the third-party firewall software in your system tray (notification area) or search for the program in your Start Menu and open it.
2. Access Firewall Settings:
   Once the firewall software is open, look for an option like “Settings,” “Preferences,” or “Configuration.” It is typically found in the main interface or a menu within the program.
3. Disable the Firewall:
   • Within the settings, find the option to enable or disable the firewall. It might be labeled as “Enable Firewall” or “Turn On Firewall” if it’s currently off.
   • Click on the option to disable the firewall. You may be asked to confirm your action.
4. Save Changes and Exit:
   • After disabling the firewall, make sure to save your changes by clicking “Apply” or “OK” if required.
   • Close the firewall software.
5. Restart Your Computer (Optional):
   Sometimes, changes to firewall settings may require a system restart to take effect. If the firewall was active before, consider restarting your computer to ensure the firewall is completely disabled.

Please note that disabling your firewall can leave your computer more vulnerable to threats. Make sure to enable it again after diagnosing the problem.

After disabling the Firewall, open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that your Third-party Firewall is blocking QuickBooks and you need to configure the Firewall settings to allow QuickBooks.

After diagnosing the problem, re-enable your firewall. Right-click on the firewall icon in the system tray and look for an option to “Enable Firewall,” “Turn On Firewall,” or something similar.”

Configure Third-Party Firewall Settings

To configure the firewall settings of third-party firewall software, such as McAfee, Norton, or Avast, and allow QuickBooks Desktop access, follow these steps:

1. Open your third-party firewall program.
2. Look for options like “Program Permissions,” “Application Rules,” or “Exceptions” within the firewall program.
3. Locate QuickBooks in the list of programs and ensure that it has complete access and permissions. If QuickBooks is not listed, proceed to the next step.
4. Manually add QuickBooks to the list of exceptions or allowed applications. This action will vary depending on your specific firewall software. Look for an option to add programs or applications and provide the necessary information for QuickBooks (e.g., file path or browse to the QuickBooks executable file).
5. Specify the required inbound and outbound rules to enable QuickBooks through the firewall. This step ensures that the necessary network ports are open to allow communication for QuickBooks. Make sure TCP is selected and enter the ports needed for your QuickBooks version (year).
6. Save the changes you made to the firewall settings.
7. Exit the firewall settings and restart your computer to apply the new configurations.

By following these steps, you should be able to configure the settings of your third-party firewall software to allow QuickBooks access. Now open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that QuickBooks is allowed through the Firewall.

If the issues still persist after configuring or disabling the firewall, adjusting your antivirus settings may help resolve them.

Antivirus software, commonly known as antivirus or AV software, is a type of computer program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a computer or network. The primary purpose of antivirus software is to protect your computer from various threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, and other forms of malicious code.

Identify Antivirus Software

To check if you have antivirus software installed on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Check the System Tray (Notification Area): Look at the bottom-right corner of your Windows desktop, in the system tray (notification area). Antivirus software typically runs in the background and displays an icon here. It may have the name or logo of the antivirus program. Hover your mouse over the icons to see their names.
2. Check Control Panel:
   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
   • In the Control Panel, select “Programs” or “Programs and Features“.
   • Look through the list of installed programs for any antivirus software. The software will usually have a name related to the antivirus or the vendor (e.g., Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus).
3. Check Windows Security Center (Windows Defender Security Center):
   • Type “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and open the Windows Security app.
   • Click on “Virus & threat protection“.
   • If you have a third-party antivirus installed, it will be listed under the “Virus & threat protection” section. The name of the software will be displayed, and it will show “On” status.

Disable Antivirus Software

To disable antivirus software, follow these general steps. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the antivirus software you are using.

1. Open the Antivirus Software Right-click on the antivirus icon in the system tray to open the context menu.
2. Look for “Disable” or “Turn Off” Option In the context menu, look for an option that says “Disable,” “Turn Off,” “Pause Protection,” “Stop Protection,” or something similar. The wording may vary depending on the antivirus software you have installed.
3. Select the Disable Option Click on the “Disable,” “Turn Off,” or equivalent option. The antivirus software may prompt you to confirm your action.
4. Confirm the Action (if prompted) If prompted to confirm, read the warning or message carefully to understand the implications of disabling the antivirus. Some antivirus programs may ask you to specify the duration for which you want to disable protection (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
5. Restart Your Computer (Optional) In some cases, the changes may require a system restart to take effect. If necessary, restart your computer.

Please note that disabling your antivirus software can leave your computer more vulnerable to threats. Make sure to enable it again after diagnosing the problem.

After disabling antivirus software, open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that your Antivirus Software is blocking QuickBooks from functioning properly and you need to configure your Antivirus Software to allow QuickBooks.

After diagnosing the problem, re-enable your antivirus protection. Right-click on the antivirus icon in the system tray and look for an option to “Enable,” “Turn On,” or “Resume Protection“.

Configure Antivirus Software

To configure your antivirus software to allow QuickBooks, follow these general steps. Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary depending on the antivirus software you are using. Below are some generic instructions:

1. Open Antivirus Software:
   Locate the icon of your antivirus software in the system tray (notification area) or search for the program in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Access Antivirus Settings:
   Look for an option like “Settings,” “Preferences,” or “Configuration.” It is typically found in the main interface or a menu within the program.
3. Find Application Permissions or Exclusions:
   • In the antivirus settings, look for options related to “Application Permissions,” “Program Rules,” “Exclusions,” or “Allowed Applications“.
   • Some antivirus programs may have a specific section for managing allowed applications or exceptions.
4. Check for QuickBooks in the List:
   See if QuickBooks is already listed as an allowed application or an exclusion. If it’s present and marked as “Blocked” or “Not Allowed,” change its status to “Allowed” or “Excluded.”
5. Add QuickBooks Manually (if not listed):
   If QuickBooks is not already in the list, you may need to add it manually. Look for an option to “Add” or “Browse” to select the QuickBooks executable file (usually located in the “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks” or “C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks” folder).
6. Specify Inbound and Outbound Rules:
   • Some antivirus programs require you to set inbound and outbound rules separately for an application. Ensure both inbound and outbound connections are allowed for QuickBooks.
   • You might need to specify network ports used by QuickBooks if your antivirus software allows granular control over port-based rules. QuickBooks may use different ports depending on the version and setup.
7. Save Changes:
   After allowing QuickBooks through the antivirus, make sure to save your changes by clicking “Apply” or “OK.”
8. Restart QuickBooks (Optional):
   In some cases, you may need to restart QuickBooks to apply the changes properly.

By following these steps, you should be able to configure the settings of your antivirus software to allow QuickBooks access. Now open QuickBooks and try to perform some tasks that require internet connectivity, such as updating transactions or accessing online features. If everything works smoothly without any errors or warning messages, it indicates that QuickBooks is allowed through the antivirus software.

We’ve compiled all the resolutions and workarounds verified by the experts to fix the mentioned error. These resolutions and workarounds helped the users to fix the error on their system. Try implementing these resolutions on your computer and if the preceding suggestions fail to solve the error, please feel free to Ask an Expert.