Are you seeing an alert message on your screen with the text – Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks? If yes! It means that you have encountered an erroneous situation, and you need to fix it for smooth accounting processes. The data exchange between QuickBooks and the server needs an internet connection. However, your system Firewall prevents QuickBooks from communicating with the server due to security concerns. In such a scenario, access to the company file from the server computer is also hindered. Worry not! This post elaborates on some effective solutions to eliminate this error.
Learn how to fix Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks and get your QuickBooks back online. Call +1-866-500-0076 for expert help.
What Does Windows Firewall Blocking QuickBooks Issue Mean?
Your system Firewall is a security application that prevents your network from cyber threats and other security risks. However, it can also perceive the QuickBooks processes as a security threat, causing them to disrupt. One such effect can be seen when hosting the multi-user mode in the program. Thus, the error can affect multiple users in the program. Sometimes, the ports used by QuickBooks to access the web pages through the network are blocked due to this error. Therefore, you need to implement the relevant solutions to bring this error to an end.
Windows Firewall Starts Blocking QuickBooks Error - Possible Causes
The primary reasons that can give rise to the Firewall blocking QuickBooks error are stated in the list:
QuickBooks Ports Are Blocked:
QuickBooks uses ports to access the Internet, which must pass through the system security. However, the error blocks the communications from the QuickBooks ports, thereby preventing the program from accessing the web pages and services.
Firewall Blocking QuickBooks:
When the Firewall mistakenly perceives the QuickBooks processes as a threat to the security. Thus, it can make the software prone to a myriad of technical issues when performing processes that depend on the Internet.
How To Eliminate Windows Firewall Is Blocking QuickBooks Desktop?
Now that you are aware of the possible reasons, you can suppress the potential causes to eliminate the error. However, you need to check the following pointers before moving to the troubleshooting procedures:
• Make sure that your accounting application and Windows operating systems are updated to the latest release.
• Create a backup of the company file before you move ahead.
• You need to have your system connected to a strong and stable Internet connection.
Solution 1: Bring QuickBooks File Doctor Into Use Within Tool Hub
You need to install the tool hub on your system if it has not already been installed. You can download the latest version of it from Intuit’s official website.
• Once the tool hub is installed, run the executable file and perform the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
• Before you can use it for the error resolution, you will have to accept the terms and conditions.
• Now, you are ready to launch it by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.
• When in Tool Hub, select Company File Issues, and it will let you run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool.
• Moving ahead, select the company file and if you are not able to locate it, use the Browse option to open it.
• When the company file opens, select the radio button for the “Check your file and network” option and click Continue.
• Enter the admin password for QuickBooks, and the QBFD tool will now repair the company file and network-related problems.
After repairing your network, check if the “Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks” is resolved or if it continues to exist.
Solution 2: Add Exception For QuickBooks in Firewall Ports
The below-given steps can help you exclude QuickBooks from Firewall ports to enable seamless communication between the program and server:
• First of all, click open the Windows icon on the desktop.
• Here, you are supposed to type Windows Firewall in the blank area to open it.
• Moving ahead, select Advanced Settings, and right-click on Inbound Rules.
• Subsequently, select New Rule and then the Port option.
• Click the Next button to advance in the procedure.
• Now, select TCP as the next step.
• Thereafter, you have to add the relevant port as per the year version of your accounting application:
• If you are using QuickBooks Desktop 2020 or later version: 8019, XXXXX.
• QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
• For QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
• QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
• After adding the ports, click the Finish button.
• You need to perform the same steps to configure the Outbound Rules as well.
Solution 3: Exclude QuickBooks Programs In Your Windows Firewall
You can set exceptions for QuickBooks programs using the executable (.exe) files that the software uses to perform different tasks.
• Click on the Start menu to initiate the procedure.
• When in the Search area, typing Windows Firewall and hitting Enter will open it.
• Now, from within the Windows Firewall window, click on Advanced Settings.
• Thereafter, right-click on the Inbound Rules. Alternatively, you may create Outbound Rules first.
• Right-click on a suitable option and choose New Rule.
• Here, click Program and then hit the Next button to advance.
• The next option you need to select is This Program Path.
• Moving ahead, click Browse and select the executable (.exe) files.
• Once you have selected a file, click Next.
• Now, choose Allow the Connection and hit Next to confirm.
• You will now see a pop-up on your screen wherein you need to ensure that all the profiles are marked and hit Next.
• Here, you are supposed to create a rule and name it in the given manner - QBFirewallException(name.exe).
• Now, perform the same set of steps for the Outbound rule.
Solution 4: Disable Your Windows Firewall
If none of the solutions can fix the Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks problem, you need to disable your Firewall to prevent the QuickBooks blocking.
• Navigate to the Control Panel using the Start menu or Desktop.
• When the Control Panel window opens, go to the Windows Firewall tab.
• At this point, you can access the option to turn the Firewall on/off.
• Click Disable Firewall option and try running QuickBooks without facing the error again.
On A Final Note!
The solutions described in this post can help you eliminate the QuickBooks Database Server Manager Windows Firewall is blocking the program issue. You need to implement the steps cautiously to get the best results. However, if you are still unable to resolve the error due to technical difficulties, connect with an expert at the QuickBooks Help Desk to receive instant help.
If you need additional help, don't hesitate to call QuickBooks support at +1-866-500-0076 for personalized assistance.