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You may run into several errors when the Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks. For example, let’s say you want to update QuickBooks Desktop but see an error code 12XXX (12007, 12009, 12031, etc.) – this could be because Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks programs.
To resolve this, you will need to manually configure QuickBooks Windows firewall settings. This will be to ensure QuickBooks programs have access to the internet. That is what this guide is about. All right, let us get started without further ado.
| Although this guide will help you set up the firewall to allow QuickBooks, an expert’s assistance will prove time-saving and more effective. reach out to our A2AutoCare’s experts. |
Run QuickBooks File Doctor to Fix Network Issues Automatically
A quick hack is to run QuickBooks File Doctor to fix the company file and network issues. The catch is that while usually, when running QB File Doctor, you choose the option to check the company file, this time, you should check the option to check both the company file and network.
QB File Doctor can be found in QuickBooks Tool Hub. Therefore, first, you need to download QuickBooks Tool Hub and install it on your computer.
- Open QB Tool Hub and go to the Company File Issues tab.
- Choose Run QuickBooks, File Doctor. It will take a while for the File Doctor to open. However, if the File Doctor doesn’t open for long, search it up from the Start menu and open it from there.
- When QB File Doctor opens, select the company file. If you don’t see your company file, select Browse and search and find and select the company file.
- Now, choose Check your file and network.
- Select Continue.
- Enter QB admin password when asked for.
- Finally, choose Next.
Depending on the company file size, scanning might take 3 to 5 minutes. QuickBooks might say the scan was unsuccessful even if the issue is resolved.
After the scan is completed, open QB and resume the task you faced an issue with. If File Doctor wasn’t able to fix the issue, it means still now Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks.
Let us configure the Windows firewall manually to allow QuickBooks to go through it.
Manually Set Things Up If Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks
Let us see how you can create the Windows firewall and port exceptions for QuickBooks programs. This involved multiple steps; therefore, we have provided you with detailed instructions on them.
1. Create Firewall Port Exception for QuickBooks
Follow these instructions to create firewall port exceptions for QuickBooks programs.
- Launch the Windows Start menu, type ‘Windows Firewall’ into the search box, and open Windows Firewall.
- Choose Advanced Settings.
- Right-click on Inbound Rules and go to New Rule.
Note: Later on, we will create Outbound Rules.
- Choose Port and go to Next.
- Ensure TCP is selected.
- Go to the Specific local ports field and type in the specific ports needed for the QB year version:
- QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
- QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
- QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX
- QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX
Important Note: QB Desktop 2019, 2020, and future versions use dynamic ports, which are specific firewall ports (not a range) assigned during installation. It gives QuickBooks Desktop exclusive use of a given port.
- After entering the port number, choose Next.
- Choose Allow the Connection, followed by Next.
- If asked for, ensure all profiles are selected and choose Next.
- Add a rule and assign it a name like “QBPorts(year).”
- Finally, choose Finish.
Now, go ahead and create outbound rules for QuickBooks by following the same steps, except, in the step when you right-click on Inbound Rules, right-click Outbound Rules.
2. Add Windows Firewall Exceptions for QB Programs
QuickBooks uses various program files to perform multiple tasks. Here are all the QuickBooks executable files (programs).
| DBManagerExe.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| AutoBackupExe.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| QuickBooksMessaging.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| QBW32.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| FileManagement.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| OnlineBackup.exe | C:\Program Files\QuickBooks Online Backup |
| QBDBMgrN.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| Dbmlsync.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| IntuitSyncManager.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync |
| QBCFMonitorService.exe | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks |
| FileMovementExe.exe | C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR |
| QBServerUtilityMgr.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 |
NOTE: In case you see Program Files (x86), it means you are working on a 64-bit Operating system.
Let us create exceptions for these QuickBooks programs.
- Go to the Start and enter Windows Firewall there.
- Double-click Windows Firewall to open it.
- Choose Advanced Settings.
- Right-click Inbound Rules and choose New Rule.
NOTE: Later on, we will create Outbound Rules.
- Choose Program followed by Next.
- Go to This Program Path and Browse.
- Choose one of the executable files from the list of QuickBooks programs given above.
- Select Next, followed by Allow the Connection.
- Tap on Next.
- If asked, ensure all profiles are selected and then choose Next.
- Add a rule and give it a name like “QBFirewallException(name.exe).”, where in place of ‘name’, write the name of the executable file.
Once you are done, create an outbound rule for the same program, following the same steps, except, in the step when you right-click on Inbound Rules, right-click Outbound Rules.
Do this for all the QuickBooks programs given in the table above.
Once done, restart the computer and open QuickBooks Desktop. Carry out the same tasks in which you faced a problem earlier. However, if you continue to find an issue, move to the next step.
3. Verify the Antivirus or Firewall Settings
After you have checked the Windows firewall and made sure it is not hindering QuickBooks, what remains is the antivirus or security software you might have installed on the computer.
If you have an antivirus installed, you will need to create QuickBooks port exceptions on your antivirus and its firewall. After doing so, restart your computer and resume the operations.
Final Words
This was all about how to set it up manually in case the Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks. Hopefully, after creating QuickBooks port exceptions on the firewall, you can successfully run various QB operations without an error.
However, if you weren’t able to resolve the issue or need assistance, contact us at QB Consulting Services. This will connect you to a QB expert right now!
Queries About QuickBooks Desktop and Windows Firewall
1. How to turn off the Windows Firewall?
Here is how you can turn off the Windows Firewall:
a. Launch the Start menu and go to the Control Panel, followed by System and Security followed by Windows Firewall.
b. Click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
c. Choose Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) for both work or home (private) Public network location and network location settings.
d. Finally, select OK.
2. Why does QuickBooks say the Windows firewall is blocking after configuring the firewall?
Make sure to restart the computer after creating exceptions for QuickBooks programs, and ensure you create exceptions for all QB programs. If the Windows Firewall is configured incorrectly, your computer might see QB as a threat to the system and thus might block further operations. This can happen to various executable files.
3. How do you fix the Windows firewall blocking QuickBooks?
You can fix the Windows firewall blocking QuickBooks by creating port exceptions for QB programs. Learn how to create port exceptions for QuickBooks Desktop through the detailed steps given in this guide.
4. Why is my firewall not working with QuickBooks?
If you mean the firewall is not allowing QuickBooks, this might be because it sees the QB programs as a threat to the system. Therefore, to allow QuickBooks through the Windows firewall, create a port exception for all QB programs.
Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities
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