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How to Resolve QuickBooks Error H303

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error H303 occurs when a company file is located on another computer, and QuickBooks Desktop is unable to access it. This issue is part of the H-series errors, which indicate problems with multi-user mode and the hosting setup. The error typically means the computer hosting the file needs additional configuration to allow communication with other workstations.

This guide will explain the causes of QuickBooks Error H303 and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it effectively.

What Causes QuickBooks Error H303?​

Several factors can lead to Error H303 in QuickBooks, including:

  1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: The hosting settings on the server or workstations may not be set up correctly.
  2. Firewall Restrictions: The firewall is blocking communication between QuickBooks and the server hosting the company file.
  3. Damaged .ND File: The Network Data (.ND) file, which helps QuickBooks locate the company file on the network, may be corrupted.
  4. Incorrect IP Address: QuickBooks is unable to connect to the server due to an incorrect or outdated IP address.
  5. QuickBooks Database Server Manager Issues: If the Database Server Manager is not configured properly, it can result in Error H303.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H303​

  • You are unable to switch to multi-user mode.
  • Error message displayed: “Error H303: The company file is on another computer and QuickBooks needs help connecting.”
  • QuickBooks freezes or crashes when trying to access the company file.
  • You can access QuickBooks in single-user mode but not in multi-user mode.

Steps to Resolve QuickBooks Error H303​

Step 1: Check Hosting Settings​

Ensure that only the server computer (the computer hosting the company file) is set to host multi-user mode. Workstations should not have hosting enabled.

  1. On the Server Computer:

    • Open QuickBooks Desktop on the server computer.
    • Go to File > Utilities.
    • Ensure Host Multi-User Access is enabled. If you see the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, it means hosting is already enabled, so do not make changes.

  2. On the Workstations:

    • Open QuickBooks Desktop on each workstation.
    • Go to File > Utilities.
    • Ensure that Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is not selected. If it is, select it to disable hosting on the workstation.

Step 2: Configure Firewall and Security Settings​

Firewall or antivirus software may block communication between QuickBooks and the server. Add exceptions for QuickBooks to resolve this issue.

  1. Open Windows Firewall Settings:

    • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Select Advanced Settings.

  2. Add Inbound and Outbound Rules:

    • Create a new rule for the following QuickBooks files:
      • QBDBMgrN.exe
      • QBCFMonitorService.exe
    • Ensure these files are allowed through the firewall on all computers.

  3. Allow Ports for QuickBooks:

    • Ensure the following ports are open:
      • QuickBooks 2023: Port 8019, 5530, 5533
      • QuickBooks 2022 and earlier: Port 8019, 5530
    • Add these ports as exceptions in the firewall.

  4. Restart QuickBooks:

    • After updating the firewall settings, restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Step 3: Repair the .ND File​

The .ND file allows QuickBooks to access company files in a network. If this file is damaged, QuickBooks may not function properly in multi-user mode.

  1. Locate the .ND File:

    • Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored.
    • Look for a file with the same name as your company file but with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd).

  2. Rename the .ND File:

    • Right-click the .ND file and select Rename.
    • Add .old to the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd.old).

  3. Recreate the .ND File:

    • Open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (part of QuickBooks Tool Hub).
    • Click Scan Folders and add the folder containing your company file.
    • The Database Server Manager will automatically recreate the .ND file.

  4. Restart QuickBooks:

    • Try accessing the company file again in multi-user mode.

Step 4: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager​

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager ensures that QuickBooks can share company files across the network.

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub:

    • Go to the official Intuit website and download the latest version of the Tool Hub.
    • Install the Tool Hub on the server computer.

  2. Run Database Server Manager:

    • Open the Tool Hub and go to the Network Issues tab.
    • Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
    • Click Scan Folders and add the folder containing your company file.

  3. Verify Connectivity:

    • After the scan is complete, check if QuickBooks can connect to the company file in multi-user mode.

Step 5: Verify Network Configuration​

If the error persists, ensure the network is properly configured.

  1. Ping the Server Computer:

    • On the workstation, open the Command Prompt (Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
    • Type ping [Server Name] and press Enter.
    • Check if the server responds. If not, there may be network connectivity issues.

  2. Update IP Address:

    • Ensure the server’s IP address is up-to-date in the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
    • Add the server's IP address to the Windows host file on the workstation.

Step 6: Check Folder Permissions​

Ensure the folder containing the QuickBooks company file has the correct permissions.

  1. Locate the Folder:
    • Navigate to the folder where your company file is stored.
  2. Edit Permissions:
    • Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
    • Go to the Security tab and ensure that all users have Full Control permissions.
  3. Save Changes:
    • Click Apply and OK.

Step 7: Restart QuickBooks Services​

Restarting QuickBooks-related services can help resolve communication errors.

  1. Open the Services Window:
    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Restart QuickBooks Services:
    • Locate QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is the QuickBooks version year).
    • Right-click and select Restart.
  3. Repeat for Other Services:
    • Restart QBCFMonitorService as well.

Additional Tips to Avoid Error H303​

  • Keep QuickBooks Updated: Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Maintain Stable Network Connectivity: Ensure your network is reliable and free from disruptions.
  • Use a Dedicated Server: Host the company file on a dedicated server for better performance and fewer errors.
  • Regularly Backup Files: Maintain backups of your company file to prevent data loss in case of errors.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error H303 can disrupt your multi-user setup, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the issue and restore access to your company file. From verifying hosting settings to using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, these solutions address the most common causes of Error H303.

If the problem persists despite troubleshooting, consider contacting QuickBooks support or consulting a certified QuickBooks expert for advanced assistance.