QuickBooks Errors H101, H202, H303, and H505 are common issues that occur when trying to access a company file in multi-user mode. These errors usually mean QuickBooks cannot connect to the server or another computer hosting the company file. You might see messages like “Error H202: This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs help connecting.” No need to panic! This guide explains why these errors happen and gives easy steps to fix them. We use simple words and clear instructions to help you solve the problem fast.
Why Do QuickBooks Errors H101, H202, H303, or H505 Happen?
These errors are related to multi-user mode and network issues. Common causes include:
- QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running.
- Firewall or antivirus software blocks QuickBooks connections.
- Network issues prevent communication between computers.
- The company file is on a server or another computer with incorrect settings.
- Damaged or missing QuickBooks network (.ND) files.
- QuickBooks services, like QBCFMonitorService, are stopped.
Understanding the cause helps you choose the right solution. Below, we share step-by-step methods to fix QuickBooks Errors H101, H202, H303, or H505.
Solution 1: Use QuickBooks File Doctor
QuickBooks File Doctor can diagnose and fix network and company file issues causing these errors.
- Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
- Save the file, double-click to install, and open the Tool Hub.
- Go to Company File Issues and select Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
- Choose your company file from the list or browse to find it.
- Select Check Your File and Network, then click Continue.
- Enter your QuickBooks admin password and follow the prompts to repair.
- Open QuickBooks and switch to multi-user mode to test.
For more details, see our guide on QuickBooks File Doctor.
Solution 2: Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager
The QuickBooks Database Server Manager (QBDBMgrN) allows multi-user access to the company file. If it’s not running, you may see these errors.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Find QuickBooksDBXX (XX is your QuickBooks version, e.g., QuickBooksDB30 for 2020).
- Right-click it and select Restart. If it’s stopped, click Start.
- Open QuickBooks on the server computer and enable multi-user mode.
- Try accessing the company file from another computer.
If this doesn’t work, check our posts on QuickBooks Database Server Manager and QBDBMgrN Not Running on This Computer.
Solution 3: Configure Firewall Settings
Firewall or antivirus software can block QuickBooks, causing Errors H101, H202, H303, or H505.
- Open your firewall software or Windows Defender Firewall.
- Add exceptions for QuickBooks files, like QBDBMgrN.exe and QBW32.exe.
- Allow ports 8019, 56728, 55378–55382 for QuickBooks communication.
- If using antivirus, add QuickBooks to the trusted programs list.
- Restart your computer and open QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
For detailed steps, read our guide on Configure Firewall for Multi-User Mode in QuickBooks.
Solution 4: Verify Hosting Settings
Incorrect hosting settings can cause these errors. Ensure only the server computer hosts the company file.
- On the server computer, open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
- Check if Host Multi-User Access is visible. If yes, select it.
- If Stop Hosting Multi-User Access appears, hosting is already on.
- On workstation computers, go to File > Utilities.
- Ensure Host Multi-User Access is visible (not Stop Hosting). If not, select Stop Hosting Multi-User Access.
- Open the company file in multi-user mode from a workstation.
For hosting issues, see our post on QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error.
Solution 5: Rename .ND and .TLG Files
Damaged network data (.ND) or transaction log (.TLG) files can cause these errors. Renaming them lets QuickBooks create new ones.
- Open the folder where your company file is stored (e.g., C:\QuickBooks).
- Find files with the same name as your company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions (e.g., company.qbw.ND, company.qbw.TLG).
- Right-click each file and select Rename. Add “_old” to the name (e.g., company.qbw.ND_old).
- Open QuickBooks and try accessing the company file in multi-user mode.
For company file issues, check our guide on QuickBooks Company File Not Found.
Solution 6: Check Network Connection
A weak or unstable network can trigger these errors.
- Ensure all computers are on the same network and can ping the server:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
- Type ping [server name] and press Enter.
- If you see “Request timed out,” contact your network admin.
- Restart your router and all computers.
- Try opening the company file from a workstation in multi-user mode.
For network-related errors, read our post on QuickBooks Error H202.
Solution 7: Run QuickBooks as Administrator
Running QuickBooks with admin rights can fix permission issues causing these errors.
- Close QuickBooks on all computers.
- Right-click the QuickBooks icon on the server computer’s desktop.
- Select Run as Administrator.
- Open the company file and enable multi-user mode.
- Repeat on workstations if needed.
For related issues, see our guide on QuickBooks Unable to Open Company File.
Solution 8: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version
An outdated QuickBooks version can cause multi-user errors. Updating it may fix the issue.
- Open QuickBooks and go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Click Update Now and select Get Updates.
- Wait for the download to finish, then restart QuickBooks.
- Follow prompts to install the updates.
- Try multi-user mode again.
For update issues, check our posts on Update QuickBooks to Latest Release and QuickBooks Desktop Update Errors.
Solution 9: Repair QuickBooks Installation
Corrupted QuickBooks files can cause these errors. Repairing the installation may help.
- Close QuickBooks.
- Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
- Find QuickBooks in the list, click it, and select Uninstall/Change.
- Choose Repair and follow the instructions.
- Restart your computer and open QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
For repair steps, see our guide on Repair QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.
Additional Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Errors H101, H202, H303, or H505
To avoid these errors in the future:
- Keep QuickBooks and your operating system updated. Learn more in QuickBooks Auto Data Recovery.
- Use a stable network for multi-user mode and avoid VPNs.
- Back up your company file regularly to protect data. See Restore a Backup of Your QuickBooks Company File.
- Run the Verify and Rebuild Data tool to check for file issues. Check Rebuild QuickBooks Data File.
- Ensure only one computer hosts the company file to avoid conflicts.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Errors H101, H202, H303, and H505 can stop you from using multi-user mode, but these nine solutions can help you fix them. Start with QuickBooks File Doctor, restart the Database Server Manager, or configure your firewall. If needed, repair QuickBooks or check your network. Our guides at Transyncpro.com, like QuickBooks Tool Hub, QuickBooks Error H202, QuickBooks File Doctor, and QuickBooks Database Server Manager, offer more help. If the errors persist, contact our support team. Get back to multi-user mode with these easy steps!
