How to Fix QuickBooks Error H101, H202, H303, H505: Complete Guide
QuickBooks is an essential tool for many businesses, providing robust accounting and financial management solutions. However, users sometimes encounter errors that can disrupt their workflow. Among the most common issues are the H series errors: H101, H202, H303, and H505. These errors typically occur when QuickBooks is trying to switch to multi-user mode or when there’s a problem with the company file hosting configuration.
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What Are QuickBooks H Series Errors?
QuickBooks H series errors—H101, H202, H303, and H505—are network-related issues that prevent users from accessing a company file in multi-user mode. Here’s a brief overview of each error:
- H101: This error occurs when the company file is located on another computer, and QuickBooks needs assistance to establish a connection.
- H202: This error indicates that QuickBooks cannot communicate with the server where the company file is stored.
- H303: This error appears when QuickBooks cannot open the company file located on another computer due to incorrect hosting configuration settings.
- H505: This error indicates that the multi-user setup is incorrect, and QuickBooks cannot access the company file.
Causes of QuickBooks H101, H202, H303, H505 Errors
These errors generally arise due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Incorrect Hosting Configuration: QuickBooks may not be set up correctly for multi-user mode on the host computer.
- Blocked Incoming/Outgoing Communications: The server computer’s firewall may be blocking communication between QuickBooks and the server.
- Corrupted or Damaged .ND File: The .ND (Network Data) file, which allows QuickBooks to access company files in a network, might be corrupted or damaged.
- DNS Settings Issues: Improper DNS settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the server.
- QuickBooks Database Server Manager Not Running: The QuickBooks Database Server Manager, responsible for managing multi-user access, might not be running on the server computer.
How to Fix QuickBooks Error H101, H202, H303, H505
Here are detailed steps to resolve these errors:
Solution 1: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor
QuickBooks File Doctor is a built-in tool designed to fix common network and company file issues.
Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub:
- If you haven’t already installed QuickBooks Tool Hub, download it from the official QuickBooks website and install it on your computer.
Run QuickBooks File Doctor:
- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select the Company File Issues tab.
- Click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor and select your company file from the list. If your file isn’t listed, browse to locate it.
- Choose Check your file and then click Continue.
- Enter your QuickBooks admin password when prompted and click Next.
The QuickBooks File Doctor will scan your company file and network setup to identify and fix the issues causing the H series errors. This process might take some time, depending on the size of your company file.
Solution 2: Verify and Reconfigure Hosting Settings
Incorrect hosting configuration is a common cause of H series errors. To resolve this, follow these steps:
Open QuickBooks on All Workstations:
- Go to File > Utilities.
Turn Off Hosting on Workstations:
- If you see the option Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it. This means the workstation was set to host multi-user mode, which should only be enabled on the server.
Check Hosting on the Server:
- On the server computer, open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
- Ensure that Host Multi-User Access is enabled. If it’s not, select Host Multi-User Access to turn it on.
Solution 3: Configure Windows Firewall Settings
Firewalls can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the company file. Configuring your firewall to allow QuickBooks through can fix these errors.
Open Control Panel:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Create Inbound Rules:
- Click on Advanced Settings and select Inbound Rules.
- Choose New Rule and select Port. Click Next.
- Select TCP and enter the following ports for your QuickBooks version:
- QuickBooks 2020: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
- QuickBooks 2019: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
- QuickBooks 2018: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372
- Click Next and allow the connection.
- Name the rule (e.g., “QuickBooks Inbound”) and click Finish.
Create Outbound Rules:
- Repeat the steps above to create outbound rules using the same port numbers.
Restart QuickBooks:
- Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and the server computer to see if the errors have been resolved.
Solution 4: Repair the .ND File
The .ND file helps QuickBooks communicate with the network and other computers. If this file is damaged, it can cause H series errors.
Locate the .ND File:
- Open the folder where your company file is stored. The .ND file will have the same name as your company file but with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFileName.qbw.nd).
Rename the .ND File:
- Right-click on the .ND file and select Rename.
- Add the word “OLD” at the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyFileName.qbw.nd.OLD) and press Enter.
Rescan the Company File:
- Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Click Scan Folders and then select the folder where your company file is located.
- Click Start Scan. This will create a new .ND file.
Restart QuickBooks:
- After the scan is complete, restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.
Solution 5: Verify DNS Settings
Improper DNS settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to the server, leading to H series errors.
Open Command Prompt:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Flush DNS Cache:
- Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Configure DNS Settings:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on your network connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
- Click OK and restart your computer.
Restart QuickBooks:
- Open QuickBooks and see if the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
QuickBooks H series errors—H101, H202, H303, and H505—can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt your workflow in a multi-user environment. However, by understanding their causes and following the step-by-step solutions provided in this guide, you can effectively resolve these issues and get back to managing your finances without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These errors are generally caused by network issues, incorrect hosting configurations, firewall settings blocking communication, or problems with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Yes, you can fix these errors by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide. However, if you’re not comfortable making these changes or the issue persists, it’s advisable to seek professional help.
The server computer, where the QuickBooks company file is stored, should host multi-user mode. All other computers (workstations) should not be set to host.
If QuickBooks File Doctor doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed with the manual solutions such as reconfiguring hosting settings, adjusting firewall settings, or repairing the .ND file as described in this guide.
Some steps, such as configuring the firewall or DNS settings, may need to be performed on all computers that access QuickBooks. Other steps, like configuring hosting settings, should only be done on the server computer.
If the problem persists, it’s recommended to contact QuickBooks support or a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for further assistance. They can help diagnose and resolve more complex network or configuration issues.
To prevent these errors, ensure that QuickBooks is properly configured for multi-user mode, keep your firewall settings up to date, regularly maintain your network settings, and run QuickBooks Database Server Manager to keep your .ND files in good condition.
While these errors are all related to network and multi-user mode issues, they differ slightly in their causes:
- H101 and H303 generally indicate issues with the company file or incorrect hosting.
- H202 and H505 often involve blocked communication between QuickBooks and the server or issues with network settings.
