Error H101, H202, H303, or H505: when opening your company file

When you open a company file in multi-user mode, you see an error:

  • You're trying to work with a company file located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks can't reach the server on that computer (H202).
  • It appears that the QuickBooks software on computer [server name] is set up to allow shared connections to the company file, but the QuickBooks software on your computer is unable to communicate with it (H202).
  • You're trying to work with a company file located on another computer, and that computer needs additional installation and setup. (H101, H303, and H505).

Note: Intuit does not support firewall or anti-virus programs. You may need to consult the program provider for assistance with installing and setting up your program.

Why this is happening

QuickBooks is trying to establish a connection to the company file and can't communicate with the server (computer hosting the QuickBooks files). Several issues can cause these errors:

  • Hosting configuration settings are incorrect.
  • The firewall is blocking incoming/outgoing communication to the company file.
  • The .ND file is damaged or incorrect.
  • QuickBooks can't obtain the IP address of the system or server hosting the company file.
  • Workstations are configured to open the file through the hosts Full Qualified Domain Name (ex. computername.domain.com) or DNS settings are incorrect.
  • The QuickBooksDBXX or QBCFMonitor services are not started.

How to fix it

Resolving QuickBooks errors: H101, H202, H303, and H505

Intuit recommends several solutions for resolving errors. The first solution may solve your problem, or you may need to try all of them to resolve the issue. For best results, perform the solutions in the order shown.