QuickBooks is an incredible accounting software that simplifies complex accounting operations. The software is infested with top-notch accounting software, which helps small businesses manage their accounting tasks. One of the incredible features of the application is “Multi-User Mode”, which allows multiple users to work on the same company file simultaneously.

However, many times, users face issues accessing the multi-user mode due to “QuickBooks Error h303”. The error indicates that the communication between the QuickBooks server and the workstation is hindered, and you need additional configuration settings.

Since you are unable to access the company file, a quick resolution of the error is needed. If you are unable to switch to the multi-user mode, this blog will prove useful to you. A detailed explanation of the error, including the symptoms, causes, and troubleshooting methods, is provided in this blog.

Are you unable to find reliable solutions to QuickBooks H series errors? Worry not. Just dial +1-877-752-9120, speak to our specialist, and learn the effective remedies to cure QuickBooks error H 303.

QuickBooks Error H303:Let us Understand the Issue

QuickBooks Error H303 is the most common H series error that interrupts the smooth workflow. The error indicates that the company file can not be opened in the multi-user mode due to the network configuration issue.

QB error code H303 along with the warning message appears on your screen, stating, “QuickBooks error code H 303: Application is unable to open the company file in Multi-user mode.” The error indicates that additional settings are required to access the company file located on another system.

You might face this error when the company file is hosted by another system rather than a server system.

Why Does Error Code H303 in QuickBooks Appear?

QuickBooks uses several components to open the company file in the multi-user mode. If any of the required components is damaged, QuickBooks Company File Error H303 occurs. Numerous reasons are responsible for provoking this enormous error, including:

• The communication between the server and the workstation is blocked by the Windows firewall.

• Improper DNS settings will also trigger this issue.

• Necessary components such as QBCF Monitor and QuickBooks database server manager service fail to initiate.

• The multi-user mode in QuickBooks is not configured properly.

• The network or transaction log files are damaged/ corrupted.

• Outdated version of QuickBooks is not compatible with your system.

How to Identify Error Code H303 in QuickBooks?

When the error H 303 hits your system, you might witness the following signs/symptoms on your screen.

• An error code H 303, along with the warning message, appears on your screen.

• The application freezes or hangs when the error hits the system.

• You are unable to switch to multi-user mode despite several attempts.

• QuickBooks will start responding slowly to your commands.

• The active Window of your system crashes.

Effective Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error H303

The error H 303 in QuickBooks appears for a number of reasons. Different solutions are available to fix the H series error, depending upon the cause of the error. Once you know the exact cause of the error, you can easily fix it. Out of the myriad of solutions, our experts have hand-picked the top solutions for you.

Also Read: QuickBooks Error QBWC1039

Solution 1: Correct the Firewall Settings

The incorrect firewall settings will restrict the QuickBooks from functioning properly. This will lead to the QuickBooks error code H 303, which prevents you from opening the company file in multi-user mode. Follow the steps below to correct the firewall settings and prevent the H series error.

• Open the control panel of your system and choose Firewall settings.

• Next, choose the advance settings option and then pick the Inbound rules option from the given options.

• Here, click on the New Rules option and choose PORT.

• Click the NEXT button and make sure that the TCP option is checked marked.

• Now, you need to choose the SPECIFIC PORT option and enter the correct port as per your QuickBooks version.

A. QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.

B. QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.

C. QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, xxxxx.

D. QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, xxxxx.

• Here, XXXX denotes the dynamic port.

• After entering the correct port number, click on the Next button and choose the Allow Connection option.

• Click on the Next button and give a relevant name to the newly created rule.

• Lastly, click on the FINISH button when done.

Solution 2: Run QuickBooks File Doctor from Tool Hub

In case the company file is damaged or corrupted, the error code H 303 will appear in your system. You can easily fix the issue by running the QuickBooks File Doctor from the tool hub. It is a centralized application containing multiple tools which are used to fix various issues. Follow the below-mentioned steps to run the QuickBooks file doctor from the tool hub:

• Here, we assume that you have already installed the QuickBooks tool hub in your system. Open the tool hub and then navigate to the Company file issues tab available within the tool hub.

• Here, click on the QuickBooks File Doctor and choose the company file having the issue.

• If you are unable to locate the damaged file, use the BROWSE button to find the file.

• After picking the file, select the correct repairing option and click on the CONTINUE button.

• The tool will automatically diagnose and fix the issues on its own.

Solution 3: Verify the Hosting Settings in QuickBooks

The incorrect hosting settings in QuickBooks will lead to the QuickBooks Desktop Error H303. By correcting the hosting settings using the steps mentioned below, you can resolve the issue easily.

To check the services on the SERVER system

• Open the QuickBooks application on your system.

• Choose the File menu option and then select the Utilities option.

• Thereafter, choose the “HOST MULTI-USER ACCESS” option from the available options.

Note: Make sure that HOST MULTI-USER ACCESS is enabled only on the SERVER (system holding the company file) system.

Steps to be Performed on other Workstations

• On your workstation, open the QuickBooks application and choose the File menu option.

• Now, choose the Utilities option and then select the “STOP HOSTING MULTI-USER ACCESS” option.

Solution 4: Check the QuickBooks Essential Services

QuickBooks relies on various services to run properly. However, if any of the essential services are not running, various issues will arise in QuickBooks, such as QuickBooks desktop error H 303. The steps that will guide you in verifying the running of essential services include:

• Press the Window + R keys together to open the RUN COMMAND in your system.

• In the search bar of opened Window, type “SERVICES.MSC and press the ENTER key.

• It will open the services window in your system where you need to locate the essential services such as QBCFMonitor Service.

• Double-click on it to open the Properties window and choose the AUTOMATIC option from the Startup type.

• Also, ensure that the service status is RUNNING. If not, take the necessary steps to make it run and press the OK button.

• If the service fails to start, move to the RECOVERY tab and choose “RESTART THE SERVICE” for the first, second, and subsequent failures.

• Lastly, press the OK button to implement the changes made.

Note: Repeat the same steps for the QuickBooks DBXX services.

Know More: Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2025

Summarising the Above

QuickBooks error H 303 is a common H series issue that restricts users from accessing company files in multi-user mode. Hopefully, this blog provides practical solutions to fix the H series error easily.

We assume that by implementing the above-mentioned methods, you have successfully resolved the issue on your own. Do not hesitate to call our experts at +1-877-752-9120 if the issue persists or if you need additional help implementing the strategies.