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Monday, 11 September 2023

Fixing QuickBooks Error H303: A Step-by-Step Guide

QuickBooks is relied on by millions of small businesses for accounting and financial management. But errors can pop up and disrupt your workflow. One common error is QuickBooks Error H303, which prevents access to company files.

If you see the message “H303 Error: QuickBooks cannot locate the company file” there are several methods to get it resolved so you can open your file again. In this post we’ll explore what causes H303 errors and walk through various solutions.

What Triggers the H303 Error?

The H303 error indicates that QuickBooks cannot find the path to open your company file. Some common reasons this occurs include:


  • The file was either deleted, moved, or renamed.
  • Incorrect company file path listed in QuickBooks
  • Damaged or corrupt company file
  • Network connection issues blocking access to company file


Essentially, any disruption to the link between QuickBooks and the storage location of your company file can lead to H303 errors.


You May Also Like to Read: QuickBooks Error 12008

Troubleshooting Methods to Fix H303 Error

There are several ways you can troubleshoot and fix QuickBooks Error H303. Try these methods in order:

  1. Verify File Location

  • First, check that your company file still exists in the proper location and has not been moved, renamed, deleted, or lost connection to a hosted storage service.
  • Navigate to where the file is saved, such as your computer's hard drive or cloud storage, to verify the file is still there and accessible. If not, you will need to locate the company file again before proceeding.
  1. Check File Path in QuickBooks

If the file is present, but QuickBooks cannot find it, the file path may be incorrect in QuickBooks. To check this:

  1. Open QuickBooks and go to “File” then “Open or Restore Company”

  2. Next after choosing "Restore a backup copy"

  3. Select “Local backup” and click Next

  4. Note the file path shown here and verify it matches the actual file location on your computer or hosted storage

  5. If incorrect, update the path in QuickBooks to match the file's current location


Updating the file path should allow QuickBooks to locate and open the company file again.

3. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Another potential fix is to ensure the QuickBooks Database Server Manager service is running. This allows access to company files.

You can restart this service by:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key and R.

  2. Simply enter "services.msc" and hit OK to launch Services.

  3. Find the service named “QuickBooks Database Server Manager.”

  4. Right click it and select Restart.

Restarting the service often resolves H303 errors if connections were disrupted.

4. Rebuild Your Company File

If connection issues persist, rebuilding your company file using the Rebuild Utility can resolve them.

To rebuild the file:

  1. Backup your company file and close QuickBooks

  2. Download the QuickBooks Rebuild Utility

  3. Run the Rebuild Utility and select your company file

  4. The utility will rebuild the file, restoring proper structure and connectivity

  5. Open QuickBooks again and restore the rebuilt company file


Rebuilding the file resets issues to do with file structure and connectivity that can cause H303 errors.

5. Condense Your Company File

An overly large company file can also create issues leading to H303 errors. Condensing reduces file size and repairs structural damage.

To condense the file:

  1. Backup and close company file

  2. Press Ctrl + Shift while opening QuickBooks

  3. Select “Condense data” and pick company file

  4. QuickBooks will condense and rebuild file to an optimal size

  5. Open condensed file again


This streamlines your file, which may solve connectivity issues causing the H303 error.


If you still get QuickBooks Error H303 after exhausting these troubleshooting methods, reach out to QuickBooks support for help. Contact them at +1(800)-578-0315. Their experts can dig deeper into diagnosing and resolving the H303 error so you can access your company file again.


With the right troubleshooting steps or assistance from support, QuickBooks Error H303 can be fixed promptly. Using these solutions will get your company file back open, so you can get back to work.

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