☎ +1(844)-871–1393>What is QuickBooks Error H202 and How to Fix it?

QuickBooks Error H202 is a common issue that occurs when users attempt to switch to multi-user mode. This error indicates that the multi-user hosting setup is blocked, preventing QuickBooks from accessing the company file located on another computer (server). Understanding the causes and solutions for Error H202 can help users quickly resolve the problem and ensure seamless multi-user access.

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What is QuickBooks Error H202?

QuickBooks Error H202 typically occurs in multi-user environments when the QuickBooks Desktop application on a workstation fails to communicate with the company file located on the server. The error message generally states:

“Error Code: H202 This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H202

• Users receive an H202 error message when attempting to open a company file in multi-user mode.
• QuickBooks becomes unresponsive or slow when switching to multi-user mode.
• Users are unable to access the company file located on another computer.
• Network issues arise, causing interruptions in accessing the company file.

Causes of QuickBooks Error H202

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of QuickBooks Error H202:

1. Network Configuration Issues: Incorrect network settings or configuration can prevent QuickBooks from establishing a connection to the server.
2. Blocked Ports: The firewall may block the ports required by QuickBooks to communicate with the server.
3. QuickBooks Database Server Manager: The QuickBooks Database Server Manager may not be running on the server computer.
4. Host Settings: Incorrect host settings can prevent QuickBooks from accessing the company file in multi-user mode.
5. DNS Server Issues: Problems with the DNS server can disrupt communication between QuickBooks and the server.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

There are several methods to resolve QuickBooks Error H202. Users may need to try multiple solutions to fix the issue.

Solution 1: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The QuickBooks Database Server Manager helps configure the QuickBooks server for multi-user access. Follow these steps:

1. Download and Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

• Visit the official QuickBooks website to download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Once installed, open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

1. Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

• In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select the “Network Issues” tab.
• Click on “QuickBooks Database Server Manager.”
• In the Database Server Manager, click on “Start Scan” if the company file folder is listed. If not, click on “Browse” and locate the folder containing the company file, then click “Start Scan.”

1. Restart QuickBooks:

• Once the scan is complete, restart QuickBooks on all workstations and switch to multi-user mode to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 2: Verify Hosting Settings

Ensure that hosting is set up correctly on all workstations and the server:

1. On the Server Computer:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on the server.
• Go to “File” > “Utilities.”
• If you see “Host Multi-User Access,” click on it. If you see “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access,” do not click on it.

1. On the Workstations:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on each workstation.
• Go to “File” > “Utilities.”
• Ensure that “Host Multi-User Access” is NOT selected. If it is, click on it to disable it.

Solution 3: Configure Firewall Settings

Ensure that the firewall is not blocking QuickBooks from accessing the server:

1. Open Firewall Settings:

• Open the Control Panel on the server computer.
• Select “System and Security” > “Windows Firewall.”

1. Create Firewall Rules:

• Click on “Advanced Settings” and then “Inbound Rules.”
• Click on “New Rule” and select “Port.”
• Enter the port numbers required for QuickBooks (QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later uses ports 8019, 56728, 55378–55382).
• Allow the connection and name the rule “QuickBooks Ports.”
• Repeat these steps for “Outbound Rules.”

1. Restart QuickBooks:

• Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and switch to multi-user mode to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 4: Check QuickBooks Services

Ensure that the QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService are running on the server:

1. Open Services:

• Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “services.msc” and press Enter.

1. Locate QuickBooks Services:

• Scroll down and find QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is the version number) and QBCFMonitorService.

1. Start the Services:

• Right-click on each service and select “Start” if it is not already running.
• Set the Startup Type to “Automatic.”

1. Restart QuickBooks:

• Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and switch to multi-user mode to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 5: Add Server to the Windows Host File

Edit the Windows host file to add the server’s IP address and QuickBooks server name:

1. Open Host File:

• Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\ and open the “hosts” file with Notepad.

1. Add Server Information:

• Add the server’s IP address and server name at the end of the file. For example:
• Copy code
• 192.168.1.100 ServerName

1. Save and Close:

• Save the changes and close Notepad.

1. Restart QuickBooks:

• Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and switch to multi-user mode to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 6: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor can help fix network issues:

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub:

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

1. Run QuickBooks File Doctor:

• Select the “Company File Issues” tab.
• Click on “Run QuickBooks File Doctor.”
• Select the company file and check the option for “Check your file and network.”

1. Follow Prompts:

• Follow the on-screen prompts to run the scan and repair the issues.

1. Restart QuickBooks:

• Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and switch to multi-user mode to check if the error is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is QuickBooks Error H202?

Ans: QuickBooks Error H202 occurs when a workstation fails to connect to the company file located on the server in a multi-user environment. This error indicates that the multi-user hosting setup is blocked.

Q2: Why does QuickBooks Error H202 occur?

Ans: QuickBooks Error H202 can occur due to network configuration issues, blocked firewall ports, QuickBooks Database Server Manager not running, incorrect host settings, or DNS server issues.

Q3: How can I fix QuickBooks Error H202?

Ans: To fix QuickBooks Error H202, you can use QuickBooks Database Server Manager, verify hosting settings, configure firewall settings, check QuickBooks services, add the server to the Windows host file, or use QuickBooks File Doctor.

Q4: Can I fix QuickBooks Error H202 on my own?

Ans: Yes, you can fix QuickBooks Error H202 on your own by following the troubleshooting steps provided in this guide. However, if you are not comfortable performing these steps, it is advisable to contact QuickBooks support for assistance.

Q5: How do I contact QuickBooks support for Error H202?

Ans: You can contact QuickBooks support for Error H202 by visiting the QuickBooks Support website, calling the QuickBooks Error Support phone number, using the QuickBooks Desktop application, joining the QuickBooks Community, or reaching out via QuickBooks social media channels.

Q6: How can I prevent QuickBooks Error H202 from occurring in the future?

Ans: To prevent QuickBooks Error H202 from occurring in the future, ensure that your network is configured correctly, firewall ports are open for QuickBooks, QuickBooks Database Server Manager is running, host settings are correct, and DNS server issues are resolved.

Q7: What should I do if none of the solutions fix QuickBooks Error H202?

Ans: If none of the solutions fix QuickBooks Error H202, it is recommended to contact QuickBooks support for further assistance. A support representative can provide advanced troubleshooting and help resolve the issue.

Q8: Can QuickBooks Error H202 affect my company file?

Ans: QuickBooks Error H202 does not directly affect your company file, but it can prevent you from accessing the file in multi-user mode. Resolving the error will restore access to the company file for all users.

Q9: Is there a specific QuickBooks version that is more prone to Error H202?

Ans: QuickBooks Error H202 can occur in any version of QuickBooks Desktop that supports multi-user mode. The error is related to network and configuration issues rather than a specific QuickBooks version.

Q10: How long does it take to fix QuickBooks Error H202?

Ans: The time it takes to fix QuickBooks Error H202 varies depending on the complexity of the issue and the troubleshooting steps required. Simple fixes may take a few minutes, while more complex issues may take longer to resolve.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H202 can disrupt your business operations by preventing access to the company file in multi-user mode. Understanding the causes and following the solutions provided in this guide can help you quickly resolve the issue. If you encounter any difficulties or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact QuickBooks error support. Regularly updating your QuickBooks software and maintaining proper network settings can also help prevent similar errors in the future.