How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202?

 

QuickBooks Error H202

QuickBooks Error H202 is a common issue that appears when users try to access a company file located on another computer in a multi-user network. This error blocks QuickBooks from connecting to the server, stopping users from working in multi-user mode. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and solutions helps users restore normal operations quickly.

What is QuickBooks Error H202?

QuickBooks Error H202 occurs when QuickBooks Desktop cannot connect to the company file on another computer because the multi-user connection is blocked or misconfigured. The error message usually says, “This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting, but this copy of QuickBooks cannot connect to the server (H202)”.

Causes of QuickBooks Error H202

Several factors can trigger Error H202 in QuickBooks Desktop:

  • The multi-user hosting setup is disabled or incorrect.
  • Hosting configuration settings are wrong.
  • Firewall or security software blocks communication between QuickBooks and the server.
  • DNS server settings are incorrect or incomplete.
  • QuickBooks services (QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService) are not running.
  • The network data (.ND) file is damaged or misconfigured.
  • The company file is not communicating with the server due to network issues.
  • The server’s IP address cannot be found by QuickBooks.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error H202

You can identify Error H202 by these signs:

  • QuickBooks cannot switch to multi-user mode.
  • Users cannot open a company file stored on another computer.
  • QuickBooks or the system freezes or becomes very slow.
  • Error messages appear on the screen.
  • Windows responds slowly to inputs.

Precautions Before Troubleshooting

Before fixing Error H202, follow these steps:

  • Back up your QuickBooks company file.
  • Make sure QuickBooks Desktop and Windows are updated.
  • Close all QuickBooks processes on all computers.
  • Check your network connection.
  • Log in as an administrator.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

If you see Error H202, try these solutions one by one. Check after each step to see if the error is fixed.

Solution 1: Test Network Connectivity

  • On the computer with Error H202, press Windows + R.
  • Type `CMD` and press Enter.
  • In the command window, type `ping [server name]` and press Enter.
  • If the response is slow or packets are lost, fix your network connection.

Solution 2: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

Solution 3: Check QuickBooks Services on the Server

  • On the server, press Windows + R and type `services.msc`.
  • Find `QuickBooksDBXX` (XX is your QuickBooks version) and `QBCFMonitorService`.
  • Make sure both services are set to Automatic and are running.
  • If not, right-click each and select Start.
  • Set Recovery options to “Restart the Service” for first, second, and subsequent failures.

Solution 4: Configure Firewall and Security Software

  • Add exceptions for QuickBooks and its ports in your firewall and antivirus settings.
  • Make sure QuickBooks can communicate through the firewall.
  • Restart QuickBooks and try switching to multi-user mode.

Solution 5: Check and Edit Windows Host File

  • On each computer, open Notepad as an administrator.
  • Open the host file at `C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\hosts`.
  • Add the server’s IP address and computer name. Use the Tab key to separate them.
  • Save the file and close Notepad.
  • Try opening the company file in multi-user mode.

Solution 6: Move the Company File to a New Folder

  • On the server, create a new folder and give it full permissions.
  • Move the company file to this folder.
  • Open the file from the new folder in QuickBooks multi-user mode.
  • If it works, the original folder was damaged.

Solution 7: Give Admin Rights to QuickBooks Services

  • On the server, right-click the company file folder and go to Properties > Security.
  • Select `QBDataServiceUserXX` and give it Full Control.
  • Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Solution 8: Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

  • Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server.
  • Scan the folder where the company file is stored.
  • Restart the Database Server Manager and try accessing the file again.

Solution 9: Remove Windows Firewall Restrictions

  • Open Windows Firewall settings.
  • Make sure QuickBooks and its ports are allowed.
  • Remove any rules that block QuickBooks.
  • Restart your computer and try again.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error H202

  • Keep QuickBooks Desktop and Windows updated.
  • Regularly check firewall and network settings.
  • Make sure QuickBooks services run automatically on the server.
  • Use strong network connections for all computers.
  • Set correct permissions for company file folders.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H202 blocks access to company files in multi-user mode. The main causes are network issues, incorrect hosting settings, or blocked connections. You can fix the error by checking network connectivity, running QuickBooks File Doctor, adjusting firewall settings, and making sure QuickBooks services are running. Always back up your data before troubleshooting. If the error continues, contact QuickBooks Experts for further help.


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