QuickBooks Error H202: Causes, Impact & Step Wise Solutions

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Even though QuickBooks keeps on upgrading and evolving- there are still a few errors that keep hindering the workflow. Getting QuickBooks Error H202 on a desktop is one of them. So, if you have been getting this issue on your PC, this is how you can get rid of it- quickly!

Switching QuickBooks to multi-user mode allows multiple users to connect to the company file for better collaboration. At times, enabling the multi-user mode triggers the QuickBooks error code H202 message. Any H-series error, including error code H202, indicates that something is restricting QB from connecting to the server computer.

This could be the restrictions from Windows Firewall, incorrect hosting configuration, or other less frequent issues like improper network setup or wrong company file path. Getting rid of error code H202 in QuickBooks requires a few essential troubleshooting solutions that you will find in detail further in this article.

Learn how to turn on the multi-user mode in QuickBooks. Get in touch with one of our professionals and get the QB errors fixed in a few minutes. Call our helpline number +1.855.738.0359 and let the experts troubleshoot QuickBooks error H202 for you.

What Is QuickBooks Error H202 While Switching to Multi-User Mode?

Before you go ahead and begin fixing the QuickBooks network error H202,  it’s essential to understand what it implies. Error H202 in QuickBooks is a multi-user mode error that occurs when the User computer (workstation) is unable to communicate with the host computer (server) where the company file is located. It could be due to a variety of reasons, such as network connectivity problems, firewall settings, or issues with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Thus, the user won’t be able to access the company file. An error message will appear on your screen when you try to use QuickBooks in multi-user mode. It states:

“You are trying to work with a company file that is located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks cannot reach the server on that computer. (H202)”

It signifies that the multi-user connection to the server has been blocked. To help you out, we have listed below the possible reasons for resolving the QuickBooks error H202 switching to multi-user mode issue.

Read more: How To Resolve QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error? 

What Are The Causes Of QuickBooks Desktop Error H202?

There are top 6 reasons why the H202 error code QuickBooks takes place. Here, we have listed a few of them:

1. While opening a company file, QuickBooks is unable to open the company file.
2. Incorrect hosting configuration.
3. Damaged.ND files that restrict QuickBooks from accessing company files.
4. QuickBooks workstation cannot ping the host computer.
5. The configuration of DNS is incorrect.
6. You haven’t started QB services like QuickBooksDBXX/QBCF.

How To Identify QuickBooks Error H202 Mac & Windows

Now that you have known the causes of the error code h202 QuickBooks in multi-user mode, you need to know how to identify it. To make it easy, we  have mentioned below the major signs that you may come across when you can’t switch to multi-user mode:

• The error H202 in QuickBooks will appear on your screen.
• When it takes place, your QuickBooks Crashes.
• Your computer works more slowly than usual and takes longer to respond to commands.
• It won’t allow you to switch to multi-user mode.
• Besides, you won’t be able to open the company file on another computer.

You might be wondering how to get rid of it. If that’s your concern, then you no longer need to worry. We have listed all the resolution methods to help you resolve the H202 error mode QuickBooks.

How Can You Fix QuickBooks Error H202 Multi-User Mode Not Working?

To fix QuickBooks error H202, resolve network connectivity issues, and regain access to your company file. Follow step-by-step instructions to configure firewall settings, verify hosting settings, and troubleshoot DNS. Ensure seamless accounting operations with our proven solutions. Don’t let QuickBooks Error H202 hinder your productivity. Check below methods:

NOTE: Before you begin troubleshooting QB Error Code H202, make sure you have logged in as an administrator.

Method 1: Check The Network Connectivity

To get rid of the Intuit QuickBooks error H202 server, you must ping your server from the affected workstation. This will help you to check the connectivity issues with the network connection. Also, you will have to do the same process from all the workstations getting the QB error H202 workstation configuration message.

NOTE: If you aren’t aware of the server name, you have to turn on “Network Discovery” on your server computer and the workstation on which the error occurred. Then you will have to follow these steps to ensure that the network connectivity is not causing this problem.

• Start the process by opening “Windows Start Menu” on the server and all the workstations getting this problem.
• Then go to the search bar and type “Network” in the space provided. 
• From all the options you get, just open “Network and Sharing Center.”
• Next, you will have to select the “change advanced sharing settings” option from the list.
• Also, ensure that “Turn on network discovery” is selected in the “Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing Section.”

Now, after this, you will have to get the server name from your server computer. And for that, you will have to follow these steps:

• Start the process by opening the ‘Windows Start Menu’ on the server and all the workstations getting this problem
• Then go to the search bar and type ‘Network’ in the space provided.
• From all the options you get, just open ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
• Next, you will have to select the ‘change advanced sharing settings’ option from the list.
• Also, ensure that ‘Turn on network discovery’ is selected in the ‘Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing Sections.

Now, after this, you will have to get the server name from your server computer. And for that, you will have to follow these steps:

• The first step is to open the ‘Window Start Menu’ on your server computer.
• And then, in the search bar, you will have to type ‘Run’ and hit the enter button. 
• This will open a dialogue box where you will have to type ‘CMD’ and then press the ‘enter button’ on your keyboard once again.

• Now, you will have to type ‘ipconfig/all’ in the CMD window you have just opened.
• After this, you need to click the enter button.
• Now, as soon as you hit the enter button, you will get the ‘Host Name’ as well as the ‘Windows IP Address’.
• Write it down somewhere because you are going to need it later.

Now, to fix QuickBooks error H202 network connectivity issues, you will have to execute a couple of steps as well. You need to first go to the workstation. Check the server and test it once.

NOTE: If you are unable to execute these steps or if they seem complex to you, just contact a professional for help.

But if you can, here is what should be done to fix QuickBooks Error Code H202.

• Yet again, you will have to open the Start Menu on your workstation, getting the ‘QuickBooks Cannot Switch to Multi-User Mode H202’ issue.
• Next, you will again have to open the run dialogue box the same way you did earlier.
• In the Run window, you will have to type again ‘CMD’ and then press the enter key on the keyboard.
• Next, you will have to type ‘Ping [the server name you noted]’ and then press the enter key.

NOTE: You must keep space between ping and your server name. Besides, don’t include brackets while writing the server name.

• Then, you need to repeat these steps with all the workstations getting the “QB Error H202 in Desktop.”

If you receive a slow reply, it signifies that you need to repair your network. In such a situation, proceed with the next one.

Read Also: Resolve QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error.

Method 2: Download, Install, and Use Network Diagnostic Tool

Network Diagnostic Tool can fix the issues related to connectivity and multi-user mode.

• First, you have to download and install the QuickBooks connection diagnostic tool.
• Then, browse the folder where you have stored your company file.
• After that, note down the IP address and Network Interfaces.
• Make sure if your Firewall Status section has the Open Ports button. If yes, then click on it and allow the ports for QuickBooks.
• Once done, check for data connectivity.
• Lastly, try to open your company file.

If, somehow, the QuickBooks desktop error code H202 network access issues continue and block access, we suggest you add the QB ports to the list of exceptions in the firewall.

Also read: How to troubleshoot Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks?

Method 3: Download and run the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

Users use different third-party programs to resolve the error code H202 in QuickBooks. Moreover, you can easily fix the error by downloading and running the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Method 4: Make Sure the QuickBooks Services are Running

Note: Before you start the process, make sure to enable the multi-user hosting on the server system if you are a QuickBooks full-version user. Here’s how you can enable the multi-user mode on your system!

• Launch the QuickBooks application on the server PC.
• Navigate to the ‘File’ menu and then choose ‘Utilities.’
• If you see the ‘host multi-user access’ option, just click on it.
• But if you see the ‘stop hosting multi-user access, this means the mode is already functioning on your PC

The QuickBooks services need to keep running on the server computer. Follow the below-listed steps to make sure the QuickBooksDBXX services are running. If they are, then you must repeat it for QBCFMonitorService

• Firstly, you will have to open the ‘Start Menu’ on the server PC itself.
• Then type Run in the Windows search bar and hit the enter button to open the window.
• Next, you will have to type services.msc in the window and then press enter.
• Then, double-click QuickBooksDBXX from the list.

Read Also: QBCFMonitorService keeps stopping.

NOTE: Here, XX denotes the QB version.

• It will display the QuickBooksDBXX Properties window. From there, select Automatic as the Startup Type.
• You have to set the Service status to either Running or Started.
• Then, select the Start> Recovery tab.
• Select the option “Restart the Service” from the drop-down menu: First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures.
• Lastly, click “Apply” followed by “OK” to save the changes.

You must repeat the above steps for QBCFMonitorService once you have followed the above steps. For this, open QuickBooks on each workstation. Then, click the File menu and select the option “Switch to Multi-user Mode.” Now, you can open all that you want as your QuickBooks error H202 is fixed.

Method 5: Add your Server to Windows Hosts File

The steps given below require you to use static IP addresses for your computers. So, if your computers use a dynamic address, then this solution might not work for you when you restart your systems. However, if you are uncomfortable following the steps, reach out to our professionals for assistance.

Now, here’s how to edit your Windows host file to fix error H202 or other multi-user errors in QuickBooks.

Step 1: Get Your Systems’ Names and IP Addresses

You are required to access both the server computer and the workstations using the admin user ID. But make sure to follow these steps on the server computer first and then on the workstations.

Note: Your server system hosts your company file, and the workstations are the other systems that access it in the network.

• On the server system, press the Windows + R keys.
• Then, type the command cmd in the Run window and hit Enter.
• After this, enter the command ipconfig /all. Make sure to enter a space after ipconfig, then press Enter.
• Now, take note of the hostname and IP address (or IPv4) of the server.
  
• Repeat the same steps for all the workstations.

Step 2: Edit the Windows Hosts File

Follow the below-given steps to edit the Windows host file for both the server system and workstations.

• Close the QuickBooks application and open the Windows Start menu on the server system.
• Then, select the Computer option.
• After this, either go to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc or C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc.
• Now, double-click on the host file and select the Notepad option.
• After this, enter the IP address followed by the computer name and use the Tab key to enter the space between them.
• Remember, your server system should have the workstation’s  IP address and computer name. The workstation should have the server computer’s IP address and computer name.

Step 3: Save the Changes to the Host File

Once you have updated the IP address in the Notepad on both the server system and the workstations, you need to save the file.

• For this, in the Notepad, click on the File menu and then hit Save.
• Then, enter the file name as “hosts” with the quotation marks.
• Now, choose the Desktop option and hit Save.
• Then, you need to find the file you just saved on your desktop, right-click on it, and select Copy.
• Now, you need to browse to the locations that you used in the previous step, which are C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc and C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc.
• Then, find the host file, right-click on it, and choose the Rename option.
• After that, to rename the file, add the word old at the end and hit Continue.
• Now, hit the Ctrl and V keys on the keyboard and then select Continue.

Method 6: Create a New Folder for Your QBW File

You may also try to create a new folder for the QBW file by following the below steps:

• Create a new folder on the server computer.
• Then, you have to share the folder.
• Now, try to set up a folder and Windows access permissions for sharing the company files.
• After that, you must copy the QuickBooks Database (QBW) file to the new folder.
• Lastly, try opening the company file in multi-user mode.

Method 7: Set Hosting to Local Files & resolve QuickBooks error H202

You can follow the below steps to make sure that no other client system is trying to host the same company file:

• Firstly, you have to start QuickBooks.
• Then, press F2 to open the Product Information screen.
• Under Local Server Information, select Hosting to reflect ‘local files only.’

Method 8: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

By following the above methods, if you aren’t able to fix the QuickBooks error H202 server, there is another method to resolve this. In this method, we employ the help of QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

• Firstly, click on the Start menu.
• In the search field, type in ‘Database’.
• From the list, select the option QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

• Then, search the folder in which you have stored the company file and open it.
• After that, click on the Scan option.

• Moving ahead, you have to fix the firewall setting with the QBDB server manager.
• Click on the Close icon once the scanning process finishes.
• Open QuickBooks on each workstation on which the error appeared.
• Then, navigate to the File menu and click on it.
• Lastly, click on the option ‘Switch to multi-user mode’.

• If the error H202 in QuickBooks resolves, you will be able to use the application in multi-user mode.

Method 9: Delete and Recreate the .ND file to fix QuickBooks error H202

At times, deleting and recreating the corrupt .ND file can help you fix the multi-user error code H202:

• Type .ND in the Windows search box and then press the Enter key.
• Right-click on the .ND file and click Delete.
• When asked, confirm the deletion.
• Click on the Start icon.
• Select All Programs> QuickBooks> QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Now, click on Scan Folder > Add Folder.
• After that, search and select the company file folder and click on OK.
• Now, start the scanning process by clicking on the scan.
• Once it completes, click Close.

Method 10: Including ports to fix QuickBooks error H202 hosting configuration firewall

Sometimes, the firewall obstructs the communication of the multi-user mode in QB. To save yourself from this problem, you can include a few ports that are given below. That’s an easy way out of the problem and can be tried.

• QB 2017 Ports: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
• QB 2016 Ports: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372
• QB 2018 Ports: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382

In Case You Use Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2

Here’s learn how to fix QuickBooks error code H202 if you use Windows Server Essentials R2. However, before you go ahead with the steps listed below, check your server version.

How can you check the server version in QuickBooks?

1. Open your server computer and go to the Start menu.
2. Search for Settings.
3. Navigate to Systems > About.  
4. Note down the server version info.

Follow these steps to fix the QuickBooks mult-mode user not working error if you are using Windows Server 2012.

Make sure that you are logged in as an administrator on your server computer. 

1. Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager for the server version you use. Follow the steps in Method 8 to download and install QBDBMgrN. 
2. Stop the base filtering service on your server computer. For that,

• Open Run, type services.msc and press the Enter key.
•  Now, browse through the list and select Base filtering engine. 
• Right-click on the base filtering engine and select the option to stop. Dismiss any error message that pops up and proceed to stop the base filtering engine

Read Also: How to fix QBDBMgrN not running on this computer.

3. Scan your QuickBooks files using QuickBooks Database Server Manager. For that, 

• Open the Start menu and type QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the search bar. 
• Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager, and choose the folder containing the company files.
• Now, click on Start Scan, and once scanned, click on Close.

4. Restart the base filtering engine on your server computer. For that,

• Open Run, type services.msc and press the Enter key.
•  Now, browse through the list and select Base filtering engine. 
• Right-click on the Base filtering engine and select the option to Start. Dismiss any error message that pops up and proceed to start the base filtering engine

5. In case the Windows Firewall isn’t running, right-click on the Windows Firewall and open Properties. Look for the Start option, and select that to start the Windows Firewall.
6. Now, Restart your system and check if QuickBooks error H202 is resolved

Method 11: Add Crucial QuickBooks Services to Your Windows Admin Group on the Server

To access the company file folder in the multi-user mode, the user is required to have the correct Windows permission. You can set up the correct permissions in the following manner:

> Set Up the Right Folder Permissions

We have listed some of the steps that you need to follow to set up the correct permissions on Windows:

Step 1: Verify If Correct Permissions are set 

• Open the Windows Start menu and then open File Explorer.
• Then, right-click on the folder that has your company file. Then choose its Properties section.
• Now, on the Security tab, select the Advanced option.
• After that, click on QBDataServiceUserXX, then Edit.
• Now, you need to set the following files and folders as Allowed:

• Traverse Folder/Execute File
• List Folder/Read Data
• Read Attributes
• Read Extended Attributes
• Create Files/Write Data
• Create Folders/Append Data
• Write Attributes
• Write Extended Attributes
• Read Permissions
• However, if the permissions are not set correctly, then do this:
• Right-click on the folder that has the company file and then choose Properties.
• Now, select the Security option, then the Edit button.
• After that, choose QBDataServiceUserXX and then select Full Control, then Allow options.
• At last, select Apply, then hit OK.

Step 2: Change Your Folder Permissions

Now you need to adjust the following folder permissions accordingly:

• For this, open the Windows Start menu and then open File Explorer.
• Now, find and right-click the folders listed below:

• C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6.0
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v5
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v3
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)
• C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT
• C:\Program Data\COMMON FILES\INTUIT\QUICKBOOKS
• C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\FAMXX (XX = year)
• C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files
• C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions X.0 (X = version) or C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Sample Company Files\QuickBooks 20XX (XX = year)

• Remember, you might not have all these folders. Some of these folders are specific to certain versions of QuickBooks Desktop. Now, perform the below-given steps for all folders listed above:
• Right-click the folder and select Properties.
• Then on the Security tab, select the Everyone option.

Note: If you do not see the Everyone option in the Group or User Name checkbox, click on the Add button and type in Everyone. Then select OK.

• Now, select the Full Control option, then select Apply and OK.

Step 3: Set the Correct Windows Access Permissions to Share Company Files

This step will make sure that QB has the right level of access. It will help you prevent any issues when you work with the company file over the network.

> Easy Steps to Perform on Windows 10

1. Open the Windows Start menu to open File Explorer.
2. Now, locate and right-click the folder that contains your company files.
3. After this, select Properties, then the Sharing option, and then Share Add.
4. Now, select the corresponding QBDataServiceUserXX file for your version.
5. Then, set the permission level of both users to the Full Control option and hit the Share button.

> Steps to Perform on Windows Server 2012

Before you perform the steps below, make sure that the File and Storage Services are installed on the system.

1. Open the Windows Start menu and type Run into the search bar to open the Run Command window.
2. Then, type the command ServerManager and hit OK.
3. After this, you need to select the File and Storage Services and then hit the Share button.
4. Now, in the Task drop-down, select the New Share option. You will get a list of File Share Profiles. You can check the differences between profiles by clicking on each profile and reading the description.
5. After this, just select the SMB Share – Quick option. Remember SMB Share – Quick is the default profile.
6. Now, from the Share location section, select Type a custom path and then hit Browse to locate the folder you want to share.
7. Lastly, choose the appropriate folder and choose the Select a folder option, then click Next.

Note: You can also leave the default selections under the Configure Share settings window and then hit Next again.

Fix H101, H303, and H505 In Your QB Desktop

If you see error codes H505, H101, or H303 in QuickBooks, the application is set to the server of your workstations probably. The computer that hosts the company files for QuickBooks should be the only computer hosting multi-user mode. 

Therefore, you need to turn off the multi-user option in your workstations and fix QuickBooks error H505.

Conclusion

We hope the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this blog have helped you eliminate QuickBooks Error H202 without any trouble. If you are stuck with any query while hosting a company file on a non-Windows server, then in that situation, you must contact Asquare Cloud Hosting’s expert team at +1.855.738.0359. Our experts are available 24/7 to assist you with the handiest solutions.

FAQs On QuickBooks Error H202 Hosting Configuration