Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error H202

QuickBooks error H202 is one of the most common errors, which occurs when you are trying to access some company files that are located on some other computer. It is quite similar to other QuickBooks Hxxx series errors such as H101, H303 & H505.

You will encounter the QuickBooks multi-user mode error H202 when you are trying to access your company file on a different system. The problem worsens when your files cannot be recovered from the server. There is also another reason which is responsible for this QuickBooks error, i.e. when your computer is unable to form a stable connection with the server.

The exact error message that is visible is as follows,

Error H202- This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting

Symptoms when QuickBooks Error H202 occurs?

Several symptoms come out when QuickBooks multi-user mode error code H202 occurs.

• You will be unable to open a company file that is located on another computer.
• The system starts to run slowly.
• Switching to multi-user mode suddenly stops etc.

Causes of the QuickBooks Error H202

This happens when you try to access QuickBooks in multi-user mode. Here are some causes that led to QuickBooks error H202.

• Issues with the configuration settings.
• When QuickBooks Firewall is obstructing the software from accessing the company files.
• Corrupt or damaged .ND files configuration.
• QuickBooks services like QuickBooksDBXX/QBCF have not started yet.
• When your QB DSM is unable to locate the IP address of the host computer.
• Problem with the DNS setting.

Solution Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

We can help if you encounter QuickBooks error H202 when you switch to multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop. These errors indicate that something is blocking many users from connecting to your service. Below are some of the solutions that will help you out in fixing the issue.

Solution I: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager on a server with the QuickBooks Tool Hub

• First, ensure that you need to Exit any apps that are running in the background.
• Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.3).
• After this, proceed to Double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file that you downloaded.
• From the pop-up on the screen, Accept the license and agreement and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Next, you may go to the next set of steps, After selecting the Finish option.
• Thereafter, Navigate to the network issues tab in the currently installed QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• After the subsequent step, Designate QuickBooks Database Server Manager as the second option.
• Hit on the Start Scan button, Using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager application If the corporate files are shown. 
• For the next step, QuickBooks Database Server Manager will diagnose all firewall setups and permissions automatically.
• Thereafter, immediately Close the QuickBooks Database Server Manager Tool.
• QuickBooks applications are now accessible from all server workstations.
• Finally, You may now switch to multi-user mode after opening the file.

To Use the Network Diagnostics tool

The Network Diagnostic tool assists you in resolving unexpected QuickBooks faults that may arise while opening a Company file in a multi-user setting.

• First, Install the utility after downloading it from Intuit’s official website.
• Next, to locate the data file, proceed to search the folder.
• Thereafter, Make a note of the IP address as well as the Network Interfaces.
• When you see the Open Ports Button on the Firewall Status, click it to activate the application’s ports.

Solution II: Check the QuickBooks services on the server

Verify that QuickBooks services are active on the server computer. To check QuickBooksDBXX, follow these procedures. Then you have to repeat them for QBCFMonitorService after that.

• On the server, you have to access the Windows Start Menu.
• Open Run and type Run into the search bar.
• Press Enter after typing services.msc into the Run window.
• On the list, you have to find and double-click QuickBooksDBXX.XX observes your QuickBooks version + 10. Example: QuickBooks 2023 is QuickBooks DB33.
• Then you have to select Automatic for the Startup Type.
• You have to ensure that the service is either running or has been started. Then you have to select Start, if it’s neither.

• Then you have to select the Recovery tab.
• First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures all include dropdown menus where you can choose to restart the service.

• Then you have to select Apply and then to save the changes you have to click on OK.
• Apply the same steps to QBCFMonitorService.
• Open QuickBooks on each desktop after you are finished.
• Switch to Multi-user Mode by selecting it from the File menu.

Solution III: Add services to the Windows admin group on the server

• Give QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService admin access to your server PC if you haven’t already.
• Open QuickBooks on your workstations and server PC once you are finished.

Solution IV: Configure firewall settings on the server

Make sure QuickBooks can pass past your firewall on your server PC.

• To set up Windows firewall exceptions, see Configure Firewall and Internet Security Settings for QuickBooks Desktop.
• Open QuickBooks on your workstations after configuring your firewall settings.
• Select Switch to Multi-user Mode under File.

If everything works, the problem has been resolved.

Solution V: Ping server from a workstation

From a workstation, ping your server to verify the connection. From each workstation that is receiving Error H202, ping your server.

• On your server and workstations, you have to open the Windows Start menu.
• Then you have to Open Network and Sharing Center by typing Network into the search bar.
• Then you have to select Change advanced sharing settings.
• After that, you have to ensure that Turn on Network Discovery is selected in the Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing sections.

Next, you have to get your server name from your server.

• Next, you have to open the Windows Start menu on your server computer.
• Then into the search bar you have to enter Run and then you have to open Run.
• After that, you have to enter CMD into the Run window and then you have to press Enter.
• Press Enter after typing ipconfig/all in the CMD window.
• In the Windows IP Configuration section, you have to find the Host Name. The name of your server is on the right.

• To rapidly access the hostname, note it down or copy it to a Word document.

Return to your computer and test the server there. These steps can get complex, so you can ask an IT professional for help.

• From a workstation, you have to open the Windows Start menu.
• Open Run and type Run into the search bar.
• Press Enter after typing “CMD” into the Run window.
• Then you have to Ping [your server name], followed by the Enter key. The brackets around your server name should not be included.

• For each workstation that receives error H202, repeat this process.

Your server is operating properly if you receive a response for every packet without any loss. 

Stop if there is packet loss or an extremely delayed response. For help with your network, get in touch with an IT expert.

If the above-given solution didn’t work for you and you are still facing QuickBooks error H202 then immediately dial QuickBooks error support Toll-free Consultant for help at our toll-free number.

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