How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202: A Step-by-Step Guide

QuickBooks is a popular accounting software used by businesses of all sizes to manage their financial operations. However, like any software, it is not immune to errors. One common issue that QuickBooks users encounter is Error H202. This error typically occurs when a user attempts to switch to multi-user mode but QuickBooks cannot connect to the company file on the server. This guide will walk you through the causes of QuickBooks Error H202 and provide a step-by-step solution to fix it.

​What is QuickBooks Error H202?

QuickBooks Error H202 is a multi-user mode error that indicates the software is unable to establish a connection to the server hosting the company file. This issue prevents users from accessing the file in multi-user mode. Common symptoms include:

• An error message appears stating: “Error H202: This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting.”
  
• Slow performance or freezing of the QuickBooks application.
  
• Difficulty in switching to multi-user mode.
  

​Causes of QuickBooks Error H202

The primary causes of Error H202 include:

1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: QuickBooks is not set up correctly to work in multi-user mode.
2. Firewall Restrictions: The firewall blocks communication between QuickBooks and the server.
3. Damaged Network Data (.ND) File: The .ND file that enables multi-user access is corrupted or damaged.
4. QuickBooks Database Server Manager Issues: The service required to access the company file is not running.
5. DNS or Network Issues: Network connectivity problems or incorrect DNS settings can hinder QuickBooks’ ability to connect to the server.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

Step 1: Check Hosting SettingsEnsure that hosting is enabled only on the server and not on any workstation.

1. Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. If you see the option “Host Multi-User Access,” do not select it. If you see “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access,” select it.
4. Repeat this process on all workstations.

Step 2: Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub (download it if you don’t have it).
2. Select Network Issues and click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
3. Use the tool to scan the folder containing your company file.
4. Once the scan completes, retry accessing QuickBooks in multi-user mode.

Step 3: Configure the Firewall

1. Open your firewall settings and ensure that QuickBooks ports are open. The default ports are 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
2. Create inbound and outbound rules for these ports.
3. Restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Step 4: Rename the .ND File

1. Navigate to the folder containing your company file.
2. Look for files with the .ND extension (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd).
3. Right-click the .ND file and select Rename. Add “.old” to the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyName.qbw.nd.old).
4. Restart QuickBooks and try accessing the file.

Step 5: Test Network Connectivity

1. Open the Command Prompt on the workstation.
2. Type ping [ServerName] and press Enter.
3. If the ping is unsuccessful, troubleshoot your network connectivity.

Step 6: Restart QuickBooks Services

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Locate QuickBooksDBXX (where XX corresponds to your QuickBooks version) and ensure it is running.
4. Repeat for QBCFMonitorService.

​Conclusion

QuickBooks Error H202 can disrupt your workflow, but following the above steps can help you quickly resolve it. If the issue persists despite these solutions, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support or consulting an expert. Ensuring your software and network settings are correctly configured can prevent this error from recurring in the future.