What is QuickBooks Error H202 and How to Fix it?

Summary: In this post, we’ll talk about QuickBooks error code H202, what causes the error, and how it can be fixed using manual methods and QuickBooks repair software.

When switching QuickBooks to multi-user mode, users often report receiving error code H202 in QuickBooks. This error usually means that the multi-user connection to your server computer, used for storing QuickBooks company files (QBW), is blocked. The inability to communicate with the server computer will prevent you from accessing the QuickBooks company file.

What is QuickBooks Error H202? 

On a multi-user network, QuickBooks company files (QBW) are stored on a server computer. All other computers connected to the network (that don’t host the QBW files) are called workstations. When a workstation fails to access a company file placed on another computer, it results in the H202 QuickBooks error.

The error message reads as follows:

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

Here’s how to fix this problem:
On the computer where the company file is located, open the start menu, then open QuickBooks Database Server Manager. The Database Server Manager will scan your files and restore the connection.

Image Credit: Intuit
YouTube Video – QuickBooks Error H202

What Causes QuickBooks Error H202?

QuickBooks error code H202 occurs when QuickBooks Desktop is trying to establish a connection to the company file, but can’t communicate with the server due to one of the following reasons:

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202?

NOTE: Before performing the solutions explained in this section, make sure to back up your QBW file. Doing so will ensure that you can go back and restore the original data.

Intuit recommends using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager to fix the error. But if you’ve already done that, and still getting H202 error, try the following solutions:

NOTE: For optimum results, implement the solutions in the following order.

Solution 1 – Test Network Connectivity

Ping your server from the workstation getting error H202 to check the network connection.

NOTE: If you don’t know your server name, you will need to turn on “Network Discovery” on your server computer and any workstation receiving the error.

Follow these steps to ping your server:

Windows Search Bar
Run Window

NOTE: Make sure to keep space between ping and your server name. Also, don’t include brackets around the server name when executing this step.

Ping your Server

If you detect packet loss or get a slow reply, it means the network needs to be repaired. In that case, proceed to Solution 2.

Solution 2 – Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool to resolve network issues that might be blocking multi-user connection to the server.

Read this: Fix company file and network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor

If the QuickBooks error H202 still persists, try the next solution.

Solution 3 – Configure your Firewall Settings for QuickBooks Desktop

Make sure that the server computer firewall settings isn’t blocking QuickBooks. Read the post ‘Configure Firewall and Internet security settings for QuickBooks Desktop’ for detailed instructions on adding QuickBooks ports exception on the firewall.

Once you’ve set the firewall permissions, try opening QuickBooks on your workstation in multi-user mode. If the problem persists, check out the next solution.

Solution 4 – Make Sure the QuickBooks Services are Running

Ensure that the QuickBooks services are running on the server computer. Follow the steps listed below to check if the QuickbooksDBXX services are running, and then repeat them for QBCFMonitorService.

NOTE: XX notes is your version of QuickBooks.

QuickBooks Services Window
Select Recovery Tab

Repeat the steps for QBCFMonitorService. Once you’ve completed the steps, open QuickBooks on each workstation. Click the File menu and choose Switch to Multi-user Mode option. If you can correctly open everything, the problem is fixed.

Solution 5 – Add your Server to Windows Hosts File

To add your computer server to the Windows hosts file, you will need to edit the file.

To do so, follow these steps:

C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc.

C:\Windows\Syswow64\Drivers\Etc.

Windows Hosts File
Select Program to Open Hosts File

NOTE: Use TAB key instead of space bar for separating IP address and server name.

Add Server Details to your Hosts File

After executing the above steps, try opening the company file in multi-user mode. If this doesn’t work, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 6 – Create a New Folder for Your QBW File

The next method is to create a new folder for your QBW file:

Solution 7 – Set Hosting to Local Files

Following these steps will ensure that no other client system is trying to host the same company file:

Image Credit: Intuit

Solution 8 – Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Many QuickBooks users have said that restarting Database Server Manager helped them resolve the H202 error in QuickBooks.

Here’s how:

Solution 9 – Delete and Recreate the .ND file

Try deleting and recreating the corrupt .ND file to fix the issue:

What Else Can You Do?

If the problem persists despite following all of the above solutions, you can contact the QuickBooks customer support team for help.

Remember performing the above solutions incorrectly can lead to data loss. Therefore, it is recommended that you must back up your company file. But if you suspect that your company file is severely damaged or corrupt, using Stellar Repair for QuickBooks® Software can help. The software can also help you remove all the errors from the QBW file and your QuickBooks application.

Why Use Stellar Repair for QuickBooks® Software?

Final Words 

QuickBooks error code H202 can be a tough one to resolve. However, with the right solutions by your side, you can overcome it and all other such problems to keep working on your QuickBooks financial transactions, uninterrupted. This post covers all the solutions that can help you get rid of the QuickBooks error H202. But, make sure to back up your QuickBooks company files and keep Stellar Repair for QuickBooks® software handy for repairing the QBW file and recovering its data.

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