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 multi-user connection to your server computer, used for storing QuickBooks company files (QBW), is blocked. Inability to communicate with the server computer will prevent you from accessing the QuickBoooks company file.
Contents
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 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.
Figure 1 – QuickBooks Error Code 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:
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.
Ping your server from the workstation getting error H202 to check 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:
Figure 2 – Windows Search Bar
Figure 3 – 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.
Figure 4 – 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.
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.
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.
Ensure that the QuickBooks services are running on the server computer. Follow the below listed steps to check if the QuickbooksDBXX services are running, and then repeat them for QBCFMonitorService.
NOTE: XX notes is your version of QuickBooks.
Figure 5 – QuickBooks Services Window
Figure 6 – 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.
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.
Figure 7 – Windows Hosts File
Figure 8 – Select Program to Open Hosts File
NOTE: Use TAB key instead of space bar for separating IP address and server name.
Figure 9 – 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.
The next method is to create a new folder for your QBW file:
Following these steps will ensure that no other client system is trying to host the same company file:
Figure 10 – QuickBooks Product Information Screen
Many QuickBooks users have said that restarting Database Server Manager helped them resolve the H202 error in QuickBooks. Here’s how:
Try deleting and recreating the corrupt .ND file to fix the issue:
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.
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.
Priyanka is a technology expert working for key technology domains that revolve around Data Recovery and related software's. She got expertise on related subjects like SQL Database, Access Database, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Excel. Loves to write on different technology and data recovery subjects on regular basis. Technology freak who always found exploring neo-tech subjects, when not writing, research is something that keeps her going in life.
I just want you to know that I’m deeply grateful for your informative or great post!
QuickBooks Error code QBWC1039 in QuickBooks POS often appears when you connect a third-party app to QuickBooks Desktop using Web Connector. There might be multiple reasons behind this common error, but the good thing is that it’s fixable.
Hi Devin,
You are right! This QuickBooks Web Connector error can be easily fixed by using the troubleshooting methods. To perform troubleshooting procedure for QuickBooks error QBWC1039, make sure that you are logged in as an Administrator and running QuickBooks in single-user mode.
This article helped to prepare the complete troubleshooting plan smoothly. QuickBooks Error H202 occurs when you try to switch company files into multi-user mode. Read this, if you want to get in-depth assistance about the troubleshooting steps of QuickBooks error code H202.
Hi James,
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable feedback.