QuickBooks Error H202: Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve Multi-User Mode Issues

QuickBooks Error H202 is a common issue that users encounter when attempting to switch to multi-user mode or access a QuickBooks company file hosted on another computer. This error occurs when QuickBooks Desktop is unable to establish a connection with the company file due to various network-related issues. It typically indicates problems with network configuration, firewall settings, or improper hosting setup. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve QuickBooks Error H202 and ensure smooth multi-user access to your company file.

Before diving into the solutions, let’s briefly understand the causes of QuickBooks Error H202:

Causes of QuickBooks Error H202:

1. Incorrect hosting configuration: When the computer hosting the QuickBooks company file is not configured properly as the hosting server, it can lead to Error H202.
2. Firewall or security software blocking the connection: Sometimes, the firewall or security software installed on the computer may block the necessary communication for multi-user access, resulting in Error H202.
3. Incorrect DNS settings: Improper configuration of the Domain Name System (DNS) settings on the server or workstation can prevent QuickBooks from establishing a connection with the company file.
4. Network connectivity issues: Problems with the network, such as a weak or unstable connection, can cause Error H202.
5. Blocked incoming/outgoing communication on port 8019: If the port 8019 used by QuickBooks is blocked, it can prevent the multi-user mode from functioning correctly.

Now, let’s proceed to the troubleshooting steps to resolve QuickBooks Error H202:

Step 1: Check Network Connectivity

1. Verify that all computers are connected to the same network.
2. Ensure that the server or the computer hosting the company file is turned on and connected to the network.
3. Ping the server from each workstation by opening the Command Prompt and typing “ping [server name]” (without quotes). If the server doesn’t respond, there may be network connectivity issues that need to be resolved.

Step 2: Configure Hosting Settings

1. Open QuickBooks on the server or the computer hosting the company file.
2. From the File menu, select “Utilities” and then “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” if it’s an option. If it shows “Host Multi-User Access,” move on to the next step.
3. Select “Yes” to confirm that you want to stop hosting multi-user access.
4. Repeat this step on all workstations accessing the company file.

Step 3: Add QuickBooks Server Information to Windows Host File

1. Open the Windows Hosts file on the computer hosting the company file. The file path is typically “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\hosts.”
2. Open the Hosts file using Notepad (Run as Administrator).
3. Add the server’s IP address and name to the Hosts file, following the format “IP Address Server Name.”
4. Save the changes and close Notepad.

Step 4: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

1. Verify that the firewall and security software on the server and workstations are not blocking QuickBooks.
2. Add exceptions to the firewall and security software to allow incoming and outgoing communication for QuickBooks. Include the ports 8019, 56728, and 55378-55382.
3. If necessary, temporarily disable the firewall and security software to test if they are causing the Error H202. If the error is resolved, adjust the settings accordingly.

Step 5: Create Inbound and Outbound Rules in Windows Firewall

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “firewall.cpl” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This opens the Windows Firewall settings.
3. Click on “Advanced Settings” on the left-hand side.
4. Right-click on “Inbound Rules” and select “New Rule.”
5. Choose “Port” and click “Next.”
6. Select “TCP” and enter the specific ports used by QuickBooks (8019, 56728, and 55378-55382).
7. Choose “Allow the connection” and click “Next.”
8. Name the rule and click “Finish.”
9. Repeat the steps for “Outbound Rules.”

Step 6: Verify QuickBooks Services

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
3. Locate and verify that the following services are running on the server:
   • QuickBooksDBXX (XX denotes the version of QuickBooks you are using, e.g., QuickBooksDB30 for QuickBooks Desktop 2020).
   • QBCFMonitorService.
4. If any of the services are not running, right-click on the service, select “Start,” and wait for the service to start.

Step 7: Test Network Connectivity with QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool

1. Download and install the QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool from the official Intuit website.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the network and diagnose any network-related issues.
3. The tool will attempt to resolve the issues it finds. After completion, restart the computers and check if the Error H202 is resolved.

Step 8: Recreate the .ND File

1. On each workstation, locate the folder containing the QuickBooks company file.
2. Find the corresponding .ND file with the same name as the company file.
3. Right-click on the .ND file and select “Delete.”
4. Open QuickBooks again on each workstation, and it will recreate the .ND file automatically.

Step 9: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server if it’s not already installed.
2. Open the QuickBooks Database Server Manager and click on “Add Folder.”
3. Browse to the folder containing the QuickBooks company file and click “OK.”
4. Click “Scan” to start the scanning process.
5. After the scan completes, restart the server and workstations, and check if the Error H202 persists.

Step 10: Contact Technical Support If none of the above solutions resolve the Error H202, it is advisable to contact the official QuickBooks technical support team or consult with a certified QuickBooks professional for further assistance.

Conclusion:

QuickBooks Error H202 can disrupt multi-user access to your company file, impacting collaboration and productivity. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the error. Ensure network connectivity, configure hosting settings, add server information to the Windows Hosts file, configure firewall and security settings, create inbound and outbound rules in Windows Firewall, verify QuickBooks services, use the QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool, recreate the .ND file, and utilize QuickBooks Database Server Manager. If the error persists, it is recommended to seek support from the official QuickBooks technical team or consult with a certified QuickBooks professional for further assistance.