QuickBooks Error H202: Causes, Effects, and Fixes Explained

Accounting

Are you encountering QuickBooks Error H202 while trying to access your company data file in multi-user mode? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. QuickBooks Error H202 is a common issue that numerous errors encounter. It occurs when there are problems with multi-user hosting settings or connectivity issues between the server and workstation computers.

In this blog post, we’ll explore QuickBooks Error H202, its major root causes, and, most importantly, how to resolve it permanently. Let’s continue! 

Are you facing technical problems like error H202 while using QuickBooks? If yes, it’s better to have a one-on-one conversation with our QuickBooks technical support team. Contact us at 1-844-266-9345 

Why does the H202 Error in QuickBooks Desktop Occurs?

The factors given below are the main reasons for facing the H202 error in QuickBooks Desktop. Have a look: 

1. If the hosting settings on the server or workstation computers are misconfigured, QuickBooks might fail to establish a connection.
2. The Network Data (.ND) file is responsible for allowing QuickBooks to access company files in a multi-user environment. If this file is damaged or corrupted, it can result in QuickBooks error H202.
3. Issues with Domain Name System (DNS) settings can also interfere with the required communication between the server and workstation computers, causing Error H202.
4. Sometimes, even the firewall settings on the server or workstation computers can block QuickBooks communication, leading to problems like error code H202.
5. Make sure the IP address of your server or the host computer is available on your QuickBooks Desktop; otherwise, it may invite the H202 error in QuickBooks Desktop. 

Read Also – 5 Tricks to Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working Error

How Can a User Recognise QuickBooks Error H202 Multi-User? 

The following signs can help a user detect the QuickBooks error H202 multi-user:

Frequent Error Messages:

Every time when a user tries to open a company file in multi-user mode, QuickBooks displays an error message containing the code “H202.” The message usually states that the company file is located on another computer and that QuickBooks needs assistance connecting to it.

Inability to Access Company File:

Users may frequently find that they cannot open the company file in multi-user mode. It’s because QuickBooks may have failed to establish a connection to the company file located on another computer.

Delayed Response:

When attempting to switch to multi-user mode, QuickBooks may take longer than usual to respond, or it may freeze altogether. It could be one of the signs of QuickBooks error H202 multi-user. 

Issues with Hosting:

Users may notice inconsistencies in the hosting settings, including incorrect configurations or an inability to switch between hosting modes.

Poor Windows Performance:

Another sign to detect the QuickBooks H202 error multi-user in your QuickBooks Desktop is the poor Windows performance. While encountering this error, the keyboard tabs or mouse clicks may not respond. 

Intermittent Connectivity:

Another sign is a poor internet connection. QuickBooks users in a multi-user environment may experience intermittent connectivity issues when trying to access the company file. Here, the error H202 QuickBooks is one of the recurring errors.

Performance Degradation:

In some cases, error H202 may become the cause of poor QuickBooks performance or overall system sluggishness. 

How to fix QuickBooks Error H202 in Simple Steps?

Now, after learning the root causes and signs of QuickBooks multi-user error H202, let’s quickly troubleshoot this issue with the help of the methods below. Carefully undertake the instructions:

Method 1 – Verify QuickBooks Services on your Hosting Computer 

It’s better to verify the correct and hassle-free running of QuickBooks services on the hosting computers. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Firstly, you must launch QuickBooks Desktop on the computer where you have saved the company file.
2. Now, navigate to the File menu and select Switch to Multi-User Mode if you’re not already switched to it.
3. After this, go to the File menu again and choose the Utilities option. Here, you need to look for the Host Multi-User Access option. If you see this option, it means the computer is hosting the company file.
4. The next step is to open QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server computer and start scanning folders.
5. To do this, click the Scan Folders option and ensure that the folders containing your QuickBooks company files are listed. If not, click Add Folder to add them.
6. In the next step, you must navigate to the Database Server tab and search for your company file(s) on the list. 
7. Here, verify that the status column displays Hosting for each company file. Once done, now verify the hosting mode in QuickBooks Database Server Manager. 
8. Right after this, open the Run box (press the Windows + R keys) and type services.msc in the Run Box. 
9. Press the Enter key, and once the services window opens, search for QuickBooks services such as QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService. 
10. Ensure the running services by checking the Status column. 
11. Lastly, go to the File menu and select Utilities > Host Multi-User Access, and ensure the turned off Host Multi-User Access on all workstation computers except for the server.

Method 2 – Recreate Network Data (.ND) File

Another method to fix QuickBooks Error code H202 is to recreate a network data (.ND) file. The procedure is simple and effective. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Firstly, remember to ensure that QuickBooks is closed on all computers connected to the network.
2. Secondly, open File Explorer (Windows Explorer) on the computer where you have saved the company file.
3. Now, navigate to the folder containing your QuickBooks company file. You can find it typically in the Documents or QuickBooks folder.
4. Once you find the file, right-click it.ND file and choose the Rename option from the context menu.
5. Right after this, change the file extension to .ND.old or any other name that distinguishes it from the original one. (For example, MyCompany.QBW.ND to MyCompany.QBW.ND.old.
6. Done till this? Now, again, open QuickBooks on the computer where the company file is saved.
7. Following this, go to the File menu and select the Open or Restore Company option.
8. Right after this, choose Open a Company File and move to the location of your company file.
9. If you’re still getting the H202 error QuickBooks message when opening the company file, continue using the next method. 

Method 3 – Include the Firewall Port Exception For QuickBooks 

To include a firewall port exception for QuickBooks, you need to configure your firewall settings to allow inbound and outbound communication on the specific ports used by QuickBooks. Below, we have explained the whole procedure for the same: 

1. Begin this procedure by first clicking the Start menu and entering Windows Defender Firewall.
2. In the next step, select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security from the search results.
3. In the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window, you must click the Inbound Rules option in the left pane.
4. Now, click on New Rule in the right pane to open the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
5. Right after this, you must search for Port and click Next.
6. Choose TCP and specify the port numbers used by QuickBooks (e.g., 8019, 56728, 55358).
7. Done? Now choose the Next option, and continue selecting the Allow the Connection option.
8. Again, choose the Next option and select the rule to apply to all the profiles. 
9. Following this hit Next and enter a name and description for the rule (e.g.QuickBooks Ports).
10. Continue to this, and click the Finish button to create the rule.
11. Finally, you must follow all the above steps to create an outbound rule for the same ports used by QuickBooks.

What happened? Still getting the same QuickBooks H202 error message? If so, may the next method work for you? 

Read Here- Quick Troubleshooting Ways to Rectify QuickBooks Error H101

Method 4 – Verify DNS Settings to Fix H202 Error

Invalid DNS settings are mainly the cause of QuickBooks errors, especially those related to connectivity issues in a multi-user mode, such as QuickBooks H202 error. You have to verify these settings on both your Server and Workstation computers. Here’s how you can verify DNS settings to fix QuickBooks errors:

For Server Computer: 

• Initially, you must access the Control Panel on the server computer.
• Now, open the Network and Sharing Center or Network and Internet settings and click the Change adapter settings alternative.
• In the next step, right-click the network adapter used for network connectivity (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and continue selecting the Properties option.
• Following this, double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to view its properties.
• Finally, make sure that the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically options are selected unless you’re using specific DNS server settings provided by your network administrator.

Verifying DNS Settings on Workstation Computers:

• Follow all the above steps to access network adapter properties on each workstation computer.
• Lastly, you must verify that the DNS settings match those of the server computer. You may fix the H202 Error QuickBooks desktop by using this. If not, implement the next strategy.

Method 5 – Fix H202 QuickBooks Error with QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool is effective in resolving QuickBooks installation errors. Such issues are responsible for bringing the H202 QuickBooks error as well. So, run the tool by executing the steps below and fix this error:

1. Visit the official Intuit website or use a trusted source to download the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
2. Now, save the downloaded installer file to your computer.
3. Before running the diagnostic tool, ensure that QuickBooks and any other programs are closed.
4. Right after this, you must locate the downloaded QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool file, which is usually named “QBInstall_Tool_vXX.exe,” where “XX” represents the version number.
5. Coming to the next step, double-click the file to run it. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the tool to make changes to your device.
6. After this, read and accept the license agreement for installing the tool.
7. Once the license agreement is accepted, the tool will automatically start scanning your system for QuickBooks installation issues.
8. This process may take some time, depending on your system’s performance and the complexity of the issues encountered.
9. Once the scan is complete, the tool will attempt to repair any issues found during the diagnostic process.
10. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions provided by the tool to complete the repair process.
11. After the repair process is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
12. If the diagnostic tool was unable to resolve the issue, or if you encounter any persistent errors, consider reinstalling QuickBooks.
13. Uninstall QuickBooks using the Control Panel and then reinstall it using the installation files or setup program.

Learn more- How To Fix QuickBooks Error H505( Multi-User Mode Issue)

Fixing QuickBooks Error H202 on Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2

If you’re searching for how to troubleshoot QuickBooks Error H202 while running the Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2, we have given you some of the easiest tricks below. Have a look: 

Fixing Trick 1 – Look for Pending Updates to Update QuickBooks and Windows

• Ensure that QuickBooks is updated to the latest update to fix any known issues or bugs related to QuickBooks error H202 switching to multi-user mode. 
• Install any pending Windows updates on the server to ensure compatibility and stability.

Fixing Trick 2 – Recreate Network Data (.ND) File

Locate.ND Files:

Navigate to the folder where your QuickBooks company files are stored.

Rename.ND Files:

Rename the.ND files associated with your company files by adding “.old” to their names.

Reopen QuickBooks:

Launch QuickBooks again and try to access the company files. QuickBooks will recreate the.ND files automatically.

Now, check for the error code H202 QuickBooks, if it still troubles you while running the Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2, continue to the next trick. 

Recommended to read- QuickBooks Error H303: Troubleshooting Causes and Solutions

Fixing Trick 3 – Cross-check the Version of your Server

1. First, press the Windows key + Pause/Break key on your keyboard to open the System Properties window.
2. Now, go to the File Explorer and select Properties. Now, navigate to the System section within the System Properties window. 
3. Here, you will find the server’s edition and version number. 
4. Confirm that the edition is Windows Server 2012 R2 and note any service pack information if applicable.

For Further Queries, Approach Our Support Team..! 

Facing QuickBooks error H202 can be disturbing, especially when it prevents you from accessing your company file in multi-user mode. However, with the right troubleshooting steps given above, you can quickly identify and resolve all issues causing this error. If you’re still unable to troubleshoot the error after trying the above steps, consider seeking assistance from our certified QuickBooks support team via Live Chat Support. We’re here to ensure a professional and effective resolution process.