Fix QuickBooks Error H202 When Switching Multi-user Mode
As a powerful accounting software, QuickBooks is widely used by small and medium-sized businesses for its robust features and ease of use. One of its key functionalities is the multi-user mode, which allows multiple users to work on the same company file simultaneously. However, users sometimes encounter errors while switching to this mode, with Error H202 being a common issue. In this blog post, QB Help Hub will guide you through understanding and resolving QuickBooks Error H202 to ensure your multi-user setup works seamlessly.

Understanding QuickBooks Error H202

QuickBooks Error H202 typically arises when QuickBooks Desktop cannot communicate with the server hosting the company file. This can be due to several reasons, including network issues, incorrect hosting configuration settings, or problems with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

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Causes of QuickBooks Error H202

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what might cause this error. Common causes include:

  1. Incorrect Hosting Configuration: QuickBooks needs proper hosting settings to function in multi-user mode.
  2. Firewall Blocking Communication: Firewalls or security software may block data exchange between QuickBooks and the server.
  3. DNS Server Issues: Problems with the DNS server can prevent QuickBooks from finding the IP address of the server.
  4. QuickBooks Services Not Running: Critical QuickBooks services like QBDBMgrN or QBCFMonitor might not be running.
  5. Damaged Network Data (.ND) File: The .ND file is essential for multi-user mode, and if it’s damaged, QuickBooks can’t access the company file.

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Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error H202

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let's walk through the steps to fix Error H202.

1. Verify Hosting Settings

The first step is to ensure that hosting is correctly configured.

  • On the server computer:

    1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
    2. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it.
    3. Restart QuickBooks and enable Host Multi-User Access again.

  • On the workstations:

    1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.
    2. Ensure that Host Multi-User Access is not selected. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, it means it’s already in the correct setting.
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2. Check Network Connectivity

Ensure that all workstations and the server are connected to the same network.

  • Ping the server:
    1. Open the Command Prompt.
    2. Type ping [server name] and press Enter.
    3. If you receive replies, the connection is good. If not, there’s a network issue.

3. Configure Firewall and Security Software

Your firewall might be blocking QuickBooks from accessing the server.

  • Configure firewall ports:

    1. Open your firewall software.
    2. Go to the settings and add exceptions for QuickBooks ports (e.g., 8019, 56728, 55378-55382).

  • Add QuickBooks to the exceptions list:

    1. In your firewall or security software, add the QuickBooks programs (QBW32.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, and QBUpdate.exe) to the exception list.

4. Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

Ensure the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is running on the server.

  1. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the Start menu.
  2. Click on Scan Folders and then Add Folder.
  3. Add the folder containing your company file.
  4. Click Scan and ensure the folders are successfully scanned.
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5. Rename the .ND and .TLG Files

Corrupted .ND and .TLG files can cause Error H202.

  1. Open the folder containing your company file.
  2. Find the files with the same name as your company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions.
  3. Right-click on each file and select Rename. Add .OLD to the end of each file name.
  4. Reopen QuickBooks and try accessing the company file again.

6. Edit the Windows Hosts File

If the problem persists, editing the Windows hosts file might help.

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc.
  2. Open the hosts file with Notepad.
  3. Add the server's IP address and server name at the bottom of the file.
  4. Save and close the file.
  5. Restart QuickBooks on all workstations and the server.
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7. Restart QuickBooks Services

Ensure that the necessary QuickBooks services are running on the server.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService.
  3. Ensure both services are set to Automatic and are running. If not, right-click on each and select Start.

Final Thoughts

Encountering QuickBooks Error H202 when switching to multi-user mode can be frustrating, but with these steps, you can resolve the issue and get back to seamless multi-user functionality. If you continue to experience problems, it may be worth consulting with a QuickBooks professional or contacting QB Help Hub for further assistance.

At QB Help Hub, we specialize in providing comprehensive QuickBooks support and solutions to ensure your business operations run smoothly. Feel free to reach out to us for any QuickBooks-related queries or technical support. We're here to help you every step of the way!