How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 – |Multi-User Switching Issue|

QuickBooks error code H202 arises when a user attempts to shift to multi-user mode. This issue prevents QuickBooks from using the company file saved in a different system. It restricts the multi-user mode and displays a warning notification.

Usually, this issue arises because QuickBooks fails to reach the server that hosts the company file. It indicates a network problem between the workstation and the host system. Due to this error, QuickBooks is unable to access the file stored on the network.

In this guide, QuickBooks error H202 is explained in detail, along with the effective steps to resolve it. Follow the steps to restore access and continue business without delay.

What is QuickBooks Error H202?

Error H202 Multi-user Mode on QuickBooks is a network issue. This issue arises in multi-user mode and is related to the H-series error group. The issue arises when QuickBooks is unable to link to the server that hosts the company file.

Here is the error message for this multi-user mode issue:

“Error H202: QuickBooks could not reach the server.”

This multi-user error restricts access to the company file and stops users from working. It signifies a communication issue between QuickBooks and the host system.

What are the Causes of QuickBooks Error H202?

H202 QuickBooks error usually arises because of a setting or network problem. This issue prevents communication between the server and the workstation.

Here is a list of the main causes:

• The conflict was triggered by a DNS setting.
• Wrong hosting configuration.
• QBCFMonitorService or QuickBooksDBXX is inactive and not working.
• An antivirus program or a firewall restricts the server connection.
• The conflict was triggered due to a DNS configuration.
• A host IP address is undetectable by the QuickBooks program.
• Hosting is not configured in the right manner.
• Several systems are configured as hosts.
• .ND files are damaged or corrupted.

Each of these reasons interrupts the multi-user mode connection and causes the error H202 QuickBooks.

Signs and Symptoms of QuickBooks Error Code H202

The following are the common symptoms of QuickBooks’ Multi-user switching Error H202:

• This error prevents you from switching to multiple-user mode in QuickBooks.
• Even after consistent attempts, you can’t open a company file located on another computer.
• The QuickBooks error code H202 message appears on your computer screen.
• During operation, QuickBooks freezes or stops working for a few seconds.
• The performance of your Windows is extremely slow.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 – |Multi-User Switching Issue|

To resolve Error H202 Multi-user Mode on QuickBooks, sign in as Admin prior to starting. Here are the solutions to fix the issue:

Solution 1: Review the QuickBooks Services

QuickBooks needs particular services to operate on the server. Here are the steps to check and begin the services:

• Enter Run in the Windows Search bar.

• In the Run screen, enter services.msc.
• Now click the “Enter” button.
• Find and click the option “QuickBooksDBXX” twice. Enter your QuickBooks version in place of XX.
• In the Properties screen, set Startup Type to Automatic. While, for Running, set Services Status. In case it is not, press the “Start” button.

• Head to the “Recovery” tab. Choose “Restart the Service” for each failure: First, Second, and Subsequent.

• Now press the “Apply” button and then click the “OK” button.
• Follow the same steps for QBCFMonitorService.
• Once complete, run QuickBooks on every system and try to change to Multi-user Mode.

Solution 2: Ping the Server from a Workstation

Often, due to firewall problems or network issues, QuickBooks error code H202 occurs. To check connectivity, ping the server from each affected workstation using these steps:

Step 1: Activate Network Discovery on all workstations

• On every workstation and the server, run the Start Menu.
• Type Network, and run the “Network and Sharing Center” option.
• Press the option, “Change Advanced Sharing Settings”.
• In the Printer Sharing section, choose the option, “Turn on Network Discovery”.

Step 2: Locate the Server Name

• Run the Start menu on the server.
• Enter Run and start the Run dialog box.
• In the box, enter “CMD” and click the “Enter” button.
• In the command screen, enter, ipconfig /all.
• Now click the “Enter” button.
• In the Windows IP Configuration section, find the “Host Name”.
• Write down the server name and keep it for future use.

Step 3: From the workstation, check the Server

• On the impacted system, click the “Windows + R” keys. This will open the Run screen.
• Enter CMD and click the “OK” button.
• In the command prompt, enter ping [ServerName].
• Now click the “Enter” button. Change the original name of the server. Perform this step on every system that displays the error H202.

Solution 3: Access the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

On the server system, install the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Once the installation is over, complete the steps given below:

• From your desktop, run the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

• Choose the option, “Network Issues” present on the left panel.
• Press the option, “QuickBooks Database Server Manager”. In case it is not installed, the tool will notify you for installation.
• In the tool screen, press the “Start Scan” option in case the company file folder is displayed.
• In case the company file folder does not appear, press the “Browse” option.
• Next, choose the folder and then press the “Start Scan” option.
• The tool will automatically fix firewall configurations.
• After the scan is complete, press the “Close” button.
• Now, run QuickBooks Desktop on every system displaying H202 QuickBooks error.
• Head to the File menu and choose the option, “Switch to Multi-User Mode”.
• In case the switch is successful, the issue is fixed. In case it is not, move to the next solution.

Solution 4: Access the QuickBooks File Doctor

This tool resolves network issues, including the QuickBooks error code H202. Here are the steps to implement:

• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub and install it.
• Run the Tool Hub and choose the option “Company File Issues”.
• Press the option, “Run QuickBooks File Doctor”.
• Choose the particular company file from the list. In case it does not appear, press the “Browse” option.
• Review the file box and press the “Continue” button.
• Add the QuickBooks Admin Password and press the “Next” button.

The scan may take up to five minutes, depending on file size. After it finishes, launch QuickBooks and open the company file.

Solution 5: Check Network Connectivity

Here are the steps to follow on the system displaying the error:

• Click the “Windows + R keys” to launch the Run screen.
• Enter CMD and press the “OK” button.
• In the command screen, enter ping [ServerName] and click the “Enter” button.
• Change the server name with the original host system name.

Note: In case the response is slow, it implies that the network has problems. Fix network issues prior to proceeding.

Solution 6: Provide Admin Rights to QuickBooks Services

Inadequate permissions for QBCFMonitorService or QuickBooksDBXX often cause QuickBooks error H202.

Here are the step to set the right permissions:

• Head to the folder that saves the company file.
• Hit right-click the folder and choose the “Properties” option.
• Head to the “Security” tab and press the “Advanced” button.
• Choose the option, “QBDataServiceUserXX”.
• Now press the “Edit” button.

Make sure the permissions below are marked as Allowed:

• List Folder / Read Data
• Traverse Folder / Execute File
• Read Attributes
• Create Files / Write Data
• Read Extended Attributes
• Create Folders / Append Data
• Write Extended Attributes
• Write Attributes
• Read Permissions

In case the permissions are correct, follow these steps:

• Hit right-click the folder and head to the “Properties” option.
• Press the “Edit” option in the “Security” tab.
• Choose the option, “QBDataServiceUserXX”.
• Provide Complete Control by pressing the option, “Allow”.
• Press the “Apply” button and then press the “OK” option to save.

Note: This gives QuickBooks services full access to the file location needed for multi-user mode.

Solution 7: Configure the System Firewall

Configure the system firewall to resolve the error H202 Multi-user Mode on QuickBooks. Here are the steps to make sure the firewall does not restrict QuickBooks:

• Launch the system firewall settings on the systems and server.
• In the firewall, prepare exceptions for QuickBooks.
• Change the firewall permissions to enable outbound and inbound access.
• Reboot the connected systems.
• Run QuickBooks Desktop.
• Head to the File menu and choose the option “Switch to Multi-user Mode”. In case of a firewall block, this step re-establishes access.

Solution 8: Include Server Details to Windows Hosts File

To assist QuickBooks to the server, include the server IP, and add a name to the particular hosts file:

• On the impacted system, head to one of the paths shared below:
  • C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Drivers\Etc
• Find and click the hosts file twice.
• When notified, run the file with the Notepad.
• Head to the end and include a new line. Enter the server’s IP address, click the “TAB” key.
• Now add the server name.
• Head to the File menu.
• Now press the “Save” option.
• Shut down the Notepad screen.
• Once the file is saved, run QuickBooks and try changing to Multi-user Mode once more.

Solution 9: Prepare a New Folder for the Company File

Using a new folder for the company file helps test the source of error H202. Here are the steps to create a new folder for the company file:

• Prepare a new folder on the particular server.
• Provide complete permission to make the folder accessible over the network.
• Shift the QBW (company File) to a new folder.
• In multi-user mode, shift the QBW.
• Use the file from the fresh location.
• In case the file runs, the actual folder is corrupted.  In case the file does not run properly, it is quite likely that the company file is corrupted.

Solution 10: Enable Hosting for Local Files Only

It is advised not to host the QuickBooks program on multiple workstations. Check the hosting setting as discussed below:

1. Run the QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click the “F2” key to start the “Product Information” screen.
3. In the screen for Local Server Information, verify that Hosting is enabled for local files only. This stops systems from operating as unauthorized hosts. 

Solution 11: Access the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The diagnostic tool fixes installation and connection issues. This helps in fixing the QuickBooks error code H202 with ease:

1. Download the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
2. Run the tool and scan the system where the company file is saved.
3. Make a note of the total network interfaces and IP addresses.
4. In the “Firewall Status” segment, open the QuickBooks ports needed if notified.
5. Head to “Data File Connectivity” and enable the tool to finish the check.
6. Once the scan is over, run QuickBooks and check access to the company file. When the file opens properly, the issue is fixed.

Final Word

QuickBooks error code H202 restricts access to company files in multi-user mode. This is because of configuration or network problems. The solutions shared in this guide will help you resolve this error with perfection. 

In case the issue persists even after using all the methods, talk to our team of QuickBooks experts. Call our team of QuickBooks professionals and resolve your query as soon as possible.

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