How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 When Switching Multi-user Mode

The multi-user mode in QuickBooks enables users to access the same company file simultaneously on a single network. It boosts quick response and collaborative work. When the multi-user mode fails to connect to the server, error H202 arises.

QuickBooks error H202 indicates restricted network connectivity or server issues. It prevents the use of company files in multi-user mode and stops team collaboration. Furthermore, the errors delay regular accounting tasks, disrupt data access, and result in business downtime.

This guide shares the key reasons and effective troubleshooting steps for QuickBooks error code H202.

Describe the QuickBooks Error Code H202 and its causes

QuickBooks error code H202 arises when QuickBooks Desktop is unsuccessful in connecting to a company file. Hosting is inactive or wrongly configured on the workstations or server due to this error.  

Here is the error message for QuickBooks error code H202:

“This company file is on another computer, and QuickBooks needs some help connecting. This copy of QuickBooks cannot connect to the server (H202).”

Here is the list of the reasons why error H202 fails to connect to the server:

• Incorrect hosts or DNS issues file entries restrict server identification.
• QBCFMonitorService or QuickBooksDBXX is not active or working.
• Essential QuickBooks programs or ports are restricted by security software.
• Corrupted .TLG or .ND files prevent multi-user access.
• Incorrect hosting setup.
• QuickBooks services do not have complete folder permissions.
• Unavailable or outdated QuickBooks Database Server Manager version.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202?

To resolve QuickBooks Error code H202, implement the solutions shared below in the given order:

Solution 1: Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub

This solution resolves firewall, network, and database service errors. These errors trigger QuickBooks error H202 in multi-user mode.

Here are the steps to use the QuickBooks Tool Hub:

On the server, install QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub offers built-in features to identify and fix multi-user access issues. Here are the steps to install the tool hub:

1. Exit the QuickBooks Desktop application.
2. Download the current version of QuickBooks tool hub.
3. Access the QuickBooksToolHub.exe and complete the on-screen guidelines.
4. Acknowledge the terms.
5. From the desktop, start QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Start the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

The QuickBooks Server Manager guarantees correct firewall hosting authorizations for the company file. Here are the steps to run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

1. Access the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Choose the “Network Issues” option.
3. Click the option “QuickBooks Database Server Manager”.
4. In case the company file folder is displayed, click the “Start Scan” option.
5. To add folders, use the “Browse” option if needed.
6. Allow the scan to finish and choose the “Close” button.
7. Access QuickBooks for every workstation.
8. Head to the “File” option.
9. Now, click the “Switch to Multi-user Mode” option.

Start the QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor reviews network connectivity and company file access problems. Here are the steps to run the QuickBooks File Doctor:

1. Access the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Choose the “Company File Issues” option.
3. Click the “Run QuickBooks File Doctor” option.
4. Choose the company file.
5. Select the option “Check your Network”.
6. Add the QuickBooks admin password.
7. Click the “Next” option and enable the scan to finish.

Solution 2: Check QuickBooks Services on the Host System/Workstation

QuickBooks needs active background applications on the server. This helps to sustain reliable multi-user access and database interaction.

Here are the steps to examine active QuickBooks services on the host system:

1. Navigate to the server system.
2. Click the “Windows” key and click the “Start” menu.
3. Enter Run in the search column.
4. Now click the “Enter” button.
5. Type services.msc and click the “Enter” button.
6. Find QuickBooksDBXX and click it twice. (XX stands for the QuickBooks version)
7. Choose the Startup type to Automatic in the “General” tab.
8. Verify the “Service Status” is displaying “Running”.
9. Click the “Start” option if the status displays “Stopped”.
10. Access the “Recovery” tab.
11. For first, second, and further failures, choose the “Restart the Service” option.
12. Click the “Apply” button.
13. Now, click the “OK” button.
14. Perform the same steps for QBCFMonitorService.
15. Once completed, start QuickBooks on every system.
16. Next, choose the “File” option and click the “Switch to Multi-user Mode” tab.

Solution 3: Include QuickBooks Services in the Windows Admin Group

Inadequate authorizations for QuickBooks services block server connectivity. This leads to error H202. Here are the steps to add QuickBooks to the Windows admin group:

1. On the server system, access Windows Services.
2. Classify QBCFMonitorService and QuickBooksDBXX.
3. Allocate complete Windows Admin authorizations to both services.
4. Save the changes and reboot the services.
5. Access QuickBooks Desktop and check the “Multi-user Mode” access.

Solution 4: Apply needed Windows Permissions for the Company File

Here are the steps to apply the correct Windows permissions to the company file:

1. Click the “File Explorer” option and find the company file folder.
2. Select the folder, right-click, and choose the option “Properties”.
3. Click the “Sharing” tab.
4. Now, click the “Share” button.
5. For the QuickBooks version, include “QBDataServiceUserXX”.
6. Allocate “Full Control” authorizations.
7. To save the changes, click the “Share” button.

Solution 5: Review and Rectify the Hosting Configuration

QuickBooks is compatible with only one host. Wrong hosting configuration in different systems can trigger error H202.

Here are the steps to check and correct hosting settings:

Deactivate Hosting on Systems

1. On the workstation, start QuickBooks Desktop.
2. On the “No Company Open” window, click the “File” button.
3. Now, click the “Utilities” option.
4. In case the option “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is displayed, choose it.
5. No steps needed in case the option “Host Multi-User Access” is displayed.
6. Perform the same steps on every system.

Activate Hosting on the Server

1. On the server system, open the QuickBooks Desktop application.
2. Head to the “File” option.
3. Now, click the “Utilities” tab.
4. In case the option “Host Multi-User Access is displayed, choose it.
5. Hosting is active in case the option “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” is displayed.
6. Once completed, start QuickBooks on the system and change to Multi-user Mode.

Solution 6: Change the name of the .ND and .TLG Files

Corrupted network configuration files or log files restrict multi-user connectivity. This leads to error H202.

Here are the steps to modify the .ND and .TLG file names:

1. Shut down the QuickBooks application on all the workstations.
2. Open the company file folder.
3. Search the files with the same company file name ending in .TLG and .ND extensions.
4. Right-click every file and choose the “Rename” button.
5. At the end of every file name, include “.OLD”.
6. Exit the folder.
7. Open the QuickBooks application and press the “Alt” key.
8. The company file appears.
9. QuickBooks rebuilds the network and logs files automatically.

Solution 7: Fix QuickBooks with Windows Control Panel

Corrupted QuickBooks Desktop program files disrupt network services. This leads to error H202. Here are the steps to resolve QuickBooks corrupted program files using Control Panel:

1. Shut down QuickBooks on all workstations.
2. Click “Control Panel” and choose the option “Programs and Features”.
3. From the program list, select the “QuickBooks Desktop” option.
4. Click the “Uninstall/Change” option and choose the “Repair” button.
5. Complete the on-screen guidelines to finish the repair.
6. Once completed, reboot the system.
7. Update QuickBooks to its current release.
8. Now, check the multi-user access in the company files.

Include QuickBooks Firewall Ports

Firewall limitations stop server connectivity and block QuickBooks from changing to multi-user mode. Here are the steps to configure the QuickBooks ports based on the version:

1. QuickBooks 2016: 8019, 56726, 55368–55372
2. QuickBooks 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373–55377
3. QuickBooks 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378–55382
4. QuickBooks 2019 and later: Ports refresh automatically through Database Server Manager

Once all the ports are added, reboot the firewall and check the multi-user mode once more.

Solution 9: Change QBGlobalAppConfig.ini on Fedora Linux Server

The wrong port format on the Linux database server restricts multi-user communication. Here are the steps to modify QBGlobalAppConfig.ini on Fedora Linux Server:

1. On the server, access the Linux Terminal.
2. Find and access the QBGlobalAppConfig.ini.
3. Review the standard port range entries.
4. Ensure no spaces appear before or after the = sign.

Port references by version:

1. Enterprise 22.0: 55398=5
2. Enterprise 21.0: 55393=5
3. Enterprise 20.0: 55388=5
4. Enterprise 19.0: 55383=5
5. Enterprise 18.0: 55378=5
6. Enterprise 17.0: 55373=5
7. Save the file after editing.
8. Reboot QBDBFILEMON and QBDBMGRN services.

Solution 10: Modify the Company File Location

A corrupted file path or extended directory structure interrupts the QuickBooks multi-user access. Here are the steps to change the company file location:

1. Find the .QBW company file.
2. Now, select the file and right-click.
3. Choose the “Copy” option.
4. Add the file to the Desktop.
5. Click the “Ctrl” key and keep holding it.
6. Now, open QuickBooks.
7. Next, from the “No Company Open” option, choose the “Open or Restore an Existing Company” option.
8. From the desktop, access the copied file.

Conclusion

This guide includes information on the causes and troubleshooting steps to fix the error H202. Still, if there is any query or doubt, feel free to reach out to our team of experts.

Call our team of QuickBooks professionals to fix any technical issue at +1 (800)-961-4963.

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