QuickBooks Error H202: Complete Fixing Guide

When you try to open your company file in QuickBooks multi-user mode and see Error H202, it means QuickBooks is unable to connect to the server hosting the file. This error blocks access to your company file and stops workflow. The guide below explains the cause, signs, and step-by-step solutions to fix Error H202. It also includes ways to prevent the error and how to get expert help if the issue continues.

Watch this quick video to learn the causes and solutions for QuickBooks Error Code H202.

What is QuickBooks Error “H202”?

QuickBooks Error H202 is a multi-user error that occurs when QuickBooks on your workstation cannot communicate with the server. This typically happens when the system hosting the company file is not reachable, or a setting is misconfigured. The error prevents users from accessing the file in a network environment.

Why does QuickBooks Error “H202” occur?

QuickBooks Error H202 occurs due to communication failure between the workstation and the server hosting the company file. Here are the main causes:

• QuickBooks services (QBCFMonitorService or QuickBooksDBXX) are not running.
• Windows firewall or third-party security blocks QuickBooks.
• Incorrect hosting configuration settings.
• DNS issues or incorrect network setup.
• Damaged or incorrect .ND file configuration.

How can you identify QuickBooks Error “H202”?

QuickBooks will show an error message that reads:
“You are trying to work with a company file that is located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks cannot reach the server (H202).”

Other signs include:

• You can open the file in single-user mode but not in multi-user mode.
• QuickBooks freezes or slows down in network mode.
• QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running.

What are the steps to fix QuickBooks Error “H202”?

To fix QuickBooks Error H202, follow the methods below in order from basic to advanced.

Solution 1: Test Network Connectivity

Start by testing if your workstation can reach the server.

1. Open Command Prompt on your workstation.
2. Type: ping [ServerName] and press Enter.
3. If packets are lost or the reply takes too long, there is a network issue.

Fix any network configuration problems before proceeding.

Solution 2: Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager

QuickBooks Database Server Manager enables communication for multi-user mode.

1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
2. Open the Tool Hub and go to Network Issues.
3. Select QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
4. Scan the folder that contains your company file.
5. Click Start Scan and wait for the process to finish.
6. Restart QuickBooks on all systems.

Solution 3: Add Server to Windows Hosts File

Edit the Windows hosts file to create a trusted connection.

1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc.
2. Open the hosts file using Notepad.
3. At the bottom, add the IP address and server name (e.g., 192.168.1.10 ServerName).
4. Save the file.
5. Restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 4: Enable Hosting on Server

Make sure hosting is turned on only on the server.

1. On the server computer, open QuickBooks.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. If you see Host Multi-User Access, select it.
4. If it shows Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, do nothing.

Now restart QuickBooks on each workstation and try accessing the file.

Solution 5: Create a New .ND File

The .ND file helps QuickBooks connect to the file in a multi-user network.

1. Open the folder where your company file is stored.
2. Find the .ND file that matches your company file and delete it.
3. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager again.
4. Rescan the folder to recreate the .ND file.

Solution 6: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

Set exceptions for QuickBooks to allow smooth communication.

1. Open Windows Firewall.
2. Go to Inbound Rules > New Rule.
3. Add these executable files:
   • QBDBMgrN.exe
   • QBCFMonitorService.exe
   • QuickBooks.exe
4. Repeat the same under Outbound Rules.
5. Restart your computer and open QuickBooks.

Is there an automated tool to fix QuickBooks Error “H202”?

Yes, QuickBooks Tool Hub offers a dedicated tool called QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool. It scans, identifies, and repairs network issues that cause Error H202. You can download Tool Hub from Intuit’s website and use it to fix multiple QuickBooks network problems automatically.

How can I prevent QuickBooks Error “H202” in the future?

To prevent Error H202:

• Keep QuickBooks updated.
• Regularly check and configure network settings.
• Ensure only the server has hosting enabled.
• Keep firewalls and antivirus software updated and configured to allow QuickBooks.
• Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager after each update.

What if QuickBooks Error “H202” is not fixed after troubleshooting?

If you have tried all solutions and Error H202 still persists, the issue may be more technical or network-related. This requires advanced diagnosis or expert help to avoid file corruption or server disruption.

How can our experts assist you in resolving QuickBooks Error “H202”?

Our team at Error Code Experts specializes in fixing multi-user errors like H202. We offer remote assistance, server diagnostics, and complete QuickBooks recovery solutions.

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