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QuickBooks Error H202 Fix | Resolve Multi-User Mode Connection Issues Easily

  • Writer: Harry james
    Harry james
  • Jul 15
  • 4 min read
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QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software trusted by businesses worldwide for managing finances, invoicing, payroll, and more. However, like any software, it’s not immune to technical issues. One common problem that users face while accessing a company file in multi-user mode is QuickBooks Error H202. This error indicates a communication issue between your computer and the company file hosted on another system.

If you're encountering this frustrating error, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through QuickBooks H202 error troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem quickly and restore smooth multi-user functionality.


What is QuickBooks Error H202?


QuickBooks Error H202 typically occurs when the software fails to establish a connection with the server that hosts the company file. This happens when:

  • QuickBooks cannot access the server due to incorrect hosting settings.

  • The database server is not running.

  • Firewall or security software is blocking the connection.

  • The DNS settings are misconfigured.


Error Message:

“You are trying to work with a company file located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks cannot reach the server (H202).”

This error is most common in a multi-user environment, where the company file is stored on a server or host computer, and other systems try to access it simultaneously.


Common Causes of QuickBooks Error H202

To resolve the issue effectively, it's important to understand its root causes. Below are the primary reasons for QuickBooks Error H202:

  1. Incorrect hosting configuration on the server or workstations.

  2. QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not installed or running.

  3. Firewall settings are blocking QuickBooks communication.

  4. Damaged or incorrect DNS settings.

  5. .ND (Network Data) file is damaged or missing.

  6. QuickBooks services like QBCFMonitor or QBDBMgrN are not running.


Signs You Are Experiencing QuickBooks Error H202

  • You are unable to switch to multi-user mode.

  • QuickBooks crashes or freezes when attempting to open a shared file.

  • You see the H202 error message repeatedly.

  • Other users cannot access the company file on the network.


QuickBooks H202 Error Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Fix

Follow these comprehensive steps to resolve QuickBooks Error H202 and restore network connectivity.


Step 1: Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

The QuickBooks Tool Hub includes the File Doctor tool, which can automatically detect and repair many common issues.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.

  2. Install and open the tool.

  3. Navigate to Company File Issues.

  4. Click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor.

  5. Select your company file from the list and choose Check your file and Network.

  6. Let the tool run — it will diagnose and attempt to fix the issue.


Step 2: Verify Hosting Settings

Ensure that only the server (host) computer has hosting enabled.

On each workstation:

  1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities.

  2. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it to disable hosting.

  3. If you see Host Multi-User Access, do nothing — it means hosting is already off.

On the server (host) computer:

  1. Go to File > Utilities.

  2. Ensure that Host Multi-User Access is selected.


Step 3: Check QuickBooks Services

Make sure the QuickBooks services are running properly on the server.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Locate the services:

    • QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is your QuickBooks version, e.g., 31 for 2021)

    • QBCFMonitorService

  3. Right-click each service and choose Start (or Restart).

  4. Set the Startup Type to Automatic.


Step 4: Configure Your Firewall Settings

Firewalls may block communication between QuickBooks and the server. You’ll need to add exceptions.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

  2. Click Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules > New Rule.

  3. Choose Port, click Next, and add the ports used by your QuickBooks version.

    • For QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382

  4. Allow the connection, name the rule (e.g., QBPorts), and save it.

  5. Repeat the process for Outbound Rules.


Step 5: Use the QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If you’re using a dedicated server to host files, install and run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

Steps:

  1. Open the Tool Hub > Network Issues tab.

  2. Launch the Database Server Manager.

  3. Click Start Scan and select the folder where your company file is stored.

  4. Once the scan is complete, the tool will fix the firewall permissions automatically.


Step 6: Check and Repair the .ND File

The .ND file is a configuration file that allows QuickBooks to access company files in a network.

To recreate it:

  1. Navigate to the folder where your company file is located.

  2. Find the file with the same name as your company file but with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd).

  3. Right-click and delete the .ND file.

  4. Open QuickBooks and the file again — the software will automatically recreate the file.


Step 7: Ping the Server from the Workstations

This will help confirm if the network connection is active between the systems.

On your workstation:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

  2. Type ping [ServerName] (replace with the actual name of the server).

  3. If you receive replies, the connection is working. If not, there’s a network issue.


Preventing QuickBooks Error H202 in the Future

Here are a few tips to prevent the error from reoccurring:

  • Always update QuickBooks to the latest version.

  • Regularly scan the network using the Database Server Manager.

  • Keep your firewall and antivirus settings configured for QuickBooks.

  • Use a stable and secure network connection for all workstations.

  • Avoid using wireless connections for multi-user access.


When to Contact QuickBooks Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the error, it might be time to contact QuickBooks support or consult an IT professional. Issues like corrupted installation files, deep networking errors, or advanced DNS misconfigurations may require expert assistance.


Conclusion

Dealing with QuickBooks Error H202 can be frustrating, especially when your workflow depends on reliable multi-user access. However, by understanding the error and using the right troubleshooting methods — from adjusting hosting settings to configuring firewalls — you can quickly fix the issue and get your team back on track.

Remember, proactive maintenance like running the Database Server Manager and updating QuickBooks regularly can prevent many such issues. If you're unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

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