Confused by QuickBooks Error H202? Call 1 (855)-574-3789 for Instant Help)

25 June 2025

If you’ve stumbled upon QuickBooks Error H202, chances are you're trying to switch to multi-user mode and your QuickBooks just won't cooperate. This frustrating message isn’t just a minor bug—it’s a warning that QuickBooks Desktop is unable to communicate with the company file on another computer. Don't worry. You're in the right place.

In this comprehensive 3000-word forum-style guide, we’ll cover:

What is QuickBooks Error H202?

Why it happens

100% working solutions (step-by-step)

Bonus tips to avoid it in future

When to call expert support at 1 (855)-574-3789

Let’s troubleshoot like a pro—keep reading!

💡What is QuickBooks Error H202?
QuickBooks Error Code H202 appears when you try to open a company file located on another computer, but QuickBooks can’t reach that server. This often happens in multi-user setups, where multiple people access the same file from different computers on a network.

Here’s the common error message you’ll see:

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

This means QuickBooks is blocked from accessing the file due to network, hosting, or configuration problems.

☠️Why Does Error H202 Happen?
Let’s break down the possible reasons:

QuickBooks Database Server Manager is not running

Incorrect hosting settings

Firewall or security software is blocking communication

Damaged .ND (Network Data) file

DNS issues or wrong IP address

Windows file-sharing permissions not properly set

QuickBooks Error H202 is not random—it’s fixable, and you don’t have to be a techie. If at any point you're overwhelmed, don't hesitate to call our QuickBooks Desktop Helpline at 1 (855)-574-3789.

🛠️How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 — Step-by-Step Solutions
Below are working fixes used by accountants and QuickBooks ProAdvisors. Try them in order:

✅Fix 1: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub if you don’t have it already.

Open Tool Hub and select “Network Issues.”

Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

Choose “Start Scan” on the folder where your company file is located.

Wait for the scan to finish—it will repair the firewall and network issues.

🔁 Now try opening the company file again in multi-user mode.

✅Fix 2: Verify Hosting Settings
You need to make sure only the server computer is hosting.

On each user computer:
Open QuickBooks Desktop.

Go to File > Utilities.

If you see “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access”, click it.

If you see “Host Multi-User Access”, don’t click anything.

Only one computer—the server—should be hosting.

✅Fix 3: Restart QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitor Services
Press Windows + R → type services.msc → hit Enter.

Locate QuickBooksDBXX (XX = your version year) and QBCFMonitorService.

Right-click each and select Restart.

Set both to Startup type: Automatic.

After restarting, try switching to multi-user mode.

✅Fix 4: Check Firewall and Security Settings
Sometimes your firewall thinks QuickBooks is a threat (it’s not!).

Manually allow these ports in your firewall:

Version Port
2022 8019, 56728, 55378–55382
2021 8019, 56727, 55373–55377
2020 8019, 56726, 55368–55372
2019 8019, 56725, 55363–55367

Also allow these applications:

QBW32.exe

QBDBMgrN.exe

QBUpdate.exe

IntuitSyncManager.exe

If unsure, call 1 (855)-574-3789 and our team can configure it remotely for you.

✅Fix 5: Ping Server from Workstation
On a workstation, press Windows + R, type cmd, hit Enter.

Type: ping [ServerName] → Replace [ServerName] with the actual server computer’s name.

Hit Enter.

If you get a timed out or unreachable message, there’s a connectivity issue. You’ll need to fix your network or call an expert.

✅Fix 6: Add Server to Windows Hosts File
This is a technical fix but often works well.

On a workstation, navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\hosts

Right-click hosts file → Open with Notepad.

Add this line at the bottom:
[Server IP address] [ServerName]

Example:
192.168.0.11 QBServer

Save the file and restart QuickBooks.

✅Fix 7: Create a New Folder for Company File
Create a new folder on the server.

Set Windows permissions to allow access to everyone.

Move the .QBW file into the new folder.

Open QuickBooks from the workstation.

Sometimes a corrupt folder path causes the H202 error.

✅Fix 8: Disable Hosting on Workstations
Go to File > Utilities and ensure that only the server computer is set to host. This avoids conflicts in multi-user mode.

🧪Advanced Fix: Use QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Click Company File Issues.

Run QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.

Let it scan your company file path, firewall, and ports.

Apply the fixes it suggests.

This tool can solve multiple H202 causes in one go.

📞Need Help Fixing H202? Call QuickBooks Support at 1 (855)-574-3789
If you’ve tried all the above and you're still stuck, it might be time to speak with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

✅ Fix H202 in minutes
✅ Remote diagnosis and configuration
✅ Support for all versions (Pro, Premier, Enterprise)
✅ U.S. based support — no waiting in long queues

📞Call Now: 1 (855)-574-3789

🧠QuickBooks Error H202 in Windows 11 — Special Note
Many users experience Error H202 after upgrading to Windows 11. Why?

Network Discovery is off by default

Windows Defender Firewall blocks communication

Old company files may not have right permissions

To fix H202 in Windows 11:

Enable Network Discovery

Allow QuickBooks through Windows Defender Firewall

Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager again

Still no luck? Call us at 1 (855)-574-3789 for one-on-one troubleshooting.

🚫QuickBooks Error H202 vs. Other H Series Errors
Error Code Meaning
H101 QuickBooks cannot access the company file on another computer
H202 QuickBooks can't communicate with the server
H303 Incorrect configuration for hosting
H505 File is on another system, but no setup for multi-user access

All these errors are related to network or file hosting issues. Use this guide for H202, and it may fix the others too.

🧩FAQs: QuickBooks Error H202
❓Can I ignore Error H202?
No. If ignored, users won’t be able to access the shared company file—stopping work and causing data delays.

❓Can I fix Error H202 myself?
Yes, this guide is DIY-friendly. But if you’re unsure about network setup, call the pros at 1 (855)-574-3789.

❓How long does it take to fix H202?
Usually 15–30 minutes if you follow the steps. Complex cases may take longer.

❓Will reinstalling QuickBooks help?
Reinstalling won’t always solve H202 because the issue is network-based, not software-based.

🔚Conclusion: Fix QuickBooks Error H202 Like a Pro
QuickBooks Error H202 is common but not unbeatable. It just means QuickBooks needs help talking to the server. Whether it’s firewall settings, DNS issues, or hosting confusion, one of the above steps will solve it.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone.

📞Call the QuickBooks Support Line at 1 (855)-574-3789 for instant resolution—especially if:

You’re on a tight deadline

You have multiple users stuck

You’ve tried everything and nothing works

Don’t let Error H202 slow down your business. Fix it now and get back to doing what matters.