The multi-user mode in QuickBooks is a useful tool for promoting collaboration and data sharing within a company. Yet, there are instances where users may encounter an error when attempting to switch to this mode, such as "QuickBooks Error H202." In the following guide, our ProAdvisor will discuss the causes, indicators, and remedies for resolving multi-user mode problems in QuickBooks versions 2021, 2022, and 2023.

What is QuickBooks Error H202 (Multi-User Switching Issue)?

Rather than immediately delving into the causes behind this issue, it may be beneficial to gain a basic understanding of the error code itself. This particular error, which occurs in multi-user mode, can stem from a variety of factors and may occur under different circumstances. Numerous QuickBooks users have reported encountering this error when attempting to switch from single-user to multi-user mode or while opening a company file in multi-user mode. Essentially, this error occurs when a user tries to access a company file stored on another system.

In this article, we have discussed all about QuickBooks error code H202, its possible causes, symptoms, and some simple troubleshooting methods.

Causes of the QuickBooks Error H202

This error can be caused by a communication issue between your QuickBooks desktop and the server. Below are some of the most common reasons for this error.

1.       The hosting settings are not configured correctly.

2.       The system firewall blocks the exchange of company data between QuickBooks and the server.

3.       There is no incorrect configuration of DNS settings.

4.       QuickBooks Desktop may not have access to the IP address of the Host or server.

5.       The QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitor are not running in the background.

6.       There might be a problem with QuickBooks Database Server Manager.

7.       There might be a problem with the Network (.nd) file.

Best Ways to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code H202

It is highly recommended that you log into QuickBooks as an administrator before performing any troubleshooting steps.

Method 1 – Ping your server from a workstation to check for network issues

Ping your server from each workstation receiving Error H202 in QuickBooks enterprise to check the connection.

Step 1: Turn on Network Discovery on your server computer

·         At first, open the Windows Start menu on your server and workstations.

·         After that type Network into the search and open Network and Sharing Center.

·         Next, choose Change advanced sharing settings.

·         Now, ensure that Turn on network discovery is selected in the Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing sections.

Step 2: Get your server name from your server

§  You need to open the Windows Start menu on your server computer.

§  After that, type Run into the search and open Run command.

§  Next type CMD into the Run window, and then hit on Enter key.

§  Following that, you are supposed to type ipconfig/all into the CMD window and then press Enter key.

§  You need to search the Host Name in the Windows IP Configuration section. Your server name is on the right.

§  Once you get it, write down the hostname, or copy it to a word document so you can access it quickly.

Step 3: Test network connectivity

Go back to your workstation to test the server. These steps can get complex for you, so you may reach out to an IT professional for help.

§  Open the Run window by pressing the (Windows+R keys) in the system where you receive error code H202.

§  Then, type CMD in the box and click on OK button.

§  Now, from your computer, you have to ping your server.

§  You now need to type ping_server name and hit the Enter key.

§  You can perform the steps mentioned above on all the systems that receive the same error.

§  In case the response you receive is slow or you lost a packet, then there might be some issue with the network and a repair is needed.

Method 2 – Verify QuickBooks services

If the server is running a full version of QuickBooks, you can follow the further provided steps to start multi-user hosting mode:

§  While on the server, you are supposed to open QuickBooks desktop.

§  After that, navigate to File and then Utilities.

§  Moving ahead, choose Host multi-user access option.

For verifying the running status of QuickbooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService on the server, follow these given quick steps:

§  You need to open the Run window.

§  After that type in services.msc in the text field and hit a click on OK.

§  The next step is to choose QuickBooksDBXX.

§  Also check the Startup type, if it is Automatic or not.

§  If in case the Startup type is not set as Automatic then do it now.

§  After that, check the Service status and ensure it shows Running.

§  Now, go to the Recovery tab and select it.

§  After that, navigate to the drop-down menus for first, second, and subsequent failures and choose to Restart the service of all these.

§  Now, you need to hit on Apply and then click on OK button to confirm the changes.

§  You need to perform all the above-mentioned steps for the QBCFMonitorService.

Method 3 – Add the services QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService to the admin group

Offer QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService Windows admin permission on the server. If these services do not already have admin permission, then make sure they get it as this may also resolve QuickBooks Error Code H202. See if you can use the accounting software in multi-user mode. If not, move to the next step.

Method 4 – Configure system firewall settings

Your system firewall may sometime block data exchange between QuickBooks and the server. In that case, you can perform the following steps to configure QuickBooks firewall settings to ensure unhindered communication between QB and the server.

§  You are supposed to create exceptions in the settings of your System firewall.

§  Make changes to system firewall permissions and then open QuickBooks on all of the computers.

§  Within QuickBooks, you are supposed to opt for Switch to multi-user mode option available under the File menu.

Method 5 – Run QuickBooks Tools Hub on your server

Step 1: From the tool hub program, Run the QuickBooks file doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor is a reliable, troubleshooting tool by Intuit to diagnose and troubleshoot different types of QB errors such as Error code H101, H202, H303 or H505. In order to utilize this tool, you must first download it (if not downloaded) from Intuit’s official website and run it. The steps involved in this process are as follows:

§  First of all, you need to download QuickBooks tool hub program on your system.

§  After that install and run the tool hub program using on-screen set of steps.

§  Now open the QuickBooks tools hub and move to the Company file issues tab.

§  In the next step, you need to click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor option.

§  In QuickBooks File Doctor, opt for the Company file from the drop-down menu. In case you are unable to identify the file, then hit Browse and Search to find the file.

§  Once done with that, hit a click on Check your file and Network checkbox option and then tap on the Continue tab.

§  The last step is to enter your QuickBooks admin password and then pick the Next option.

It should be noted that the scan time depends on the file size, and in the majority of the cases, it might take up to 5 minutes. After the scan completes, you are recommended to open the QuickBooks software and the company file.

Step 2: Install and run QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server

§  At first, you need to open the QuickBooks Tools Hub, and choose the Network Issues tab.

§  And then select QuickBooks Database Server Manager. This will open the database server manager on your computer.

§  Once you are within the Quickbooks Database server manager, look for the folder that has company files stored. You can also use the Browse feature to find this folder.

§  Now, tap on the Start Scan button.

§  QBDSM will repair your firewall permissions automatically. Once the scan process will be over, you need to click on Close button.

§  On each of the workstations on which the error appears, you have to launch the QuickBooks Desktop.

§  Subsequently, advance to the File menu.

§  After that, proceed to the option Switch to multi-user mode.

§  If you can now use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, the QuickBooks company file error H202 has been resolved. If the error persists, try using the the next step.

Step 3: From the tools hub, use QuickBooks install diagnostic tool

§  At first, open QuickBooks tool hub on the server computer.

§  And then you need to move to Installation Issues tab, from the tool hub.

§  Heading forward, choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the options. Now let the tool run for few minutes. Most probably it will take up to 20 minutes.

§  Once the diagnostic tool open up, scan the folder where the data file is situated.

§  After that, you are required to note down the number of IP addresses and network interfaces.

§  If the firewall status section has an Open ports tab, then enable the ports for QuickBooks.

§  Move on to Test the data file connectivity.

§  Try opening the company data file and see if the issue has been fixed.

In conclusion: Resolving QuickBooks Error H202 and Connecting with Experts

If you follow the troubleshooting steps and explanations above, you will be able to resolve QuickBooks Error H202. If the error persists, please contact our QuickBooks Data Service experts at our toll-free helpline number +1-800-596-0806. Our experienced professionals possess the knowledge and expertise to identify and resolve the issue.