The effects of QuickBooks error code H202 are sometimes challenging to understand. This post explains the possible causes and solutions to fix this error. If you encounter this error when using QuickBooks Desktop, make sure to read the entire post for detailed information on how to resolve it.
When trying to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode or if the program fails to open a company file stored on another system, an error message may appear. The error message states that when removing the memory card, users are prevented from starting multiple instances.
QuickBooks 2017 & 2018, despite being sophisticated software, can encounter errors that interrupt workflow. One such error is related to the ‘H’ series. There are four common error codes: H101, H202, H303, and H505, with H202 indicating:
Error code: H202
The company file is stored on one system, while QuickBooks software is on another system, leading to issues in connecting with the server of the other computer system.
What is QuickBooks Error H202 (Multi-User Switching Issue)?
Troubleshooting errors becomes challenging without understanding the issue. Therefore, it’s essential to grasp the nature of this error code before attempting to fix it. This multi-user mode error may occur due to various reasons. Many users encounter it when switching from single-user to multi-user mode or while accessing their QuickBooks company file in multi-user mode. The error typically surfaces when trying to access a company file stored on another system, accompanied by the error message:
Problem
You are trying to work with a company file located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks cannot reach the server on that computer. (H202)
Problem with multi-user hosting setup
QuickBooks could not open the file in multi-user mode. (H202)
If you come across this error code, it’s recommended to read this article thoroughly. It sheds light on QuickBooks error code H202, its potential causes, and troubleshooting methods. Keep reading to learn more!
What Causes QuickBooks Error H202?
The core issue is that QuickBooks software struggles to connect with the server to access the company file. The common reasons for this problem are outlined below:
- The firewall settings of the computer system may restrict QuickBooks server access to the Internet.
- Incorrect settings may be configured for hosting.
- Invalid DNS settings may be provided.
- Inactive QuickBooks services like QBCFMonitor/QuickBooksDBXX could cause the error.
- The IP address provided for the system hosting the software and company file may be inaccessible.
- The .ND extension files may be corrupted, rendering the company file inaccessible by QuickBooks.
Signs and Symptoms of QuickBooks Error Code H202
Common symptoms of the Multi-user switching Error H202 in QuickBooks include:
- Ensure you are in single-user mode before starting QuickBooks.
- Even after repeated attempts, you may struggle to open files stored on other computers.
- QuickBooks error code H202 message may appear on your screen.
- QuickBooks may slow down or stop functioning during use.
- Your computer’s performance may significantly decline.
Ways to Resolve QuickBooks error H202
Several resolutions can be tried to address these errors promptly. It’s advisable to test file access after implementing each resolution to identify the effective method.
Resolution 1: Download and Run QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
Download the QuickBooks File Doctor tool to resolve the H202 error in multi-user mode automatically. If issues persist, move on to the next solution.
First, download and install the QuickBooks File Doctor tool. Then, run the tool on the server.
Resolution 2: Verify Hosting and Services Settings
Verifying Hosting settings:
- Open QuickBooks on the computer system and navigate to the file tab. Choose the Utilities option.
- Locate the option for ‘Host Multi User Access’ and close it to proceed to the next system if it’s not hosting.
- If you encounter the option ‘Stop Hosting Multi User Access,’ select it.
- If the company file appears closed, click Yes.
Verifying Services settings:
- Ensure that the QBCFMonitor and QuickBooksDBXX services are active.
- Press the Windows button and open the run box.
- Type ‘services.msc’ in the ‘Run’ field and press Enter.
- Look for the QuickBooksDBXX service in the Service screen.
- If the service is not visible, ask the Information Server Manager to put the screen in multi-user mode.
- Once you find the QuickBooksDBXX service, select it to ensure it’s running and ready for repair.
- Click on ‘Recovery.’
- Restart the system via the menu bar to automatically restart the QuickBooksDBXX service.
- Save the changes made.
- Repeat the same steps for the QBCFMonitor service.
- Open QuickBooks in multi-user mode on all systems.
Resolution 3: Configure Firewall Settings for QuickBooks Desktop
Ensure that the server computer’s firewall settings do not block QuickBooks. Adjust the firewall permissions if QuickBooks cannot open on your workstation, particularly in multi-user mode.
Resolution 4: Ping Your Server to Check for Network Issues
Ping your server from each workstation experiencing QuickBooks multi-user error H202. This step helps diagnose network problems.
Resolution 5: Set Hosting to Local Files
These steps prevent other clients from causing issues when hosting the company file.
- Launch QuickBooks and press F2 to open the ‘Product Information’ screen.
- Ensure that ‘local files only’ is selected under ‘Local Server Information.’
If the issue persists, consider contacting QuickBooks customer support for efficient resolution of all QuickBooks errors.
MSXML QuickBooks Error
Reasons for MSXML related QuickBooks errors:
- QBRegistration.dat file cannot be accessed as it’s in the XML format, which can’t run because of damage to MSXML 4 components.
- Unregistered MSXML (Microsoft XML Parser.)
- MSXML.dll file is unregistered, missing, encrypted or damaged.
To troubleshoot QuickBooks desktop installation errors caused by damaged MSXML files, follow these steps:
- Type in CMD into the Start menu.
- Right click on the Command Prompt.
- Choose Run as Administrator. Enter authentication details if you’ve logged in with a standard user.
- In the command prompt, enter “cd\windows\syswow64”.
- In the next line, input “regsvr32 MSXML6.dll” and press Enter.
Run QuickBooks as an administrator
This leads to unknown errors, but you can follow the steps below to resolve such issues:
- Go to the Taskbar.
- Close all instances of QuickBooks desktop.
- In the Start menu, search for QuickBooks and Right Click on its icon.
- Click on Open file location.
- Find QuickBooks.exe and right click on this file.
- After selecting properties, go to the Compatibility tab.
- Disable the Run this program as Administrator option by removing the check mark against it. You can select Show Settings for All Users if the area is g rayed out or disabled.
- Click on Apply, then Ok.
FAQs
Q1: What are QuickBooks error h202, H303, and H505? A1: These are errors that indicate that there is a problem with the network connection between the QuickBooks server and the workstations. They prevent the users from accessing the company file stored on the server.
Q2: What causes QuickBooks error h202, H303, and H505? A2: There are several possible causes for these errors, such as:
- The hosting configuration settings are incorrect.
- The firewall settings are blocking the communication between the server and the workstations.
- The .ND (Network Data) file is damaged or missing.
- The DNS (Domain Name System) settings are incorrect.
- The QuickBooks services are not running on the server.
Q3: How can I fix QuickBooks error h202, H303, and H505? A3: There are several possible solutions for these errors, depending on the cause. Some of the common solutions are:
- Run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool on the server and the workstations to diagnose and repair the network issues.
- Verify the hosting settings on the server and the workstations and make sure that only one computer is hosting the company file.
- Configure the firewall settings on the server and the workstations to allow the QuickBooks ports and programs.
- Delete and recreate the .ND file on the server.
- Edit the hosts file on the server and the workstations to add the IP address and the name of the server.
- Restart the QuickBooks services on the server.
Q4: How can I prevent QuickBooks error h202, H303, and H505 from happening again? A4: To prevent these errors from happening again, you should:
- Keep your QuickBooks software updated to the latest version.
- Use a dedicated server or a hosting service to store the company file.
- Perform regular backups of the company file and store them in a secure location.
- Scan your network for any viruses or malware that could affect the network connection.
- Contact the QuickBooks support team if you encounter any issues with the multi-user mode.
Q5: Where can I find more information about QuickBooks error h202, H303, and H505? A5: You can find more information about these errors on the QuickBooks support website or the QuickBooks community forum. You can also contact the QuickBooks support team by phone, chat, or email for further assistance.
