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.
