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QuickBooks Error H202 typically occurs when you're trying to access a company file located on another computer, but QuickBooks is unable to establish a connection to the database. This issue usually arises in a multi-user mode setup, where the company file is stored on a server or another computer on the network. The error message may read something like:

"Error H202: QuickBooks is unable to open the company file. This may be caused by a network issue or the computer hosting the company file is offline."

Here are several effective ways to resolve QuickBooks Error H202:

1. Check the Server Computer’s Hosting Settings

QuickBooks requires the host computer (where the company file is stored) to be set up as a host for the database. If the host computer isn’t properly configured to allow multi-user access, you’ll get the H202 error.

Steps to Check Hosting Settings:

1. On the computer where the company file is stored (host computer), open QuickBooks.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. Check if Host Multi-User Mode is enabled:
   • If it says Stop Hosting Multi-User Mode, this computer is set up as the host.
   • If it says Host Multi-User Mode, select that option.
4. If it was already in Host mode, try switching to Single-User Mode and then back to Multi-User Mode.

2. Ensure the Database Server Manager is Installed

QuickBooks Database Server Manager (DSM) is a tool that allows multi-user access to the company file. If this tool is missing or not working, you’ll see Error H202.

Steps to Reinstall QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

1. On the server or host computer, close QuickBooks.
2. Go to the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Locate QuickBooks, click on it, and then select Uninstall/Change.
4. Select Modify and ensure Database Server Manager is checked for installation.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the installation and restart the computer.

3. Check Firewall and Security Settings

The error might be caused by firewall or security software blocking QuickBooks’ ability to communicate over the network.

Steps to Check and Configure Firewall:

1. Disable any third-party firewall software temporarily to see if it’s causing the issue.
2. Open Windows Firewall and ensure the following QuickBooks ports are open:
   • Port 8019
   • Port 56728
   • Port 55353–55356
3. If you use third-party antivirus/firewall software, consult the software documentation to configure the firewall to allow QuickBooks network traffic.

Steps to Add QuickBooks to the Firewall Exceptions List:

1. Open Windows Firewall from the Control Panel.
2. Select Advanced Settings.
3. Click on Inbound Rules, then New Rule.
4. Choose Port and specify the ports QuickBooks uses (e.g., 8019, 56728).
5. Follow the prompts to complete the rule setup.

4. Verify the Company File Location

Make sure the company file is properly located on the host computer and is accessible over the network.

Steps to Verify the Company File:

1. On the host computer, navigate to the folder where the company file (.QBW) is stored.
2. Check if the .QBW file is accessible from other computers on the network.
3. Ensure the company file is not corrupted (you can try opening it locally on the host machine).
4. If the file is on a network drive, ensure the drive is mapped correctly on all computers trying to access it.

5. Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager Tool

If the database server manager tool isn't working correctly, you may need to run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager (DSM) tool.

Steps to Run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager:

1. On the host computer (server), close QuickBooks.
2. Go to Start and search for QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
3. Launch the Database Server Manager tool.
4. Click Scan Folders, and select the folder where your company file is stored.
5. Once scanning is complete, restart both the host and client computers.

6. Ensure Proper User Permissions

QuickBooks may encounter an H202 error if user permissions on the network or the company file are not configured correctly.

Steps to Verify User Permissions:

1. On the host computer, navigate to the folder containing the company file.
2. Right-click the folder, and select Properties.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Ensure the user account that QuickBooks uses (and other users) has Full Control permissions for the folder.
5. After making changes, click Apply, then OK.

7. Check for DNS or Hosting Issues

In some cases, DNS (Domain Name System) issues or host-related issues can block QuickBooks from connecting to the company file.

Steps to Verify DNS Settings:

1. Open Command Prompt (type cmd in the Windows search box and press Enter).
2. Type ping [hostname or IP address of the server] and press Enter.
3. If you receive a response from the server, the network connection is working. If you get a timeout or error, there’s a networking issue that needs to be resolved.
4. You can also check that the Server Name in QuickBooks is correct by going to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Mode on the server computer.

8. Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

QuickBooks offers a tool called File Doctor that can help diagnose and fix network and company file issues.

Steps to Run QuickBooks File Doctor:

1. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub from the QuickBooks website.
2. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub and click on Network Issues.
3. Select QuickBooks File Doctor and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Let the tool diagnose and fix any issues related to your QuickBooks company file.

9. Verify Your Network Connection

QuickBooks Error H202 often occurs when there is an issue with the network connection between computers.

Steps to Check Your Network:

1. Ensure all computers are connected to the same network.
2. Verify that the host computer is properly set up and accessible from other machines.
3. If using a Wi-Fi network, try connecting with a wired connection to improve reliability.

10. Restart Your Computer and QuickBooks

After completing the troubleshooting steps above, restart all computers involved in the multi-user setup, including the host computer and all client machines. Then, reopen QuickBooks and try accessing the company file again.

When to Contact QuickBooks Support:

If you’ve gone through all these steps and the H202 error persists, it may be time to reach out to QuickBooks Support for assistance. They can provide more detailed troubleshooting based on your network setup and configuration.
Dial : @+1-844-266-9345. 

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error H202 and get your multi-user environment back to normal.