QuickBooks is the most effective software for every business to manage its finances, issue invoices, process payroll, and many more. Similar to other software, no one is an exception. One of the most recurrent errors encountered by users who use QuickBooks is Error Code H202. This mostly happens when QuickBooks fails to access the company file due to network problems or system misconfigurations. If you ever came across this error, then you are not alone and in the least bit, fortunately, it can be solved with some very simple troubleshooting steps.
What is QuickBooks Error Code H202?
QuickBooks Error H202 mostly occurs when QuickBooks attempts to access a company file that is kept on another computer in multi-user configurations. One may also experience this when QuickBooks cannot reach the server hosting one's company file. The error message normally contains the following phrase or similar saying:
"QuickBooks cannot open the company file. The file is located on another computer, and QuickBooks needs a little assistance connecting."
How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Code H202
Now that we know what could be the possible cause of the issue for QuickBooks Error Code H202, let's go through some troubleshooting steps to resolve the error after knowing the possible cause of QuickBooks Error Code H202.
Step 1: Ensure QuickBooks is in Multi-User Mode
QuickBooks Error H202 usually arises in a multi-user configuration. First, however, make sure that QuickBooks is operating in the correct mode on all computers.
● Open File > Switch to Multi-user Mode. If you already are in multi-user mode, try changing back to Single-user Mode then back to Multi-user Mode.
Step 2: Check Hosting Settings
Verify that QuickBooks is properly configured to be hosted. To do this, you must configure hosting on the computer which hosts the company file. If not, you will not be able to open the company file.
● Open QuickBooks on the computer hosting the company file.
● File > Utilities. Select Host Multi-user Setup, if it's available. Otherwise, hosting is already set up right.
If hosting is enabled but still you get error H202, you might need to disable hosting on other machines and keep it enabled only on the server on which the company file resides.
Step 3: Check Network Connectivity
QuickBooks needs a stable network connection to access the company file from other systems. Typically, if your network connection is a problem, you would have Error H202.
● All computers in the QuickBooks multi-user setup must be accessing the same network, or network stability must be assured.
● If it is a Wi-Fi connection, try switching to a wired one for increased stability of the connection.
● Check if your server, where your company file is located, is live and accessible.
Step 4: Disable the antivirus or firewall.
There could be your antivirus or firewall blocking the company file access. Temporarily disable the antivirus or firewall on both the server and the client computer to check if this causes the problem.
● If the error disappears when the firewall or antivirus is disabled, you’ll need to configure your firewall to allow QuickBooks through.
● For QuickBooks, the following ports have to be open:
● TCP Port 8019
● UDP Port 56727
● TCP Ports 55363-55366
Check your firewall documentation or contact QuickBooks support for instructions on how to set them up.
Step 5: Upgrade QuickBooks.
An outdated version of QuickBooks may cause incompatibility with the error code H202. Always check that your QuickBooks is updated:
● Open QuickBooks.
● Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
● Accept download and install the latest updates prompted for.
Step 6: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
Quickly, this tool diagnoses file problems or errors and even repairs the company file. In more specific terms, this diagnostic tool may be helpful in correcting network-related errors as the possible causes of Error H202.
● First, if you haven't downloaded and installed the QuickBooks Tool Hub yet, do that first.
● Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub and click Company File Issues.
● Under that, select Run QuickBooks File Doctor and choose your company file. Let it scan through and correct the problems. Most probably, all hidden causes of the error will be corrected.
Step 7: Check DNS Settings
Another source of Incorrect DNS is QuickBooks Error H202. Checking and resetting DNS on your computer may correct the error.
● Open your Control Panel then click Network and Sharing Center.
● Select your network connection and click on Properties.
● Scroll over Internet Protocol Version 4, check it, and click on Properties.
● Ensure Obtain an IP address automatically is checked as well as Obtain DNS server address automatically.
Step 8: Reset Your Networks
After all the troubleshooting has been done, normally, you should restart all the systems within that particular work such as the server and the client computers to handle the residual issues after the troubleshooting and apply the changes that you have made.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error H202 is one of those frustrating things you want to get over and done with so you can finish the task at hand. Hopefully, though, following the steps above will get your problem resolved, and you'll likely get back to using QuickBooks pretty smoothly from here. If you're not successful after completing these steps, you may want to call QuickBooks Enterprise Technical Support experts at 1-888-368-8874 or an IT professional for further assistance. With the right approach, you would now correct the error and go on to run your business finances uninterrupted.
