QuickBooks Error H202 is a multi-user mode error that occurs when QuickBooks Desktop is unable to establish a connection with the company file in multi-user mode. This issue commonly arises when a workstation fails to communicate with the server hosting the company file. The error message typically states, "You are trying to work with a company file that is located on another computer, and this copy of QuickBooks cannot reach the server on that computer."

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to fix QuickBooks Error H202:

Step 1: Verify Network Connectivity

Ensure that your network is properly set up, and the workstations can communicate with the server hosting the company file.

• Ping the Server:
• Open the Command Prompt on the workstation.
• Type ping [server name] and press Enter.
• Check for responses to verify network connectivity.
• Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
• Install and run QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server.
• Scan the folder containing your company file.

Step 2: Check Hosting Settings

Verify that the server is correctly set up to host the company file.

• Host Multi-User Access:
• Open quickbooks desktop pro 2024 on the server computer.
• Go to "File" "Utilities" and ensure "Host Multi-User Access" is selected.
• If "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access" is an option, select it and then choose "Host Multi-User Access" again.
• QuickBooks Services:
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Look for services starting with "QuickBooksDB" and ensure they are running.

Step 3: Verify Firewall and Security Settings

Firewall or security software may block communication between workstations and the server.

• Configure Firewall Settings:
• Adjust firewall settings to allow QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 Download communication.
• Add exceptions for QuickBooks executable files.
• Security Software:
• Temporarily disable security software to check if it is causing the issue.
• If disabling resolves the problem, configure the security software to allow QuickBooks.

Step 4: Check Hosts File on Workstations

The hosts file can be a potential source of connection issues.

• Edit Hosts File:
• Open Notepad as an administrator.
• Open the hosts file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
• Ensure there are no entries related to the server's IP and name.
• Save and close the file.

Step 5: Use the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool

Intuit provides the Install QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 Connection Diagnostic Tool, a free tool designed to troubleshoot network and multi-user issues.

• Download and Install the Tool:
• Download the tool from the official Intuit website.
• Install and run the tool.
• Follow on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix connectivity issues.

Step 6: Verify QuickBooks Services

Ensure that QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 are running on the server.

• Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
• Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager on the server.
• Scan the folder containing the company file.
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Ensure services starting with "QuickBooksDB" are running.

Step 7: Create a New Folder for Your Company File

Creating a new folder on the server and copying the company file into it can sometimes resolve H202 errors.

• Create a New Folder:
• On the server, create a new folder.
• Copy the company file (.qbw) to the new folder.
• Open Company File:
• Open QuickBooks and choose "Open or Restore an Existing Company."
• Navigate to the new folder and open the company file.

Step 8: Reconfigure QuickBooks Database Server Manager

• Run QuickBooks Database Server Manager:
• On the server, open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Select "Scan Folders" and add the folder containing the company file.
• Click "Scan" to ensure the company file is accessible.
• Configure Multi-User Mode:
• Open QuickBooks on the server.
• Go to "File" "Utilities" and select "Host Multi-User Access."

Step 9: Test with a Local Copy of the Company File

Copying the company file to a workstation and testing it locally can help identify whether the issue is with the server or the workstation.

• Copy the Company File:
• Copy the company file to a local workstation.
• Attempt to open it using QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 on the workstation.
• Isolate the Issue:
• If the company file opens on the workstation, the issue may be with the server configuration.
• If the error persists, the workstation may need further troubleshooting.

Step 10: Recreate Network Data (.ND) and Transaction Log (.TLG) Files

Corrupted Network Data (.ND) or Transaction Log (.TLG) files can cause H202 errors.

• Locate .ND and .TLG Files:
• In the company file location, find files with the same name as your company file but with .ND and .TLG extensions.
• Rename Files:
• Rename both files by adding ".OLD" to the end (e.g., company_file.qbw.nd becomes company_file.qbw.nd.OLD).
• QuickBooks will automatically recreate these files when you open the company file.

Step 11: Seek Professional Help

If none of the above steps resolves QuickBooks Error H202, consider seeking help from QuickBooks support or a certified QuickBooks professional. Complex network configurations may require specialized assistance.