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How to Easily Fix QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Error Code H202 Windows 11

Mark Jessie
QuickBooks Desktop
July 7, 2023

Many businesses around the globe rely on QuickBooks for their financial and accounting operations. However, as with any software, users may encounter certain technical issues. One such error is QuickBooks 2023 Error H202, which users frequently face. Let’s dive into understanding this error and finding ways to troubleshoot it.


What is QuickBooks 2023 Error Code H202 Windows 11?


QuickBooks 2023 error H202 is a common problem that users encounter when trying to switch to multi-user mode. This error is often accompanied by a message indicating that the workstation can’t communicate with the company file on the server. This error can occur in various versions of QuickBooks, including QuickBooks 2022 error H202 and its predecessors, regardless of the operating system being Windows 10 or Windows 11.


What are the Reasons for QuickBooks 2023 Error H202?


Understanding the reasons behind QuickBooks 2023 error H202 is crucial to resolving the issue effectively. Here are twenty reasons that could lead to this error:


  1. Incorrect hosting configuration.
  2. Firewall settings block access to the company file.
  3. DNS server settings are incorrect.
  4. QuickBooks Database Server Manager can’t find the IP address of the host system or using a different IP address.
  5. The .ND (Network Descriptor) file is damaged or incorrect.
  6. Conflict with VPN software if the connection type is OVPN.
  7. QuickBooks services, like QuickBooksDBXX/QBCFMonitor, are not running.
  8. The server’s full computer name is unresolvable.
  9. Windows hosts file is corrupted.
  10. QuickBooks data file is damaged.
  11. Incorrect settings of data sync software.
  12. A problem with the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  13. Issues with internal QuickBooks or company file communications.
  14. IP address conflict.
  15. Third-party firewall settings are incorrect.
  16. The server for the QuickBooks data file is not available.
  17. A mismatch between the server and QuickBooks workstation.
  18. Improper QuickBooks installation.
  19. Conflict with other applications.
  20. The network file (.nd) configuration is incorrect.

Signs of QuickBooks 2022 Error H202


Here are fifteen signs that you’ve encountered QuickBooks error H202, be it in QuickBooks 2023, QuickBooks 2022, or any version, and irrespective of whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11:


  1. An error message pops up indicating the issue.
  2. QuickBooks hangs or responds slowly.
  3. The system frequently crashes with an error message on the screen.
  4. The active program window crashes when the error appears.
  5. QuickBooks freezes momentarily.
  6. Keyboard and mouse inputs become sluggish.
  7. A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.
  8. The computer occasionally ‘freezes’ for a few seconds at a time.
  9. You’re unable to access the company file.
  10. QuickBooks fails to switch to multi-user mode.
  11. There’s a delay in saving transactions.
  12. QuickBooks cannot open the company file located on another computer.
  13. You cannot connect to the server.
  14. QuickBooks software closes unexpectedly.
  15. Your PC operates sluggishly and responds slowly to the mouse or keyboard input.

Troubleshooting Steps for Error Code H202 in QuickBooks 2023 Windows 10


QuickBooks 2023 error H202, or the QuickBooks 2022 error, can be tackled with a variety of solutions. Here are fifteen solutions to help resolve this problem:


Step 1: Download and Use the QuickBooks File Doctor


QuickBooks File Doctor is a built-in repair tool in QuickBooks that helps to resolve several errors, including QuickBooks 2023 H202 error. After downloading it, the tool will diagnose and rectify the problems it identifies within your QuickBooks files.


Note: Make sure you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks File Doctor.


  1. Visit the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks File Doctor.
  2. Install the tool and run it on your computer.
  3. Select your company file that needs to be fixed from the drop-down menu.
  4. Choose the option ‘Check File Damage Only,’ and then click on ‘Diagnose File.’
  5. Follow the prompts and allow the tool to fix the issue.

Step 2: Verify Hosting on Your Computers


To resolve QuickBooks Desktop H202 Error, you need to ensure that only one server or computer is hosting the company file. Multiple hosting can lead to H202 errors.


Note: Always remember that the server computer should be the only system set to host the mode.


  1. Open QuickBooks and click on the ‘File’ menu.
  2. Go to ‘Utilities’ and if you see ‘Host Multi-User Access,’ it means this computer is not hosting the file. Move to the next computer.
  3. If you see ‘Stop Hosting Multi-User Access,’ select it and follow the prompts to turn off hosting.

Step 3:  Check QuickBooks Services


Ensure that QuickBooks services such as QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitor Service are running. If they aren’t, the H202 error may occur.


Note: It’s essential to check these services on the server computer.


  1. Open the ‘Run’ window, type in ‘services.msc’ and press ‘Enter.’
  2. Look for ‘QuickBooksDBXX’ in the services list.
  3. Double-click it, ensure the startup type is ‘Automatic,’ and the service status is ‘Running.’
  4. Repeat the process for ‘QBCFMonitorService.’

Step 4: Open the Network Ports QuickBooks Uses to Transmit Data


QuickBooks requires certain specific network ports to send data. If these ports are blocked, QuickBooks 2023 H202 error can occur.


Note: You must log in as an Administrator to perform these steps.


  1. Open the Windows Firewall settings on your computer.
  2. Go to ‘Advanced Settings.’
  3. Right-click ‘Inbound Rules,’ and select ‘New Rule.’
  4. Select ‘Port,’ and then ‘Next.’
  5. Ensure ‘TCP’ is selected and enter the specific ports needed for your QuickBooks version.
  6. Click ‘Next,’ then ‘Allow the Connection,’ and ‘Next’ again.
  7. Name the rule, for example, ‘QBPorts,’ and click ‘Finish.’

Step 5: Add QuickBooks to Your Firewall’s Exception List


Sometimes, the firewall may block QuickBooks, leading to QuickBooks Desktop H202 error. Adding QuickBooks to the firewall’s exception list can resolve this.


Note: Steps can vary based on your firewall version.


  1. Open your firewall application.
  2. Look for the settings or menu that allows you to make exceptions.
  3. Add ‘QuickBooks’ to the exceptions list.

Step 6: Create a New Folder for Your Company File and Share It


Creating a new shared folder for your company file can help to resolve the H202 error.


Note: You need to have Windows admin rights to perform these steps.


  1. On the hosting computer, create a new folder in the local C drive.
  2. Share the new folder and set up Windows access permissions to share company files.
  3. Copy the QuickBooks Database (QBW) file to the new folder.

Step 7: Switch to Hosting Local and Remote Files Mode


Switching the hosting mode can often resolve the H202 error.


  1. On the affected workstation, press ‘F2’ to open the Product Information window.
  2. Press ‘F3’ to open the Tech Help window.
  3. Click ‘Open File’ in the tab, then ‘QBUser.ini’ file.
  4. Add ‘USERINIT=Y’ to the last line, then ‘Save and Close.’

Note :- For QBO migration read QuickBooks Data Migration Services


Step 8: Restart Your Computer


Often, the simplest solution like restarting your computer can resolve issues such as the QuickBooks 2023 H202 error. A restart can reset the network and allow QuickBooks to connect properly.


Note: Save any open work before restarting to avoid losing any unsaved data.


  1. Click the Windows ‘Start’ button.
  2. Select the ‘Power’ button and choose ‘Restart.’

Step 9: Repair Your QuickBooks Installation


If QuickBooks files are damaged or corrupted, repairing the QuickBooks installation can help.


Note: You must be logged in as an Administrator to perform these steps.


  1. Close QuickBooks and go to ‘Control Panel.’
  2. Click ‘Programs and Features.’
  3. Select QuickBooks from the list and click ‘Repair.’
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.

Step 10: Check if the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is Running Correctly


The QuickBooks Database Server Manager is a tool that lets users share company files with other computers over their network. If it isn’t running correctly, you may encounter QuickBooks Desktop H202 error.



Note: This should be checked on the server computer.


  1. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  2. Check if your company file appears.
  3. If it doesn’t, browse to locate your company file and then scan.

Step 11: Ping Your Server from Your Workstation


This will help determine if your workstation can communicate with your server, which is crucial for QuickBooks to function correctly.


Note: You will need to know your server’s name for this step.


  1. Press Windows key + R, type ‘cmd’, and press Enter.
  2. Type ‘ping [servername]’ and press Enter. Make sure to replace [servername] with the name of your server.

Step 12: Use the Network Diagnostic Tool


The Network Diagnostic Tool is designed to identify and resolve network issues that can cause the H202 error.


Note: This tool should be run on the server computer.


  1. Download and install the Network Diagnostic Tool.
  2. Run the tool and take note of the results.

Step 13: Delete and Recreate the .ND File


The .ND file allows QuickBooks to access a company file in a network or multi-user environment. If this file is damaged, you might encounter the H202 error.


Note: You should always make a backup of your .ND file before making any changes.


  1. Open the folder containing your company file.
  2. Locate the corresponding .ND file.
  3. Right-click the .ND file and select ‘Delete.’
  4. Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager and rescan your folder.

Step 14: Assign a New Windows User


Windows profile issues can cause the H202 error. Assigning a new Windows user account may help to resolve it.

Note: You need administrative rights to perform these steps.


  1. Go to ‘Control Panel’ and select ‘User Accounts.’
  2. Click ‘Manage another account’ and then ‘Create a new account.’
  3. Name the account, assign it as an Administrator, and create a password.

Step 15: Install and Run the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool


The QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool can help detect and fix issues related to the network and company file.

Note: The tool is designed for QuickBooks 2023 and older versions running on Microsoft Windows.


  1. Download the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.
  2. Install and run the tool.
  3. Follow the prompts to scan and fix any identified issues.

In Conclusion


Dealing with QuickBooks 2023 error H202 can be daunting, especially when you need to focus on your business operations. Whether you’re encountering the QuickBooks 2023 error H202 Windows 11 or the QuickBooks 2023 error H202 Windows 10, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent potential business disruptions.


While the above-mentioned troubleshooting steps can be highly effective, it’s always advisable to seek expert help if you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing these actions. If you’re unable to resolve the QuickBooks error H202 Windows 10, or the QuickBooks error H202 Windows 11, consider getting professional assistance.


For comprehensive support and immediate assistance, you can contact Quick4Support at +1 888-538-1314. The team comprises experts who can help you solve not only Error code H202 QuickBooks 2023 but also a wide array of other QuickBooks-related issues. Their assistance will ensure minimal downtime and let you get back to managing your business operations smoothly.