QuickBooks Error H202 is one of the most common issues users face when trying to switch from single-user mode to multi-user mode. This error indicates that QuickBooks Desktop is unable to communicate with the company file stored on the server. If you are experiencing this problem, don’t worry—you can fix it quickly using QuickBooks Tool Hub and a few manual troubleshooting techniques. For instant assistance, call 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988, or connect through the QuickBooks support number, QuickBooks customer service number, QuickBooks payroll support number, or other helplines listed below.
QuickBooks Error H202 appears when you try to open a company file located on a different computer (server), and QuickBooks cannot reach the file due to network or configuration issues. This error typically appears with the message:
“You are trying to work with a company file that is located on another computer, and QuickBooks cannot reach the server.”
This issue usually involves network blockage, missing hosting settings, damaged services, or DNS problems. If you’re stuck, call 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988 for support through the QuickBooks support phone number or QuickBooks desktop support number.
Understanding the cause helps you select the right fix. Here are the most common reasons:
Incorrect hosting configuration
QuickBooks services (QBCFMonitorService, QuickBooksDBXX) not running
Firewall blocking QuickBooks communication
Damaged or incorrect DNS settings
Network issues preventing server access
Unable to ping the server
Workstations set as “host” instead of server
If the issue looks complex, you can reach out via the QuickBooks enterprise support number or the QuickBooks customer support number at 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988.
QuickBooks Tool Hub is Intuit’s official utility that repairs network issues, installation problems, and multi-user errors including H202. Follow these steps:
Close QuickBooks Desktop on all systems.
Visit the official Intuit website and download QuickBooks Tool Hub (latest version).
Open the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
Follow on-screen installation instructions.
Open the tool from your desktop icon once installed.
If you need help installing Tool Hub, contact the QuickBooks customer service number at 1-888-394-9046.
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Select Network Issues from the left menu.
Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Browse your company file folder.
Click Start Scan.
The tool automatically fixes hosting, permissions, and firewall issues responsible for Error H202.
If the problem continues, call 1-866-596-1988, the QuickBooks support number for multi-user repair.
In QuickBooks Tool Hub, open the Company File Issues tab.
Select Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
Choose your company file and enter your admin credentials.
Let the tool repair the file and network connection.
QuickBooks File Doctor often resolves H-series errors, especially if caused by network or database corruption.
If QuickBooks Tool Hub doesn’t fully fix the issue, use these advanced manual solutions.
Hosting must be enabled only on the server computer, not workstations.
Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to File > Utilities.
If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, DO NOT click it.
If you see Host Multi-User Access, select it.
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Utilities.
Ensure Stop Hosting Multi-User Access is visible (this means hosting is active).
Incorrect hosting frequently triggers Error H202.
If this is confusing, connect to support at 1-888-394-9046, your QuickBooks customer support number.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Find QuickBooksDBXX (XX = version year).
Right-click → Restart.
Set Startup Type to Automatic.
Repeat the same steps for QBCFMonitorService.
These services support multi-user mode. If they stop, your workstation loses connection to the server and triggers H202.
For help restarting services, call the QuickBooks desktop support number 1-866-596-1988.
Blocked ports can prevent QuickBooks from connecting in multi-user mode.
QuickBooks 2024 → 8019, 56728
QuickBooks 2023 → 8019, 56727
QuickBooks 2022 → 8019, 56726
QuickBooks 2021 → 8019, 56725
Open Control Panel.
Go to Firewall → Advanced Settings.
Create Inbound Rules and Outbound Rules for each port.
Firewall modifications often resolve Error H202 instantly.
If not, reach the QuickBooks support phone number at 1-888-394-9046.
Press Windows + R, type cmd, hit Enter.
Type:
ping [server_name]
If you get timed-out responses, your network is blocking communication.
Poor network connectivity is a primary trigger for QuickBooks Error H202.
For network troubleshooting support, call 1-866-596-1988, the official QuickBooks enterprise support number.
Open Notepad as Administrator.
Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
Open the hosts file.
Add:
[Server_IP] [Server_Name]
Save the file.
Adjusting the hosts file helps QuickBooks locate the server.
Create a new folder on the server.
Give it full access permissions.
Copy the company file (.QBW) into it.
Try opening the file in multi-user mode.
This fix helps if the original folder had damaged or incorrect permissions.
Open Control Panel.
Go to Programs & Features.
Select QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Uninstall/Change → Repair.
Repairing QuickBooks installs missing components required for multi-user functioning.
If you need help repairing your QuickBooks software, call 1-888-394-9046, your QuickBooks premier support number.
Once all fixes are applied:
Open QuickBooks on the server.
Go to File > Switch to Multi-User Mode.
Ensure all users can open the company file from their workstations.
If the issue persists, contact 1-866-596-1988, the trusted QuickBooks payroll support number for technical assistance.
How QuickBooks Tool Hub Helps Fix Error H202 Automatically
QuickBooks Tool Hub simplifies technical troubleshooting by automating fixes like:
Repairing damaged network files
Correcting hosting settings
Opening firewall ports
Restarting QuickBooks services
Scanning company file locations
These automated features often fix QuickBooks Error H202 within minutes, especially if the issue is related to hosting or permissions.
For expert guidance, call 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988, the official QuickBooks customer service number and QuickBooks support number.
How to Prevent QuickBooks Error H202 in the Future
To avoid recurring multi-user issues:
Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated
Maintain a stable and secure network
Do not host the company file on multiple systems
Configure firewall and antivirus exceptions
Regularly restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager
Perform weekly database maintenance with QuickBooks Tool Hub
If you need continuous support, the QuickBooks support phone number, QuickBooks desktop support number, and QuickBooks enterprise support number are always available at 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988.
When You Should Call QuickBooks Support
If you have tried all the fixes above and still experience:
QuickBooks stuck in single-user mode
Cannot open company file on server
Frequent H202 or H505 errors
Multi-user disconnecting repeatedly
Database Server Manager not running
Then it’s best to call QuickBooks technical experts. You can use any of the following helplines:
Or directly dial:
📞 1-888-394-9046
📞 1-866-596-1988
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error H202 is a common multi-user issue, but it can be resolved quickly using QuickBooks Tool Hub and manual troubleshooting methods. By repairing network settings, adjusting hosting configurations, restarting database services, and applying firewall rules, you can restore seamless access to your company file.
For fast, expert, and reliable assistance, call 1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988—your trusted QuickBooks support number and QuickBooks customer service number for resolving all QuickBooks Desktop errors.