How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 & H505 (Multi-User Mode Error)
QuickBooks Error H202 occurs when QuickBooks Desktop cannot establish a connection to the company file in multi-user mode. QuickBooks Error H505 is a related hosting and network error that can prevent workstations from communicating with the computer hosting the company file. Both errors can result from incorrect hosting settings, firewall restrictions, DNS issues, or network configuration problems.
What Is QuickBooks Error H202?
QuickBooks Error H202 or H505 appears when a workstation cannot access the QuickBooks company file stored on another computer. These errors are commonly caused by hosting configuration issues, firewall blocking, DNS problems, or damaged network files.
Common Causes of QuickBooks Error H202 & H505
- Hosting enabled on multiple computers
- QuickBooks services not running on the server
- Firewall blocking QuickBooks ports
- Damaged .ND configuration file
- DNS or network communication failure
How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 or H505
Solution 1: Check Hosting Settings
On workstations, go to File → Utilities and make sure Host Multi-User Access is not selected. Only the server should host the QuickBooks company file.
Solution 2: Restart QuickBooks Services
Open Windows Services and restart QuickBooksDBXX and QBCFMonitorService.
Solution 3: Run QuickBooks File Doctor
Download QuickBooks Tool Hub and run File Doctor to check for company-file and network connectivity problems.
Solution 4: Configure Firewall Ports
Configure Windows Firewall to allow QuickBooks to communicate between the server and workstations.
- Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security on the QuickBooks server.
- Select Inbound Rules and choose New Rule.
- Select Port, then select TCP.
- Enter the QuickBooks port number required for your installed version.
- Select Allow the connection.
- Make sure the appropriate network profiles (Domain, Private, and Public) are selected.
- Give the rule a clear name, such as QuickBooks Inbound Port, and click Finish.
- Repeat the process under Outbound Rules if required.
- Restart QuickBooks and test Multi-User Mode from a workstation.
Still Getting Error H202 or H505?
Related QuickBooks Desktop Guide: Learn how to add a signature to checks in QuickBooks Desktop with our step-by-step tutorial.
Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Error H202
Why does QuickBooks show Error H202?
QuickBooks Error H202 occurs when a workstation cannot connect to the server hosting the company file in multi-user mode.
Is H202 a network error?
Yes. It indicates a network communication failure, typically caused by blocked firewall ports, incorrect hosting configurations, or disabled QuickBooks services.