QuickBooks Error H202 & H505: Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Guide

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Understanding H202 vs. H505

Error H202 indicates that a workstation can’t reach the host computer in a multi‑user setup.
Error H505 is similar but typically arises when the workstation and server have mismatched QuickBooks versions or the server isn’t properly hosting.

Both errors manifest as:

“QuickBooks is unable to open your company file. We are sorry for the inconvenience. A network error has occurred. Error H202 (or H505).”

When this happens, only the host computer can open the file; all others are blocked. Let’s fix it. If you prefer live assistance, call 877‑200‑7013 anytime.

2. Preliminary Checks

Ensure latest QuickBooks Tool Hub is installed

Download from the official Intuit site and install.

Confirm version compatibility

Workstations and host must run the same QuickBooks Desktop version.

Collect system information

Host computer name and IP address.
Windows OS versions on all machines.

3. Step 1: Configure Hosting Settings

On the Server/Host

Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to File → Utilities.
If you see Stop Hosting Multi‑User Access, leave as is.
If you see Host Multi‑User Access, click it to enable hosting.

On Each Workstation

Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to File → Utilities.
Ensure Host Multi‑User Access is NOT selected.

4. Step 2: Verify QuickBooks Services

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Find and verify two services:

QuickBooksDBXX (where XX is your version, e.g., QuickBooksDB29)
QBCFMonitorService

For each:

Ensure Startup Type is Automatic.
Service state is Running.
If not running, right‑click → Start.

5. Step 3: Firewall & Port Configuration

QuickBooks uses specific ports based on version. Open these in your Windows Firewall:

Go to Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings.
Create Inbound rules for each port (TCP).
Repeat for Outbound rules if needed.

6. Step 4: Edit the Windows Hosts File

Map the server’s IP to its computer name on each workstation.

On each workstation, open Notepad as Administrator.
Open file: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
Add a line at the end:
pgsql
CopyEdit
192.168.1.50 SERVER-NAME
(Replace with your server’s IP & name.)
Save and close.

7. Step 5: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

On the server, open QuickBooks Tool Hub → Network Issues → QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Click Scan Folders and add the folder containing your company file.
Once complete, ensure your folder shows as scanned.

8. Step 6: Test Connectivity

On a workstation, ping the server:
nginx
CopyEdit
ping 192.168.1.50
Successful replies confirm network connectivity.
In QuickBooks, go to File → Open or Restore Company → Open a company file → Network.
Select the company file from the server list.

9. Step 7: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily

Third‑party security can block QuickBooks ports. On each workstation:

Temporarily disable antivirus real‑time protection.
Test multi‑user connection.
If resolved, add QuickBooks and its ports to antivirus exceptions.

10. Step 8: Rename .ND & .TLG Files

Corrupt configuration files can cause H202/H505.

Navigate to your company file folder on the server.
Find files with extensions .ND and .TLG matching your company file name.
Rename them to CompanyFileName.nd.old and CompanyFileName.tlg.old.
QuickBooks will automatically recreate fresh versions.

11. Step 9: Repair QuickBooks Installation

On any affected machine:

Go to Control Panel → Programs & Features.
Select QuickBooks Desktop, then Uninstall/Change.
Choose Repair and follow prompts.
Restart the computer.

Alternatively, rerun the QuickBooks Tool Hub’s Program Problems fix.

12. Step 10: Update QuickBooks & Windows

QuickBooks

In QuickBooks Desktop: Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop → Update Now.
Restart after patch installation.

Windows

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Install all critical updates and reboot.

Keeping both in sync prevents port mismatches and service issues.

13. Final Verification & Best Practices

Test Multi‑User Access

Confirm multiple workstations can open the company file simultaneously.

Regularly Scan with Database Server Manager

Schedule monthly scans via Windows Task Scheduler.

Maintain Consistent Versions

When upgrading QuickBooks, update all machines within the same week.

Backup Before Major Changes

Always backup your company file before editing hosts or renaming files.

If any step feels overwhelming, call our experts at 877‑200‑7013 for guided assistance.

14. Additional Resources & Support

QuickBooks Tool Hub Download: Visit the official Intuit website.
QuickBooks Community: https://community.intuit.com
Knowledge Base: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/
Live Support: Dial 877‑200‑7013

Following this 10‑step tutorial will resolve most instances of QuickBooks Error H202 and H505, restoring reliable multi‑user access and minimizing downtime. For personalized help, remember to call 877‑200‑7013.

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