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Contents
Scope and audience……….……….…..………...3
General H202 Error Information……….………...……….….… 3
System Recommendations……….……...4
QuickBooks Multi User Mode - QuickBooks Over a Network ..……….…….…….………….4
QuickBooks – System Recommendations……….……….………..………...4
Background on H202 Errors……….………...…...…5
What is an H202 Error in QuickBooks?..……….………..…….……….5
What is Hosting in QuickBooks?……….………….………….5
Troubleshooting H202 Errors…….………..…………..……7
Incorrect Hosting Setup……….……….………..…….7
If Other Workstations Can Access the File in Multi-User Mode ……….…….….8
Check to see if a Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks Ports …….………...…….…..9
If a QuickBooks Port is Blocked, Add it to the Firewall Exception List ….………..12
If all else Fails, try Editing the Windows Hosts File. ... 14
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Scope and Audience
This document is designed to assist users with troubleshooting H202 errors and the ability to open QuickBooks company files in Multi User mode. This document will cover the basics up to more advanced troubleshooting steps in order to successfully open QuickBooks company files in Multi User mode.
General H202 Error Information
These are some of the main questions and concerns regarding H202 errors…
What’s the difference between H101, H202, H303, and H505 errors?
H101, H303, and H505 are all informational error messages, meaning, they are not actually errors, but
rather are messages stating that the Hosting is not turned on or it is turned on the workstation when it shouldn’t be. H202’s are the actual error messages that need to have additional troubleshooting done to resolve.
What is an H202 error message?
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System Recommendations
…QuickBooks Multi User Mode - QuickBooks Over a Network
If you are planning on using QuickBooks in Multi User mode over a network, you should familiarize yourself with its system requirements before deciding on which way suites you best.
If your computer falls below the below recommended requirements, using QuickBooks may have slower performance in certain parts of the program when operating over a network.
If you plan on using QuickBooks over a network, the faster your network connection to the server is (Gigabit vs. 10/100Mb), the faster ISW will be. Gigabit networks is preferred if you plan on using QuickBooks over a network due to its increased bandwidth capabilities.
…QuickBooks - System Requirements
Processor:
2.4 GHz dual core processor (AMD or Intel)
Memory (RAM):
Varies by operating system…
2 GB RAM for 32-bit operating systems
4 GB RAM for 64-bit operating systems Hard Disk Space: 2 GB of hard disk space free.
Monitor: 19" with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.
Printer: HP LaserJet 4000 Series 32 MB RAM.
CD drive: 32X CD-ROM or faster.
Internet Connection:
High-speed, such as T-1, DSL, or Cable/Broadband is required to license the software and download Web releases and Internet Updates.
Network At least a 10/100Mb LAN connection. Wireless networking is not recommended.
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Background on H202 Errors
…What is an H202 Error in QuickBooks?
The H202 error message is a general error in QuickBooks that tells the user there is a problem communication with the server that holds the QuickBooks company file. Some common causes include…
A firewall or antivirus program blocking communication (ports or TCP/IP) between the workstation and the server computer
Hosting enabled on the workstation or workstations when it should only be enabled on the server
Incorrect setup of the QuickBooks Database Manager and its services
Network related issues (DNS, router firewall, incorrect domain settings, etc)
…What is Hosting in QuickBooks?
Hosting means that the computer you are on is set as the “QuickBooks server” or in other words, the computer that physically holds the company file. Every workstation that has QuickBooks installed has the ability to turn hosting on or off.
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QuickBooks List of Ports to Allow through Firewall
…Ports to Allow through Firewall/Antivirus
Here are the common ports that QuickBooks uses to communicate across a network. Adding these ports to your exception list is the most common resolution to H202 errors.
Program Common Ports Year Specific Ports (Range)
QuickBooks 2010 8019 and 56720 55338, 55339, 55340, 55341, 55342, 55343 QuickBooks 2009 8019 and 56719 55333, 55334, 55335, 55336, and 55337 QuickBooks 2008 N/A 10181 QuickBooks 2007 N/A 10171
…Executable’s to Allow through Firewall/Antivirus
These are the list of executable that QuickBooks needs to access company files across a network. It is
extremely rare to ever have to exclude these, but in the event adding ports does not work, here are the ones to add to your exception list.
AutoBackupExe.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] Dbmlsync.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] DBManagerExe.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] FileManagement.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] FileMovementExe.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] IntuitSyncManager.exe located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync
QBCFMonitorService.exe located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks QBDBMgrN.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
QBGDSPlugin.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version] QBLaunch.exe located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBServerUtilityMgr.exe located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks QBW32.exe located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
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Troubleshooting H202 Errors
…Check Hosting on the Workstations
One of the most common causes of an H202 error, is hosting is set to enabled on the workstation or workstations. Check each workstation for hosting by doing the following…
1. On each workstation, open QuickBooks and click on the File menu at the top.
2. Choose Utilities and then see what it says about Hosting. If it says Stop Hosting Multi-Use Access, click it to disable hosting on the workstation. After you check each workstation, attempt to open QuickBooks in Multi-User mode.
Hosting Turned On – Stop Hosting Multi-User Access
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…If Other Workstations Can Access the File in Multi-User Mode
The very next thing to check is to see if other computers in your network can open the file in Multi-User mode. This is an important step because if another computer can open the file in Multi-User mode then the problem most likely exists on the workstation that gets the H202 message, not the server.
Here are a few reasons why only one workstation may not be able to open the file in Multi-User mode:
Local Firewall/Antivirus program interfering with communication between the problem workstation and the server.
Hosting enabled on the problem workstation.
Problem workstation needing a reboot or possible 3rd party program interfering.
If all the computers cannot access the file in Multi-User mode, then it is time to go to the server and check for proper setup.
…If All Workstations Cannot Access the File in Multi-User Mode
If more than one workstation cannot open the file in Multi-User mode, then it is time to go to the server. You will need to be able to login to the server directly or remote into it via remote desktop connection.
Once in front or logged into the server, check to see if you can open up the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
1. Click the Start menu, choose All Programs, QuickBooks, and click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
9 | P a g e 3. Next, click the Database Server tab and make sure the status field says RUNNING.
4. If the service is RUNNING, then proceed to step 5 below. If the service says STOPPED, you will need to enable it by doing the following:
a. Hold down the Windows key and press R (Windows + R) to bring up the run box. b. Type services.msc and press Enter.
c. Scroll down the services window, and look for QuickBooksDBxx (xx represents the year of QB).
d. Ensure that the service is started like it is above. If it is not, double-click the service, make sure the startup type is set to Automatic and then click the Start button.
5. If the QuickBooksDBxx service is running like it is in the above picture, the next step is to check the firewall settings for QB ports being blocked.
…Check to see if a Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks Ports
The next step if the Database Manager is setup properly is to check for the QuickBooks ports being blocked or a 3rd party firewall/antivirus blocking communication from the workstation to the server for QuickBooks. There are three ways to check to see if the QuickBooks ports are being blocked.
1. Check the event viewer for a GetServerPort Failed IP error message 2. Run a telnet command to test each port
10 | P a g e Option 1: Check the Event Viewer
1. Go to the problem workstation and try to open the company file in multi-user mode. If you get the H202 error message, close QuickBooks.
2. Open the Start menu and choose Control Panel.
3. Go into Administrative Tools and double-click on Event Viewer. 4. Expand the Windows Logs column, choose Application tab on the left.
5. Look for any red QuickBooks errors, such as below.
6. Now, double-click each red QuickBooks error, and this is what it will look like…
- If it says “An unexpected error has occurred in “QuickBooks””: Returning NULL QBWInstance Handle, then this is normal and nothing to worry about.
11 | P a g e 7. Check the next error, and look for something in the log that says GetServerPort Failed IP xxx.xx.xx.x (ip address)” such as below…
8. If you see GetServerPort Failed IP in the event viewer, then that indicates that there is a firewall/antivirus program blocking communication.
Option 2: Telnet the QuickBooks Ports
See this PDF file regarding how to use telnet to test ports.
Option 3: Run the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool
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…If a QuickBooks Port is Blocked, Add it to the Firewall Exception List
If you have determined that a QB port is being blocked, you will need to add the port to the firewall’s exception list.
Background: The Windows Firewall that comes preinstalled with all versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7
has been known to require the ports being added to it in order for multi-user mode to work with QuickBooks. Even if you disable the windows firewall, it is still possible it can be blocking communication with QuickBooks. If you use the Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, or Windows 7 Firewall:
1. Click the Start menu and choose Control Panel. 2. Double-click on Windows Firewall.
3. Click Advanced Settings on the left of the Firewall window. 4. Right-click on Inbound Rules on the left and choose New Rule.
5. Choose Port and click on Next.
13 | P a g e 7. Make sure Allow the Connection is selected and click on Next.
8. Click on Next on the profile screen, making sure all three boxes are selected. 9. In the name box, call it qb ports and no description, then click on Finish.
These steps will need to be repeated on any Windows Vista or Windows 7 workstation as well as Windows Server 2008. After this is completed, you should be able to open QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
For Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Firewall: 1. Click the Start menu and choose Control Panel. 2. Double-click on Windows Firewall.
3. Click the Exceptions tab. 4. Click the Add Port button.
5. In the Add a Port box, type in both the name and port number field, type 8019 and make sure it is set to TCP and click Ok.
14 | P a g e For 3rd Party Firewalls/Hardware Firewalls:
If you have a 3rd party firewall (Symantec, Trend Micro, Cisco Hardware Firewall, etc) and you receive an H202 error and have tried the above troubleshooting, you may need to add the following to the programs exception list.
See Page 6 above for the complete list of ports and possible executable’s to add to the firewall exception list.
…If all else Fails, try Editing the Windows Hosts File
If you have attempted all of the steps above, in worst case scenarios there is another way to bypass the H202 error. It has to do with editing the Windows Hosts file.
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