QuickBooks Error H202 is a common error experienced by Mac users. The error indicates QuickBooks Desktop cannot open the company file due to incorrect file permissions. Repairing file permissions and following other troubleshooting tips can typically resolve this error. This article outlines the main causes of the H202 error on Mac and the recommended solutions.

What Causes QuickBooks Error H202 on Mac?

The most likely causes of the QuickBooks Error CodeH202 on Mac are:

• Incorrect file permissions on the QuickBooks company file
• Hosting the company file on an unsupported network location
• Outdated or corrupted QuickBooks software installation
• Conflict with anti-virus or firewall security software

QuickBooks company files require specific permissions enabled to open and modify the data. Errors occur if these permissions are disabled or restricted. Ensuring full access to the company file for the current Mac user resolves most H202 errors.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error H202 on Mac

There are a few steps Mac users can take to troubleshoot the H202 error:

Verify File Location

The company file must be stored locally on the Mac hard drive or an internal supported network location. H202 can occur if trying to open a company file from an external drive, cloud location, or unsupported network folder. Move the company file to a supported location before attempting to open it.

Check File Permissions

Use the Get Info menu in Finder to view and modify file permissions. The user profile currently logged into the Mac should have “Read & Write” permissions enabled for the QuickBooks company file. Apply permissions if needed.

Update QuickBooks Desktop Software

An outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac can also cause a QuickBooks Error H202 error. Check for any available software updates and install the latest release. This may resolve software conflicts preventing file access.

Switch off Antivirus or Firewall Software

Security programs can sometimes interfere with QuickBooks functionality. Temporarily disable any anti-virus, firewall or endpoint protection software on your Mac. Try opening QuickBooks again to see if this was the cause of the permissions issue.

Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

If other troubleshooting steps don’t work, do a clean reinstall of QuickBooks Desktop. This will replace any missing or corrupted program files that could be preventing the software from opening the company file properly. Make sure to backup your data first before reinstalling.

Run File Doctor Tool

QuickBooks includes a utility called File Doctor that can diagnose and automatically resolve some file errors. In QuickBooks, go to Help > Run QuickBooks File Doctor and open your company file. Select “Fix File Permissions Errors” to let File Doctor reset permissions.

Contact QuickBooks Support

If you are still unable to resolve the QuickBooks Error Code H202 error through troubleshooting, reach out to QuickBooks customer support for additional assistance. They can walk through detailed diagnostics or send the file to the QuickBooks data recovery team if needed.

Tips for Preventing QuickBooks H202 Errors on Mac

Following best practices can help avoid permissions issues and Error H202 occurring in the future:

• Always keep company files on your local Mac hard drive or supported internal network location
• Backup your data regularly in case errors occur
• Install QuickBooks updates as soon as they are available
• Only open company file from one Mac at a time
• Use QuickBooks built-in tools like File Doctor regularly to detect and fix issues

QuickBooks Error H202 on Mac usually has a simple resolution like adjusting file permissions or updating the software. But if the solutions outlined don’t resolve your H202 error, leverage Intuit’s customer support options or a QuickBooks data recovery service for help restoring your company file access on Mac.