How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12038 (When Installing the Updates)

QuickBooks Error 12038 is an update-related issue that appears when the software fails to download or install the latest version. It usually occurs due to incorrect system date and time, misconfigured internet settings, or interference from firewall or antivirus software. Having multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) on the same system can also lead to this error, interrupting the update process and preventing smooth software performance.

Before applying fixes, users should ensure certain prerequisites like admin access, a stable internet connection, and proper system time settings. Early signs include update failures, repeated error prompts, or freezing during the update process. Check out these 7 solutions to QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038 quickly and effectively.

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop to Latest Release

Using the latest QuickBooks release removes outdated files and fixes known bugs that may trigger error 12038. Here are the steps to fix the solution and update QuickBooks properly.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.
• Click on the Help menu in the top menu bar.
• Select Update QuickBooks Desktop from the dropdown options.

• Go to the Update Now tab in the window that appears.
• Check the box next to Reset Update to remove old update files.
• Click on Get Updates to start downloading the latest release.
• Wait until the update download completes fully.
• Close and reopen QuickBooks when prompted.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the updates.
• Recheck QuickBooks to see if the error still appears.

Solution 2: Update Multiple QuickBooks Versions Installed

Having multiple QuickBooks versions can confuse update services and lead to error 12038. Check out these steps to update all versions and prevent update conflicts.

• Go to the official QuickBooks Downloads and Updates page.
• Select your Country from the available options.
• Choose the correct Product from the list.
• Select the appropriate Version of QuickBooks installed on your system.
• Click on the Search button to view available updates.

• Click on Get the Latest Updates to download the most recent release.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
• Repeat these steps for each version of QuickBooks installed on your computer.
• Restart your system and open QuickBooks to check for errors.

Solution 3: Updating the Configuration of Firewall or Security Application Settings

Firewalls or antivirus programs can block QuickBooks updates, causing error 12038. Here are the steps to update settings and allow QuickBooks through your firewall.

• Open your antivirus or firewall software from the system tray or Start menu.
• Pause or temporarily disable the software for 30 minutes.
• Try to install the QuickBooks updates while the protection is paused.
• Open the Start Menu, type Windows Firewall, and select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
• Click on Inbound Rules from the left panel.
• Look for existing rules related to QuickBooks applications.
• Enable the rules if they are disabled.
• Create new rules if no QuickBooks rules exist.
• Refer to official QuickBooks documentation for required ports and applications.
• Ensure required TCP ports like 80 and 443 are allowed.
• Go back to your antivirus or security software settings.
• Add exceptions for QuickBooks files such as:
  • AutoBackupExe.exe
  • Dbmlsync.exe
  • DBManagerExe.exe
  • FileManagement.exe
• Save changes and close the firewall and antivirus settings.
• Reopen QuickBooks and check for updates.

Solution 4: Make Sure the System Has Correct Date and Time

Incorrect system date or time may block server communication, leading to update failures like error 12038. Check out these steps to correct your system time and resolve the issue.

• Go to the bottom-right corner of your screen and click on the Date and Time section.
• Check that the date and time are accurate.
• Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box.
• Type Control Panel and press Enter.
• In the Control Panel window, click on Clock and Region.
• Select Date and Time from the options.
• Click on Change Date and Time, then adjust them if needed.

• Press OK to save the changes.
• Click on Change Time Zone and make sure the correct time zone is selected.
• Press OK, then close the window.
• Restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 5: Close QuickBooks Processes

Running QuickBooks processes in the background may interfere with updates and cause error 12038. Check out these steps to end tasks and restart QuickBooks cleanly.

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys together and select Task Manager from the screen.
• Click on the Processes tab to view active processes.
• Look for all processes related to QuickBooks (such as QBW32.exe).
• Select each QuickBooks process and click End Task.
• Switch to the Services tab in Task Manager.
• Locate QuickBooks-related services and stop them by clicking End Task.
• Close Task Manager after ending all related tasks.
• Reopen QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 6: Configuring the Internet Connection Settings

Misconfigured internet settings can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to servers during updates, causing error 12038. Here are the steps to adjust connection settings and fix the problem.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.
• Click on the Help menu and select Internet Connection Setup.
• Choose My computer’s internet connection settings to establish the connection.
• Click on the Next button to continue.
• Select Advanced Connection Settings on the next screen.
• Go to the Advanced tab and click on Restore Advanced Settings.
• Click on Apply, then click OK to save the changes.
• Select Done to exit the setup window.
• Close QuickBooks completely.
• Reopen QuickBooks and try installing the updates again.

Solution 7: Create a New Rule for QuickBooks .exe Files

Firewall may block QuickBooks .exe files needed for updates, triggering error 12038. Here are the steps to create firewall rules and allow QuickBooks connections.

• Press the Windows key and type Firewall in the search box.
• Select Windows Defender Firewall and open Advanced Settings.
• Click on Inbound Rules from the left panel.
• Select New Rule from the right panel.
• Choose Program as the rule type and click Next.
• Click Browse and select each of the following QuickBooks .exe files:
  • AutoBackupExe.exe
  • Dbmlsync.exe
  • DBManagerExe.exe
  • FileManagement.exe
  • IntuitSyncManager.exe
  • QBCFMonitorService.exe
  • QBDBMgr.exe
  • QBLaunch.exe
  • Include any other QuickBooks-related .exe files.
• Choose Allow the Connection and click Next.
• Follow the same steps under Outbound Rules to complete the setup.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038?

Before fixing QuickBooks Error 12038, fulfil these requirements:

• Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection.
• Log in to your system as an administrator to make system-level changes.
• Back up your QuickBooks company files before applying any solution.
• Close all background QuickBooks processes using Task Manager.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038?

Here’s how you will know that you have encountered QuickBooks Error Code 12038:

• The error appears during QuickBooks Desktop update attempts.
• You may see a message saying “Failed to download the update.”
• QuickBooks may freeze or stop responding when checking for updates.
• Internet connection may work for browsers but not for QuickBooks.
• Update process may restart or fail without completing.
• System performance may slow down during update attempts.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 12038?

Follow these tips to prevent your QBDT software from encountering error 12038:

• Avoid installing multiple QuickBooks versions on the same system.
• Add QuickBooks files as exceptions in antivirus software.
• Monitor background processes to avoid update conflicts.
• Reboot your system before performing major updates.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038?

It may be necessary to consult a professional if you’ve attempted all the recommended solutions for QuickBooks Error 12038 but the error still continues. Persistent issues could suggest a deeper technical problem or conflicts with other software. Seeking expert assistance ensures your QuickBooks software operates properly without any further disruptions.

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