How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217 (Incorrect Configuration of Microsoft Internet Explorer)?

Published Date: January 24, 2025   Updated Date: January 24, 2025

quickbooks error 15217

QuickBooks Error 15217 is caused by incorrect settings of the Internet Explorer. Users face this error while they trying to download an update for QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. QuickBooks keeps verifying the digital signature of all the software downloaded files to safeguard the computer data. This error is displayed along with the following error message:

“Error Code 15217: Incorrect Configuration of Microsoft Internet Explore”

You will face this error if QuickBooks is unable to verify the digital signature. Before resolving Error 15217, users must ensure a stable internet connection and create a backup company file. In this article, you will gain insights on the 7 solutions to fix Error 15217 in QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise.

Solution 1: Install a Digital Signature Certificate

Digital Signature Certificate

An outdated or missing digital signature certificate can often cause QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217. Installing the latest certificate can resolve this issue and allow the update to proceed smoothly.

  • First, ensure that no QuickBooks Desktop windows are open on your system.
  • Navigate to C:/Program Files/Intuit/QuickBooks.
  • Inside the QuickBooks folder, locate and right-click on QBW32.exe.
  • Select the Properties option from the right-click menu.
  • Click on the Digital Signature tab.
  • Verify that “Intuit Inc.” is listed as the signer.
  • Click on the Details button to review more information about the digital signature.

Solution 2: Verify Your System’s Date and Time

Sometimes, errors arise from incorrect system date and time settings. QuickBooks relies on accurate system time to download updates and validate certificates. Correcting the system clock can resolve many errors, including Error 15217.

  • Right-click on the system clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
  • From the menu, select Adjust the date and time.
  • Set the correct date and time, then click OK.
  • Close QuickBooks and reopen it.
  • Now try to update QuickBooks one more time to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 3: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Users can fix missing or damaged file-related issues by simply reinstalling QuickBooks software. This process will not affect your QuickBooks data, but it ensures all program components are correctly installed.

  • Uninstall QuickBooks from your system.
  • Display hidden files by opening the File Explorer from the Windows Start menu.
  • Locate your QuickBooks company files. They are usually stored in one of the following locations:
    • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year) (for 64-bit versions)
  • Right-click on the QuickBooks folder and select Rename, adding the word “old” at the end.
  • Proceed with reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 4: Download and Install the Latest QuickBooks Update

Ensuring that QuickBooks is running the latest update can often resolve error 15217. Downloading the update directly from QuickBooks Desktop can help.

  • Close your company files and QuickBooks.
  • Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon in the Windows Start menu and select Run as Administrator.
  • On the No Company Open screen, go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  • Go to the Options tab, select Mark All, and then click Save.
  • Navigate to the Update Now tab and check the Reset Update box.
  • Click Get Updates to begin the download process.
  • Once the update is finished, close QuickBooks and reopen it.
  • Install the update when prompted, and restart your computer afterward.

Solution 5: Update Your Windows Operating System

An outdated version of Windows can contribute to QuickBooks errors, including 15217. Make sure your operating system is up to date by following these steps:

  • Click on the Start button and then select the Settings option.
  • Go to Update & Security tab and then click on the Windows Update button.
  • Click Check for Updates.
  • Click on the Download & Install button if there are any pending QuickBooks updates.
  • Restart your computer if prompted.

Solution 6: Update Microsoft Security Certificates

An expired Windows security certificate can also cause QuickBooks Update Error 15217. Users can fix this issue by updating the security certificate via Microsoft.

  • Hit the Windows Start button and type Run. After this, press Enter.
  • Type mmc and then click on the OK Button.By doing this, Microsoft Management Console will be displayed.
  • In the Console1 window, click File, then select Add/Remove Snap-in.
  • Choose Certificates and click Add.
  • In the Digital Signature Details window, click View Certificate.
  • Select Install Certificate, then follow the prompts by clicking Next and Finish.

Solution 7: Temporarily Disable Firewall and Network Protection

In some cases, security software such as firewalls can prevent QuickBooks from downloading updates. Disabling the firewall temporarily might allow the update to go through.

  • Right-click on the Start button and select Properties.
  • Choose Setup Options, then select Update & Security.
  • From the left pane, click Windows Security and select Open Windows Security.
  • Click Firewall & Network Protection.
  • Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall for all network types (Public, Private, and Domain).

Be sure to turn the firewall back on after completing the update process to keep your system protected.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217?

Before addressing QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217, it’s important to ensure a few things are in place.

  1. Check your internet security and firewall settings, as they can block updates. Adjust these settings if necessary to avoid interference.
  2. Creating a backup of your company file is essential to prevent data loss during troubleshooting. To do so, go to the File menu, select Backup Company, and choose Local Backup.
  3. Pick a location and name for your backup, then click OK to complete the process. This ensures your data is safe while you resolve the issue.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217?

Users usually face Error 15217 while they are trying to download the latest update in QuickBooks Desktop Pro, QuickBooks Desktop Premier, and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise. Apart from this, users will encounter the error message “Incorrect Configuration of Microsoft Internet Explore” as soon as the process of updating QuickBooks is hindered.

This is how you will be able to identify QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15217?

To prevent QuickBooks Error 15217, avoid having multiple installations of the same version of QuickBooks on the same computer, such as QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 19.0 and QuickBooks Premier 2019. Users must download and apply a manual update for each QuickBooks edition is necessary if the error occurs. This helps ensure smooth updates and prevents conflicts that can trigger the error, keeping your QuickBooks system running efficiently.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15217?

Consider seeking professional help for QuickBooks Error 15217 if you’ve tried all the suggested solutions and the issue persists. An expert can provide advanced assistance and ensure the issue is fixed efficiently, saving you time and reducing further complications if the error continues to disrupt your work and no troubleshooting steps have resolved the problem.

Hire QuickBooks Error 15217 Resolution Services

Hiring QuickBooks Error 15217 resolution services can help you efficiently tackle complex issues that standard troubleshooting may not fix. Professional experts are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to resolve the error quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow. By outsourcing the problem to skilled technicians, you can focus on running your business without worrying about persistent technical problems.
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