How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15223 – “Incorrect Configuration of Microsoft Internet Explorer”?

QuickBooks Error 15223 is a type of payroll error that users encounter while they are updating QuickBooks or downloading any Payroll update. This error results in abruptly stopping the downloading process and the update. It also disrupts the connectivity to the QuickBooks Desktop payroll. Here’s what you will encounter when this error occurs:

• “Error 15223: The QuickBooks Desktop update did not complete successfully.“
• “Error 15223: Cannot connect to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.”

Some possible causes of this error are corrupted Windows files, an outdated digital signature in Internet Explorer, and misconfiguration in Internet Explorer. Users who are facing this error will be able to detect the cause of the error by reading the error description. Check out these top 12 proven solutions to fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15223 quickly and effectively.

Solution 1: Download Updates as an Administrator

Running QuickBooks as an administrator ensures it has proper permissions to install updates without interruption. Check out the steps to fix Error 15223 by updating QBDT as an admin:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and all company files.
• Run QuickBooks Desktop as administrator by right-clicking on its icon and then selecting Run as Administrator.

• Click Yes when prompted to allow changes.
• Download the latest product updates or QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table update.

Solution 2: From QuickBooks Tool Hub, Use the Quick Fix My Program Tool

Quick Fix My Program quickly repairs common issues by resetting QuickBooks background processes. Here’s how to use this tool to fix this error:

Step 1: Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub (v1.6.0.8). Save the file in an easy-to-find location like your desktop.
3. Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe) and follow the instructions to install.
4. Once installed, double-click the desktop icon to open it.

Step 2: Run Quick Fix My Program

• In QuickBooks Tool Hub, select Program Problems.

• Click Quick Fix My Program. This will stop any background processes and repair QuickBooks.
• Reopen QuickBooks and download the latest updates.

Solution 3: Install a Digital Signature Certificate

Installing the digital certificate ensures QuickBooks files are trusted by Windows and it prevents Update Error 15223. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
2. Right-click on QBW32.exe and select Properties.
3. Go to the Digital Signature tab and ensure Intuit is listed.
4. Click Details, then View Certificate.
5. Select Install Certificate and complete the prompts by clicking Next until Finish.
6. Restart your computer and re-download the updates.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

Using this tool will help fix installation-related errors. Check out these steps to fix QuickBooks Installation Error 15223:

• Download QuickBooks Tool Hub.

• In Tool Hub, select Installation Issues.
• Click QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Let it run (this may take 20 minutes).
• Restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks.

Solution 5: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks

Reinstalling QuickBooks removes corrupted files and ensures a clean installation for updates. Check out these steps to reinstall:

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks

• Open the Windows Start Menu and search for Control Panel.

• Go to Programs and Features and find QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click Uninstall/Change and follow the steps.

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks

Download and install QuickBooks Desktop again. New folders will be created automatically during the installation.

Solution 6: Use Selective Startup Mode

Selective startup loads only essential programs, reducing software conflicts during updates. Check out the steps to use this mode to fix QuickBooks Error Code 15223.

1. Press Windows + R in order to access the Run window.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Click on Selective Startup and tick mark the Load Service Services box from the General tab.
4. Click on the Services tab, tick mark the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
5. Lastly, select the Disable All option.
   Note: Ensure the Windows Installer service is still checked.
6. Click on the Apply button and then select OK.
7. Now, you must restart your computer.
8. After restarting, install the updates in QuickBooks.

Solution 7: Use TLS 1.0 in Internet Options

Enabling TLS 1.0 ensures a secure connection that QuickBooks needs for updates. Follow these steps.

1. Open Internet Explorer,
2. Click on Tools and then select the Internet Options.
3. Click the Advanced tab and scroll to the TLS settings.
4. Ensure TLS 1.0 is checked, and TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 are unchecked.
5. Click Apply, then OK, and try downloading the update again.

Solution 8: Clear Internet Explorer SSL State

Clearing SSL State helps reset secure connections for error-free QuickBooks updates. Check out these steps to fix QuickBooks Error Message 15223 by clearing Internet Explorer SSL Slate:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to Tools > Internet Options.
2. Navigate to the Content tab and click Clear SSL State.
3. Reboot your computer system and then again update QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 9: Manually Register .dll Files

Registering essential .dll files ensures the correct functionality of QuickBooks update components. Here are the steps to fix error 15223:

1. Press Windows + R in order to access the Run window.
2. Register files by typing these commands one by one and pressing Enter after each:
   • regsvr32 /s %SystemRoot%\system32\softpub.dll
   • regsvr32 /s %SystemRoot%\system32\WinTrust.dll
3. Clear the SSL state in Internet Explorer (see Solution 8).
4. Restart your computer and retry the update.

Solution 10: Enable QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS)

Enabling FCS ensures necessary services are running for payroll updates. Check out these steps to fix this QuickBooks Error 15223 due to service settings.

1. Open the Run window and type COMPMGMT.MSC, then press Enter.
2. In the Computer Management window, go to Services and Applications > Services.
3. Locate Intuit QuickBooks FCS, right-click, and select Properties.
4. Set the Startup Type to Manual, click Apply, then OK.
5. Revalidate the payroll service key under Employees > My Payroll Service > Activate Service Key, then retry the update.

Solution 11: Update Windows

Updating Windows ensures system compatibility with QuickBooks and resolves update-related errors. Here are the steps:

• Open Windows start menu and type “Check for Updates” and hit the Enter key.

• Click Install Now if updates are available.
• Once updates are installed, restart your computer and retry the QuickBooks update.

Solution 12: Correct the Shared Download Location

Correcting download paths prevents file access errors during updates. Check out these steps to fix the error through QuickBooks update settings.

1. You will have to open the Product Information window by hitting the Ctrl + 1 keys.
2. Note the mapped path, such as [x]:[folder name][data file name].
3. Write down the location displayed in the Product Information window.
4. To process, users must click on Help menu.
5. Update QuickBooks.
6. Navigate to the Options tab in the update settings.
7. Ensure the drive in the Download Location matches the drive listed in the Product Information window if Shared Download is set to “Yes“.
8. Verify that the directory in the Download Location matches the QuickBooks installation directory Ii Shared Download is set to “No“.
9. Change it to “No” and click Save: If “Yes” is selected for Shared Download and the download location is incorrect:
10. Change it to “Yes” and click Save: If “No” is selected for Shared Download.
11. Remap the drive using the steps below if the download location is correct but still causing issues:
    • Open This PC or My Computer and click Map a Network Drive.
    • Select a new drive letter that is not in use by QuickBooks.
    • Click Browse and choose the network location where your company file is stored.
    • Click OK and then Finish to complete the remapping.
12. Relaunch QuickBooks.
13. Click on Help menu and then choose Update QuickBooks option.
14. In the Options tab, toggle the Shared Download setting Off and then On again.
15. Ensure the download location is mapped to the newly selected drive.
16. Click Save and then Close.

By following these steps carefully, you can correct the shared download location and resolve the update errors.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Error 15223?

Before fixing this error, users must fulfil these requirements:

• Ensure QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest available version.
• Confirm a stable and high-speed internet connection is active.
• Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall settings before starting the update.
• Log in to Windows as an administrator to perform update-related actions.
• Close all running QuickBooks processes from Task Manager before applying fixes.
• Back up your QuickBooks company file to prevent data loss during troubleshooting.

How to Identify QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 15223?

The following are the signs you will encounter when QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15223 occurs:

• Here are the three error messages that users will face when error 15223 occurs:

“Incorrect configuration of Microsoft Internet Explorer.”
or
“QuickBooks Desktop update did not complete successfully.“
or
“Cannot connect to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.”

• Error appears when downloading payroll or updating QuickBooks Desktop.
• QuickBooks fails to connect to the payroll service server.
• Updates get stuck or crash midway without completing.
• You might notice poor system or network response during update attempts.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15223?

Avoid facing this payroll update and installation Error 15223 by following these tips:

• Regularly update QuickBooks to keep software components and patches current.
• Re-enable antivirus/firewall with QuickBooks exceptions added after updates.
• Periodically clear SSL state in Internet Explorer to avoid connectivity issues.
• Avoid making manual changes to digital certificates or system .dll files.
• Schedule monthly Windows updates to prevent system compatibility issues.
• Use only supported and secure internet protocols like TLS 1.2 in Internet Options.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Error 15223?

In case none of the above-mentioned 12 effective solutions helped you fix QuickBooks Error 15223, it’s time to seek professional help. Resolving this error involves technical steps that, if mishandled, could risk the integrity of your financial data. So, feel free to take an expert’s help.