How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Internet Connection Errors?

QuickBooks Payroll internet connection errors usually happen due to weak internet, wrong settings, outdated software, or blocked access by firewalls or antivirus programs. These issues can affect all QuickBooks versions-Desktop, POS, and Payrol-by stopping access to payroll servers. This may cause problems like failed updates, direct deposit errors, or subscription issues. Common error codes include PS032, 12007, and 15215. These often mean QuickBooks can’t connect to Intuit servers because of network or system problems.

To fix these errors, make sure your internet is working and your payroll subscription is active. Update QuickBooks and install the latest payroll tax table. Check your firewall and antivirus settings to allow QuickBooks. If you use QuickBooks Desktop, reset Internet Explorer settings. For more help, use tools like QuickBooks Tool Hub or the Connection Diagnostic Tool. Keeping your software updated and your internet and system in good shape can fix and prevent these errors.

Method 1: Check Subscription Status

Confirm that your QuickBooks subscription is active. An inactive subscription may cause this error.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Open QuickBooks.
3. Click the Employees menu.
4. Select My Payroll Service, then choose Billing or Account Information.
5. Check the subscription status. It should show Active.

Method 2: Check or Download the Latest Tax Table

Payroll tax tables keep federal and state tax rates accurate. They also include payroll form updates and options for e-filing and e-paying. Updating tax tables requires an active QuickBooks Desktop Payroll subscription.

Note: QuickBooks Online Payroll updates tax tables automatically. No manual action is needed.

1. Go to the Employees menu.
2. Click Get Payroll Updates.
3. Look for the version next to “You are using tax table version:”
4. Compare it with the latest version listed under Payroll Update Info.
5. Select Download Entire Update.
6. Click Update.
7. Wait for the confirmation message once the update finishes.

Method 3: Use the Computer Management Screen 

Starting QuickBooks from the Computer Management window may fix the error.

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Select Computer or This PC.
3. Right-click and choose Manage.
4. Enter the Administrator password if asked.
5. In the Computer Management window, try opening QuickBooks again.

Method 4: End the Database Server Process Using Task Manager

Stopping the QuickBooks Database Server process may fix internet connection issues.

1. Right-click the Windows Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.
3. Find qbdbmgrn.exe under the Image Name column.
4. Select qbdbmgrn.exe, then click End Process.
5. After ending the process, open QuickBooks again to see if the error is resolved.

Method 5: Modify Firewall Settings

Incorrect firewall settings can block QuickBooks from connecting to the internet. Adjusting these settings allows QuickBooks to access the network.

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Type and open Firewall Settings.
3. In the firewall window, click Advanced Settings on the left panel.
4. Right-click Inbound Rules.
5. Select New Rule from the Action menu.
6. Choose Port, select TCP, and enter the required local port number for QuickBooks.
7. Follow the prompts to allow the connection.
8. Name the rule and finish the setup.

Method 6: Create Outbound Rules

Creating outbound rules in the firewall ensures QuickBooks can send data through the correct network ports.

1. Right-click Outbound Rules.
2. Click New Rule, select Port, choose TCP, and enter the same port number.
3. Allow the connection and complete the setup.

Method 7: Save and Apply Changes

Saving the rules ensures QuickBooks can connect to the internet without firewall restrictions.

1. Confirm and save both rules.
2. Your firewall is now set to allow QuickBooks internet access.

Method 8: Verify and Install the Latest Payroll Update

Installing the latest payroll update helps maintain accuracy and ensures compliance with tax rules.

1. Launch QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.
2. Click the Employees menu.
3. Select Get Payroll Update.
4. Check the box for Download Entire Payroll Update.
5. Click Update to download the latest payroll files.
6. Once the update finishes, your payroll system will be ready.

Method 9: Delete the DNS  

Clearing the DNS cache can fix internet issues by removing outdated or corrupt entries.

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
• Type CMD and click OK to open the Command Prompt.
• In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig/flushdns
• Press Enter to execute.
• A confirmation message will appear once the DNS cache is successfully cleared.

Method 10: Adjust Compatibility View Settings in Internet Explorer

Turning on Compatibility View can fix display or connection problems with QuickBooks websites.

• Launch Internet Explorer on your computer.
• Click the Tools icon in the top-right corner.
• Or press Alt to show the menu bar, then click Tools.
• Select Compatibility View Settings from the Tools menu.
• In the Add this website field, enter each of the following URLs and click Add after each:
  • https://*.intuit.com
  • https://*.intuit.net
  • https://*.quickbooks.com
• Click Close to apply the changes.

Method 11: Fix Incorrect Time and Date Settings

An incorrect system date or time can trigger payroll service or internet connection errors in QuickBooks. To correct this:

1. Check the time and date in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
2. Compare it with the current accurate time.
3. Click the time display and select Adjust date/time.
4. In the settings window, set the correct time and date manually.
5. Click OK to confirm.
6. Click Adjust time zone.
7. Choose the correct time zone from the list.
8. Click OK to save the changes.
9. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop and try running payroll again.

Method 12: Switch to Single-User Mode

Using payroll features in multi-user mode can cause connection errors. To avoid this, switch to single-user mode.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click on the File menu.
3. Select Switch to Single-User Mode.
4. After switching, try sending the payroll data again.

Method 13: Check QuickBooks Internet Connection Settings

QuickBooks must use your system’s internet connection to work properly.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to the Help menu and select Internet Connection Setup.
3. Choose the option:
   • “Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this program accesses the Internet”, then click Next.
4. Click Done to apply the changes.

Next, proceed to reconfigure your system’s internet settings if the issue persists.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Internet Connection Errors?

1. Use a stable and reliable internet connection
2. Update QuickBooks to the latest version
3. Set the correct system date, time, and time zone
4. Make sure the payroll subscription is active
5. Set Internet Explorer as the default browser
6. Turn on TLS 1.2 in Internet Explorer settings
7. Allow QuickBooks through firewall and antivirus
8. Run QuickBooks as an administrator

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Internet Connection Errors?

1. Shows “Internet Connection Error” or “Failed to download payroll updates”
2. Freezes or crashes during payroll update
3. Update gets stuck or won’t finish
4. Displays error codes 12007, 12029, 12031, or 12002
5. Payroll services won’t open or respond
6. Can’t connect to server for payroll subscription check

How to Prevent QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Errors?

1. Use a stable and secure internet connection
2. Update QuickBooks to the latest version
3. Set the correct date, time, and time zone
4. Make Internet Explorer the default browser
5. Enable TLS 1.2 in Internet Explorer
6. Add QuickBooks to firewall and antivirus exceptions
7. Keep the payroll subscription active and valid

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Internet Connection Errors?

You should seek professional help for QuickBooks Payroll internet connection errors when basic steps don’t fix the problem, error codes keep coming back, or you’re unsure about changing system, browser, or network settings. Getting expert support is also important when payroll deadlines are close, as delays can affect employee payments or tax filings. Contact us if the issue involves firewall, antivirus, or proxy settings, as wrong changes can cause more problems.

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