When working on crucial financial company files and trying to update the payroll or the application, you get interrupted with QuickBooks error 12002, leaving you to wonder why this happened.
“Error 12002: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.”

This issue usually occurs when there is internet connection instability or a temporary internet discontinuity, preventing you from downloading the updates. QB Desktop, Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and Point of Sale (POS) are the versions of QB software that also face this error. Incorrect internet settings or firewall restrictions are causing this error. This blog serves as a guide to help you eliminate this error in your QB version.
If you need any help with your system while performing updates, feel free to get in touch with our expert team at +1(800) 780-3064!
What Can You Experience When You Face QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12002?
Here is what you will experience when you face error 12002.
- A pop-up displays “QuickBooks Error 12002” during updates.
- QuickBooks cannot download or install updates.
- The software runs slowly or freezes.
- QuickBooks fails to connect to the server.
- QuickBooks closes unexpectedly during updates.
Those mentioned above are the problems you may face when you encounter the error 12002.
Potential Culprits Behind the QuickBooks Error 12002
There can be different reasons why you are facing the QB error 12002 in your system while performing updates.
- An outdated QuickBooks Desktop application can cause this error.
- Updating the QB version without the admin privileges.
- Not using the default browser to run the QB updates.
- The date and time of the system are incorrect.
- The Internet and Firewall Settings could be blocking the updates.
- If the data in your QB company file is damaged or corrupted, or if the file lacks data integrity.
- The Windows OS is outdated.
- Network errors, or QuickBooks has unstable or low internet connectivity.
- Improper Secure Socket Layer (SSL) settings.
- Damaged, corrupted, or incorrectly installed QB Desktop program.
After learning about the reasons behind this error, let’s move ahead and understand the troubleshooting methods for it.
Practical Solutions To Try When Facing Error Code 12002
After understanding the reasons behind error code 12002, let’s explore different aspects to tackle this problem so that you can update the QuickBooks application and work effortlessly again.
Solution 1: Update the Chrome Browser
Updating the Chrome browser can help you avoid this error:
- Open Google Chrome.
- In the upper-right corner of the screen, tap on the More icon.
- Select Update Google Chrome.
- Wait for the update to complete.
- Click Relaunch.

By following the steps mentioned, you will be able to update the Chrome browser and tackle this error.
Solution 2: Reinstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode
To reinstall QuickBooks in selective startup mode, first create a backup of your data and note the license and product details.
Start the System in Selective Startup Mode
To access your system in selective startup mode, proceed to follow the steps:
- Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows + R keys on the keyboard.
- Search for msconfig.
- Head over to the General option.
- Select the Selective startup tab and then Load system services.
- Tap on the Services tab.
- Then, verify the Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Click the Disable all option and then uncheck the box stating Hide all Microsoft Services.

- Check if the Windows Installer is selected.
- Tap on OK.
- Now, choose restart in the System Configuration window
Update the QuickBooks Desktop
- To uninstall the QB Desktop, go to the Control Panel.
- Head to the Programs and Features tab.
- Choose QuickBooks Desktop under the list of programs.
- Now, click on the change/uninstall option by right-clicking on the QuickBooks application.
- Now, install the latest available version of QBDT.
- Then, hit Windows + R to access the Run command.
- Search for msconfig, and then hit OK.
- Choose the Normal startup under the General tab.
- Select OK.
- Finally, choose Restart on the System Configuration.
Following these steps will help you reinstall the QBDT in selective startup mode.
Solution 3: Check the Internet Connection
Verify the internet connection to ensure you do not face this error:
- Tap on the Help menu and choose Internet Connection Setup.
- Select Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to set up a connection when the application is trying to access the internet.
- Under the Help menu, choose the Update QuickBooks option, select Update QuickBooks, and then choose the Update Now tab.
This will help you check and verify the update.
Solution 4: Reset the Update Settings
Resetting the update settings can fix the QuickBooks error 12002:
- Choose the Update Now tab.
- Then, select the Reset Update option.
- Tap on Get Updates.

If by any chance the steps fail, perform the following:
- Choose the Advanced Settings.
- Search for the Use TLS 1.0, Use TLS 1.1, and Use TLS 1.2 options.
- Then, opt for the Use TLS 1.0 box and uncheck the other two.
TLS is a critical security protocol to be considered while accessing an application online. The steps above are through which you can fix the error code 12002 if there is an issue with TLS.
Solution 5: Clean Install QB Desktop
Often, only a fresh start can fix the problem. Clean installing QB will get rid of the residual files that can give way to many errors. To clean install your QuickBooks Desktop application, follow the steps below:
Back up the Company Files
- Access the “File” menu.
- Then move to the “backup company” option.
- Now opt between “online backup” or “Local Backup”.
- Tap on the “Next” button, and follow all the instructions.
- Let the backup complete.
Uninstall the QuickBooks Desktop
- To uninstall the QB Desktop, go to the Control Panel.
- Head to the Programs and Features tab.
- Choose QuickBooks Desktop under the list of programs.
- Now, click on the change/uninstall option by right-clicking on the QuickBooks application.
Add .old Extension to the Installation Folder
- Hit Windows + E keys on your keyboard to launch the Start menu.
- Now, search for the folder in which you have stored your company files:
- C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- C:\Users(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- If you are on a 64-bit version, then the location will be C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks.
- After you move to the folder, right-click on it and select the Rename option.
- Include .old at the end of the folder name.
Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop
- If you want to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop, you will need a CD or a setup file.
- After launching the installation, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once the installation is completed, enter the license number and the product number for the version.
- Click on Next.
- Choose the type of installation you prefer for your accounting operations.
- Tap on “Next” and then select the “Install” option on the screen.
- Now, launch QuickBooks and perform your operations.
A fresh installation will resolve the payroll update error you were facing.
Practical Tactics to Avoid QuickBooks Desktop Error 12002
To prevent the QuickBooks error 12002 in the future, ensure to maintain the following:
- Check if you are on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Allow access to QuickBooks operations in the firewall and security software in your system.
- Always keep your QuickBooks version up to date.
- Reset the update by clicking on Help > Update QuickBooks > Reset Update and retry.
- Select Run as Administrator by right-clicking on QuickBooks.
- Verify and check the system time to avoid any errors.
The key factors written can help you avoid any errors in the future.
Conclusion
This blog served as a guide for resolving the update failure error in QuickBooks. If the internet, firewall, or network settings are incorrect, this error can interrupt your workstation and halt your operations. We have also discussed troubleshooting methods and precautions to prevent this error in the future. Additionally, we have listed the steps that you can take in your QB Desktop to avoid the QuickBooks error 12002 in the future.
If you need further assistance with QuickBooks to resolve error code 12002, please don’t hesitate to contact our experts or call our +1(800) 780-3064.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why do I face QuickBooks payroll error 12002?
A. When you are trying to update the software or payroll table, payroll error 12002 occurs. Network connection problems, incorrect internet or firewall settings, antivirus or security software blocking, damage to the program, registry, or installation, or missing or damaged Microsoft components can be the reasons for this error to occur. However, it can be fixed seamlessly.
Q. What are the steps to repair the corrupted company file?
A. To repair the company file using the rebuild data tool, the following set of steps will help:
a. Click on the file menu.
b. Then tap on the Utilities, and thereafter select the rebuilt data.
c. Tap on OK.
d. Look for the tool to repair the file in the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
e. Click on OK again.
f. Move to the file menu from the top of the screen.
g. Use the tool to check your file for data issues.
Q. Will I cause QB error 12002 if I have an unverified or outdated digital signature?
A. The reason you receive QuickBooks error 12002 is that you are using an unverified or expired digital signature. To fix it, perform the following steps:
a. Move to the location Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks folder in the C drive, and then right-click on the QBW32.EXE file.
b. Choose the Properties option.
c. Next, navigate to the Digital Signature tab and verify that Intuit is listed in the signature.
d. Choose the Details option.
e. Access the Digital Signature Certificate window, and select the View Certificate option.
f. Now, choose Install Certificate from the Certificate window, and then tap on Next.
g. Lastly, hit Finish to complete the process.

Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities
