Updating QuickBooks Payroll is crucial for accessing the latest features that enhance your productivity. However, while updating QB Payroll, you may suddenly experience interruptions. This problem may occur due to an incorrectly mapped Shared Download drive or missing file components. In such cases, you may face the QuickBooks error 15215.
When you encounter this error, an information message will pop up on the screen, stating, “Error 15215: Unable to verify digital signature.” This error occurs when the QB application can’t validate the digital signature required to install the latest tax table update.
Therefore, this blog will help you to understand why this issue occurs and how to resolve it, which is important to keep QB performance smooth and uninterrupted. So, without any delay, let’s begin.
Resolving error 15215 can be challenging due to the technical difficulties. If you are unable to do it, just call us at +1(800) 780-3064. An expert will provide you with assistance in troubleshooting it.
List of the 15XXX Series Errors in QuickBooks Desktop
The list below shows errors from the 15XXX series that occur during QB Desktop updates or when downloading the latest tax table update.
| Error Code 15102 | Error Code 15105 | Error Code 15212 |
| Error Code 15103 | Error Code 15106 | Error Code 15215 |
| Error Code 15104 | Error Code 15107 | Error Code 15222 |
| Error Code 15223 | Error Code 15240 | Error Code 15241 |
| Error Code 15270 | Error Code 15271 | Error Code 15276 |
Once learning the code of different errors, let’s go through the reasons behind them.
Exploring What Leads to the QuickBooks Error Code 15215
Before moving on to the troubleshooting methods, you should know the causes that trigger it to understand its problems. Go through the following list of the most potent reasons.
- Damaged company files
- Missing or lost QuickBooks Payroll updates components
- An incorrectly mapped Shared Download drive
- QuickBooks might be unable to verify digital signatures
- The QB File Copy Service (FCS) may be disabled
- Firewall security settings can block the Payroll updates
After knowing about the given significant causes, you must follow the troubleshooting techniques given below.
Proven Methods to Overcome the QuickBooks Error 15215
These are the most effective ways to resolve the QuickBooks error 15215. It is recommended to follow these solutions as per the given instructions to carry them out seamlessly.
Method 1: Download the Tax Table Updates as an Administrator
You might be trying to download the QuickBooks updates without the proper admin privileges. To fix this, follow the instructions below to update it as an administrator user.
- Close the QB Desktop again
- Now, right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon
- Choose the Run as Administrator
- Next, when you see the message that says, “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?”
- Now, open the QB Desktop again and click on Employees
- Choose the Get Payroll Updates
- Now, select Download Entire Update
- Lastly, select the Update option
The solution provided above will help you update QuickBooks Payroll. However, if you are still getting the same error message while updating, follow the next procedure.
Method 2: Install the Digital Signature Certificate
Error 15215 typically occurs when QuickBooks can’t verify the product’s digital signature. In this case, you should install the digital signature certificate on the system by following the steps below.
- Head to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
- Next, right-click on the QBW32.exe, then choose Properties
- Now, choose the Digital Signature
- Intuit should be selected in the signature list
- Click on the Details option
- Then, choose View Certificate in the Digital Signature Details window
- Choose Install Certificate in the Certificate window
- Now, select Next until the Finish is displayed, and then Finish
After installing the digital signature on the computer, check again whether you can update the QuickBooks Payroll. Still encountering error code 15215 in QuickBooks? No worries, run the Quick Fix My Program.
Method 3: Run the Quick Fix My Program from Tool Hub
There could be a problem in the QB program itself. In such cases, you should run the Quick Fix My Program tool. To run this tool, you need the QuickBooks Tool Hub installed on your device. You should download it from the official Intuit site. After confirming QB Tool Hub is available, follow the steps below to use Quick Fix My Program.
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Next, select the Program Problems
- Then, select the Quick Fix My Program
It will begin addressing issues related to the program. After completing the repair task, attempt to update QuickBooks Desktop and the payroll again. Still unable to update it? Follow the next solution.
Method 4: Update the QuickBooks Payroll in Selective Startup Mode
Occasionally, third-party software running in the background can interrupt the QB updating procedure. This problem can lead to several issues, including the QuickBooks error 15215. To resolve this, follow the steps provided below.
- On the keyboard, click Windows + R to access the Run command
- Next, enter the msconfig, followed by selecting OK
- Select the Selective startup and Load system services in the General tab
- Navigate to the Services tab, followed by selecting the Hide all Microsoft Services
- Next, choose the Disable all option
- Remove the check marks for Hide all Microsoft services
- From the services list, select Windows Installer
- Lastly, choose OK, followed by Restart
- After restarting, try to update the QB Payroll
- Once done, press Windows+R to access the Run command again
- Next, type msconfig, followed by selecting the Normal startup
- Complete the procedure by selecting OK and tapping Restart on the System Configuration window
If this solution works, you don’t need to do anything. However, if you are still facing QuickBooks error 15215, you’ll need to take further action.
Method 5: Run the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool
A corrupted or faulty company file can cause issues that interrupt Payroll updates. In such cases, you should run the QuickBooks File Doctor tool from the Tool Hub to diagnose and repair the company file.
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Then, select the Company File Issues tab
- Select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor
- Now, choose the company file you want to repair from the listbox menu
- In a specific case, when you don’t see your file, select Browse and Search to locate it
- Next, select Check your file and network, followed by Continue
- Enter the QB admin security credentials and choose Next
After completing the repair of the corrupted company file, check again whether the problem is resolved. Try the following method if you are still experiencing QuickBooks maintenance release error 15215.
Method 6: Check the Use TLS 1.0 and Uncheck the TLS 1.1 and 1.2
You should unmark the Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.2 checkboxes to resolve the QuickBooks error 15215. Additionally, ensure that Use TLS 1.0 is marked. You can do it by going through the instructions below.
- Go to the Start menu and browse for Internet Options
- Locate and click the Advanced, and select Security
- Here, find and ensure to check the Use TLS 1.0
- Then, uncheck the Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.2
Once you have completed the given steps, restart your system. Next, try again to update the QB Payroll. If you are still unable to do so, follow the next solution.
Method 7: Configure the Firewall Security Settings
Sometimes, the Windows firewall security settings can prevent you from updating the QuickBooks Payroll. In such cases, try to configure the firewall security settings on the computer manually. Initiate it by searching the Windows Firewall in the search bar. Next, tap on the Advanced Settings. Next, right-click the Inbound Rules and then click the New Rule option. Follow these instructions to configure the firewall security settings to take further steps.
After completing this procedure, restart your system. Hopefully, these methods will resolve the QuickBooks maintenance release error 15215.
Method 8: Utilize the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
The corrupted QuickBooks installation file can lead you to installation issues. Repair such common problems by running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool by going through the steps below:
- Start by accessing the QB Tool Hub, and then click on Installation Issues
- Next, choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
- Let the tool run until it starts, and the approximate time for it is 20 minutes
Once the tool finishes its repair task, restart your system. Then, open QuickBooks again and try to update it. If it fails, reinstall the QB Desktop.
Method 9: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop
Even after attempting many times with the above given solutions, if you are still facing the same issue, you should reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop to resolve this problem. Follow the next few steps to implement it.
- Navigate to the Windows Start menu
- Browse and click Control Panel to open it
- Next, choose Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program
- Select the version of QB Desktop you want to remove
- Now, choose Uninstall/Change, Remove, followed by Next
Note: If you don’t see this option, remember to sign out and sign back in to Windows as an admin.
- Start to reinstall the QB again, but first ensure an active internet connection
- Access the QuickBooks.exe file
- Select
- Express Install: This option saves all your preferences and installs the new version over your previous one. You should use the custom install to reinstall the previous version and regain access
- Custom and Network Options: Select this option to install the new version in a different location while keeping previously installed versions. Remember that you have previous version preferences that are not added to the new one
- Lastly, choose Next, followed by Install
You should select Open QuickBooks when it finishes. Next, check whether your problem is solved. These solutions will help you fix the QuickBooks error 15215. It is advised that you follow the instructions in the given order to avoid confusion.
Quick View: Error 15215 in QuickBooks at a Glance
Here’s a quick view of error 15215 to help you grasp the problem instantly and move toward the right troubleshooting methods.
| Error description | Error 15215 appears when the system can’t verify a digital signature during updates. It primarily affects the Payroll download update process. |
| Common reasons | Damaged company files, lost QB Payroll updates components, incorrectly mapped the Shared Download drive, inability to verify digital signatures, disabled QB File Copy Service (FCS), or firewall security settings. |
| Working fixes | Update Payroll as an admin, install a Digital Signature certificate, run QB Tool Hub, update the QB Payroll in Selective Startup mode, reconfigure the Internet Options settings, and reinstall QB Desktop. |
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide provides valuable information on QuickBooks error 15215. Additionally, we have covered how an inability to verify the digital signature or a corrupted QB program can cause this problem. You also learned how to resolve this error most effectively. Before doing anything, make sure your QB software is up to date. However, if you are still struggling to resolve this error, let the professionals handle your tech troubles. Call at +1(800) 780-3064 now to speak with an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is error code 15215 in QuickBooks Desktop?
A. Like most 15XXX series errors in QuickBooks, error 15215 occurs during QuickBooks or QuickBooks Payroll updates. The reason is the inability to verify the product’s digital signature. There could be several reasons this issue arises, including damaged Windows files, a disabled QB File Copy Service, or a missing component in the Payroll updates. To ensure QuickBooks runs smoothly, please resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Q. How to fix QuickBooks Enterprise error 15215?
A. Several effective methods are available to help you resolve the QuickBooks Enterprise error 15215. But the first thing you need to ensure is that your QB software is up to date. Even if this doesn’t work, try updating Payroll as an admin user. If this method also fails, run Quick Fix My Program to repair the corrupted QB program. You need to install a digital signature certificate for the product to verify its validity and continue running.
Q. How to prevent the Payroll error 15215?
A. To prevent Payroll error 15215, ensure your QuickBooks is up to date. Additionally, avoid running multiple third-party applications in the background. Since issues arise from the inability to validate the product’s digital signature, it is recommended to keep the digital signature installed. Finally, always ensure to check the network and browser settings regularly.
Q. How can I repair corrupt company files?
A. You can repair QuickBooks company files using Quick Fix My File. To implement it, open the QB Tool Hub. Next, head to the Company File Issues tab. Then, click on Quick Fix My File. Select OK when it completes, then rerun QB Desktop to complete the procedure.
Gabby Taylor, combines financial expertise with literary prowess. With over a decade in finance, she crafts insightful narratives on navigating fiscal complexities