Skip to content

A Guide to Help You Fix QuickBooks Error 15101

Many small and mid-sized businesses worldwide use QuickBooks for their business management. It provides numerous features, including sending paychecks and payouts, creating a tax table, and more. Like any software, QB can encounter issues during downloads, updates, or simple tasks such as updating payroll or downloading transactions. QuickBooks error 15101 occurs when running payroll updates or downloading the latest tax table or application. This is the pop that might accompany the error:

“Error 15101: When updating QuickBooks Desktop or Payroll.”

This blog will help you fix this error seamlessly and fast. Before proceeding with any solution, ensure your system has a stable internet connection to resolve the issue.

If you need any help during the update process, feel free to contact our +1(800) 780-3064 team!

What is QuickBooks Error 15101?

When starting the latest payroll or QB Desktop update, you might encounter error 15101. If you are experiencing an expired payroll subscription, internet connectivity issues, or other problems, these may be the underlying cause. It’s crucial to know them all before we begin troubleshooting. So, let’s dive straight into the factors responsible for this error occurring.

Possible Reasons Behind Payroll Update Error 15101 QuickBooks Desktop​

It is essential to identify the root cause of QuickBooks Desktop download error 15101 before proceeding with troubleshooting. Listed are the reasons for it.

  • When the digital signature is missing or unavailable in the QuickBooks Desktop.
  • If the QB folder and its files are infected with a virus or malware, the system may be compromised.
  • Older updates are causing updates for the QB to run the recent operations.
  • Any third-party applications are stopping QuickBooks from running.
  • You might be experiencing issues with your web browser.
  • The Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks from performing its operations or updates.
  • If QBWconnector.exe is running incorrectly, it can cause error code 15101.
  • The QuickBooks services are not running when Windows boots.

The reasons mentioned above will cause your QB Desktop to generate error 15101.

What Can You Experience When You Face QuickBooks Error 15101?

In addition to a 15101 error message popping up on the screen, here are some common problems that you might experience:

  • The payroll update process will stop.
  • You might experience slow performance from your Windows OS.
  • The response rate for your system input device will either halt or fail to initiate.
  • Your system might start crashing frequently, hanging, or responding inappropriately to commands.

Other 15XXX errors may appear when encountering this problem. The QuickBooks errors are as mentioned.

Let us now look at what you may experience when these 15101 and related errors occur, and the troubleshooting methods to resolve them.

Troubleshooting Tactics for QuickBooks Payroll Error 15101

When you encounter error code 15101, here are some tactics to help you resolve it.

Solution 1: Install a Digital Signature Certificate

Obtaining a new digital signature certificate can help you prevent and resolve this issue.

  • Begin by downloading and installing the digital signature certificate.
  • Search for the QBW32.exe file. 
  • To do that, head over and find it in the C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
  • Tap on the More Results option in the Windows search.
  • Click the Computer icon on the next screen.
  • Then, search for QBW32.EXE to find the application.
  • Now, right-click on the QBW32.EXE file to choose the Properties option.
  • Then head over to the Digital Signature tab.
  • Choose the Intuit Inc. option from the signature list.
  • Tap on the Details option.
  • Then choose the View Certificate option in the digital signature details window.
  • Now, move to the Certificate Window and click the Install Certificate option.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Once done, tap on the Finish button.

After completing the steps, restart your system, launch QB, and try downloading the update again. If you continue to face QuickBooks error 15101, move to the next step.

Solution 2: Launch the QuickBooks Reboot.bat File

Running the reboot.bat file as an administrator can help fix this error. Follow the steps below to do so:

  • Exit the QB application.
  • Right-click on the QB desktop icon.
  • Choose both the Properties and Open File Location options.
  • Head over to find the Reboot.bat file and right-click on it.
  • Tap on the Run as Administrator option.
  • Ensure you exit the Command Prompt window manually.
  • Once the Reboot.bat file finishes repairing QuickBooks services, the Command Prompt window will close automatically.

Lastly, you are done with the QB application and run the payroll once again. If you still encounter QB error 15101, proceed with the following troubleshooting steps.

Solution 3: Clean Install the QuickBooks Desktop

Follow the steps below to perform a clean installation of QuickBooks.

Uninstall the QBDT

  • Access the Start menu.
  • Run the Control Panel.
  • Then tap on the Programs and Features option.
  • Click on the QuickBooks Desktop under the list of programs.
  • Right-click on the QuickBooks application.
  • Tap on the change/uninstall option.

Include the .old Extension in the Installation Folder

  • Press Windows + E keys to launch the Start menu.
  • Now, look 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)
  • When you are using a 64-bit OS, C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks is the location.
  • Select the Rename option by right-clicking the folder.
  • At the end of the folder name, include the .old extension. 

Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

  • To reinstall QuickBooks Desktop, launch the installation process from the CD or a setup file.
  • Begin installation by following the on-screen instructions.
  • After installation is complete, enter the license number and the product number for the version.
  • Click on Next.
  • Select the installation type you prefer for your accounting operations.
  • Tap Next, then select Install on the screen.
  • Now, launch QuickBooks and perform your operations.

The clean install tool can help you resolve QuickBooks error 15101.

Solution 4: Restart the Process QBConnector.exe

The QBConnector file can halt your operations and end processes that undergo the following.

  • Tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on the keyboard to launch the Task Manager.
  • Search for the QBConnector.exe under the Processes tab
  • Right-click it and select End Process.

Lastly, restart QuickBooks to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 5: Include QuickBooks in Firewall Settings

There are times when QuickBooks’ firewall settings block your operations and updates, requiring fixes. Create exceptions for QB programs to resolve the issue.

  • Access the Start menu.
  • Search for Firewall in the search box.
  • Head to the Advanced Options tab.
  • Right-click on the Inbound Rules option and then choose the New Rule option.
  • Go to the Program tab, then click Next.
  • Then tap Browse and select This Program Path.
  • Find the QB executable files and tap on them.
  • Tap Next, then allow the connection, and tap Next again.
  • Here, you need to confirm that all profiles are selected, then press Next.
  • Create a rule and name it. 
  • Name the file as QBFirewallException(name.exe).

Now, access QuickBooks and verify that error 15101 has been resolved.

Solution 6: Launch Your System in Safe Mode

Running the system in safe mode can help you run QB and avoid many issues.

  • Restart your system.
  • Press F8 to access Safe Mode with Networking.
  • Here, Log in as the System Administrator.
  • Run QuickBooks and try updating again.
  • Restart your system once the process is complete.

Solution 7: Use Quick Fix my Program

To use the Quick Fix my Program tool, perform the following:

  • First, head over to the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
  • Open the .exe file and begin installation by following the on-screen steps.
  • Launch the tool hub after the installation is completed.
  • Now, head over to the Program Problems tab.
  • Under the Program Problems tab, choose the Quick Fix my Program option.

Now, let the tool run and resolve the issue you are experiencing in your QuickBooks system.

Solution 8: Modify the Internet Connection Settings

Changing your internet connection settings can help resolve error 15101. Follow the steps to fix it.

  • Launch the QuickBooks Desktop.
  • Go to the Help tab and select the Internet Connection Setup tab.
  • Now, select the “Use my Computer’s Internet Settings” and choose Next.
  • Select Advanced Connection Settings to access the default browser and modify the settings for the following:
    • Add Intuit as a trusted site.
    • Modify cookie settings.
    • Add Intuit as a Trusted Site in Settings.
    • Restart your system.

These steps will help you resolve this issue if you are experiencing any problems with your QuickBooks internet settings.

Solution 9: Check Your Payroll Subscription Status

If your QB has an outdated payroll subscription, you may encounter this error, resulting in error code 15101, QuickBooks Payroll Update.​

  • Restart your system after you close all the company files.
  • Access QuickBooks and move to the Employees tab.
  • Under the Employees area, select My Payroll Service > Manage Service key.
  • The Service Name and Status should be active and correct.
  • Choose Edit to verify the service key number. If it is incorrect, input the correct service key.
  • Click Next, then clear the Open Payroll Setup checkbox.
  • Then click Finish to download the entire payroll update to your QB.

If you continue to face QuickBooks error 15101, try renaming the CPS folder. 

Solution 10: Rename the CPS Folder

The CPS folder stores the essential payroll-related files in the QuickBooks Desktop.

  • Access the My Computer.
  • Then you will find the software in QuickBooks 20XX, where XX represents the QB version.
  • Select the Components, then click Payroll in the drop-down menu.
  • Select the CPS folder from the Payroll list. 
  • Rename the CPS folder to cps.old. 

Following the steps above can help you troubleshoot error 15101 in QuickBooks.

Key Aspects to Ensure For QuickBooks Error 15101

The following are the key points you should maintain to avoid the QuickBooks error 15101 in future:

  • Ensure you are using a fast and reliable internet connection.
  • Keep QuickBooks up to date with the latest version.
  • Log in to your system as an administrator to gain additional privileges and resolve this issue.
  • Back up the company file as a precaution to avoid this error.
  • Ensure that your digital signature certificate is associated correctly.

Ensure these key pointers to avoid the issue in the future.

Conclusion

This blog will help you understand the QuickBooks error 15101​. This issue occurs when you try to download or update the payroll or QB application. We have also covered what you may experience when you face this error. Additionally, we have created a list of troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve this error and update QB or payroll. However, if you need any help with the update process in QuickBooks or payroll, feel free to connect to our experts at +1(800) 780-3064.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can error 15101 affect my QuickBooks software?

This error is an update issue that will disable you from downloading the latest updates for your QuickBooks software. This can also cause your software to malfunction, affecting the accuracy of your financial data. When you encounter this error, your QuickBooks may lag or crash, resulting in slower performance.

Are virus infections or malware files responsible for causing the QuickBooks update error?

When your system is infected with a virus or malware, it can cause issues when running QB updates. Here are solutions for it:
a. Head over to the Windows Start menu.
b. Select the Settings tab, then click Update & Security.
c. Click Windows Security, then choose Virus & Threat Protection.
d. Then go to the Current Threats section. 
e. Lastly, select Quick Scan to initiate the anti-malware scan process. 
f. If you are using Windows 10, go to Threat History, then select Scan Now to run the scan.

What are the causes of error 15101 in QuickBooks?

This error is generally provoked due to the following factors:
a. Misconfigured Internet settings
b. The digital Signature certificate for Intuit may not be installed or updated.
c. Terminating the QBWebconnector.exe service can also cause Error 15101.
d. Poor internet connectivity can also cause this error.

Tags:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *