Fix QuickBooks Error 15XXX (15000 series): Can’t connect to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll

QuickBooks Error 15XXX will appear when trying to download and install QuickBooks Desktop updates or payroll updates. This error can also be caused due to the wrong configurations of Microsoft Internet Explorer that lead to issues in downloading and installing the QuickBooks Desktop updates. To provide security to your computer as well as your content, Intuit’s QuickBooks verifies the digital signature of all the downloaded files through the program to check authenticity.

If Intuit’s QuickBooks is not able to verify the digital signature of any downloaded file, at the same moment, one of the 15XXX (15000 series) errors prompts on your screen. 

• Error 15XXX: Can’t connect to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll
• Error 15XXX: QuickBooks Desktop update didn’t update successfully

There are multiple error codes inside 15XXX errors in QuickBooks that you’ll know after reading the below section. Later on, we’ll discuss its solutions so that you can easily troubleshoot it itself.

QuickBooks 15XXX (15000 series) Error Codes

From here, you will know the errors that occur generally when you are downloading QuickBooks Desktop updates or payroll updates. Have a look at it:

Possible Causes of QuickBooks 15XXX Error?

Every error has some reasons due to which it comes and starts to appear on your screen. Check all the causes from here if you are facing the same error issue.

• Invalid configurations of Microsoft I.E.(Internet Explorer)
• Issues with Internet Connection Establishment
• Damages in Windows Registry
• Incomplete installation causes damages to QuickBooks files 
• Spy and malware attacks
• The same list continues…

Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Error 15XXX (15000 Series) Error

We have figured out some solutions that help you in resolving QuickBooks error 15XXX. May the first solution resolve your query entirely or you have to implement all the solutions until your issues are not triggered. Read the steps then apply it carefully.

Points to Remember:

Before proceeding onwards, ensure that you are working with the latest release of Microsoft Internet Explorer from their download center

If the latest release of IE has been already installed, or you start getting the same error after following all the steps, we recommend you to connect either with an IT professional or Microsoft

Solution 1: Perform a Clean Installation of QuickBooks Desktop

To do a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop, just go through the simple steps:

• Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop by right-clicking on it, then pick Uninstall
• Download and Run QuickBooks Clean Install Tool
• It’s time to Rename the QuickBooks Desktop Installation files manually
  • Open Windows Start Menu>> File Explorer
  • Browse to the folder holding your QuickBooks company files. It might be your QuickBooks folder, just go to its locations to choose it:
    • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
    • 64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year). Note: (Year) tells you about your QuickBooks year when you made your purchase. 
  • Click right then choose Rename
  • Adding “old” at the end of the folder name. This prevents QuickBooks from being ambiguous and is unable to open the file after reinstallation of QuickBooks.
• Reinstallation of QuickBooks Desktop with a clean install

Check whether your issue is fixed or not, if the first solution is unable to give you well satisfactory results then move further. 

Solution 2: Edit the Settings of Internet Explorer

In this solution, you have to do some edits in Internet Explorer settings, so learn how to do it with the US QuickBooks product and Canadian QuickBooks Product. Let’s see:

• Launch Internet Explorer
• Click on the Gear icon >> Internet Options
• Tap on the Security tab and then choose Trusted Websites
• Click on Site to add the multiple trusted websites inside it
  • If you are working with the US version of QuickBooks
    • *.quickbooks.com
    • *.intuit.com
  • If you are working with the Canadian version of QuickBooks
    • *.quickbooks.ca
    • *.intuit.ca

Note: Nothing will change, but once the domain changes, the changes are reflected back to the country of the product.

• Hit close then Apply 
• Click on the OK button

Solution 3: Check your Internet Connectivity and QuickBooks Settings

• Make sure you have incoming and outgoing internet connectivity with QuickBooks files, just configure your firewall as well as your antivirus or other security software settings
• When trying to download the updates, the firewall that isn’t associated with QuickBooks causing 15XXX(15000 series) 
• Be sure you have good speed of internet connectivity to process your desktop updates

Solution 4: Installation of Digital Signature Certificate

• Do a Windows Search for QBW32.exe located at C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks. Browse and Find QBW32.exe in Windows
  • To show more results, just click on the link inside the Windows Search tab, if the QBW32.exe will not appear at the beginning
  • Click on the Computer icon on the next screen(Windows running a search on your computer)
  • Find QBW32.exe having a type of application from Search Results
• Click QBW32.exe >> Properties option
• Tap on the Digital Signature tab and then make sure Intuit Inc has been checked inside the Signature list
• Hit Details option then open the Digital signature details window and click on View Certificate
• Open the Certificate window and then click on Install Certificate
• Hit the Next option until the finish tab will not appear on the screen
• Click on Finish then restart your computer 
  • Right-click on the Windows Start button
  • Then click on the Shutdown or Sign out
  • Hit the Restart option to restart your computer
• Again sign in to your computer then open your QuickBooks Desktop
• Update the latest downloads once again

Check and verify that your issue is fixed or not, if the current solution is unable to give you satisfactory results then move onwards. 

Solution 5: Downloading the Updates using Safe Mode

If the error is still shown after you attempt to download in safe mode. Do the same with the simple steps:

• Open your Computer system in Safe Mode
• Now check for the latest updates to download and install. If any attempt to Update it
• After you have successfully installed the updates, simply Restart your system in Normal Mode in the same manner defined above
• Attempt to Re-download the updates

Solution 6: Configuration of Firewall and Antivirus Defender

In this solution, you need to have a complete setup of firewall and antivirus defender to make sure that your QuickBooks files are saved and secure. If you are unable to configure the files, this might cause QuickBooks files to be damaged or corrupted when trying or struggling to download updates or reinstallation of software versions into your system.

The Bottom Line

Carrying any of the above-listed solutions might help you to get rid of QB error 15XXX (15000 Series) without facing any technical difficulty. If by following the above methods, your QuickBooks error will not trigger then get help or quick resolution from our Intuit Certified ProAdvisors through our helpline number.