Troubleshooting the QuickBooks Error 15271 When Updating

Not updating payroll services often hinders timely direct deposits while also interrupting normal operations. However, while trying to update software or payroll, you may encounter QuickBooks error 15271 with or without a warning message on your screen, which may result in incorrect tax calculations, failure to generate payroll reports, and plans such as pensions.

This error is one of the 15XXX series, which is different from the larger number discussed below in this article. To help you troubleshoot the problem, we will cover the possible factors and suitable fixes to troubleshoot error code 15271 and ensure you can update QB and payroll services seamlessly. Let’s read this article in detail.

QuickBooks Update Error 15271: An Overview

QuickBooks error code 15271 is one of the 15XXX series that appears on your screen due to failure to update payroll services. The error suddenly comes on your screen with a warning message,

When updating payroll services, the error varies across multiple codes in the same series, such as 15XXX. Let’s review the possible error codes you may encounter:

QuickBooks error 15102	QuickBooks error 15103	QuickBooks error 15107
QuickBooks error 15105	QuickBooks error 15106	QuickBooks error 15107
QuickBooks error 15212	QuickBooks error 15215	QuickBooks error 15222
QuickBooks error 15223	QuickBooks error 15240	QuickBooks error 15241
QuickBooks error 15270	QuickBooks error 15271	QuickBooks error 15276

Below, we will highlight the possible factors and the appropriate fix. Regardless of where you encounter the 15XXX error, the steps below will allow you to update QB to the latest release and payroll services.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 15271 When Updating?

You may fail to update QuickBooks Desktop for various reasons, like not having a normal internet connection or a compatible operating system. The section below explores all the possible reasons behind the error; let’s look at them one by one:

• Poor computer performance or general connectivity issues
• Permissions are not properly set to receive updates
• Shared download drives may not be mapped correctly
• The program file may be missing or damaged
• Incorrectly configured Windows Firewall settings for QuickBooks Desktop
• The QuickBooks File Copy service may be disabled
• Your QuickBooks Desktop may not be able to verify the digital signature certificate
• Possible damage or corruption to your QB program files

Learn How to Rectify Update Error 15271 in QuickBooks Desktop

This section will explore the troubleshooting steps for QuickBooks error 15271 when updating software or payroll services. Experts curate all the solutions mentioned below according to the error-triggering factor and help you get the QB update going.

1. Get the updates as administrator

Using the QuickBooks administrator rights allows you to make the required changes to your computer when updating the software or the payroll services.

Proceed with the below steps to run the software with the admin rights:

• Exit your company file and then QuickBooks Desktop.
• Right-click on the QuickBooks icon and select Run as Administrator.
• Now, click Yes on the UAC prompt that says, “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?“
• Try to download the latest QuickBooks Desktop product updates again.
• Get the most recent tax table version again.

2. Map the shared download drive

Mapping a shared network drive allows users to access a folder or another drive, server, or computer. It also makes it easier to access the QuickBooks company file from the shared storage. Make sure you install QuickBooks Desktop on your server before mapping your drive.

• Press the Windows logo icon key to launch the Windows Start menu.
• Type This PC in the search bar and press the Enter key.
• Choose More (…), then click on Map network drive.

Note: If you don’t see Map network drive, right-click This PC and select Map network drive.

• Now, choose a drive letter in Drive
• You can either: – enter the full path of the folder that you want to map or – enter only the path to the computer that hosts the company file and select Browse to find the folder
• Click on Reconnect at sign-in to ensure the drive is mapped every time you sign in to your computer.
• Finally, select Finish.

3. Repair your QuickBooks program

You must consider repairing your QuickBooks program when you fail to update QuickBooks Desktop or open it once the update is complete.

To do so, you must utilize the QuickBooks Fix my Program and QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool, which requires downloading and installing QuickBooks Tool Hub to the most recent release.

a. Run Quick Fix my Program

The Quick Fix My Program utility closes all background processes running on your QuickBooks desktop, quickly repairing your programs and fixing the issues.

• Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Go to Program Problems.
• Hit on Quick Fix my Program.

b. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool

If something goes wrong during installation, it can cause problems when using the software. To fix this, consider running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool to fix common installation problems.

• Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer.
• Go to Installation Issues in the left pane.
• Hit on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. It might take up to 20 minutes to run; let it run until then.
• Once the tool is finished, restart your computer, launch your QuickBooks desktop, and open your company file.
• Now, ensure you are using the latest version of QuickBooks for the latest fixes and security updates.

4. Configure the Windows Firewall settings

Sometimes, the Windows Firewall blocks the QuickBooks program due to incorrectly configured settings or because the software may be considered a threat to your computer. Therefore, the firewall may block QuickBook’s operation for system security reasons and trigger QuickBooks error 15271 while updating.

To fix this, you need to configure Windows Firewall settings for QuickBooks Desktop and ensure it does not interrupt software processes such as updates.

5. Enable the QuickBooks File Copy Service

Enabling the QuickBooks File Copy service, particularly the Accountant’s Copy File Transfer service, allows clients and accountants to securely exchange company files and make changes without interrupting the client’s work. This could be updating software or payroll services whenever needed.

• Press the Windows+R keys together to launch the Run prompt.
• In the Run command prompt, type COMPMGMT.MSC and click OK.
• This will open the Computer Management window.
• Click on Services and Applications and tick mark on Services.
• Now, scroll down until you see the Intuit QuickBooks FCS and double-click on it.
• Choose the Startup type and click on Manual.
• Select Apply and then click OK.

Once done, revalidate the Payroll Service Key to refresh the Payroll and QuickBooks connection. Here’s how to do that:

• In QuickBooks, go to Employees at the top menu bar.
• Choose My Payroll Service and then select Activate Service Key.
• Now, highlight the current payroll under the Service Keys window and select Edit.
• Select Next until finish comes up.

6. Verify the digital signature certificate

A digital signature certificate is an electronic certificate that verifies your identity when downloading or updating any software to ensure system security and safety. Verifying the digital signature certificate while updating ensures the authenticity and integrity of the software and file.

a. Locate the file

• Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon and choose Properties.
• Go to the Shortcut tab and choose Open File Location, then OK.

Note: You can also access the location manually by navigating to your product’s application folder, as shown below. Make sure to replace Xs with the year of your QuickBooks software.

• Pro, Premier, or Premier Accountant: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX
• Enterprise or Enterprise Accountant: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XX.0

b. Install the Certificate

• Look for the Application file (.exe file) on the File Location window and then right-click on the same.
• Select Properties, and this will open the Application file Properties window.
• Go to the Digital Signatures tab and choose any of these entries in the Signature list field. Now, click on Details.
• On the prompted Digital Signature Details window, choose View Certificate. This will open the Certificate window.
• Move to the General tab and select Install Certificate.
• On the Certificate Import Wizard welcome screen, ensure that the Store Locations is on Current User and then click Next.
• On the Certificate Store window, Windows already selected the certificate store based on the type of certificate.
• Now, click Next, then Finish.
• It will prompt you to select OK if the import was successful.

Note: Be sure to follow steps 2-6 for the remaining Security Certificates in the Digital Signature list.

7. Re-install QuickBooks Desktop

Any damage or problems with your QuickBooks program files when updating QuickBooks or payroll tax tables can interrupt the process and trigger QuickBooks error 15271. To resolve the issue, you must remove and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop because doing so replaces the old program files with new ones.

Before you start

• Get the installer of the same version as QuickBooks Desktop.
• Keep the QB license number handy when activating the program after re-installation. You can find it on the original package or check the confirmation email if you purchased it online.

Note: You can also get the same information from your account management portal.

a. Remove QuickBooks

• Press the Windows icon key to launch the Windows Start menu on your computer.
• Type Control Panel in the search bar and press Enter.
• Go to Programs and Features and then select Uninstall a Program.
• Choose the version of QuickBooks Desktop you want to uninstall from the list of programs.
• Click on Uninstall/Change, Remove and then select Next. If you don’t see any option available, sign out and then sign in again to Windows as an admin or as a user with administrator rights.

b. Install QuickBooks again

After successfully removing the software, follow the steps below to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop. This will replace the old program files with new ones, fixing the related problem.

• Keep your computer connected to an active and strong internet connection.
• Locate the QuickBooks program file QuickBooks.exe.
• Now, select – Express install – When you express install the software, it will save all previous preferences and install over your previous version of QuickBooks. To access the new QuickBooks installation, select Custom and Network options. – Custom and Network Options – This way, you can install a new version of QuickBooks in a different location and keep previous versions installed. Your previous version preferences have not been added to the new version.
• Click Next and then select Install.
• When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

Summary

Updating QuickBooks Desktop or Payroll Tax Table is important to continue using the services without interruption, access new features, up-to-date security, bug fixes, and more, as the older version will no longer be supported. However, QuickBooks error 15271 makes everything challenging and interrupts the update process, so we have discussed the possible causes and troubleshooting solutions above to fix the error.

For further assistance or help, it is recommended that you connect with QuickBooks ProAdviosr at +1-866-409-5111 right now!