How to fix QuickBooks Error 12002

QuickBooks Payroll is a popular tool that helps businesses manage employee payroll, pay vendors, and send direct deposits to employees. It offers useful features and works best when regularly updated. However, if QuickBooks Error 12002 occurs, it can delay these important tasks. This article will walk you through the steps to fix QuickBooks payroll error 12002 and get everything running smoothly again.

Potential Causes of fixing QuickBooks error 12002

Before solving the issue, it is essential to understand the causes behind the error. Below you will find potential reasons for QuickBooks Update Error 12002 .

• Using old versions of QuickBooks desktop.  
• Unable to access administrative rights on your system while updating the QuickBooks desktop process.
• Not using your default browser to execute QuickBooks and payroll updates.
• Process interruption from the internet & firewall settings leads to an update error.
• Unstable internet connection.
• Incorrect SSL (Secure Socket Layer) settings.
• Damaged QuickBooks Desktop program or incorrect installation of QuickBooks Desktop.
• Incorrect time and date settings of your system while executing the update process.
• Damage to the QuickBooks company file data.
• Outdated Windows operating system.  

Methods to fix QuickBooks Error 12002

Solution 1 – Manual updation of QuickBooks Desktop

You have to download the QuickBooks updates before trying to update the payroll service in case your software is not updated to recent version .

• Go to the Start menu after closing your QuickBooks software.
• Right-click on the QuickBooks desktop icon -> choose Run as administrator.
• After this, QuickBooks will launch with No Company Open screen.
• Now, click on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• From the options tab, click -> Mark all -> Save.
• Now, click Update Now tab -> Reset Update checkbox -> Get updates button.
• After the completion of updates, open the application again and tap on Yes to install the updates.
• Lastly, restart your computer and try getting payroll updates.

Solution 2 – Altering default browser settings

Microsoft Edge :

• In case your internet settings are not in synchronation with payroll updates settings then it will generate QuickBooks payroll update error 12002.
• Go to start menu -> Settings -> Apps -> default apps tabs.
• In the Set defaults for applications, tap on Microsoft edge

Google Chrome :

• Open Google chrome browser -> Settings -> Default browser section.
• Set Chrome as your default internet browser and return to QuickBooks updates.
• In case you still face this QuickBooks error 12002 then follow the next solution.
  
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Solution 3 – Using TLS 1.2 to make system compliant

Any connection made from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to access Intuit services must meet the specified TLS 1.2 requirements to ensure security and stability.

• Download recent version of QuickBooks Tool Hub on your system and run it.
• Before you use the TLS 1.2 tool, select QuickBooks TLS 1.2 to activate it.
• Choose the TLS tool and confirm EULA -> Run.

Solution 4 – Configuring Microsoft Edge Settings 

Setting Balanced Browsing Mode

• Tap on Settings -> click on the Privacy, search and services options.
• On the security menu, if the enhance security is on then set browsing mode to balanced.

Review the TLS Setup

• Open Internet Options from the Start Menu, move to the Advanced tab and scroll to the Security section.
• Check the Use TLS 1.2 checkbox and uncheck the Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.0 checkboxes.
• Further, click OK, close, and restart Microsoft Edge.

Solution 5 – Configuring firewall settings.

If your Windows firewall or antivirus software is blocking QuickBooks from accessing the internet, it can interrupt the update process. In such cases, you’ll need to adjust your firewall settings and eliminate any restrictions before attempting the update again.

However, if the error 12002 still persists despite configuring the firewall, proceed to the next solution to resolve the issue.

Solution 6 – Repairing QuickBooks

If your Windows firewall or antivirus program is preventing QuickBooks from connecting to the internet, it can disrupt the update process. To fix this, you should reconfigure your firewall settings and remove any blocks that may be affecting QuickBooks.

However, if QuickBooks error 12002 still appears even after updating the firewall settings, move on to the next troubleshooting step to resolve the problem.

Allow the tool to repair any issues with the QuickBooks program, and once it completes, verify whether the update error code has been resolved.

If QuickBooks error 12002 still persists, go to the Installation Issues section and run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool for further troubleshooting.

For More : How to fix QuickBooks Error 3645

Solution 7 – Using Clean Install for QuickBooks Reinstallation.

You have to reinstall the software program in case you cannot repair QuickBooks using tool hub.

Once QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) is successfully reinstalled, go to the Help menu to complete the activation. After that, restart QuickBooks and run the payroll update again to see if QuickBooks error 12002 has been resolved.

Solution 8 – Verifying and correcting the PC’s time and date settings.

Incorrect time and date settings stops users from downloading the recent QuickBooks and payroll updates.

Follow below steps to correct it :

• If you are using Windows OS, go to My computer-> Control panel tab -> related settings of time and language.
• Now, right click on time and date to correct it.

Solution 9 – Using verify / Rebuild data tool.

Company file data issues like damage can leads to QuickBooks Update error. To know more about the integrity issues, use verify and rebuild data tool.

Conclusion

We’ve provided detailed solutions for your convenience to help you understand and apply reliable, user-friendly methods to fix QuickBooks Error 12002.

However, if these steps don’t resolve the issue and you’re still unable to update the software, it’s time to seek expert assistance.

FAQs

Can an unverified or outdated digital signature cause QB error 12002?

Yes, before updating QuickBooks, you must ensure that a valid digital signature certificate is installed. Follow these steps:

– Open the C Drive and navigate to: Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks folder. Locate the QBW32.EXE file and right-click on it.
– Select Properties, go to the Digital Signature tab, and confirm that Intuit is listed in the signatures.
– Click on Details to open the Digital Signature Certificate window, then select View Certificate.
– In the Certificate window, choose Install Certificate, click Next, and then press Finish to complete the process.

What are the steps to install the latest QuickBooks payroll tax table updates?

First open the QuickBooks employees’ section -> get payroll updates -> Download entire update option.

Now, choose Update to begin the process and wait for the downloading to finish.

Can problems with the OS files hamper the QB updates?

Yes, if you’re unable to update QuickBooks, it may be due to missing or damaged system files. You can resolve this by running the System File Checker with these steps:

– Open the Windows Start menu, go to Settings, click Windows Update, and select Check for Updates.
– Install any available Windows updates, restart your PC, and search for Command Prompt in the Windows search bar.
– Right-click on Command Prompt (Desktop app), choose Run as Administrator, and click Yes when prompted.
– Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. After that, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter again.
– Let the scan complete, and once you see “Verification 100% complete”, type Exit to close the window.

Can wrong QB hosting settings prevent the update process?

Yes, both QuickBooks and Payroll updates can only be downloaded in single-user mode. If your QuickBooks company files are hosted on a network and you try to download updates, the process will fail.