Resolve Payroll Error Code 40003 QuickBooks | Step-By-Step

Learn about Error Code 40003 in QuickBooks Desktop: Data Cannot Be Saved to the Data File here:

QuickBooks payroll updates ensure that the tax rates and forms are according to federal and state regulations. This ensures that the accountants and businesses who use QB for filing financial reports and tax returns stay compliant with the laws. However, the error code 40003 QuickBooks can keep users from downloading the payroll updates. 

The QuickBooks payroll update error code 40003 pops up when the user tries to update their payroll. The issue can also arise when running payroll operations or sending direct deposits. Running outdated QBD applications and unfavorable Windows firewall settings can lead to QuickBooks error message 40003.    

What is Error Code 40003 QuickBooks?

QuickBooks Error 40003 is a common error that can occur when attempting to access the QB company file. It typically appears with an error message that reads

“Error 40003: Unable to access the QuickBooks company file“.

This error 40003 in QB Desktop is often caused by network connectivity issues or problems with the QuickBooks database server manager. It can also occur if the company file is damaged or if there are permission issues with the file due to an internet connection issue, firewall settings, or incorrect server settings.

Read More: Troubleshoot QuickBooks payroll update error 15276.

Let’s Delve Into How To Identify QuickBooks Error 40003

Let us dig into how to identify QuickBooks 40003 when it arises. Here, all you need to know what triggers this bug When Downloading Payroll Updates:

1. An easy sign is the error message 40003, unable to access the QuickBooks company.
2. You might not be able to update the payroll tax table.
3. You might not be able to send payroll data or direct deposits
4. The forms aren’t available in QuickBooks Desktop
5. QuickBooks stops responding to the inputs from the keyboard or mouse.

Read More: How to Setup QuickBooks Payroll Direct Deposit

Why You Get QuickBooks Error 40003 ( 7 Reasons )

Error Code 40003 QuickBooks is usually caused by an issue with the company file or the QB installation itself. This could be due to a damaged data file, an outdated version of QuickBooks, or a conflict with another program. It can also be caused by a problem with the Windows registry or missing or corrupted files. To determine the best solution for your problem, you need to understand the root cause. Here are the common reasons causing the QuickBooks Direct Deposit error code 40003.

1. The payroll account update error in QuickBooks can be caused due to an unstable or broken internet connection. This interruption might be caused by the downloading, which has induced this error.
2. The same problem can also be caused on your desktop because of corrupted or damaged QuickBooks company files.
3. The error may appear if some installation files essential for running QuickBooks are damaged or corrupted.
4. This issue can also arise if you have downloaded malicious software that brought bugs or viruses to your device.
5. The QuickBooks error 40003 can occur when the QuickBooks desktop is not excluded from the block list of the Windows Firewall.
6. If your QuickBooks setup is incorrect, then this error may appear.
7. This issue can also arise if you use an outdated QB Desktop or Operating System version.

Read more:- Resolving Payroll Service Connection Error In QuickBooks Desktop

Top Ways to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 40003 When Downloading Payroll Updates 

There are multiple steps required to fix QuickBooks payroll error 40003, which involves updating the QBD application, verifying Internet Explorer settings, and configuring firewall settings along with Internet security settings. Let’s look at the detailed steps that users need to follow:- 

Method 1. Try To Manually Update QuickBooks Application

Using an outdated QBD application is one reason for error code 40003 on the QuickBooks desktop. It is important to update your application to resolve the issue. Here’s how to manually update the QB Desktop in easy steps.

• Run QuickBooks in a no-company open window.

• Click the Help tab and choose Update QuickBooks Desktop.

• A new window will open up, Go to the Update Now tab and tickmark the Reset update checkbox.
• Click the Get Updates button and wait for the download process to get over, then close the application.
• Relaunch the QuickBooks application again and click on the Help tab.
• Choose the Update QuickBooks Desktop option and then go to the Overview tab. 
• Finally, select the Update Now option and wait for the update process to complete.

Method 2: Reactivate the Payroll Service Key

Reactivating the payroll service key refreshes the payroll subscription and re-activates the account. Here is how you can reactivate it:

• Go to the QuickBooks Dashboard and press the Ctrl + K keys on the keyboard.
• This will show the payroll service key and Status of the payroll subscription. If the Status is Inactive, take note of your payroll service key.
• Now, click Edit, and remove and re-enter the service key received.
• Then hit Next until you get the Finish option.
• Once done, click OK.

Method 3: Review Employee’s Payroll Information

• Open QuickBooks, go to the Employees menu and click Employee Center.
• Choose the employee names one by one.
• Now, click the Payroll Info option on the left.
• Make sure that the Pay Frequency is correct.
• Then, click the Taxes button.
• In the Federal tab, review the Filing Status and Allowances fields and make necessary corrections.

Lastly, click OK twice.

Method 4. Configure The Settings of Internet Explorer

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer in the background to run online services. QuickBooks payroll update error 40003 arises when the settings of Internet Explorer are not favorable for QB. Go through these key points to ensure that the settings are favorable:- 

• Ensure that Internet Explorer is your default browser.
• Make sure that your computer’s time and date are correct.
• Verify that your IE strength is not below 128 bits.
• Update your Internet Options settings.  

Method 5. Verify The Firewall and Internet Connection Settings for QBD

Updating your payroll requires an internet connection. The faulty firewall and Internet connection settings for QBD can lead to error 40003 QuickBooks Desktop. To understand the settings that you require for QuickBooks, refer to the article below. 

Read Also: Error: Windows Firewall Is Blocking QuickBooks- Here’s How To Fix It.

Method 6. Use Verify and Rebuild Utilities in QuickBooks Desktop

If you have already tried and tested the other solutions given above, we suggest you use the verify and rebuild utilities..

• Go to your desktop and then click on the “file tab,” and then click on “utilities.”

• Now, you will have to verify data from the options that are there and halt for a short time. So that the tool starts to run.
• You will get one of these problems:
  • QuickBooks detected no problems with your data.
  • An error message pops up on the screen.
  • Your data has lost integrity.
  • After you see the errors on the screen, the next step is to run the rebuild data utility.
  • Open the file menu, click on the utilities option, and select the rebuild data option.

• Whatever message you see, the steps will have to be followed accordingly. There will be on-screen steps.

With this solution, there is a high chance that you will not get the error message after this.

Method 7. Verify Time and Date Settings

The error code 40003 QuickBooks might arise if the date and time settings on your desktop are incorrect. Therefore, Check your system time and date settings & correct these by following the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows button or the Windows icon.
2. Now, open the Windows settings.
3. Now, click on the time and language settings.
4. Choose the correct date and time for the PC.
5. Select the right time zone.

Method 8. Run QB Desktop as Administrator

 If you can’t download QuickBooks tax table updates, run the application as administrator. 

1. Right-click on the QuickBooks icon on the desktop or open the start menu, search for QuickBooks and then right-click on the application.
2. Now choose the option run as administrator.
3. When the permission window opens, confirm yes.
4. The QB Desktop will open, and now you can attempt to rerun the payroll operations.

Once done, retry downloading the QuickBooks payroll updates and see if the error persists.

Method 9. Run QuickBooks Tool Hub Process

The QuickBooks Tool Hub can fix the payroll update error 4003 when downloading tax table updates. 

• Download and install QB Tool Hub here.
• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and navigate to the Program Problems section
• Choose the Quick Fix My Program tool and run it
• Let it scan for the issues and repair them.

Once done, restart the QuickBooks Desktop application and rerun the payroll operations. 

Method 10. Repair QuickBooks Desktop Application

The error 40003 might occur because the QuickBooks Desktop is corrupt. In this scenario, we need to repair the QB Desktop application.

1. Open the start menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing the Windows button.
2. Open the control panel and navigate to the programs and features
3. Click on the Uninstall or Change a program and choose QuickBooks Desktop
4. Remember you do not have to uninstall the application but repair it
5. Right-click on QuickBooks Desktop and choose repair.
6. Once done, finish and restart the application

You May Also See: Fix QuickBooks Error 40001 While Activating Direct Deposit

Method 11. Use Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

If the QuickBooks error 40003 keeps appearing, you should uninstall QuickBooks Desktop and reinstall it using the Clean Install tool.

Here’s a complete guide to clean and install QuickBooks Desktop in simple steps. 

Method 12. Other Methods to Try

The above methods should fix the payroll update error in QuickBooks Desktop. However, if you cannot resolve the issue, here are additional methods to try.

1. Run the system file checker to repair the damaged QB components.
2. If third-party applications inhibit payroll operations, open QuickBooks Desktop in selective startup.
3. Carry out disk cleanup to remove malware files, viruses, and remaining files of uninstalled applications.

Read More: Resolve QuickBooks Error 15271

Conclusion

So, these are all the solutions for QuickBooks Error Codes 40003. We hope that you are now & able to update your payroll after following the above-mentioned solutions. If you are still stuck with this error, contact an expert at Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at +1(855)-738-0359. They will help you to get rid of the error 40003 right away!

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Oriana Zabell

Oriana Zabell, a professional cloud engineer, has over three years of experience in desktop, online QuickBooks support and troubleshooting. She is currently working as a cloud hosting consultant with Asquare Cloud Hosting. She loves to read and write about the latest technologies such as cloud computing, AI, DaaS, small businesses, manufacturing. When not writing, she is either reading novels or is indulged in a debate with movie fanatics.

Summary

Article Name

Fix Error Code 40003 QuickBooks When Downloading Payroll Updates

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Error Code 40003 in QuickBooks is a payroll update error code that occurs when there is an issue with the company file. It can be caused by corruption in the file, incorrect permissions, or a problem with the company file's location. This error can be resolved by running the QB File Doctor tool or by using the File Repair Tool.

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OrianaZabell

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AsquareCloudHosting

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