QuickBooks updates are crucial to refresh software components and tax rates. However, when updating payroll or the desktop application, you can run into QuickBooks error 120031. This might be because of poor internet connectivity, firewall blockage, or third-party interruptions. However, that is not all.
In this blog, we will explore all the potential reasons that can give way to error code 12031 and then guide you on how to troubleshoot it so that you can get rid of it from the root.
Why Can’t You Update QuickBooks Application or Payroll?
Here are different reasons why you fail to install QB software or payroll updates and instead run into QuickBooks error 12031:
- There might have been a network timeout, or the connection is poor or unstable
- Windows or antivirus firewall is blocking QuickBooks, keeping it from connecting to the Intuit server
- QuickBooks programs can’t run freely or get interrupted by an antivirus or security software
- QB lacks administrative rights to install an update
- The QuickBooks program might be damaged, outdated, or incorrectly installed
- Your computer either doesn’t have all the Microsoft components required by QuickBooks, or some of them are missing, damaged, or disabled
- The Windows operating system is outdated or damaged, or crucial files are corrupt
Let us now proceed to troubleshooting the issue.
Top Methods to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 12031
In this section, we have listed below different ways to troubleshoot QuickBooks error 12031. Go through these methods and carry out the instructions given.
1. Check Your System’s Time and Date Settings
The time and date setting should be correct on your computer for you to install QuickBooks updates. Here is how you can check and change the time and date on Windows:
- Close all QuickBooks windows.
- Right-click the time and date icon on the right side of the Taskbar and choose Adjust date and time.
- Now, check if the timezone selected is correct according to your location. If it is not, make the required changes.
- Restart QuickBooks Desktop and resume the updates.
If you run into a 12XXX series error, follow the next step.
2. Check the Internet Settings for QuickBooks
To help QuickBooks establish a secure, uninterrupted connection with the server, add Intuit sites as trusted. Next, follow the steps below:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and then the Help menu, and tap on Internet Connection Setup.
- Choose Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet.
- Tap on Next, followed by Advanced Connection Settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab and choose Restore Advanced Settings.
- Tap on OK followed by Done.
Finally, update QuickBooks Desktop and then the tax table.
3. Reset QuickBooks Updates
Try resetting QuickBooks updates to get rid of problems caused by a corrupt update or incorrect or incomplete installation of previous updates. Here are the steps for the same:
- Go to the Intuit folder, right-click the Components folder, and tap on Delete.
- Open QuickBooks Desktop, select on the Help menu followed by Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Tap on the Update Now tab, and mark the checkbox that says Reset Update.
- Choose Get Updates.
After the updates are successfully downloaded, restart QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Configure Windows and Antivirus Firewall
The Windows firewall needs to allow QuickBooks programs through it, as the latter needs to access certain ports to connect to the server.
Therefore, configure Windows Firewall for QuickBooks. If there is an antivirus or security software installed on your computer, you will need to create QuickBooks exemptions for your antivirus.
After that, restart your computer and check if you can carry out QuickBooks updates without a problem.
5. Install QuickBooks Updates in Selective Startup Mode
If you still see QuickBooks error 12031 when installing software or payroll updates, do so in selective startup mode. Here is how you can switch to selective startup mode:
- Open the Run window (Windows + R) and type msconfig in the Run box.
- Hit Enter.
Note: If asked for, provide your admin password and choose Continue.
- Tap on the General tab and choose Selective Startup and Load System Services.
- Navigate to the Services tab and mark the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Tap on Disable all.
- Unmark the checkbox that says Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Choose Windows Installer from the list of services and tap on OK.
- Finally, select Restart from the System Configuration window.
In the selective startup mode, install QuickBooks updates. Then, restart your computer in normal mode.
- Launch the Run window by pressing Windows+R.
- Enter msconfig and choose OK.
- Go to the General tab and select Normal startup.
- Tap on OK.
- Choose Restart from the System Configuration window.
If this doesn’t help, however, try the next solution.
6. Import QuickBooks Digital Signature Certificate
QuickBooks needs to have a valid digital certificate to install updates on your computer. Here is how you can import a digital signature into QuickBooks:
- Open C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
- Right-click the QBW32.exe and choose Properties.
- Choose Digital Signature and double-check to make sure that Intuit is selected in the list.
- Tap on Details, and from the Digital Signature Details window, tap on View Certificate.
- Choose Install Certificate from the Certificate window.
- Choose Next/Finish as you go ahead with the instructions on your screen.
In the end, restart your computer and then reattempt the download.
7. Repair QuickBooks Desktop
The QuickBooks Desktop program might get corrupt over time or incur damage. This can be repaired by a tool in QuickBooks Tool Hub. However, first download and install the Tool Hub on your computer.
Now, open QuickBooks Tool Hub and go to the Installation Issues tab.
Click on the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool button.
The tool usually takes a while to appear on the screen before it can start repairing. Wait patiently, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, while the tool repairs QB programs and installation. When it is done, restart your computer and check if you can update QuickBooks now.
8. Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop
If nothing helps, your best bet will be to start fresh with a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop. This will get rid of the malicious QuickBooks files on your computer.
Conclusion
This was all about why you can’t install software or payroll updates and run into QuickBooks error 12031. We discussed all the possible reasons and expert-recommended ways to troubleshoot it. If you continue to face an issue, speak to a QuickBooks expert. Dial TFN and connect with them now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Error code 12031 can appear when installing software or payroll updates in QuickBooks Desktop. This might result from an unstable internet connection, incorrect time and date settings, firewall blockage, corrupt QuickBooks program, missing or invalid digital certificate, etc.
To resolve update errors in QuickBooks Desktop, here are some things you can do:
1. Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection. Try opening a bank or financial institution’s website and check if it works fine.
2. Verify Time and Date Settings: Open your system’s time and date settings and make sure that the correct timezone is set according to your location.
3. Reset QuickBooks Updates: When installing QuickBooks updates, select the checkbox for Reset Updates.
4. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool Hub: From the QuickBooks Tool Hub, run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to repair damaged installation files and components.
5. Install Updates in Safe Mode: Boot your computer in safe or selective startup mode and install QuickBooks updates in it. Finally, switch back to Normal mode.
6. Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop: If nothing works, perform a clean installation of your QuickBooks Desktop application.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.