QuickBooks error 12157 is an error that shows up when updating the software or tax table. It can arise due to damaged files or components, incorrect time and date settings, firewall blocking, etc.
In this blog, we will explore these reasons in detail and learn how to troubleshoot the error. Alright then, let us begin.
Some Possible Reasons for QuickBooks Desktop Update Errors
To resolve an error, it is first essential to get to its root and understand what can lead to it. Let us explore various reasons why the update fails and gives way to error code 12157 in QuickBooks Desktop.
- The time and date might be incorrectly set on your computer
- Windows registry or certain components are damaged
- Your system lacks the crucial Microsoft components required by QuickBooks
- Windows Firewall or antivirus might not allow QuickBooks programs to connect to the server
- There might be multiple instances of installation of the same QB Desktop version on your computer
- Poor internet connection or a network timeout might prevent QuickBooks from installing the update
Now, let us see how to fix the error.
6 Proven Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 12157
In this section, we will take you through the nuances of troubleshooting QuickBooks error 12157 so that you can implement all methods given most effectively. This will help you resolve the error from its roots. Therefore, continue reading and follow the instructions laid out. However, first, update your operating system.
1. Check the Time and Date of Your System
The time and date must be correctly set on your computer before downloading QuickBooks updates. Follow the steps below to check the time and date settings and make changes if required.
- Close the QuickBooks program and right-click on the clock icon (or where you see the time and date) on the Taskbar.
- Choose the option to Adjust date/time.
- Now, check the timezone that is selected and ensure that it is the correct timezone for your region.
- If required, change the timezone.
Now, relaunch QB Desktop and resume the update. However, if you run into a 12XXX error, move to the next solution.
2. Configure Internet Security Settings and Windows Firewall
The internet settings facilitate the software’s (like QuickBooks) connection to the server. However, the same thing can prevent QuickBooks from installing updates if they are unfavorable.
Therefore, first, configure the internet security settings for QuickBooks, which includes various things such as:
- Adding Intuit sites as trusted
- Setting up firewall ports for QuickBooks
- Creating antivirus exceptions for QuickBooks
Then, follow the steps below to direct QuickBooks to use the computer’s internet settings when connecting to the server.
- Launch the Help menu and choose Internet Connection Setup.
- Highlight 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.
- Choose Restore Advanced Settings from the Advanced tab.
- Tap on OK and then Done.
In the end, re-update QB Desktop.
3. Ensure These Things About Your Internet Connection
There are some things you need to ensure about your internet connection to successfully download the software update, such as:
- Download accelerators are disabled as they can interfere with the download process. Therefore, if you have download accelerators enabled on your computer, disable them first.
- The minimum connection speed for a dial-up connection should be 28.8 kilobits per second (Kb/s). Therefore, check your connection speed and ensure it meets the minimum threshold.
- For America On line (AOL) users, log on to it with your primary login name and ensure that Parental Controls settings are not enabled
Once you are satisfied with your network connection, resume the QB updates.
4. Check for Duplicate Instances of the Same QB Version
If various instances of the same QuickBooks Desktop version (say, QuickBooks Desktop 2021) exist on your computer, it can cause a conflict. Let us check if there are multiple installations of the same QB Desktop version.
- Go to the Start menu, search for the Control Panel, and open it.
- Now, choose Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program (whichever you see, depending on the view settings).
- Browse through the list of programs on your computer and check if there are multiple installations of a QuickBooks Desktop version.
Note: Do not mistake different QuickBooks programs for the same QuickBooks Desktop version.
- If there are duplicate installations of QuickBooks Desktop of the same year, right-click on one of them and choose to Uninstall it. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall QuickBooks Desktop.
If this doesn’t resolve QuickBooks error 12157, disable the UAC feature on your computer.
5. Turn Off the User Account Control (UAC) Feature on Your Computer
User Account Control (UAC) levies various restrictions on your computer to ensure there are no changes without admin approval. UAC might prevent QuickBooks updates from getting installed on your computer. Thus, follow the steps below to disable it:
- Search for the Control Panel in the Start menu or search box beside it and open it.
- Open User Accounts or System Security Settings and then select Change User Account Control settings.
- Move the slider to set it to Never Notify and then choose OK.
- If asked whether you wish to make changes to the computer, choose Yes.
Now, install QuickBooks updates and then follow the same steps to change the user account control settings back (this time, drag the slider to Always Notify or midway for medium security level).
Check the Box for Reset QuickBook Updates
QuickBooks update errors can result from incorrect installation or an issue with the previous update. If this is what gave way to QuickBooks error 12157 in your case, it can be resolved by resetting the update.
- Open QB Desktop and pull down the Help menu.
- Tap on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Mark the checkbox for Reset Update and other checkboxes such as Essentials, New Features, etc.
- Finally, click on the Get Updates button.
This will install the latest software release on your computer. If you need to run payroll operations, update the tax table as well.
Conclusion
This was all on unsuccessful updates in QuickBooks Desktop. We saw various reasons that lead to a QuickBooks error 12157 when downloading the update and salient ways to fix that. if you continue to face the same challenge, speak to a QB expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359 and connect with them now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Error code 12157 in QuickBooks Desktop is a payroll update issue that can be a result of damaged components, incorrect time and date, unfavorable firewall and internet settings, multiple instances of QB installation, poor network connection, or network timeout.
If you are facing challenges in updating your QuickBooks application, you can owe it to a bad internet connection, outdated operating system, incorrect time and date, inadequate permissions to make changes to the computer, corrupt data files, program damage, or antivirus or firewall blocking.
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.