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Fix QuickBooks Error 15101 While Updating Payroll (DIY-2024)

Comprehensive Guide to fix QuickBooks Error 15101

QuickBooks accounting application is trusted by many small and mid-sized businesses all over the world. It is a multi-feature application that helps businesses manage and track their financial records easily. However, it frequently gets affected by various errors that might appear while downloading or updating the application or even performing simple tasks on it like updating the payroll or downloading the transactions, etc. QuickBooks Error 15101 is a 15XXX series issue, occurs while running the payroll updates or downloading the latest tax table or application.

Hence, we have enclosed all the important details about what is QuickBooks payroll error 15101 and how you can fix it with ease. So read the complete blog carefully till the end.

What Is Error Code 15101 QuickBooks In Desktop?

Error code 15101 in QuickBooks Desktop indicates a problem with the installation process or the download of payroll updates. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as network problems, firewall settings, or issues with the Internet Explorer browser.

To resolve this, ensure a stable internet connection, update Internet Explorer, and configure firewall settings to allow QB connections. Additionally, verify that TLS 1.2 is enabled in Internet Options. To identify it in future, read the given signs below.

The 5 Top Signs For QuickBooks Error 15101

You can identify this Error when an error message saying QuickBooks Error 15101 appears on your screen. However, there are many signs that can show the presence of QB Error 15101; these include-

  1. In case you face frequent window crashing while working on your system.
  2. Your application or payroll update gets hindered by an error message stating QuickBooks Error 15101.
  3. You face the error message every time you try to download a payroll update.
  4. Another major sign is that your QuickBooks software does not respond as before.
  5. Your system has got sluggish when it comes to responding to the inputs given by devices like the mouse or keyboard.

Important: You might also get other similar errors while trying to update the QuickBooks Payroll table or even the QB application. In such a case, go through our detailed blogs for a quick resolution.

The 6 Reasons That Instigate QuickBooks Error 15101  On Your Screen

The most probable reason that instigates the QuickBooks Error 15101 is a missing or outdated digital signature certificate. However, other possible situations, like facing the internet connectivity issue, can also trigger the error. Let’s have a look at some of the possible reasons that can trigger the error 15101 on your screen-

  1. All of the QuickBooks services do not get started on Windows.
  2. The digital signature certificate isn’t installed properly on your system or has got corrupted.
  3. The QBWebconnector.exe program doesn’t run properly on your system.
  4. QuickBooks is not using Internet Explorer as the default browser to retrieve internet connection settings.
  5. QuickBooks is obstructed by the Windows Firewall applications from connecting to the internet.
  6. Any other third-party application is interrupting some internal process of QuickBooks and causing error 15101.

If Facing QuickBooks Error 503, get the solutions for it here.

Here Are 6 Methods To Resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error 15101

Since there are multiple reasons for QuickBooks Error 15101 message, thus the solutions should also be specific as per the reason. You need first to understand the reason that is causing you to face error 15101, then implement the solutions. 

Method 1: Install the Digital Signature Certificate on your system

  1. First, start by downloading and installing the digital signature certificate on your system.
  2. Then, search for the QBW32.exe file. You will find it in the C:\Program File\Intuit\QuickBooks path.
  3. However, if you are a Windows 7 user, go to the Windows Search option directly. 
  4. Then, click on the More Results option in the windows search option.
  5. On the next screen, you need to click the Computer icon.
  6. Then, in the search box, type QBW32.EXE to find the application.
  7. Now, click right on the QBW32.EXE and then go to the Properties tab.
  8. Then move over to the Digital Signature tab and select the Intuit Inc. option from the signature list.
  9. Next, click on the Details option and then View Certificate in the digital signature details window.
  10. Now, go to the Certificate Window and select the Install Certificate option.
  11. Then, click the Next button until you get the Finish option.
  12. After that, click on the Finish button and then restart your device.
  13. Now open your QB and try to download the update once again.

Method 2: Run the QuickBooks Reboot.bat File

  1. Quit the QB application and then click right on its desktop icon.
  2. Next, you need to choose the Properties option and the Open File Location option.
  3. Now, you need to locate the Reboot.bat file and click right on it.
  4. Next, you need to tap on the Run as Administrator option.
  5. It will display a command prompt window and will scroll down to the QuickBooks files.
  6. Ensure that you do not exit the command prompt window manually.
  7. Once the Reboot.bat file gets done repairing the QuickBooks services, the command prompt will automatically close.
  8. Lastly, open the QB application and run the payroll once again. If you still face the QB error 15101, move forward with the next troubleshooting steps.

Method 3: Check the Internet Explorer Connection Settings

  1. Start by pressing the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
  2. Then type the word INETCPL.CPL on the open box and then click OK.
  3. Next, select the General tab there and then choose the Temporary Internet Files and Website Files.
  4. Then you need to select the Delete option again.
  5. Now, move to the Connections tab and then select the LAN settings.
  6. Next, look for the Settings option and then press OK.
  7. Now, you need to go to the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Security section.
  8. Here, you need to check if TLS 1.2 option is checked and the TLS 1.0 and TLS1.1 options are unchecked.

Method 4: Reinstall the QuickBooks Application

  1. You need to reboot your system and then press the F8 key on your keyboard.
  2. Windows will then display the Safe Boot options on your screen.
  3. You need to select the Safe Mode option using the navigation keys on your keyboard.
  4. Next, hit the Enter key, and then Windows will boot in safe mode.
  5. Now, press the Windows + R key and type the appwiz.cpl there.

press the windows + r  to reinstall qb application
press the Windows + R

  1. Next, press the Enter key and then double-click on the QuickBooks desktop from the list of all installed programs.
  2. Next, you need to follow the on-screen prompts to remove QuickBooks from Windows completely.
  3. Now, download the QuickBooks set-up file from the official QuickBooks Product Download page.
  4. Once the file gets completely downloaded, you need to double-click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
  5. Lastly, complete the product registration process and then update the QuickBooks payroll again.

Method 5: Restart the QBConnector.exe Process

  1. Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
  2. There, in the Task Manager Window, search for the QBConnector.exe under the Processes tab.
  3. Next, you need to click right on it and then choose the End Process option.
  4. Lastly, you can restart the QuickBooks application to check if the problem is resolved.

restart the qbconnector.exe process to resolve quickbooks error 15101

Method 6: Configuring the Firewall Settings to resolve Error Code 15101

  1. You need to start over by going to the Start menu.
  2. Then from there in order to open the Windows Firewall, you have to search Firewall in the search box.
  3. Next, move to the Advanced Options tab.
  4. Then, you need to click right on the Inbounds Rules option and then select a New Rule.
  5. Next, move on to the Program tab and then hit the Next button.
  6. Then, tap on the Browse option and then choose the This Program Path option.
  7. Now, look for the QB executable files and then tap on them.
  8. Click Next and then permit the connection, and hit Next again.
  9. Now, you need to confirm if all the profiles are marked and then press Next.
  10. Now, create a rule and name it. You can name it as QBFirewallException(name.exe).
  11. In the last, open QuickBooks and see that error 15101 resolved.

The Final Note

Before adopting troubleshooting steps, verify that you are using a stable internet connection. An issue with the connectivity can lead to QuickBooks Error 15101 and cause you trouble. Also, make sure that you use the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool to rectify errors. The QB Diagnostic Tool is associated with the QuickBooks Tool hub and is used to resolve common installation issues. However, you can contact our QuickBooks Support Experts at +1-(855)-955-1942.

1. How do I fix error 15101 in QuickBooks?

You can fix the QuickBooks error 15101 by installing the Digital Signature Certificate, running the reboot.bat files, configuring the Internet settings, and taking into consideration the other troubleshooting methods mentioned in the above blog.

2. Can running the Safe Mode resolve the QB error code 15101?

Yes, sometimes, when you are not able to perform the tasks in QB, you can resolve the error code 15101 in QuickBooks by running Safe Mode. To do this, you have to choose the Safe mode option followed by the Operating system. Then when you perform all the steps given on the screen and restart your system, you will be able to resolve the issue.

3. Do I need to run any specific file to fix the QuickBooks error 15101?

Yes, you need to run the reboot.bat file as an administrator to fix the error code 15101.

Oscar Joe Editor
Oscar Joe is a Certified Accountant with Expertise in QuickBooks, Sage and Quicken Accounting Software. Joe has been working with Data Service Solutions for the last 3 years as a QuickBooks Expert and is Helping Accounting software users with their day to day accounting tasks and issues.
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