Various problems can occasionally arise when you attempt to download QB payroll updates. One such issue that you might face is QuickBooks error 557, which generally comes with the following message on the screen:
“Quickbooks has encountered a problem and needs to be closed. We are sorry for the inconvenience.” |

This error code usually appears when you try to install payroll updates right after upgrading your QB Desktop version. Here’s what might happen on your computer once you run into this issue:
- The QB Desktop window will freeze & it might even close.
- You might face difficulties when accessing various third-party apps.
- The Windows operating system will function slower than usual & it might even stop responding to your commands.
The good thing is that you can troubleshoot this problem using various tactics easily & effectively. Alright, then, let’s go through the guide to learn about the factors that provoke this error & explore effective solutions.
If you want immediate help to eliminate QuickBooks error 557, you can dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to contact a QB professional.
Why Do You Face the 557 Error Code When Updating QB Payroll?
Let’s quickly check the conditions that can lead to QuickBooks Error code 557:
- Firstly, if the software is not updated and you keep using the outdated version, you will come across error 557 in QuickBooks desktop.
- The other reason that leads to this problem is the usage of expired payroll subscriptions.
- If there is either a faulty or a partly completed update in the software.
- This can also happen if the installation of the application is not done correctly.
- The error can also be shown because of a malware or virus attack on your device.
3 Things You Can Do to Resolve QuickBooks Error 557
It is very easy and quick to solve the QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 557; all you need to do is follow these simple solutions.
1. Install QuickBooks Updates
Ensure that you are using the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop Application else use these steps to update it:
- The first thing that you will have to do is check whether the program is running or not. If you find it still running, please switch it off.
- Then, go to the start menu and click on the search button. Type “QuickBooks” on the search bar.
- Once you see the icon and the software, press the right click on your mouse.
- After this, you will have to click on the “run as the administrator” option.
- Now press the CTRL button and double click on the QB icon.
- From there you will navigate to the “Help” section and then select the “Update QB desktop” option from the given options.
- After this, click on “Mark All” and then “Save.” This will be done in the Option’s section.
- Now, click the “Reset Update” section from the “Update Now” Tab.
- After this, you are only one more step from the final step. Click on the “Get Updates” button and download all the things available there.
- Once completed, restart the QB application and perform the installation process.
Once done, you will see Error 557 gone. And your software will work smoothly without any glitch.
2. Renew Your QuickBooks Payroll Subscription
To get over this error permanently, you need to Reactivate your QuickBooks Subscription and to do so, follow the given steps:
- In this, you will have to firstly log into your QuickBooks account and then go to the QB CAMPs page.
- Post that, direct yourself to the “Manage your QBs section.”
- There will be a lot of options in front of you. Have a look at them once and choose the services you wish to use.
- When decided, go to the “Products and Services” section to click the “Payroll Subscription tab.”
- Then, simply verify your activation status.
- Most probably, you will see “Canceled” written over there. If that’s true, simply click on the re–subscribe button.
- Then validate all the information and then click the “Save and proceed” button.
- Give a quick look at the terms and conditions, billings, and subscription terms; and then reactivate.
- After this, your software will be renewed and all you need to do is click on “Got it.”
- Then just restart the QB and Error 557 will be fixed.
3. Re-register QuickBooks Desktop
Now, one of the ways to get your QuickBooks up and running is by registering into QuickBooks all over again. For this, you will have to follow the below given steps.
- Open the file explorer and navigate to the “C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8” folder.
- Look for EntitlementDataStore.ecml file and right click on it.
- Delete the details that are present there and then confirm it.
- Then run the application once again. Enter the product’s registration credentials to activate the software.
- Once activated, install the QB application on the desktop and retry to install. After completing all these steps you can update the payroll now.
Use These Pointers to Avoid QuickBooks Payroll Update Issues
To prevent QB Desktop payroll update problems, you can do the following:
- Ensure Active Payroll Subscription: Verify that your QuickBooks payroll subscription is active so you can receive updates without interruptions.
- Update QuickBooks to Latest Version: Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated to avoid compatibility issues with payroll updates.
- Stable Internet Connection: Use a reliable and high-speed internet connection to prevent update failures due to network disruptions.
- Check Firewall & Security Settings: Configure firewall and antivirus settings to allow QuickBooks updates without blocking them.
- Clear Temporary Files & Cache: Delete system and browser cache files to prevent update conflicts and errors.
- Check Disk Space: Ensure sufficient free space on your system drive, as low storage can cause update failures.
Wrapping Up
In this detailed article, we walked you through different resolutions for QuickBooks error 557. Hopefully, you can now seamlessly download & install QB payroll updates. If, however, you still face issues or have a query, you can contact a QB professional for real-time guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the factors that can give rise to QuickBooks error 557:
1. Incomplete Payroll Subscription: If the payroll service subscription has expired or is not activated, it can lead to this error.
2. Corrupt QuickBooks Installation: A damaged or incomplete QuickBooks installation can prevent payroll updates from working properly.
3. Windows Compatibility Issues: Using an outdated or incompatible Windows version may interfere with QuickBooks functions.
4. Insufficient System Resources: Low disk space or RAM can prevent QuickBooks from executing updates smoothly.
5. Faulty Windows Registry Entries: Corrupt or incorrect QuickBooks-related registry entries can trigger this error.
6. Incorrect Billing Information: If the payment details for the payroll subscription are incorrect, QuickBooks may fail to process updates.
To eliminate QuickBooks error 557, you can do the following:
1. Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version: Ensure QuickBooks is updated to avoid compatibility issues with payroll services.
2. Verify and Revalidate Payroll Subscription: Go to Account Maintenance and revalidate your payroll subscription to prevent service disruption.
3. Check Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required for payroll updates; ensure there are no network issues.
4. Run QuickBooks as Administrator: Right-click QuickBooks and select Run as Administrator to grant necessary permissions.
5. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily: Sometimes, security software blocks QuickBooks updates; disable it and check if the issue persists.
Yes, security software, such as Windows Firewall, can trigger errors when updating QB payroll. This is because these security apps mistakenly recognize QB program files as a security threat. To overcome this problem, you can temporarily switch off these apps on your system.