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Want to Fix QuickBooks Error 15276? [Payroll Update Error]

Fix QuickBooks Error 15276

Have you ever considered what would happen if you were unable to use the new QB Application updates? To avail the latest features of the QuickBooks application, you need to update your QB application and payroll every once in a while. However, sometimes, you might be unable to update your application or payroll due to QuickBooks Error 15276. The error generally occurs in your application when one of the files you are trying to update is already in use.

There are two different error messages that can appear on your screen based on whether you were updating your application or payroll: 

Error 15276: The payroll update did not complete successfully. One of the files to be updated was in use and could not be replaced.

OR

Error 15276: The update did not complete successfully. One of the files to be updated was in use and could not be replaced. 

Things To Do Before Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 15276

Before you follow the process to fix QuickBooks error 15276, the things you need to consider is creating a backup and verifying your payroll subscription.

Few of these troubleshooting steps will bring in a permanent change in your company file and thus it is important that you keep a copy of your data safe in the condition it is already in. These are the steps you need to follow:- 

  • Run your QuickBooks desktop application.
  • Go to the File menu and select Backup Company.
  • Then click on Create Local backup. 
  • Now follow the onscreen instructions and save the backup where it is easily accessible.

It is very important to have an active payroll subscription in order to update your payroll. If you are unaware of the status of your subscription, just follow these steps:-

  • Go to the Employees tab and click on My Payroll Service. 
  • Tap on Manage Service Key and to check the status of your service key, you need to click View button.
  • It should say Active. If it says Not Active you need to click on Add and then enter the service key you received on your email.
  • Finally click on OK and rerun your application. 

Causes and Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Error Code 15276

There are a variety of reasons such as file damage, installation error, insufficient permission and unfavorable internet settings that can possibly lead to QuickBooks error code 15276. If you know the cause of this error in your system, just jump on the related solution, but if you don’t know what is leading to it, just follow these solutions one by one:

Reason 1: A Part Of Your QuickBooks File is Damaged

Many times data damage or a part of your file damage lead to Error 15276 while trying to update payroll. It can be caused because of a malware attack/Trojan or an important file that got deleted by mistake. 

QuickFix My Program, which you can get in QuickBooks Tool Hub, will fix any little damage in your company file. To download QuickBooks ToolHub and run QuickFix my Program, follow these steps:

  • Close your QuickBooks application.
  • Go to the Intuit website and download the latest QuickBooks tool hub file. Save the file where it is easy to access. 

NOTE: If you already have the QuickBooks tool hub on your system, check the version you already have on your system by clicking on the Home tab and updating it if required.

  • Run the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file that you downloaded.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions and install the application. Agree to the terms and conditions. 
  • Double click on the QuickBooks Tool Hub application once the installation process is finished.
  • Tap on the Program Problems option.
  • Choose Quick Fix my Program.

Choose Quick Fix My Program from QuickBooks Tool Hub
Choose Quick Fix My Program from QuickBooks Tool Hub

  • Once the fixing process is done, run the QuickBooks Desktop application and open your company data file. 
  • Now download the latest payroll tax table and then complete the task you were doing when this error arose.

Solution: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

You can also use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the QB Tool Hub to fix the common installation issues with the application.

  • After downloading the QB Tool hub, open the application and choose the Installation Issues tab.
  • Then, here opt for the QB Install Diagnostic Tool and let it run. The tool will take about 20 minutes to complete the process.
  • When the tool finishes its scanning, restart your system and your QB application. Now, open your data files.
  • Lastly, update your QuickBooks to the latest release and make sure that you have taken all the recent fixes and security updates.

Reason 2: QuickBooks Application Installation Issues

Incomplete installation of QuickBooks application might be the reason for QuickBooks payroll update error 15276. The absence of a few files can affect a few features of the application, although the rest of it may run smoothly.

Maybe a few files could not be installed properly because a different application was obstructing the process. Installing QuickBooks in selective startup mode will ensure that no other applications interfere and all the files are properly installed. 

  • Press Windows+R on your keyboard and the Run command window will open.
  • Type msconfig and then tap on OK.   
  • From General tab and choose Selective Startup and Load system services.
  • Go to the Services menu and tick Hide all Microsoft Services.
  • Now tap on Disable all. 

System Configuration
System Configuration

  • Now unmark Hide all Microsoft services checkbox. 
  • Ensure that Windows Installer box must be selected from the list of services.
  • Click on OK.
  • Now Restart your system
  • Clean install QuickBooks application.
  • Now press Windows+R and open the Run command window.
  • Type msconfig and click on OK.
  • Go to the General tab to select Normal Startup. 
  • Click on OK.
  • Now restart your system.

After you have switched to the Selective Startup mode, you can uninstall and reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop application and then return back to the Normal Mode.

Note: You can uninstall the application either by going to the System Settings or through the Control Panel. And for installing it back, you can download the application from the official website or through CD. Make sure you keep the Product License number handy to complete the installation process.

Return Back to Normal Mode

Follow the given steps to return the application back to Normal Mode:

  • Go to the Run command window by hitting the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
  • Then, type in the word msconfig and hit Enter.
  • After that, move to the General tab and opt for the Normal Startup option and click OK.
  • Then, you have to hit the Restart option on the system configuration window

Reason 3: Insufficient Permission for QuickBooks Application

If you haven’t granted enough permission to your QuickBooks application, you might not be able to update your application.

Solution: Grant Permissions to the QuickBooks Installation Error

  • First, close the QB application and launch the File Manager on the screen.
  • Then, follow the C:\Program Files\ folder path and click right on the Intuit folder.
  • After that, go to the Properties tab and hit the Advanced tab.
  • Then, verify that the User Group is set as the Owner.
  • After that, go to the Advanced Security Settings section and click on the Change option left to the Owners section.
  • Then, type the Users name under the object name. Also, select the Check Names option and hit OK.
  • Next, also put a mark on the Replace owner option on the sub-containers and objects section and tap Apply and OK.
  • Then, under the Permissions section, opt for the Users option and provide Full Control, and hit Apply and OK.

After you have provided all the permissions to the QB installation file folder, re-try to update the installation, if you still face the same error, then follow the steps given above for the following folders also.

  • C:\Program Files \Common Files\ Intuit
  • 64-bit users C :\ Program Files (x86)\ Common Files \Intuit
  • C: \Users\ Your User Name\ AppData\ Local\ Intuit
  • C:\ ProgramData\ Intuit

You may fix QuickBooks Error 15276 by running your QuickBooks application as administrator, which will allow you the necessary permissions.

To do so, go through the steps below:

  • Close QuickBooks application.
  • Right-click on QuickBooks icon and select Properties.
  • Go to the Shortcut tab.
  • Tap on the advanced button on your screen.
  • Tickmark the box beside Run as Administrator.
  • Click on OK twice.
  • Now run your QuickBooks application.
  • Try updating your application and downloading payroll updates.

Additional Solutions to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Code 15276

Since the error code 15276 can be triggered because of multiple reasons, there are some common solutions that you can opt for to resolve it. These solutions might also help you to resolve the error if the above-given ones are not able to resolve the error.

  • Open the Windows File Explorer and go to the C:\ Program Files\ Intuit\ QuickBooks folder.
  • Then, locate the QBW.EXE file in the QuickBooks folder and click right on it.
  • After that, click on the Properties option and click on the Digital Signature tab.
  • Next, check if Intuit Inc. is selected there, and then click on the Details option under the Digital Signature window.
  • After that, click the Install Certificate option and then click Next
  • Lastly, open the QB application and update the application again.

You might also face the QB error code 15276 if your Internet Explorer is not configured properly. Follow the given steps to configure them properly:

  • Open the Internet Explorer Browser and go to the Gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • After that, click Tools, followed by Internet Options.
  • Then, under the General tab, click Delete.
  • Afterward, select all the Temporary Internet Files and opt to Delete.
  • Then, navigate to the Connections tab and tap on the LAN settings.
  • Here make sure to checkmark the Automatically Detect Settings box and keep the Proxy Server boxes blank.
  • After that, go to the Advanced tab now and mark both the SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 options.
  • Then, scroll down to the list and make sure that the box next to TLS 1.2 is not selected.

  • Launch the QuickBooks Desktop application and go to the Employees menu.
  • Then, click the option that says Get Payroll Updates.
  • After that, tap on the Download Entire Update option, followed by the Download Latest Update.
  • Finally, after the update gets finished, install them and restart your system.

Sometimes, ending and restarting some of the QuickBooks services like QBWebconnector.exe can fix some of the errors in QuickBooks.

  • First, press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously and open the Task Manager.
  • Then, under the Processes tab, you have to look and locate the Qbwebconnector.exe process and right-click on it.
  • After that, choose the End Process option.
  • Lastly, reopen the QB application and check for the error.

Turning off the User Account Control Settings can reset the settings that can cause the QuickBooks error 15276. Thus, follow the given steps to resolve this issue:

  • Launch the Start menu and type User Account Control Settings in the search bar.
  • Then, open the UAC Settings and slide it to Never Notify to modify it.
  • Lastly, tap OK and reboot your system.

Allow Experts to help you fix QuickBooks Error 15276!

We will advise you to run QuickFix my program on a regular intervals so that you don’t run into QB Payroll Error 15276. If your error is still not resolved after following above-mentioned solutions, just reach out to an experts at QuickBooks Data Service Solutions helpline number +1(855)-955-1942 for instant resolution.

1. What are the causes for the appearance of QuickBooks Error 15276?

There are different causes that might trigger the QuickBooks Error Code 15276 in your system. These reasons are listed below:

1. Incorrect entries in the Windows registry files.
2. Damaged hard drive of the system.
3. Incompatibility of application with Windows.
4. Not having the required application drive in the system.
5. Necessary installation files might be missing or damaged.
6. Having an inactive payroll subscription can also lead to this error.

2. What are the things to take care of before fixing the QuickBooks error 15276 while trying to update payroll?

Three things you need to take care of before fixing error 15276 in QuickBooks include:

1. Taking a backup for the company file on an external storage device.
2. Get ready with the CD of the QB Installation file.
3. Update the IE browser to the latest version.

3. How to switch back to normal mode after fixing the QB Payroll Error 15276?

To fix the error 15276, type the word Msconfig in the Run window and hit OK. After that, opt for the Normal startup option and hit Apply. Then, after following the given instructions on the screen, restart the system.

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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