How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15311- Payroll Update and Install Issue

QuickBooks Error 15311 is a 15000 series error code that users experience when trying to download and install their software or during Payroll upgrades. When the error occurs, it crashes an active window, preventing the update process from continuing. Several factors can cause an unwanted technical issue when updating QuickBooks Payroll. This issue can be inconvenient for users to deal with; however, following the steps outlined further in this post can assist you in resolving the problem.

What is Error Code 15311 in QuickBooks?

QuickBooks Error 15311 is a payroll-related error, and it crashes or freezes the program on your system. It is caused due to an incomplete installation, deleted or corrupted files, the download of payroll is interrupted, or more. To fix error 15311, troubleshoot the QuickBooks Desktop by updating it, installing the Digital Signature certificate, and also, verify the network connectivity.

Error Message:

“QuickBooks update cannot be complete successfully”

“Cannot connect to QuickBooks Payroll”

How does QuickBooks Error 15311 Affect Your System?

You must know when and where the QuickBooks update problem 15311 occurs to resolve it. Here are the signs and symptoms of the error:

• The active window program crashed due to update error 53111.
• When executing the same program, the system often crashes with QuickBooks error code 15311.
• An error message also repeatedly comes on your screen as shown in the below
• Windows is sluggish and doesn’t respond to input from the mouse or keyboard.

What Are The Reasons Behind The QuickBooks Error 15311?

The user should know why QuickBooks Error 15311 occurs. Below are the causes that led to the error 15311 in QuickBooks:

• Invalid Digital Signature: The QBW32.exe executable file from QuickBooks has an invalid digital signature.
• Incompatible Internet Explorer Settings: This problem can be caused by proxy settings, cipher strength, and invalid or inaccurate date and time settings.
• Invalid Software Inputs: QuickBooks Error 15311 may be caused by outdated software, misconfigured payroll service key settings, or a QuickBooks subscription status. The purpose of these inputs is to address possible software, configuration, and subscription-related problems.
• Installation Error: It is conceivable that there is an unspecified installation fault. To identify and resolve this error, use the diagnostic tool available from QuickBooks Tools Hub.

What Are the Symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15311?

Understanding the signs of this error can make fixing QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 15311 easier. When you encounter this problem, you may face the following:

• Every time this issue appears, the active window crashes.
• The Windows operating system is slow and unresponsive to input.
• Periodically, the system freezes as well.

How To Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error 15311?

Solution 1: QuickBooks Digital Certificates

A digital certificate is required in most cases when using payroll along with QuickBooks Desktop. These certificates verify the identity of the user and are used for authenticating payroll and tax-related tasks. This digital certificate becomes more important when filing or preparing taxes with QuickBooks.

Follow the steps given below to register a digital signature certificate in QuickBooks:

• Right click on the QBW32.exe file located in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
• Select Digital Signature
• Select Details
• Click on View Certificate
• Select Install Certificate
• Follow the instructions. Once the installation is finished, click on Finish
• Close QuickBooks and restart your system

Once your system restarts, open QuickBooks and try working with payroll. If you’re still encountering QuickBooks Error 15311, then your network might be an issue.

Solution 2: Checking Network Issues

Network issues can arise due to various reasons. Make sure that your internet connection is working properly before proceeding with other solutions. Further, add QuickBooks as an exception to all the security programs on your system. You can even contact your internet service provider (ISP) to know the status of your network. Also, ask them if QuickBooks is allowed through their network port.

Solution 3: Verify the Internet Explorer Settings 

You must first ensure that Internet Explorer is configured as the default browser before proceeding with the next steps:

• Verify that the system’s date and time are correct
• Next, perform a double-click on the “Time display” 
• Then correct the date and time, if necessary
• The next step is to pick a time zone and then make sure it’s the right one

• The strength of the Cipher is then verified
• When you’re done with that, go to the official Intuit website
• Then, to see the menu bar, hit the Alt key
• After that, you must right-click the file and select the properties option
• Check the connection number, then type in bit encryption
• Now you must update your settings using the tools before moving on to Internet options
• After that, select all temporary files and delete them using the delete key
• Go to the Connections tab and select LAN settings from the drop-down menu
• Going forward, select the checkbox next to “Automatically detect settings”

• If you don’t plan on using any of the proxy servers, make sure they’re all blank
• Then, on the advanced tab, scroll down and check the SSL 2.0 and SSL3.0 boxes

• After that, you must verify the publisher’s certificate and then uncheck the box next to it
• Again, go to the advanced tab, scroll down to the bottom of the list
• The final step is to confirm that TLS 2.0 is unchecked, and that you’re ready to go.

Solution 4: Uninstalling an associated QuickBooks desktop entry

In this solution, you have to uninstall your QuickBooks-related entry. The following are the steps that need to be performed:

• To use this method, move the cursor to the bottom left side of the screen and drag it until the start menu image appears
• After that, enter the start context menu by tapping on your right-hand tab of the mouse
• Select the tab named “Program and Features”

• After that, look for Error 15311 in the new window
• When you’re finished, click the QuickBooks associated entry button
• Then, on the top menu, select the uninstall/change heading

• To complete the uninstallation of the associated program, you must follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 5: Run the Reboot.bat Batch File to Register QuickBooks Files 

• If you’re using Windows, close the QuickBooks Desktop application
• Select Properties from the right-click menu of the QuickBooks icon on your desktop
• When you choose Open File Location, Windows will automatically open the QuickBooks installation folder
• Make sure that Windows Hidden Files and Folders is turned on
• Locate the Reboot.bat file and right-click it
• Choose the Run as Administrator option
• Wait until the QuickBooks files have all been re-registered by the Reboot file
• Attempt to update the QuickBooks Desktop application once again once the black command prompt window has disappeared.

Solution 6: Install Windows Root Certificate

The Windows Root Certificates Program enables your operating system to automatically deliver Windows Root Certificates to the necessary applications and components. If the error 15311 is due to issues with Digital Signature certificates, this solution will help to resolve the error.

Note: You can only use this solution if you use Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, etc.

To get the Windows Root Certificates, update Windows.

• To find the Windows Update program, you have to go to the Control Panel or use Windows Search to look for it directly.
• When you select Check for Updates, Windows will search for any pending updates.
• Click Install Updates after the updates have been found, then watch for the notification that says, “The updates were successfully installed.”
• To allow Windows to apply the downloaded updates, you have to \click Restart now.
• Try updating QuickBooks after relaunching it to see if this fix fixed the issue.

Solution 7: Reset QuickBooks Desktop Updates Certificate

Resetting QuickBooks updates gets rid of all the user-installed updates from the past, which can occasionally help in fixing issues like 15311 if they are caused by a bug in an earlier update.

• Click Update QuickBooks under the Help tab after launching QuickBooks Desktop.
• Select the Update Now tab, then you have to checkmark the Reset the Updates option.
• To download the program updates once more, click Get Updates.
• After QuickBooks has finished downloading the updates, close and restart the program.
• Return to the QuickBooks Update window and select Install Now.
• Proceed to the following troubleshooting step if you have difficulties upgrading QuickBooks.

Solution 8: Download and Install Diagnostic Tool

The diagnostic tool, released by Intuit, is a great solution to fix a lot of QuickBooks issues, including this one. We’ll know how to use it.

• First, install the QuickBooks tool hub by downloading it.
• After that, run this tool and select the tab for installation problems.
• The tool will then search for errors and instantly fix them if you click the QuickBooks install diagnostic tool button.

Solution 9: Try to resolve the QuickBooks Error 15311 manually

• Make sure your QuickBooks subscription is turned on
• Upgrade your QuickBooks desktop to the most recent release.
• Check the Payroll Service key to make sure it’s correct:
• Go to Employees and select My Payroll Service from the drop-down menu
• After that, select Manage Service Keys from the drop-down menu
• Now click Edit and double-check that the key is right
• Once done with that then select the “Next” >>> “Finish” tab
• Finally, restart your PC.

Conclusion

I hope the information above is helpful to you. However, feel free to contact us at Smbaccountants.com if you still have problems with your program and require expert help with accounting, bookkeeping, or accounting software-related difficulties. You can contact us anytime when you have a problem. We are available round the clock.

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