How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 15103?

QuickBooks is one of the most stable accounting software programs utilized by small and medium businesses. Nevertheless, it, like any other program, can experience some technical glitches. QuickBooks Error 15103 is one of the most common errors that many users experience every time they run a payroll or update software. This error has the potential to disrupt workflow, prohibit user access to downloading payroll updates, and pose a security risk when left unresolved. Fortunately, this problem can be fixed in a number of ways that have been tested. In the guide, we will detail what triggers it and how we can go about resolving it successfully.

What is QuickBooks Error 15103?

QuickBooks Error 15103 is a common update error when it comes to downloading payroll or QuickBooks desktop updates. It may mean that QuickBooks is unable to verify the digital signature of an update file, or there is a connectivity, installation, or configuration issue.

The error message normally reads as:

The update program is not opened.”

Error-15103 QuickBooks update error: The update program cannot be accessed.

This problem may occur as a result of installation problems, network connectivity, or wrong settings of Windows settings.

Why am I Getting QuickBooks Error 15103?

There are various reasons why you may be facing QuickBooks error 15103. Usual causes are:

• Incomplete or corrupted QuickBooks installation: Incomplete or damaged QuickBooks program files may cause problems in updating it.
• Improper digital signature verification: QuickBooks might fail to verify the digital signature included in the update file, and therefore, block the update.
• Internet Explorer settings misconfigured: Because QuickBooks will use Internet Explorer to receive updates, incorrect settings might trigger the error.
• Firewall or antivirus interference: Security software can prevent QuickBooks from accessing a server with updates.
• Damaged Windows system files: QuickBooks updates can fail due to damage to the key system files.
• User Account Control (UAC) restrictions: UAC may not even allow QuickBooks to download updates.
• Running QuickBooks in selective startup mode: When background services are not active, the updates may fail to download properly.

How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 15103?

The best ways to resolve QuickBooks error 15103 are below. Take the following steps in the sequence given below:

Solution 1: Run Reboot.bat Files

Reboot.bat files re-register QuickBooks elements in Windows:

1. Close QuickBooks completely.
2. Right-click on the QuickBooks desktop icon and tap Properties.
3. Click File Location
4. Access right-click on the reboot.bat file.
5. Right-click on Run and select Run as Administrator
6. When this process is done, reboot the computer and see whether the update error is still being experienced.

Solution 2: Download the Update in Safe Mode

Running QuickBooks in Safe Mode will help with the required update, as there will be no background running programs distracting the update.

1. Reboot in Safe Mode with Networking.
2. Start QuickBooks desktop
3. To upgrade the QuickBooks desktop, tap on help, then update QuickBooks desktop.
4. Click on the Update Now and choose the updates.
5. Restart QuickBooks and see whether the problem is solved.

Solution 3: Clean Install QuickBooks

A clean install deletes damaged QuickBooks files, and re-installs the software fresh.

1. Remove QuickBooks through Programs and Features on Control Panel.
2. Download the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool on the official site of Intuit.
3. Also to eliminate remaining filer, run the tool.
4. Once you have your installation CD or downloaded or even upgraded QuickBooks installation, reinstall QuickBooks.
5. Update QuickBooks Desktop again.

Solution 4: Configure Internet Explorer Settings

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer as the default browser for the automatic update. Wrong configurations can result in QuickBooks update error 15103.

1. Open Internet ExplorerOpen Tools > Internet Options.
2. On the Security tab: Enter security level as medium-high.
3. Press the Connections/LAN settings/and make sure the option of automatically detect settings is on.
4. In Advanced, click SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0.
5. Press OK and reboot the system.

Solution 5: Digital Signature Certificate Install

QuickBooks upgrades need to be verified by a digital signature.

1. Go to C:\Program files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
2. Right click the QBW32.exe file and select properties.
3. Move to Digital Signatures.
4. Click Details on Intuit Inc.
5. Click on the View Certificate and then on the Certificate.
6. Reboot your PC and then open QuickBooks again.

Solution 6: Configure Firewall Settings and Manage Windows Defender

Firewalls and Windows Defender can prevent downloading of updates in QuickBooks.

1. Go to System and Security > Windows Firewall in the Control Panel.
2. Right-click on Advanced Settings and click on Inbound Rules and then New Rule.
3. Unblock the firewall with QuickBooks files (QBW32.exe and QbUpdate.exe).
4. The same with Outbound Rules.
5. In case you have third-party antivirus, add QuickBooks to exclusion list.

Solution 7: Rename the DownloadQBxx Folder

Malicious update files within the download spreadsheet could lead to payroll update errors.

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Open the Components of Intuit QuickBooks in c:\Documents and settings\All users\Application data\Intuit\QuickBooks.
3. Find the download folder named downloadqbxx.
4. Rename it to downloadqbxx.old.
5. Reload QuickBooks and update again.

Solution 8: Fix QuickBooks Using Windows File Repair

Windows File Repair will repair damaged or missing system files with the advantage of impacting QuickBooks.

1. Use Command Mode as Administrator
2. Type:
   • sfc /scannow
   • Press Enter.
3. Once the scan is accomplished, restart your system and open QuickBooks.

Solution 9: QuickBooks File Doctor Download and Install

QuickBooks File Doctor is an Intuit application that troubleshoots and fixes file problems.

1. Download this QuickBooks Tool Hub on the website of Intuit.
2. Install and open the Tool Hub.
3. Go to Company File Issue> Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
4. Browse and choose your company file.
5. Click Check File Damage Only and then select the continue option.
6. Log in to your QuickBooks with administrator password and initiate scan.

Solution 10: Use Quick Tool Hub to Run Quick Fix My Program

You may use a Quick Fix My Program feature to solve program issues in QuickBooks Tool Hub.

1. Start QuickBooks Tool Hub
2. Select Program Issues
3. Click Quick Fix My Program
4. Restart QuickBooks and then update once again.

Solution 11: Go for Normal Startup Mode

Start up your system on selective startup mode, this may hinder updates on QuickBooks.

1. Hit windows + R keys then type msconfig followed by pressing enter
2. Choose the General tab
3. Select Normal Start up
4. Click Apply > OK and restart your system.

Solution 12: Disabling the User Account Control (UAC) temporarily

QuickBooks updates can be disabled by UAC:

1. Press Windows and R, and enter Control Panel.
2. Navigate to User Accounts to change User Account Control settings.
3. Move the slider to Never Notify.
4. Turn off your system and restart it again and then attempt the update again.
5. When this is sorted out, enable UAC back again as security.

Solution 13: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks

In case all the above do not help, reinstalling QuickBooks can be needed.

1. Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Click QuickBooks and select Uninstall.
3. Download the recent QuickBooks installer from the official site of Intuit.
4. Uninstall QuickBooks and reinstall it, and then activate it using your license.
5. Re-download the desktop updates or payroll.

Conclusion

QuickBooks error 15103 or QuickBooks payroll error 15103 is a frustrating bug that prevents the ability to install payroll and software updates. The connectivity problem, digital signature, or improper configuration could be the possible causes. The issue can also be fixed by going through the troubleshooting steps described, including running reboot.bat, configuring firewall settings, installing a digital signature, or performing a clean install. In case the issue remains even after using all techniques, one may contact the QuickBooks support or any ProAdvisor to seek a resolution.

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