QuickBooks Error 15240: A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Many users experience QuickBooks Error 15240 when updating their payroll or the software. When timely processing of the payroll is a must, problems like this can greatly disturb a company’s daily work activities. Usually, it happens due to wrong security settings, problems with permissions, or interference from a firewall. It helps to know exactly what this error means, so you can use QuickBooks without problems. This guide will discuss QuickBooks Error 15240, including its symptoms and the reasons that cause it.

What is the QuickBooks Error 15240?

QuickBooks helps both small and medium-sized businesses handle their finances, track their expenses, and take care of payroll tasks. To keep the payroll calculation working and allow access to new features, Intuit continues to release updates for QuickBooks Desktop. The update process may throw QuickBooks Error 15240 for most users trying to download payroll updates.

Error messages:

Error messages such as these might be seen by users running into QuickBooks Error 15240:

• The payroll update process failed for some reason.
• There was an error when trying to update the QuickBooks Desktop application.
• 15240 error: Error occurrences updating payroll.
• “Error 15240: The update of QuickBooks had trouble finishing as expected.”
• At any point, it may show messages indicating that there is an issue with the “QuickBooks Desktop Update Service” or with connecting to the Intuit servers.

Understand the Root Cause and Symptoms

One needs to learn more about QuickBooks Error 15240, its reasons, and the symptoms it shows so that it can be handled properly.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 15240

Several different things may result in QuickBooks Error 15240. The first step is to identify the precise problem you’re experiencing. Here are some common reasons for such abnormal occurrences.

• Lack of User Permissions

Certain access privileges are required to download and install updates in QuickBooks. An Error 15240 is likely to occur if the QuickBooks-running account does not have the requisite permissions for a particular update process.

• Incorrect System Date and Time

It is the local date and time set on the computer that establish trustful connections with the Intuit servers. When the date or time is wrong, the update will break off, thus bringing about this error.

• Interference from Firewall and Antivirus

Often, firewall and antivirus programs are likely to block QuickBooks update files mistakenly, which can hinder a user from updating.

• Settings of Internet Explorer

In some situations, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer for the updating process, but if there is an issue with this particular setting that affects Internet Explorer more than its current default web browser, it would actually trigger a problem that interrupts the update.

• Damaged Installation of QuickBooks

Corrupted or altered QuickBooks files and folders may actually stop the updating procedure and bring about Error 15240.

• Troubles related to the QuickBooks Desktop Update Service

It takes care of keeping QuickBooks updated and installing the latest updates. If updates fail, the Microsoft Update Service is likely either not running or isn’t status as enabled.

• Errors with the Permissions on the Folders Used for QuickBooks

To be able to download and install updates in QuickBooks, it needs proper read and write permission on its installation folders. If you do not have the proper permissions, updates may not go through successfully.

• Outdated QuickBooks Version

Updating QuickBooks to an older version might result in problems while communicating with the servers or the necessary update files.

• Problems with Intuit Servers

Some temporary problems on Intuit’s servers may prevent users from downloading updates.

• Download File Location Permissions

An update can fail in QuickBooks if the folder where the update files are saved does not have the right permissions.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15240

One of the main features of QuickBooks Error 15240 is failing to install or download updates from the website. This appears in different situations.

• Understanding the error messages described earlier.
• Being stuck at some percentage during an update.
• Being unable to use or download the newest payroll tax tables or software options.
• Possible problems that lead to wrong payments or delays in issuing them.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 15240

If you encounter QuickBooks Error 15240, you should handle it sequentially. First, resolve the small problems and move on to handling the bigger ones if required.

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Providing administrator access to QuickBooks allows it to update itself.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• The QuickBooks icon will be available on your computer, be it on the desktop or the Start Menu.
• Once you find the icon, right-click it and then pick “Run as administrator.”
• Make another effort to download the update.

Solution 2: Ensure the System Date and Time is Set Correctly.

An incorrectly set date and time may lead to security problems on your device.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Accessorize your device by opening the Settings app; press Windows key R along with I at the same time.
• Go to “Time & Language.”
• Now, double-check that the date and time are correct.
• If Set time automatically is activated, make sure the time zone is also updated. Change it yourself if it is not correct.
• Press the “Sync now” button available in the “Additional settings” area.
• Try updating QuickBooks after restarting your computer.

Solution 3: Assign Windows Permissions to the QuickBooks Installation Directories.

The updates may fail for a user should there not be full access to the computer where QuickBooks is installed. All parts of the computer to be used must be accessible to the user.

• Identify QuickBooks Installation Folders: Normally default installation paths are:
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]
    C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year] ***Background Note: Users seldom see program data.
    C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]
• Modify Folder Permissions
  • Right-click the QuickBooks installation folder and choose Properties.
  • Go to the “Security” tab.
  • Click “Edit.”
  • When you get to the “Permissions for [Folder Name]” screen, click on “Add.”
  • Type the name of your Windows user account into the box and press “Check Names” after. Once found, click “OK.”
  • Click on the user account you wish to use in the “Group or user names” list.
  • In that section for your user name, click the “Full control” checkbox in the “Allow” section.
  • Choose “Apply” from the menu, and then “OK” on all the open windows.
  • Follow these procedures for each QuickBooks installation folder.
  • Shutdown your computer, then try to update QuickBooks again once it restarts.

Solution 4: Verify the Internet Explorer Settings

If you use another browser besides Internet Explorer, QuickBooks can still rely on those browser parts to update.

• Open Internet Explorer.
• From the top-right corner, find the gear icon and click it. Select “Internet Options” from the drop-down list.
• Go to the “Security” tab.
• Go to “Trusted Sites” and hit the “Sites” button there.
• Add the below Intuit websites if you do not already have them set up:
  • *.intuit.com
  • *.quickbooks.com
  • *.payroll.com
  • *.intuitcdn.net
• Close the “Trusted sites” window.
• Go to the Security tab and set Trusted Sites to a security level of Medium or lower.
• Go to the “Advanced” tab.
• Check the following options under the “Security” heading:
  • “Use TLS 1.0”
  • “Use TLS 1.1”
  • “Use TLS 1.2”
• Turn down: “Check for publisher’s certificate revocation” coupled with “Check for server certificate revocation”.
• Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
• Shutdown your computer, then try to update QuickBooks again once it restarts.

Solution 5: Check your Third-Party Firewall

It is possible that your firewall is preventing QuickBooks from connecting to the correct servers.

• Temporarily disable your third-party firewall. (Important: Use it just for a short period to figure out the problem. Remember to re-enable it afterward.)
• Follow the steps to install the QuickBooks update.
• Once the update is done, you have to change your firewall settings to make sure QuickBooks can run properly. Use the instructions found in your firewall’s documentation to allow specific programs and ports. The default location for these files is within the QuickBooks installation folder (in my case, C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]). Please consider granting permission for QBUpdate.exe and QBW32.exe.
• Once configured, re-enable your firewall.

Solution 6: Upgrade to the Newest QuickBooks Version Yourself.

If automatic updates are not working, you may try to update the software manually.

• Go directly to the Intuit QuickBooks official support page.
• Click on “Update” in QuickBooks, or visit downloads section.
• Pick the edition of QuickBooks Desktop you have, and then download the latest available update.
• QB should be closed.
• Installation of the downloaded file should be done by double-clicking on it. Follow the steps provided on the screen.
• After completing the manual update, open QuickBooks to see if the payroll update can now be downloaded again.

Solution 7: Try Fixing QuickBooks Desktop Using Tool Hub.

QuickBooks Tool Hub is offered by Intuit to help users solve a range of problems, with updating being just one of them.

• Get the QuickBooks Tool Hub and install it onto your computer.

If you don’t have QuickBooks Tool Hub yet, you can download it from the official Intuit website. Just follow the installation instructions.

• Run QuickBooks Tool Hub

Click the icon to open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

• Choose “Program Problems.” 

Click on the “Program Problems” menu.

• Run “Quick Fix my Program”

Click on the “Quick Fix my Program” button and let the process finish. Just a few minutes, that’s all it will take from you.

• Restart QuickBooks

Once you’re done with the quick fix, launch QuickBooks and run the update once again.

Solution 8: Check Windows Firewall and Security Software

Sometimes, updates for QuickBooks do not work because the in-built Windows Firewall or installed security solutions are blocking them.

• Check Windows Firewall Settings
  • Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Windows search bar to access it.
  • The next step is to click on “Allow an app or feature through the Windows Firewall.”
  • To access the settings, click on “Change settings” with your administrator privileges.
  • Make sure that the list includes any needed QuickBooks lines. All QuickBooks programs, such as QBUpdate.exe and QBW32.exe, should have their “Private” and “Public” checkboxes selected. If you didn’t find the apps you need, click on “Allow another app…,” pick C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year] as the installation folder, highlight the executable files, and hit “Open” and then “Add.”
• Disable Windows Security on the Gaming Machine (if the circumstances call for it)
  • Start by typing “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and clicking on it.
  • Open the “Virus & threat protection” section and click on “Manage settings” next to it.
  • Temporarily turn off “Real-time protection.” Don’t forget to turn on your TV after you’re done troubleshooting.
  • Attempt the QuickBooks update. If your attempt to log in be successful, you may need to allow QuickBooks as an exception in your Windows Security settings.

Solution 9: Allow Permissions for Location of Download Files

Check folder settings granting access to location path where QuickBooks saves update files.

• Find the download location.

Normally, it tends to save the file either in your user profile or in the QuickBooks software installation folder. However, it differs depending on the location.

• Check Permission

Search in File Explorer for the place you suspect the malware got downloaded. To access the “Security” tab, right-click on the folder and select “Properties”. Make sure that your user account is allowed both “Read” and “Write” permissions there. If this does not work, proceed to Solution 3 to fix the permissions.

Note: If the steps mentioned above do not work, the next step is to reach out to QuickBooks support for help. With their training and resources, they can tackle more difficult update issues.

How to Avoid the Future Occurrence of QuickBooks Error 15240

It is often much simpler to avoid QuickBooks Error 15240 than to fix it. Here are a few things you can do to prevent risks:

• Running QuickBooks as an administrator is important, particularly when you need to do updates.
• Ensure the correct date and time are set up on your computer. Regularly check and synchronize them.
• Make sure your firewall and antivirus will not block access to QuickBooks executables or Intuit websites. Find the instructions for a particular aspect in the company’s documentation.
• Make sure Internet Explorer stays up to date, regardless of whether or not you use it.
• Timely updates of your version of QuickBooks Desktop. Don’t skip multiple updates.
• Check and solve data problems by running the QuickBooks File Doctor from the Tool Hub so often.
• Check that you have the right access to the folders where QuickBooks is installed.
• Make sure the internet is connected and working smoothly during the update.
  Do not change any program files or folders in QuickBooks unless it is supported by Intuit.
• You can activate the automatic updates in QuickBooks, but make sure to check for any errors.

Summary

If you are trying to set up QuickBooks to keep your payroll and accounting software updated, Error 15240 can be very aggravating. If you understand what causes this error, watch for the symptoms, and use the steps explained in this guide, you can easily fix it. Make sure to use the tips above, as this can largely prevent the QuickBooks Update Error 15240 from happening. If you are still having difficulty after trying to fix the problem, contact Intuit support.

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