Fix QuickBooks Error PS101: Payroll Update Couldn’t Complete

QuickBooks Error PS101 is a payroll update issue. It arises while downloading the tax table or updating the payroll. With the occurrence of the issue, payroll updates and tax table downloads are blocked. Hence, salary processing is delayed.

Furthermore, this update error delays business tax filing. Due to such disruption of payroll operations, businesses experience reduced efficiency.

Here is the error message for this payroll update error:

“QuickBooks Error PS101: Payroll update did not complete successfully. Please try again before the payroll deadline.”

Reasons behind QuickBooks Payroll Error PS101

QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS 101 usually arises due to incorrect network or system setup. Certain other common reasons include:

• Wrong Internet Explorer configuration.
• Internet or network connection problem.
• Antivirus or firewall restricts QuickBooks applications.
• Several QuickBooks versions are saved on the computer.
• Partial QuickBooks update installation.

Effective Methods to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error PS101

QuickBooks Update Error PS 101 is an update installation issue. Repair the installation procedure with the solutions stated below. Ensure to follow every step properly.

Method 1: Use Quick Fix My Program via the QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub shares tools like Quick Fix My Program to resolve common issues. This program scans the process and fixes the reported issues in the company file or program.

Here are the steps to access the Quick Fix My Program feature in the Tool Hub:

• Shut down the QuickBooks Desktop application and company files.
• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub application. Save the file to a preferred location.
• Complete the onscreen guidelines.
• Now, choose and acknowledge the terms and conditions.
• When it is complete, click the “QuickBooks Tool Hub” icon twice. This will allow the tool to open.
• Complete the “Quick Fix My Program” steps to continue troubleshooting.
• Lastly, download the latest tax table.

Method 2: Clean Install QuickBooks using Selective start-up Mode

Prior to performing a clean QuickBooks installation, take a company file backup to prevent data loss. Here are the steps to install QuickBooks using Selective start-up mode:

• Click and hold the “Windows + R” keys. The Run prompt will appear.
• In the search panel, type “MSCONFIG”.
• Now, click on the “Next” tab.
• Now, go to the general section and select the tab “Selective Startup” and “Load System Services”.
• Now, click on the “Services” tab and then click the “Hide all Microsoft Services” option.
• Now, click on the “Disable All” option.
• Next, remove the “Lock Screen” selection.
• Now, click on the “OK” tab and choose the “Restart” option.
• Now, the user needs to install QuickBooks Desktop again.
• Finally, change back to the standard system startup.

Method 3: Create Firewall Exceptions for QuickBooks

Windows Firewall can restrict certain applications and websites. Hence, exceptions need to be created for QuickBooks for seamless access. Here are the steps to create firewall exceptions for QuickBooks:

• Click the “Start” button.
• Enter “Windows Firewall” in the search bar and choose the “Windows Firewall” tab.
• Next, select the “Advanced Settings” section in the displayed screen.
• Select the “Inbound Rules” option and right-click it.
• Select to create a “new Rule”.
• Click the “Port” button and click the “Next” tab.
• Ensure that the “TCP” option is selected.
• Now, shift to the “Specific Local Ports” section and add the related ports as per the QuickBooks version:
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
• Click the “Next” option.
• Click the “Allow the Connection” option and then hit the “Next” button.
• Check if the profiles are selected in the next segment. Click the “Yes” button if yes. Click the “Next” button if not selected.
• Set up a rule with the name “QBPorts(year)”.
• Click the “Finish” button.
• Repeat the steps from 1 to 4 and select to generate an Outbound Rule.
• Open QuickBooks again and change to multi-user mode to determine if the issue is fixed.

Method 4: Start the BAT Command

The Payroll error PS101 can be fixed by running the BAT Command. Here are the steps to start the BAT Command:

• Exit the QuickBooks Desktop application.
• Now, search for the QuickBooks Company file location.
• Right-click on QuickBooks and access the file location. Now, search for the file with the .bat extension or the Bat file.
• Head to the Bat file, and right-click it, and select the option “Run as Administrator”. Click the option.
• During the startup, QuickBooks Repair Utility accesses the command prompt several times automatically. Ensure not to stop the process when it is over.
• Now, adjust antivirus or Windows Firewall settings.

Note: Erase the several files related to QuickBooks or Payroll. This will enable the update to monitor the right path of the software.

Method 5: Confirm that the Payroll Service Subscription is Enabled

To verify that the payroll service subscription is active and fix the error PS101, follow these steps:

• Exit the active company files.
• Now, reboot the system.
• Open the QuickBooks application and head to the “Employees” section.
• Now, select the “My Payroll Service” tab.
• Next, choose the “Manage Service Key” option.
• Now confirm if the Status and Service Name are precise and are displayed “Active”.
• Now, choose the “Edit” option and confirm the service key number. In case it is incorrect, add the right service key.
• Finally, click the “Enter” button and remove the selection near “Open Payroll Setup”.
• Now, click the “Finish” button.

Method 6: Confirm whether the QuickBooks Desktop Application is Registered

Confirm and ensure that the QuickBooks Desktop is registered and activated. This helps to fix error PS101.

Here are the steps to verify whether the QuickBooks Desktop application is registered or not:

• Click the “F2” key. The “Product Information” screen appears.
• Beside the license number, confirm whether “Activated” is displayed.
• In case the status shows not activated, ensure to register the QuickBooks Desktop.
• Now, update QuickBooks and then the tax table.

Conclusion

In this guide, complete information on QuickBooks Payroll Error PS101 has been shared. This guide includes the causes and effective troubleshooting steps to fix the error PS101. Still, if there is any query or doubt, feel free to reach out to our team of QuickBooks experts at SMBAccountants.com. Our team includes a certified QuickBooks professional who can assist you with such technical issues.

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