How to Fix QuickBooks Internet Connection Error Read Error?

QuickBooks Internet Connection Error Read Error is a network-related payroll error that appears during direct deposit setup, payroll submission, or payroll updates. It mainly affects QuickBooks Desktop versions, including Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. The error triggers when the software fails to read data from Intuit servers due to outdated QuickBooks versions, incorrect internet settings, firewall restrictions, wrong system date and time, damaged security certificates, or unstable internet connections. As a result, payroll communication breaks, and server data becomes inaccessible.

Here is the error message appearing on the screen for the internet connection issue:

“Internet connection error. Read error?”

This error blocks payroll downloads, tax table updates, and direct deposit processing, which can delay employee payments. Before troubleshooting, users must ensure a stable internet connection, an active payroll subscription, and updated system settings. The article covers error causes, detailed troubleshooting steps, browser and firewall configuration, security certificate installation, software reinstallation, payroll updates, trusted site setup, antivirus exceptions, and payroll subscription verification.

Primary Causes of QuickBooks Internet Connection Read Error

Before diving into the fixes, it is important to understand why this connection fails:

• Incorrect SSL or TLS settings in Windows Internet Options
• Security software blocking QuickBooks from accessing ports 80 or 443.
• An invalid digital signature on the QuickBooks executable file.
• Significant lags causing the connection to “time out” during the read process.
• Running an old version of QuickBooks that doesn’t support modern encryption.

Identifying Symptoms of QuickBooks Desktop Read Errors

• “Internet connection error. Read error?” pop-up.
• Inability to download payroll tax tables.
• Direct Deposit status stuck as “Sent.”

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Proven Methods to Fix QuickBooks Internet Connection Error Read Error

Here are the steps to modify the internet connection settings to enable QuickBooks Payments work seamlessly:

Method 1 – Configure the Internet Connection Setup Wizard

QuickBooks has a built-in tool to align its connectivity with your system settings.

• Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
• Select Internet Connection Setup.
• Choose the option: “Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet.”
• Click Next and then Done.
• Attempt the payroll task again to see if the error persists.

Method 2 – Verify TLS 1.2 and SSL Settings

QuickBooks requires specific security protocols to communicate with Intuit’s payroll servers.

• Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and hit Enter.
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Scroll down to the Security section.
• Ensure that TLS 1.2 is checked.
• Also, verify that SSL 3.0 and SSL 2.0 are checked (depending on your version requirements).
• Click Apply and OK.

Method 3 – Manually add QuickBooks Security Certificate

An expired or incorrect security certificate interrupts QuickBooks Payroll’s internet communication.

Here are the steps to manually add a QuickBooks Security Certificate to regain safe access:

• On the QuickBooks icon, hit right-click.
• Now, choose the “Properties” option and head to the “Shortcut” tab.
• Choose the tab, “Open File Location,” and click the “OK” button.
• Find the “QBW32.EXE” file.
  • Users can manually use this location and locate the .EXE file by heading to the path below:
    • For Enterprise or Enterprise Accountant, head to C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XX.0.
    • For Pro, Premier, or Premier Accountant, access C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX.
• Right-click the “QBW32.EXE” file and choose the “Properties” tab.
• Allow the “Application File Properties” screen to open.
• Now, choose the “Digital Signature” tab, select a single entry in the “Signature List” file.
• Next, click the “Details” button.
• The “Digital Signature Details” screen will appear.
• Choose the “View Certificate” option and allow the “Certificate” screen to appear.
• In the “General” tab, shift to the “Certificate” screen. Now, choose the “Install Certificate” screen.
• Now start the “Certificate Import Wizard” welcome window.
• Now, check if the “Store Location” is on the “Current User” tab.
• Click the “Next” button and head to the “Certificate Store” screen.
• Windows will choose the certificate store depending on the certificate type.
• Now, click the “Next and Finish” button.
• After the certificate is installed properly, run QuickBooks again and review the payroll tasks.

Method 4 – Configure Windows Firewall for QuickBooks Payroll

To perform the required modifications to the “Windows Firewall”, follow these steps:

• To start the Start menu, access the Windows Logo.
• Now, include “Control Panel” in the search panel.
• Now, in the “Control Panel” screen, click on the “System and Security” option.
• Now, click the “Advanced Settings” tab.
• Next, head to the Inbound Rules, and then click the “New Rule” option.
• Head to the “Programs” tab and choose the “Next” button.
• Select the tab “This Program Path” and head to the location where the company file is located.
• Choose the tab “Allow the Connection” and check that the related checkboxes are checked.
• Complete the process by stating the latest firewall rule name, then confirm if the issue remains.

Method 5 – Clear Browser Cookies and Cache Data

Often, browser cache and cookies trigger the internet connection read error in QuickBooks. Here are the steps to delete the browser cookies and cache:

For Microsoft Edge

• In the top right corner, three dots are available. Click it and the “History” screen will appear. Click the “Clear browsing cache” option.
• Choose the time range as “All Time”.
• Choose the options “Browsing History”, Cached files and images.
• Now, click the “Clear Now” option.

For Google Chrome:

• Start the Chrome browser. Click the three dots on the top right corner and then select the option “Clear Browsing Data”.
• Now, choose the options “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data”.
• Now, click the option “Clear data”.
• Now start QuickBooks again and try performing payroll activities.

Method 6 – Adjust Compatibility View Settings in Internet Explorer

The Compatibility View settings assist web pages in exhibiting correctly. To modify them in the Internet Explorer browser, perform these steps:

• Start the Internet Explorer browser.
• Choose the “Tools” icon. Alternatively, click the “Alt” key on the system to display the menu bar. Now, choose the “Tools” menu.
• From the menu, choose the “Compatibility View Settings”.
• In the field for the “Add this website” option, add https://.intuit.com and choose the “Add” option. Perform the same steps for https://.quickbooks.com, and https://*.intuit.net.
• Choose the “Close” button.

Method 7 – Correct Windows Date and Time Settings

Wrong date and time settings interrupt internet connectivity in QuickBooks Payroll. Rectify the system date and time settings with the steps shared below to resume payroll connection:

• Click the “Windows Logo” icon to start the “Windows Start” menu.
• In the search option, enter “Settings”. Now, from the option choose the “Settings” tab.
• Head to the “Time and Language” option.
• On the left side, choose the “Date and Time” option.
• Now, select the right time zone and choose it.
• Once complete, reboot the system to implement the changes.

Method 8 – Perform a Clean Reinstall of QuickBooks Desktop

Here are the steps to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop and resolve the internet connection read error:

Uninstall QuickBooks

• Start the Control Panel on the system.
• Head to the “Programs and Features” option and choose the “Uninstall a Program” tab.
• Select the QuickBooks Desktop version to install.
• Click on the “Uninstall/Change” option.
• Next, click the “Remove” button and then the “Next” tab.

Install QuickBooks

• Ensure the system is linked to a robust internet connection.
• Find the QuickBooks program file “QuickBooks.exe”. Click it twice.
• Select the option “Express Install”.
• Click the “Next” button and then choose the “Install” option.
• Once everything is complete, start QuickBooks.

Method 9 – Download Latest QuickBooks and Payroll Tax Table Updates

The old QuickBooks Desktop version triggers internet connection read errors. To resolve this, download and install the updated payroll tax table and QuickBooks Desktop updates using these steps:

• Head to the “Employees” menu.
• Click the “Get Payroll Updates” option.
• Choose the “Download Full Update” option.
• Now, click the “Update” option, and once the download is over, a confirmation screen is displayed. This screen signifies successful completion.
• Reboot QuickBooks Payroll and check the internet connection.

Method 10 – Add Intuit as a Trusted Site in Security Settings

When Intuit is not added as a trusted site, the browser may restrict payroll connections. Here are the steps to implement in Microsoft Edge:

• Head to the “Settings” option.
• Now, click “Cookies and Site Permissions”.
• Now, handle the option “Manage and Delete Cookies and Site Data”.
• In the “Allow” option, click the “Add” button and add intuit.com.
• Click the “Add” button once more to save.
• Once the trusted site is added, start QuickBooks Payroll again and review the connection.

Method 11 – Verify QuickBooks Payroll Subscription Status

An inactive payroll subscription often leads to a QuickBooks internet connection read error. Here are the steps to verify if the payroll subscription is active:

Via the company file

• Start the QuickBooks Desktop application.
• Head to the “Employees” menu and then click the “My Payroll service” tab.
• Click on the “Account/Billing Info”.
• Log in to the Intuit account. The QuickBooks Account page will appear.
• Under the “Status” section, choose the “Resubscribe” option.
• To reactivate the payroll service, follow the on-screen guidelines.

Via the Intuit account

• Log in to the present Intuit account.
• Under the “Status” section, select the “Resubscribe” option.
• Complete the on-screen steps to activate the payroll subscription once more

Conclusion

To fix the QuickBooks Internet Connection Read Error, aligning your network settings with Intuit’s protocols is essential. By configuring TLS 1.2, updating security certificates, and adjusting firewall rules, you can restore seamless payroll communication. These proven methods ensure your QuickBooks Desktop remains synchronized with payroll servers for timely employee payments. If connectivity issues persist after following these steps, contact our team of QuickBooks professionals at SMBAccountants.com.

Frequently Asked Questions