QuickBooks Error 12031 | Expert & Easy Solutions To Resolve

Nothing terrifies QuickBooks users when they encounter any error in the middle of their work. Then they get frustrated as it will delay their task and also minimizes productivity. One such error is QuickBooks Error 12031 which is quite a common error. It is not very difficult to solve this error and you can easily rectify it with us in minutes.

Always be with us to solve such errors at the earliest. Our post for today is about the QuickBooks 12031 error update. We will be providing you with all the necessary information needed to rectify this update error. Let’s begin.

What is QuickBooks Error 12031?

QuickBooks Error 12031 is a type of 12000 series error that can arise in the software when the user tries to update the software QuickBooks to its updated version and other payroll services updates. Also, when you refresh the QB payroll services and when there is a hindrance in allowance & permission given to the server due to network and timeout issues, this error will prevail in your software. Also, incomplete and improper configuration settings disrupt the security system and the firewall setup settings.

The SSL system configuration can also be invalid and give rise to this issue too. This error disrupts the workflow of the users and unstable the servers’ host connection with the software. 

Reasons for QuickBooks Error 12031

There can be various reasons for the presence of this QuickBooks error 12031 update in your system software. Read the list below. 

• Unstable and incorrect network configuration and internet setup.
• The default browser is other than Internet Explorer.
• Invalid SSL configuration and improper setup settings.
• Firewall setup & third-party apps hinder the working of QuickBooks. 
• Virus attacks and other threat activities
• The network timeout error restricts the operations in the QuickBooks software.

How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 12031? 

As you begin to work with the solution given below, any user can easily resolve the QuickBooks Error 12031. Read below for more.    

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool 

• The first step is to download the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool.
• Once downloaded, then do as per the screen instructions and install the QBs diagnostic tool.
• Accept the license agreement and the terms and conditions, and then at last click on Finish.
• Now, open the installed diagnostic tool and reach out to the tab of Test Connectivity.
• Within the tab Test Connectivity, go for the option Browse and choose your company file from the source location.
• After that, click on the specific file with issues.
• Lastly, use the option Test Connectivity.

In a few moments, QuickBooks error 12031 will no longer exist once the repairing process is completed.

Solution 2: SSL and TLS Configuration Setup

The SSL and TLS settings are necessary for QuickBooks connectivity. To customize the SSL & TLS settings, read below:

• Firstly, launch the default browser Internet Explorer.
• Now, navigate to the Internet option.
• On the upper side screen panel, tap on the tab Advanced.
• After this, you can easily change the setup settings of TLS and SSL configurations.
• At last, click on OK to apply the recently made changes to the configuration settings.

Solution 3: QuickBooks Desktop Software Update

If you are already operating with the latest released version of the software QuickBooks, then you can jump onto the next solution. It is seen that updating QuickBooks to its latest available update can auto-troubleshoot glitches and other errors. Follow the directions below:

• First, access the QuickBooks desktop software on your PC.
• Go to the Help menu.
• Under this menu, reach out to the option of Update QuickBooks.
• All the latest available updates & releases of QuickBooks appear list wise on the computer screen and you have to choose the latest version available. 
• After the installation, restart the system and verify the presence of the error in your system. 

Solution 4: Using Stable Internet Connection Setup

• The initial step is to access the software QuickBooks and on the left side panel, you will find the Help menu. Click on it. 
• Under the Help menu, go to the option of Internet Connection Setup.
• Now, use the option of “Use my computer’s Net connection settings to establish a connection when this app accesses the Internet”
• Finally, click on the option of Next and then click on Done to complete the setup. 

Note: Also, every QBs user must keep in mind that the QuickBooks application is already operating in its latest released version.

Solution 5: Modify the Firewall Setup 

At times, firewall configuration setup is the reason for the hindrance in the proper functioning & operations of QuickBooks and disrupts the downloading and updating process. We recommend you customize the permission setup of the Firewall settings to repair the QuickBooks Error 12031 and other related problems. Read the steps below.

• From the Start menu, click on the Search field and type in Firewall, and tap Enter.
• Within the locator menu, go to the option of Windows Firewall.
• Under the Firewall window, tap on the option named Allow a Program or Feature. 
• Now, navigate to the option of Change Settings and a new dialog window will come up on the screen.

Tick mark all the boxes that will grant the permissions to QuickBooks for the Firewall configuration setup.

Solution 6: Network Data (.ND) File Rename

• Look out for the source company file folder. 
• Now, search for the file with the name ending in the extension .nd (Network Data File).
• Now, tap on Rename by right-clicking on the Network Data file.
• Add the extension .old in the file name like shetaxreport.qbw.nd.old.

Solution 7: QuickBooks Payroll Services Update

• Click on the QuickBooks icon on the desktop and launch the software.
• Choose the Option named Menu. 
• Under this option, navigate to Internet Connection Setup.
• Now, choose the option Internet Properties.
• After that, click on the tab Advanced. 
• Change all the Advanced Settings as per your requirements.
• Tap on the option of Apply and then OK to apply the recently made changes.
• Exit the window, close all the active running programs, and open the software again to update the QB payroll services.

Solution 8: Open QuickBooks Software in Safe Mode

This method will assist you in carrying out the downloading process of the QuickBooks Update software in Windows Safe Mode. In case of any restriction by the third-party apps during the updating process, read the solution below to repair the QuickBooks error 12031.

• Change the system settings to Windows Safe Mode. 
• Now, press the keys Windows + I to access Settings.
• Choose the option of Update & Security and then go to the Recovery Settings. 
• Under the Recovery Settings, go to the Advanced Startup and tap on the option named Restart Now.
• A dialog box will come up with the name of Choose an Option. Click on it.
• After that, choose the option named Troubleshoot and then go to the option Advanced.
• Now, navigate to the option named Startup Settings.  
• Select Restart and feed in the Bitlocker Recovery Key.  
• After the above steps, it will auto-restart the system along with a list of various options appearing on the screen.
• You need to choose option number 4 or use F4 on your keyboard for your system to be in Safe Mode. 
•  In case you are making use of the Internet, choose option number 5 or use F5 on your keyboard to enter the Safe Mode with Networking.
• Now, start downloading the QuickBooks Software update.

Lastly, you can also go back to using the Normal Mode.

Also Read: What is QuickBooks Component Repair Tool?

Solution 9: Cease the Third-Party Applications 

Third-party apps like antivirus programs disrupt QuickBooks work operations. It is due to the fact that the antivirus programs take part in the operations and  QuickBooks functioning and tag them as being malicious. So, we recommend you discontinue using all such third-party applications or you can also temporarily remove these apps to fix the QuickBooks Error 12031.

Solution 10: Using Windows Update

Windows update is the one of easiest solutions and is universally accepted as being the most effective in clearing out any errors existing in the system including the QuickBooks Error 12031. To update your OS Windows, the steps are.

• From the Start menu, click on the Search field and type in Windows Update, and tap Enter.
• Now, look for the option Check for Updates.
• A list wise Windows available updates will come up on the screen compatible with your computer system.
• After this, click on the tab named Download and Install, and the updating process will begin.
• In a few minutes, your OS Windows update is complete and you have to restart the computer system at last.

Conclusion

This article is an informative guide with all the associated aspects of QuickBooks Error 12031 ranging from its causes to the quick and easy resolutions to troubleshoot it at the earliest. We hope that our content was helpful enough to you and that you are no longer facing any updating or payroll services problems. It has been our pleasure to serve you with such resources and we hope you admire all our efforts. Time to part ways but you feel free to join us anytime you need. Do visit our official website to get in touch with other QuickBooks-related articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is my QuickBooks payroll not updating?

There could be several reasons why your QuickBooks payroll is not updating:

• Poor internet connection or server issues.
• Outdated QuickBooks version.
• Payroll subscription expired or not renewed.
• Incorrect or incomplete payroll setup.
• Software conflicts or compatibility issues.
• Firewall or security software blocking the update.
• User permission restrictions.
• Errors or inconsistencies in the company file.

Q2. How do you get to payroll settings in QuickBooks?

This is how you can access payroll settings in QuickBooks:

• Open QuickBooks and log in to your company file.
• Navigate to the “Employees” menu at the top of the screen.
• Select “Payroll Center” or “Payroll Setup” to access the payroll settings and configuration options.
• From there, you can manage various payroll settings such as employee information, payroll taxes, direct deposit, payroll schedules, and more.

Q3. How do I fix the QuickBooks payroll update error?

To fix QuickBooks payroll update errors, you can try the following steps:

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Verify that your QuickBooks software is up to date.
• Run the QuickBooks payroll update troubleshooter tool.
• Clear temporary internet files and cache.
• Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily during the update process.
• Reset the QuickBooks update settings.
• Repair QuickBooks installation using the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Contact QuickBooks support for further assistance if the issue persists.