QuickBooks Error 15106 | Simple Methods

It feels good to have software like QuickBooks which is helping in making our business work smoothly and effectively. But you can’t ignore the errors that come with it while using QuickBooks. Every software needs an update such as QuickBooks but while updating you see that you got stuck and can’t move forward without knowing the reason behind it. Then an error message flashes on your screen “Error 15106: The update program is damaged, or Error 15106: the update program cannot be opened.”

The QuickBooks Error 15106 arises at the time of update of QuickBooks or Payroll. We are here to make sure that this article will be the best solution for your QuickBooks Error issues. Be with us and become a pro to fix any kind of 15XXX series errors.

What is QuickBooks Payroll Error 15106?

QuickBooks Error15106 is appears when you try to update your QuickBooks Desktop software or download payroll updates. This error stops the update process completely and displays error texts like “Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened” or “Error 15106: The update program is damaged”. The mistake occurs for several reasons. Mostly, it is found when you have not logged in as an administrator into your computer, or your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking QuickBooks. When the User Account Control (UAC) settings are enabled, important update components may fail to install properly. We have noticed that this error appears when internet connectivity is weak, preventing QuickBooks from completing the download.

Causes Behind QuickBooks Error 15106

We know that QuickBooks error 15106 is coming at the time of update. Now, we need to know what other factors could have caused this error. Look at the causes below:

• You haven’t signed in as Admin on your PC.
• Due to security and the wrong antivirus blocking your system.
• Failed to install all components required in updating applications or payroll.
• The User Account Control settings are being turned ON.
• When an error message displays on your screen.
• Internet connectivity is not good.

Best Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Update Error 15106

Here are the easiest troubleshooting solutions to resolve QuickBooks error code 15106. We can start with simple steps to get rid of it. Carefully read the solutions and choose what suits you best.

Solution 1: Restart QuickBooks Updates

Sometimes the update process gets stuck or corrupted. Restarting the update from scratch clears any incomplete downloads and provides QuickBooks a fresh start to download all necessary files properly.

• Firstly choose Update QuickBooks Desktop from the Help option.
• Then select Update Now or select Reset Update checkbox to remove all previous updates.
• Now, click on Get Updates to start the download.
• Wait for a few sec till the download ends.
• Lastly, restart QuickBooks.

Solution 2: Sign in as an Administrator in your Account

QuickBooks needs an administrator level permissions to access the system files and install updates. When you are not logged in as an admin, QuickBooks can’t modify the files it needs, causing Error 15106.

• To access QuickBooks and you need to log in as an admin.
• Select Company and then click on Set up Users and Passwords.
• After that, tap on Set Up Users and from the list of Windows choose Admin.
• Lastly, hit on Edit User and write the name of the person who will be the administrator.

Also Read- What is QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool?

Solution 3: Disable User Account Control

User Account Control sometimes restricts QuickBooks programs. Temporarily disabling UAC gives QuickBooks the permissions it needs to complete the update process successfully.

• Go to Start and select the Control Panel.
• Then choose User Accounts and turn User Account Control on or off.
• After that Deselect User Account Control and tap on OK.
• Lastly, reboot your PC.

Solution 4: Turn off Antivirus or Security Software

Your security software sometimes mistakes QuickBooks as a threat and blocks it from downloading or installing. Disabling them temporarily allows QuickBooks to update without any interference.

• Hold Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Keyboard then a Task Manager window will pop up.
• After that, tap on Processes and navigate [ANTIVIRUS].exe.
• Now, hit End Process and uninstall the antivirus or security program.
• Finally, reopen QuickBooks again.

Solution 5: Change the Name of the Folder

The QuickBooks download folder sometimes becomes corrupted with incomplete update files. Renaming this folder forces QuickBooks to create a fresh folder and download new update files from scratch.

• Go to File Explorer by holding Windows + E.
• Then go to the path C:\Program Files\Intuit\QB(year)\Components.
• After that, look for the folder with download qbXX.
• Now, just click on Rename and add .old at the end of your file.

Solution 6: Run the “Reboot.bat” file

The reboot.bat is a special QuickBooks utility that resets update components and clears all the temporary files. This helps in refreshing the update system without requiring manual intervention.

• Turn off QuickBooks and access the folder that contains the reboot.bat file.
• After that, execute the reboot.bat file and wait till it is completed.
• Lastly, check if the error is resolved.

Also Read- QuickBooks Error 15125: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

Solution 7: QuickBooks may be installed cleanly in selected startup mode.

QuickBooks installation can be hampered by other programs and services that are running on your computer. Installing QuickBooks in selective startup mode can provide a clean installation environment to prevent any conflicts.

Step 1: Get the backup data ready.

Step 2: Selectively start the system by logging in.

• Switch to selective start-up mode after confirming that no other program prevents you from finishing the process.
• First, hit the Windows + R key to launch the run box.
• After entering msconfig, select the Ok tab.
• Select the General tab.
• After selecting Selective Startup, update the system services.
• Select the “Hide all Microsoft services” option under the Services menu.
• Now, choose the Disable all option and check the box to hide all Microsoft services.
• Remember to check the Microsoft Windows installer box from the services list.
• Finally, select the option to restart.

Step 3: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop after uninstalling it.

QuickBooks should now be uninstalled and reinstalled by the user.

Step 4: Return to the standard startup configuration

Switching to the standard startup mode is the final stage in this process. Here are the steps that are involved:

• First, launch the run box, type Misconfig, and press OK.
• Select the Normal startup option and the Ok tab under the General menu.
• In the System Configuration box, select the Restart option.

Read More: QuickBooks Error 6150 | Causes, Symptoms & Solutions To Fix

Solution 8: Fix the installation of QuickBooks Desktop

Corrupt files interrupt a successful installation. The built-in repair feature views your QuickBooks program and corrects the damaged files.

• To launch the Run window, use the Windows + R keys.
• In the Run window, type appwiz. cpl and press Enter.
• It will give you the option to uninstall/change a program screen. Locate QuickBooks by looking across the list of programs that have been installed.
• After double-clicking QuickBooks, select the “Change/Remove” option.
• After clicking Next, choose Repair.
• Click Next once more, then select Repair to start the QuickBooks installation repair process.
• Click the Ignore button if you see a “File in Use” notification.
• Restart the system and begin the repair process.
• Go to the QB, which has already downloaded an updated window after opening the QuickBooks software.
• Press the “Install Now” button.

Solution 9: Reset the QuickBooks updates

Failed update attempts can leave behind corrupted settings that block new updates from downloading. Resetting clears all the previous update history, allowing the software to start with a clean update process.

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
• Press the “Help” button.
• Click on Update QuickBooks.
• Press the “Options” button.
• Select the mark all icon.
• Click “Save.”
• Select the “Update now” option.
• Select “Reset Update.”
• Select “Get Updates.”

Solution 10: Close every QuickBooks application that is currently running in the background or use Quick Fix My Program

QuickBooks processes running in the background can block files from installing properly. Closing all the QuickBooks-related processes or using Quick Fix My Program clears these conflicts and allows updates to access the files they need.

• Hold down the Control + Alt + Delete to launch the Task Manager.
• Select “More Details” from the drop-down menu at the bottom.
• Select the tab for Processes.
• To organise all open processes, hit the Image Name column.
• You can pick and end every QuickBooks process by clicking on the process’s name and choosing End Task.
• After closing every QB process, close the Windows Task Manager and attempt to access the QuickBooks company file.

Pre-checks Before Fixing QuickBooks Error 15106

Before you start with the fixes, it is always recommended to complete these essential pre-checks. They make troubleshooting seamless and help you to avoid unnecessary complications.

• Verify Administrative Access: Always logged into Windows with an administrator account. Right-click the QuickBooks icon and check if “Run as Administrator” is available or not.
• Backup Your Company Files: Create a complete backup of your QuickBooks company file before you attempt any fixes. Save the files to a safe location outside your QuickBooks folder.
• Maintain a Stable Network: Open your web browser and run different websites to check the network’s connectivity. You can also run a network speed test to ensure network stability.
• Note QuickBooks Version and License Information: Press the F2 key on your keyboard and take a note of the QuickBooks version.
• Identify Your Antivirus and Firewall Software: Make a list of all the security software installed on your computer, including the Antivirus program, firewalls, and anti-malware tools. Check their settings to identify if any of them is blocking the QuickBooks connection.
• Verify Update File Location: Navigate to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Your Version]\Components and check if you can access this folder. If you get permission errors, that may cause the issue.
• Check User Control Status: Open the control panel>User Accounts>Change User Account Control settings. Note where the slider is positioned, check ifs its sets to “Always notify” as UAC might be blocking QuickBooks.
• Test QuickBooks Updates Manually: Before attempting any fixes, update QuickBooks. Note at which step the update fails and what error message appears.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15106?

Based on our extensive experience of helping businesses avoid this error. We have identified specific preventative measures that work consistently. Follow these simple measures for uninterrupted payroll download:

• Always run QuickBooks as an administrator before you perform any updates. 
• Add QuickBooks to the antivirus and firewall exception list immediately after the installation. 
• Disable the UAC (User Account Control) temporarily when you update QuickBooks and then re-enable it afterwards for security. 
• Install all the pending Windows updates before you update QuickBooks to prevent any kind of compatibility issues. 
• Create a regular backup of your company files to get protection against data loss. 
• Monitor the disk space in your system and maintain at least 2-3 GB free to update the downloads. 
• Avoid interrupting QuickBooks once it has started to avoid corrupted file-related issues.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Error 15106?

When the basic troubleshooting steps don’t come in handy, it is advisable to contact the expert team to get a quick resolution of your issues.

• Reach out to us when you are not able top cess the company files.
• Contact us if you are uncomfortable making changes to the system, such as User Account Control or firewall configuration issues.  
• When you need payroll updates instantly, our expert team helps you to diagnose the issue instantly. 
• We are here if the issues persist after you perform the basic troubleshooting. 
• Issues in the system, User Account Control, and or firewall need expert help for resolution.

Our experts are trained to resolve the issues faster, saving your time and getting your payroll back on track quickly.

Conclusion

Many QuickBooks users encounter frustrating problems with their accounting software, such as QuickBooks error 15106, which totally impairs their ability to perform their jobs and causes delays. Therefore, we have created this article, which covers all the essential subjects needed to resolve QuickBooks payroll update error 15106.

In addition to finding the answers, this article explains the cause of the issue so that readers can safeguard their system from future occurrences.

Therefore, we have attempted to offer thorough information to fix this issue; if someone still requires assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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