Fix QuickBooks Error 15271 | Payroll Update & Maintenance

Our support often gets queries from users facing QuickBooks Error 15271 while updating payroll or installing the latest QuickBooks updates. Many of them are not quite aware of the reasons, which includes corrupted payroll update file, misconfigured antivirus/firewall settings, or failure in digital signature verification during the installation process. As a result, the update process stops halfway, and payroll services stop functioning properly. There are some proven preventions which can help users to avoid these issues at an early stage. If ignored, this can cause a delay in payroll processing and disrupt business operations. For any assistance or confusion, you can contact our expert team to get guidance and a quick resolution. Now, let’s understand its causes, symptoms, and effective solutions to fix this issue.

What is QuickBooks Update Error 15271?

QuickBooks error 15271 is the most prevalent error that occurs when the user tries to update QB payroll and QuickBooks Desktop to its latest release. When this QuickBooks error code arises, an error message pops up on the display screen stating that:

Error 15271: The payroll update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated.

Error 15271: The update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated.

Though there are other reasons behind this error, one of the reasons could be the unjustified files in QuickBooks. More triggers arise from this error, explained below. Check out all the reasons to understand the error more closely.

Reasons behind the Error 15271 QuickBooks Update

Before applying any troubleshooting steps, it is important to understand why QuickBooks Error 15271 occurs. Knowing the exact cause helps us to choose the correct fixes and prevention for the issue.

There are plenty of reasons that cause this QuickBooks update error. Some of the major reasons are written below:

• Corrupted QuickBooks or Windows Files: If QuickBooks program files or Windows system files are damaged or incomplete, the update files fail validation.
• Misconfigured UAC Settings: When Windows User Account Control settings are configured wrongly, it prevents QuickBooks from making necessary changes.
• Outdated Payroll Tax Table: Using an outdated version of the QuickBooks payroll tax table can prevent sucessfull update.
• Digital Signature Verification: When QuickBooks File Copy Services are disabled, the system cannot verify the digital signature of the update file.
• Corrupted System/Registry Files: When the Windows registry files related to QuickBooks are damaged, or the operating system files are corrupted.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15271

A lot of factors can provoke QuickBooks error 15271. It is necessary to know and try to resolve them. Because if you know the indications, you can simply fix it.

1. Displayed an error message on the screen.
2. Windows are crashing down and turning off frequently.
3. Can’t download the latest payroll update.
4. The screen is turning blue and freezes.
5. The PC is not working in a stable condition.

All the above pointers are the trigger of the error, now get ahead to the place where you will acknowledge the solutions to solve the error like a pro. Let’s check out all the solutions now.

Read More: How to Fix QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error

Methods to Troubleshoot the QuickBooks Error 15271

As mentioned before, due to the damaged registry windows, this error appears in QuickBooks and interferes with the updating process. To repair this error,  the user has to turn off the UAC (User Control Account) and follow the instructions below in different methods to complete the task.

Method 1: Turn Off the UAC (User Control Account)

Sometimes Windows security settings block QuickBooks from completing updates. Temporarily disabling UAC can help the update install without any interference.

For Windows 7, 8, & 10

• First, go to the Control Panel
• Now, type the UAC in the Search Box
• When the UAC is prompted on the screen, click on it
• Now move the slider to Never Notify to turn off the UAC.
• Now enter the Admin passwords and confirm the process if you are accessible with the admin credentials.
• After that, click on the Ok button and restart your system to save the changes.
• Now go back to the UAC settings again
• And now, move the sliders to when you want to be notified to turn on the UAC.
• In the final step, click on the Ok button. 

For Windows Vista  

• To start the method, click on the Windows logo on the screen
• Now select the Control Panel option
• After that, type UAC in the search box and then hit the Enter button.
• Click on the User Account Control On or Off when prompted
• Now, click on the checkbox to uncheck the box besides use user account control to turn off the UAC.
• After the above step, click on the OK button
• To save the changes, reboot the system.
• Now, again, go to the UAC settings and check the box to turn on the UAC user account control.

Read More: How to Solve QuickBooks Error Message The File Exists

Method 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop    

Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can often lead to compatibility issues during payroll updates. We have seen many cases of Error 15271, where the issue resolves simply by resetting and reinstalling the latest updates.

• First of all, restart the system again
• Now, click on the Install later option when the QuickBooksupdate services message box appears on the screen.
• Now reset the QuickBooks release update with the below instruction:

1. Go to the QuickBooks desktop and select the Help icon in the top menu
2. Inside Help, select the Update QuickBooks option
3. After that, choose the Update now option
4. After the above steps, go to the reset Update and check the box next to it
5. Now, click the Get Updates option
6. After the above step, when the Update complete message appears on the screen, close it and then reopen
7. After that, if you get the message to install the update, click on the Install now option.
8. The above steps initiate the installation process. When the installation process completes, turn off the system and turn it on again.

Method 3: Perform a Clean Installation of QuickBooks with Selective Startup Mode

Background programs can interfere with QuickBooks installation without you realising it. A clear install using selective startup ensures only essential services run during installation.

• To start this method, first, press the Windows + R keys on the keyboard together to initiate the Run Windows.

• Now, inside the Run search field, type MSConfig and click on the Ok button.
• After the above step, go to the general tab in the main menu and choose the selective startup option.  
• Afterwards, the user has to select the load system Service option here.

• Now go to the Services option.
• To hide all the Microsoft services, disable all tabs and uncheck Hide all Microsoft services.
• The user has to make sure that the Windows installer is marked to verify the service list; if it’s not, then mark it.
• After that, click on the Ok Button.

• Now the user needs to click on the Restart tab in the system configuration.
• The Rebooting of the operating device is initiated through the above step. Once it completes, the user can install/uninstall/reinstall the QuickBooks desktop.

Method 4: Utilise the QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub is designed to fix common installation and update errors automatically without any manual support. You just need to run the tool and wait for the process to complete.

• To download the QB Tool Hub file, visit the Intuit website.
• To successfully download it, click the link.
• After that, store the file that you downloaded in a convenient location.
• Once the file has been stored, open the folder to start the installation process.
• To launch the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file, double-click on it in the folder.
• To successfully install the tool hub, continue to accept and agree with the prompts.
• You are now prepared to explore the QuickBooks tool hub fully to exploit its capabilities.
• The QB Install Diagnostic Tool is located under the Installation Issues section. Choose it and do it as instructed.
• Additional methods for resolving network-related errors can be found in the Network Problems section.
• The Quick Fix My File & QuickBooks File Doctor Tool are used in the company file issues segment to fix your company files.
• You can use the Quick Fix My Program tool on the Program Issues tab to resolve issues with the QB program.

Method 5: Use Disk Cleanup to Remove System Junk

Temporary files and system clutter can sometimes block the update process. Clearing all unnecessary files can improve system performance and freeup space required for QuickBooks updates.

Verify the hard drive’s capacity

The QuickBooks error 15271 may result from garbage folders using too much space. Erase them as follows:

• From the Start menu or desktop, select the My Computer / This PC option on your computer.
• Then, the C hard drive has to be right-clicked.
• To check how much space you’ve covered and precisely how much is left, select the Properties tab. 

Make space in the hard drive

• Erase all the temporary folders in the Temp drive/folder to clear the hard disk.
• Eliminate the apps you aren’t using right now.
• Remove any files and images that are no longer needed.
• Additionally, try reinstalling QB after refreshing it.

Utilise Windows Disk Cleanup

• In the Start menu of Windows, type Disk Cleanup.
• After choosing the drive you wish to clean and selecting Disk Cleanup among the results, click OK.
• From the files to the delete area, select the file type.
• Finally, hit OK.
• Additionally, remove the system files using Disk Cleanup.
• In the cleanup system files option, choose which files to remove.
• Click OK after selecting the file that corresponds to your description.

Read More: QuickBooks Error 1618 | Fix This Install & Update Error

Method 6: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, QuickBooks Error 15271 occurs because antivirus and firewall programs block the update files from being verified properly. Adjusting these settings helps to ensure seamless payroll and software updates.

Step 1: Configure Windows Firewall

• Click on the Windows Start menu, then type “Windows Firewall”.
• Next, select “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security”. 
• Right-click on the Inbound Rules and then select New Rules.
• Go to Programs→Next. 
• Select this Program Path, such as “QBUpdate.exe”/ “QBW32.exe”→Next. 
• Choose Allow the Connection→Click Next. 
• Make sure all the profiles are checked- Domain, Private, Public→Next. 
• Name the Rule and then click Finish. 
• Follow the same steps for the Outbound Rules.

Step 2: Configure Firewall Ports (Multi-User Setup)

• Start by opening Windows Firewall with Advanced Settings. 
• Select Inbound Rules→New Rules. 
• Select the Port and then Next. 
• Choose TCP and enter the specific ports required for your version. 
• Allow the Connection→Next. 
• Name the Rule and then Finish.

Step 3: Antivirus/Security Software Exceptions

 Add the following file paths to exception lists: 

• C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\[Year]. 
• C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks\[Year]

Common Antivirus Exceptions: 

• AVG: Go to Menu→Settings→Exceptions and add the QuickBooks path. 
• Avast: Go to Settings→General→Exclusions.

QuickBooks Tool Hub (Alternative Option)

• Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer. 
• Open the Tool and select Company File Issues. 
• Run QuickBooks File Doctor, which automatically detects and solves issues.

Method 7: Check & Repair Security File Integrity

QuickBooks relies on digital signatures to verify the authenticity of the updated files. When these security certificates are missing, the system cannot validate the update, resulting in Error 15271.

Check Data Integrity

• Open the QuickBooks Desktop company files. 
• Navigate to the File section→Utilities→Verify Data. 
• If QuickBooks generates output text stating “QuickBooks detects no problem with your data”, no further action is required. 
• If you see text like “Your data has lost integrity”, proceed with rebuilding data.

Rebuild Data to Fix Damage

• Visit File→Utilities→Rebuild Data. 
• Then QuickBooks will prompt you to make a backup. 
• Select OK. 
• Wait until the tool finishes repairing your file. 
• When it’s complete, click OK.

Method 8: Check Internet Explorer Security Settings (TLS Fix)

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer’s security framework for secure Internet connections. Incorrect SSL or TLS settings can prevent the update server from validating files. 

• Open Internet Explorer→click on the gear icon→Internet options. 
• Click the Advanced tab. 
• Make sure that Use TLS 1.2 is checked. 
• Uncheck the Use TLS 1.0 and Use TLS 1.1 to ensure the highest security. 
• Click Apply→OK. 
• Restart your computer.

Method 9: Launch the Windows System File Checker

When the Windows files are damaged, the QuickBooks update may fail to validate. Running the System File Checker helps to repair corrupted operating system files.

• Enter cmd in the Run Window or Start menu to open the Command Prompt window. By simultaneously clicking the Windows icon & R keys on the keyboard, you can open the run window.
• Enter SFC/scannow when the cmd prompt window with a flashing cursor displays.
• The system file checker will then begin and operate. Allow it to reach 100%.
• You can check the error and restart your computer after this operation.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15271?

QuickBooks Error 15271 is a common error users may face during payroll or software updates when a file cannot be validated. Implementing preventative measures in advance can help to ensure an uninterrupted payroll process.

• Regularly install all the Windows updates. 
• Add QuickBooks in firewall/antivirus exception list. 
• Maintain an active QuickBooks license. 
• Enable TLS 1.2 from Internet Options security settings. 
• Avoid interrupting the update process once it started. 
• Periodically, save backups of your company files. 
• Run regular malware and virus scans on your system. 

Proactive system maintenance significantly reduces update validation errors.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Error 15271?

While many users resolve the QuickBooks Errors 15271 using standard troubleshooting steps, some situations require expert guidance. Based on the support cases, here are some instances for which you may need professional help:

• Payroll updates repeatedly fail before tax deadlines. 
• The error continues to appear even after trying all the recommended solutions. 
• Windows registry errors appear during troubleshooting. 
• Digital signature verification error remained unresolved. 
• The company’s file data becomes inaccessible. 
• You are not sure about the firewall modification and TLS settings steps. 
• Clean Installation Tool fails to resolve the problem. 

Professional guidance ensures safe troubleshooting without risking payroll data or system stability.

Conclusion

Hopefully, all the above solutions in this post assist you in resolving the QuickBooks error 15271, a file that cannot be validated. All of these solutions are doable and can be performed by yourself with the help of a step-by-step guide mentioned along with every solution. As this post states, the error interrupts the updating process of QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Payroll due to several reasons. The factors are also covered in this post.

If you are unable to resolve the error from the system, then you are recommended to contact the QuickBooks support executives for further assistance. They are always available according to your convenience and help you out in any circumstances. They will give you a precise answer to your every question and solve the problem in no time.