Troubleshooting QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Update Error 15240

QuickBooks error 15240 specifies that users cannot update their payroll due to an error affecting the system. The reasons might vary for this error, but it’s crucial to point them out. It will help resolve the issue effectively. Consider reading this blog in detail for step-wise instructions for the error.

QuickBooks provides you instruments to manage your clients, buyers, sellers, finances and taxes, all under one software. The application introduces regular updates to speed up the functionality and productivity of its tools. However, one drawback of these updates is the errors they bring in. QuickBooks Error Code 15240 is one of them triggering the text “File exists: The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that another program is not using it”. This error can lead to malfunctioning and continuous crashing of the software. Now let us understand why this happens and how this can be rectified in our blog below.

We understand resolving errors like QuickBooks error 15240 can get complicated sometimes, which is why our team of certified experts is available to you at any time. Get in touch with us +1 888-704-1357

Understanding and Resolving QuickBooks Payroll Error 15240

Error 15240 QuickBooks arises and interrupts a user’s payroll update process. Updating QuickBooks or downloading a payroll update becomes challenging when this error knocks on the system. The error messages that appear when error 15240 strikes are as follows:

• File Exists: The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not being used by another program.
• Internet connection error: unknown error.

There may be different reasons for QB error 15240, including misconfigured Internet Explorer security settings, firewall, system or date settings, etc. Adequate troubleshooting steps need to be taken to fix this problem from the root. However, knowing the root cause of the error is crucial.

Why am I Getting QuickBooks Update Error 15240?

The QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15240 usually comes up due to a glitch in the Internet Explorer settings; however, there are more reasons for the same-

1. When your QuickBooks Desktop is not updated.
2. When the user is operating the system as a Windows Admin or is not using the QuickBooks application as an Admin.
3. The link from where the update was installed is invalid or incorrect.
4. When the user is operating QuickBooks multi-user mode with a low connectivity internet service.
5. When Windows is damaged or altered.
6. Windows Firewall settings might not be correct.
7. When QuickBooks Desktop is damaged or corrupted.
8. Incorrect date and time settings of the system can lead to QuickBooks update error 15240.
9. Corrupted Windows registry files can also cause this error.
10. Incorrect or inappropriate installation of QuickBooks update may be the reason for the error.

Signs of QuickBooks Error 15240

When users get QuickBooks desktop update error 15240, they face the following problems:

1. Users cannot update their QB application or payroll because the procedure hangs, crashes, or freezes.
2. There may be problems running the payroll feature of QB properly.
3. Users might experience sluggish performance of the system and the application.
4. There might be no responses of the mouse and keyboard commands.

Frequent system crashes might come up due to error 15240 QuickBooks payroll update.

Read more :- QuickBooks Error Code 3645

How do I Fix Error 15240 in QuickBooks Desktop?

There are a number of solutions which can fix the Error 15420 in QuickBooks Desktop. Follow any-one or more instructions given below to do so-

Solution 1- Run QuickBooks as Administrator

The basic motive behind doing so is to ask your operating system to let you make changes in your application that might have been damaged due to usage by a normal user.

1. Click on the Windows icon on the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Type QuickBooks Desktop in the search bar and hit Enter.
3. Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
4. Select Run as Administrator.

Solution 2- Verify System Date and Time Settings

Incorrect time and date in the system can block your server from reaching your operating system. It can lead to QuickBooks critical fixes error 15240. This is why it is important to sync these details with your Time Server.

1. Move your cursor on the time and date box located at the bottom right corner of your desktop.
2. Right-click on this icon to view a list of options.
3. Click on Adjust Time and Settings.
4. Set the accurate Date and Time.
5. Click Apply.
6. Hit Save.

Solution 3- Add Windows Permissions to QuickBooks Installation Folder

Some activities are restricted only to be performed by specified users or applications in the QuickBooks Installation folder. You need to grant permission to Windows in order to access protected information.

1. Shut down your QuickBooks Desktop application.
2. Go to C:\Program Files\ in your desktop. And for 64-bit users, go to C:\Program Files (x86).
3. Locate the Intuit folder here.
4. Select Properties.
5. Locate the Security tab.
6. Select Advanced option.
7. Now you need to assign ownership to the User group. Follow the steps to do so-
   • Open the Advanced Security Settings window.
   • Locate the option Owner name.
   • Click on Change option.
   • You will be displayed the Enter the Object Name to Select option.
   • Type in Users and then click on Select Names.
   • Hit the OK button.
   • Click on Replace Owner on Sub-containers and Objects option.
   • Apply this and hit OK.
   • Now Displayed the Permissions window.
   • Select Users.
   • Select Full Control.
   • Apply this and hit OK.
8. Now you must download the updated version of QuickBooks Desktop.

Read more :- QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 40003

Solution 4- Verify Internet Explorer Settings

If you Internet Explorer settings are not in line with your QuickBooks Desktop, you will face connectivity issues when you update and install any version of it. Here is how you can verify these settings-

1. Open your Internet Explorer.
2. Locate the Tools option in the top right corner and click on it.
3. Select Internet Options.
4. Click on the Advanced tab.
5. Scroll down in the given options. You should see SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0
6. Check on these options.
7. Apply this and hit OK.

Solution 5- Check Third-Party Firewall

Third Party Firewalls help you to manage the application on your system which can connect to the internet. Follow the steps below to see if your Firewall allows QuickBooks to fully access the internet-

1. Since this is a little complicated for a layman user to modify, it is recommended that you contact your Firewall developer to prevent any further errors.
2. Ask your developer to grant access to these files through your Firewall.
3. qbw32.exe (QuickBooks executable file)
4. qbupdate.exe (QuickBooks update executable file)
5. They will also have to enable ports 80 and 443.

Solution 6- Reinstall QuickBooks with Clean Install Tool

Clean Install removes all the previously installed versions of a software from your system to ensure that no outdated or junk file is held in your computer. It refreshes the application wholly.

1. Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool and rename all installation folders.
3. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Reboot your system.

Solution 7- Utilize QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool can help you fix problems related to incomplete or improper installation of the application. Here’s what you can do to resolve this error.

1. Begin by downloading QuickBooks Tool Hub. You need to go to Intuit website to do so.
2. Download the installation package to a preferable location.
3. After you’re done, go to this location and double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
4. Follow the installation prompts that pop up on your screen and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Once done, you need to open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
6. Move to the Installation Issues section in the tool hub.
7. Here, you’ll find QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool.
8. Click and run this utility properly.

Once done, your errors should have disappeared leaving your app and update process error-free.

Still Pursuing QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15240

We have provided you with the most effective solutions to resolve the QuickBooks Error 15240. Yet, if these fail to answer your doubts, our team of certified QuickBooks Data Migration Services experts are curious to help you out. Get in touch with them on +1 888-704-1357.

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