QuickBooks Error 12038- Effective Methods to Solve

In this article, we will explain in detail QuickBooks error 12038, which belongs to the 12xxx  error family and usually occurs when you download the latest software update. You may encounter a warning message on your desktop screen that says “QuickBooks Error 12038:

Unable to download the update. Because this error occurs during the software download process it can cause the software to crash or cause the software to malfunction suddenly. To help you fix the error, before the situation gets worse, we are here with this blog post, sharing details about QuickBooks error code 12038. You will experience different types of errors after the QBO online login but these errors are not hard to solve.

Certain technical issues often hinder the proper functioning of QuickBooks accounting software, which is the only drawback of this software. However, what makes QuickBooks an ideal software is that every error can be eliminated using a single set of steps.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 12038?

There are a bunch of factors driving such errors in QuickBooks, which we have tried to list below. Let us together have a look:

• When your system has an incorrect date or time, then you might come across such issues in QuickBooks. 

• Another prominent reason behind such an issue can be if your internet browser settings are not configured properly or if there is any sort of internet issue prevailing. 

• You can also land a similar issue if the security or firewall software blocks the QuickBooks services. 

• This issue may occur if you are using multiple versions of Quickbooks in one system.

 Important points to consider before troubleshooting

There are a few factors you need to keep in mind before you start fixing errors.

•  Some devices use download accelerators to speed up the download process. However, these third-party accelerators can corrupt the entire download process. So, make sure to disable it before downloading the update.

• Ensuring a good Internet connection and speed not lower than 28.8 KB/s is an important factor. You should also check if your browser has parental controls enabled for security reasons. If so, make sure to disable them before updating the software.

• Another important task is to create a backup of business files before performing any solution steps.

Method to fix QuickBooks error 12038

Method 1: Uninstall all duplicate/multiple versions of QuickBooks

As we mentioned earlier, setting up multiple versions of QuickBooks on one system can hinder the update process. So, to fix this trouble, you can follow these:

• First, you need to  open the Control Panel from the Start menu

• Also, go to the Programs and Features section

• You may also find duplicate versions of the QuickBooks program in the list.

• If you detect any duplicates, make sure to uninstall them by selecting the icon and clicking on the uninstall/change option.

• Now press on the uninstall tab and remove the copy of QuickBooks from the system.

• Open QuickBooks and go to the help menu

• Click on the option to update QuickBooks desktop and check if the problem is eliminated or not.

Method 2: Resetting the QuickBooks updates and downloading the new Quickbooks

• Start by launching the QuickBooks program.

• Next, click the Help tab and then click the  Update QuickBooks Desktop option.

• Tap the Update Now option.

• At this point, users must ensure that the Reset Updates option is selected.

• The previous step is extremely important.

• If done, press on the Get Updates option.

• If the updates are downloaded successfully, you do not need to follow these solutions. If not, follow the steps in the following solution.

Method 3: Reset the system update and time on the computer

It's possible that the user accidentally set the wrong time zone during system setup. This directly leads to inaccurate timing. Incorrectly set date or time can directly lead to QuickBooks error 12038. The steps to follow to correct the date and time are:

• If the user sees that the time or date is not set to current, right-click on the date option.

• Now click on the Adjust date/time option.

• Set the correct time zone and also edit the time zone.

• Once completed, close the window and run QuickBooks Update again.

• If the error persists when updating QuickBooks,  try changing the Internet settings (listed in the following solution)

Method 4: Create a new rule for the QuickBooks.exe file

When a firewall interferes with the update process, you should create a new rule for  QuickBooks. exe file. This includes the following steps:

• Start  the process by searching for Firewall and pressing the Windows key

• Then you need to open Windows Firewall and go to  advanced settings

• Then, move on to the inbound rules option

• And right click on the incoming rules

• You will see an option that says create a new rule, click on the same

• Select the program and click  next

• Click the Browse tab and find the files associated with the QuickBooks software.

• AutoBackupExe.exe, Dbmlsync.exe, DBManagerExe.exe, FileManager.exe, IntuitSyncManager.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBLaunch.exe, including all other .exe files corresponding to QuickBooks.

• Next, tap on the Allow connection option

• Follow up by clicking the next tab

• Then you have to create a new rule by giving it a name.

• Also, complete the steps to create a sending rule.

Method 5: Fix  misconfigured Internet connection settings

• Launch QuickBooks, then click the Help option.

• Then, tap on the Set up Internet connection option.

• Here, select the option to allow QuickBooks to access the Internet connection.

• Once done, move on to advanced connection settings.

• There the user needs to go to the Advanced tab. Click the  Restore advanced settings option.

• Click Apply and try updating QuickBooks again.

Wrapping up

QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12038 can be quite annoying, especially when users are looking to update their accounting program to complete some important tasks in the QB program. In this article, we have provided all the possible solutions to fix this error. If you have any doubts or questions regarding this error and about anything in Quickbooks you can simply contact Quickbooks online support, the expert will guide you.