Hello there, @twfs.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’ll share some updates about this unexpected behavior you're getting.

We're aware of the issue about not being able to enable manual payroll in QuickBooks Desktop. Rest assured, our Product Development Team is aware of this and are still working on the resolution to fix the problem.

In the meantime, you can try the workaround provided by our engineers to set up the manual payroll.

Here's how:

1. Close QuickBooks, then open the Windows File Explorer.
2. Go to C:\Program data/Intuit/QuickBooks20XX.
3. The Program data file is usually hidden. If you can't find it, click the View tab and select Hidden Items.
4. Look for the QBW.ini file, then open it by double-clicking the file.
5. Scroll down to the bottom and add this entry:

• [SELFHELPPLUGIN]
• Enabled=0

        6. Make sure to follow the exact format, then close the file.

        7. Launch QuickBooks, and enable manual payroll.

After the manual payroll is activated, please go back to the QBW.ini file to remove the entry you added. 

Here's how:

1. Close QuickBooks, then open the Windows File Explorer.
2. Go to C:\Program data/Intuit/QuickBooks20XX.
3. Double-click the QBW.ini file.
4. Scroll down and remove the entry.
5. Save and close, then reopen QuickBooks.

By performing the steps above, you'll be able to set up your payroll manually in QuickBooks Desktop.

Also, I want to ensure you're updated with this issue. I would recommend contacting our QuickBooks Care specialists. They can add you to the notification list to get live email updates about the issue.

Here's how you can reach them:

1. Go to https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
2. Select QuickBooks for Windows.
3. Select your QuickBooks for Windows version.
4. Select a topic.
5. Click on the Get Phone Number button.

That should take care of it. 

Thank you for your patience while we look into this for you. If there's anything else that I can help you with QuickBooks, please let me know. I'll be happy to help out.