I was asked to update payroll but I get error code 15270. How do I fix this?

I'll ensure that your QuickBooks Online Payroll is updated successfully, Alop2025.

To provide you with the most effective assistance, please let me know if you have already implemented the troubleshooting steps suggested by my colleague Jevee.

If you haven’t already, I recommend following those steps to resolve the error. For more comprehensive guidance, please refer to this article: Fix error message 15XXX when downloading payroll updates.

Should the problem persist after you've followed these instructions, I encourage you to reach out to our Live Payroll Support team for further support. They have the specialized tools and expertise necessary to effectively update your payroll.

Here's how to connect with them:

1. Inside QuickBooks Desktop, navigate to the Help menu.
2. Choose the QuickBooks Desktop Help/Contact Us option.
3. Enter the question, keyword, or topic you need help with.
4. Follow the prompts, then choose e away to connect with us.

You might also find this article helpful for future reference if you need help running, printing, and customizing payroll reports in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll: Run payroll report.

This channel is always available if you have any additional questions or need more assistance.

Error message 1603.  How do I clear that?

I've got you covered, Dennis. We can utilize the QuickBooks Tool Hub to troubleshoot the error you’re experiencing.

To begin, the error message 1603 indicates a problem during the installation process. In this case, let’s download the most recent QuickBooks Tool Hub version and run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix it. I'll show you how.

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the latest version (1.4.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub and save the file in a location that's easy to access.
3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Once done, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
   

Next, follow these steps to use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool:

1. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub, then select Installation Issues.
2. Click QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to run for 20 minutes.
3. After it completes, restart your computer.

If the issue persists, I recommend updating your Windows operating system. You can find guidance on how to do this by visiting the page: Fix Error 1603 when you install QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). Once everything is settled, reinstall QuickBooks.

If you continue to encounter this error, please contact our Support Team for further assistance. They can take a look at this issue in detail and help ensure a successful software update.

Here are some resources to assist you with activating the program:

• Register QBDT Using Intuit Account.
• Fix activation, License, and Product Numbers Errors.

Feel free to hit the Reply button if you have any further questions related to the installation process. I'll be here to address them. Take care.

@Dennis19501 

Which QB Desktop year version?

while updating i cannot get the update due to error code 15270

There are several reasons why the error code 15270 is showing, Ellis.

Here are the following:

• A missing file or component for payroll updates
• A firewall setting that may block payroll updates in QuickBooks Desktop
• Incorrect configuration of IE settings
• Unable to verify digital signatures
• The Shared Download drive was not mapped correctly
• QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS) is disabled

To resolve this, you'll need to download the updates as an administrator. Follow these steps to begin:

1. Close your company files and QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon, then select Run as Administrator.
3. Click Yes on the message that says, "Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?"
4. Download the latest QuickBooks Desktop product updates.
5. Download the latest payroll tax table update again.

If you have already updated as an administrator but the issue persists, please follow the steps in Solutions 2-4 in this article: Fix error message 15XXX when downloading payroll updates.

Feel free to hit the Reply button if you have additional questions about payroll updates.

I can't open QB Desktop because it wants me to register/activate but id doesn't go anywhere, it just stalls

I'll try 

How do I Add or create a Windows user with Administrator?

Let’s perform the troubleshooting steps so you can access your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), M-B.

It’s possible that the antivirus software on your computer is in the way. Let’s disable your antivirus software and attempt to activate your QBDT. After that, you can turn it back on. I recommend reaching out to your antivirus provider if you need help getting it to work with QuickBooks.

If you don’t get asked to enter your validation code, you can manually activate QuickBooks. Here’s how:
 

1. Open your QBDT account.
2. Press CTRL + P on your keyboard.
3. Enter your validation code.
     

Regarding your second concern, to create a window user with administration, add a Windows user with admin rights, then sign out and log in as the new user. 

Let us know in the comments below if you have follow up questions.

@M-B 

Which QB Desktop year version?

Error code 1603 does not appear to show how to resolve the issue.  Could you provide instructions please.  9-21-2025

Hi there, @Bec11.

We can run the diagnostic tools from the tool hub if you encounter error 1603 when installing QuickBooks Desktop.

Here's how to download QBDT Tool Hub:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. We recommend you download the most recent version (1.4.0.0) of the  QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've already installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab.  The version will be displayed on the bottom right or you can select About to view the version.
3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

After that, you'll need to start using the QBDT Diagnostic tool. Feel free to visit this article for more instructions: Fix Error 1603 when you install QBDT.

Please don't hesitate to leave a reply if you have additional concerns in QBDT. We're always here to help.

lost my file can’t find it

Help please 

Hi Agui, I appreciate you bringing this up. Let's work together to find your file and ensure everything is back on track.

To help locate your lost QuickBooks Desktop file, use the Windows Search and type QBW on your computer. Then, check the default folders or the folder where you usually save files.

If you can't find the file on your system, I recommend checking the Recycle Bin to restore it.

Afterward, open QuickBooks Desktop and navigate to the File menu. Then, click Open Recent Company.

Alternatively, if you set up Intuit Data Protect to back up your file, you can securely access and view your QuickBooks files anytime.

If you have other questions, let us know below. We're still here to help.

@agui9630 

Did you reinstall QB on the new PC or else?

I had to reload QuickBooks because of computer problems now I cannot get in. I am using a 2012 version. Is there anyway I can get the data off? I was just ready to print my reports for the accountant and it knocked me out.

Thanks for following along and sharing your concerns, @Lbeller.

Are you receiving any error messages when trying to get into the company file? Or what issues are occurring? 

If you only wish to pull your data, you can always install a newer trial version of QuickBooks, then extract your data. However, please know if you upgrade your company file to a newer version, your company file can no longer be opened in the older 2012 version. 

Before you start, please make sure your computer meets minimum requirements to install QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 24.0.

Important: Don't try to register the trial. If you try to register, it could lock you out of QuickBooks.

You'll want to save the trial install file somewhere you can find it, like on your desktop screen. You don't need any codes to open the trial.

• QuickBooks Enterprise trial install file.

Once you have installed the trial version, you'll need to open and upgrade your company file. Here's how:

1. Open your new version of QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to File, then select Open or Restore Company.
3. Click on Open a company file, then Next.
   If you have a backup company file (QBB) instead of a company file (QBW), select Restore a backup copy.
4. Find your company file. Select it and then select Open.
   Note: If you can't find your company file, open the Windows Start menu and then File Explorer. Search for your company file by name or the .qbw file extension. If you still can't find it, make sure it's not hidden.
5. Sign in to your company file as the admin user.
   Optional: QuickBooks automatically creates a backup of your existing company file. You can select Change this default location to save the backup in a specific folder.
6. Hit Update Now.
7. When QuickBooks finishes, select Done.
   Note: If the move fails and you can't open the file, restore the backup from step 6 and try again. If the move fails again, you'll need to contact customer support. This way, one of our agents can review your account in a secure environment and investigate this matter further. 

That should do the trick. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. Take care! 

Will you get back to me asap

I do not have a current back up. I was just ready to back up when it kicked me out. My question is can I open that 2012 version to get the data off?

@Lbeller 

Try to reinstall your QB program. Another option, use the trial license to open your company file.