How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15420

In the world of finance and accounting, QuickBooks stands out as a leading tool used by businesses worldwide. However, like any software, it can encounter errors that disrupt your workflow. One such issue is QuickBooks Error 15420. This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to update your payroll. But don’t worry! We’ll dive into what this error means, its general causes, and how to troubleshoot and fix it.

Table of Contents

What is QuickBooks Error 15420?

QuickBooks Error 15420 typically occurs during the update process of QuickBooks payroll. This error can prevent users from downloading and installing the latest payroll updates, causing a halt in processing payroll for your business.

Error Message

The error message usually appears as follows:

Error 15420: The payroll update did not completed successfully. QuickBooks cannot verify the digital signature in a file.

Understanding this error is the first step toward resolving it. The error is related to digital signature verification, which is essential for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of updates. If QuickBooks can’t verify the digital signature, it prevents the update to maintain security and reliability.

General Causes of QuickBooks Error 15420

Understanding the root cause of an error can significantly simplify the troubleshooting process. Here are some common reasons why you might encounter QuickBooks Error 15420:

Incorrect Internet Explorer Settings: QuickBooks relies heavily on Internet Explorer settings for internet connectivity. Incorrect settings can lead to errors.
Outdated Digital Signature Certificate: The digital signature certificate might be outdated or corrupted, causing verification issues.
Inadequate User Permissions: Running QuickBooks without proper administrative rights can lead to various errors, including 15420.
Damaged QuickBooks Installation: Corrupt or incomplete installation files can trigger unexpected errors during updates.
Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Security programs can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing necessary files or networks.
Windows Registry Issues: Corrupted registry entries related to QuickBooks can also result in this error.

Knowing these causes will help guide you through the troubleshooting process effectively.

Troubleshooting Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 15420

Let’s explore the steps you can take to resolve this error. These solutions will help you address the underlying causes and get your QuickBooks software back to working smoothly.

Step 1: Verify Your Internet Explorer Settings

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer to access the internet. Therefore, ensuring correct settings in IE is crucial.

Open Internet Explorer: Launch Internet Explorer on your system.
Go to Internet Options: Click on the gear icon (Tools) in the upper right corner and select Internet Options.
Security Tab: Ensure that the security settings are not set to “High”. Set it to “Medium” if needed.
Trusted Sites: Under the Security tab, click on Trusted Sites and add the following URLs:
- https://*.quickbooks.com
- https://*.intuit.com
SSL Settings: Navigate to the Advanced tab, scroll down to Security, and ensure Use TLS 1.2 is checked.
Apply Changes: Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

Step 2: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Administrative rights are necessary for QuickBooks to perform certain functions like updates.

Close QuickBooks: Make sure QuickBooks is not running.
Find QuickBooks Icon: Locate the QuickBooks desktop icon.
Run as Administrator: Right-click on the QuickBooks icon and select Run as administrator.
Confirm User Account Control: If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.

Running QuickBooks with administrative privileges ensures it has the necessary permissions to update payroll files.

Step 3: Check and Update Digital Signature Certificate

The digital signature certificate ensures the authenticity of the update files.

Navigate to QuickBooks Installation Directory: Open File Explorer and go to the directory where QuickBooks is installed (usually C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks).
Find the QBW32.exe File: Locate the QBW32.exe file.
Access Properties: Right-click on QBW32.exe and select Properties.
Select Digital Signatures Tab: Click on the Digital Signatures tab.
Select Certificate: Ensure the signature is selected and click on Details.
View Certificate: Click on View Certificate and then select Install Certificate.
Complete Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Restart your computer afterward.

This process ensures the digital certificate is up-to-date and can be verified by QuickBooks during updates.

Step 4: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Security programs can block QuickBooks from accessing the necessary update files. Configuring them properly can resolve such issues.

Access Firewall Settings: Open your firewall settings from the control panel or security software interface.
Allow QuickBooks Access: Add exceptions for QuickBooks to allow it to access the internet. Ensure the following ports are open:
- QuickBooks Desktop: Port 80 and 443
- QuickBooks Database Server Manager: Port 8019
- QuickBooks Desktop (specific year versions):
  - 2022: 55378-55382
  - 2021: 55372-55376
Modify Antivirus Settings: Add QuickBooks and its components to the exclusion list in your antivirus program.
Restart Computer: After making changes, restart your computer.

Step 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation

A corrupt QuickBooks installation can trigger error 15420. Repairing it can fix such issues.

Open Control Panel: Go to the Control Panel from the Start menu.
Programs and Features: Click on Programs and Features.
Select QuickBooks: Find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs.
Repair QuickBooks: Click on Uninstall/Change, then select Repair.
Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
Restart Computer: Restart your computer after the repair process is complete.

Step 6: Edit Windows Registry

Editing the Windows registry can be risky, so proceed with caution. Make sure to back up your registry before making changes.

Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Back Up Registry: Click on File, then select Export. Save the backup to a secure location.
Navigate to QuickBooks Registry Entries: Locate the QuickBooks registry keys in the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Intuit\QuickBooks.
Check for Corrupt Entries: Look for any corrupt or outdated entries related to QuickBooks.
Modify or Delete Entries: Right-click on problematic entries and choose to modify or delete them. Ensure you know exactly what you are changing.
Close Registry Editor: After making changes, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Note: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause serious system issues. Consider consulting a professional if you’re unsure.

Step 7: Reinstall QuickBooks

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling QuickBooks might be necessary.

Backup Data: Before reinstalling, make sure to back up your QuickBooks data files.
Uninstall QuickBooks: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select QuickBooks, and click Uninstall/Change.
Restart Computer: After uninstalling, restart your computer.
Download Latest QuickBooks Installer: Visit the official QuickBooks website and download the latest version of QuickBooks.
Install QuickBooks: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Restore Data: Once installed, restore your data from the backup.

Conclusion

Dealing with QuickBooks Error 15420 can be challenging, but with the right steps, it can be resolved effectively. Ensuring that your system settings are correct and your software is up-to-date is crucial in preventing such errors in the future. Regular maintenance and updates of your QuickBooks system can help you avoid disruptions in your business operations