Skip to content

Breaking down QuickBooks Error 15271 with Best techniques

QuickBooks error 15271 is a maintenance release and update error, preventing users from updating the application. When updates and periodic releases aren’t accessible, users start facing trouble using the application effectively. This prompts them to look for remedies to troubleshoot this issue quickly and easily. So, let’s look into this guide to gather in-depth insights about this error. 

QuickBooks is online software that provides advanced features and tools to cater to your business and accounting needs. Yet, you might face some errors while updating this application, like QuickBooks 15271 Error. This error triggers a text saying, “The Payroll update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated”. Or “QuickBooks Error 15271: The update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated”. Read our blog below to troubleshoot this issue and to know more about the reasons causing such an update error in the application.

“If you find it challenging to troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 15271 yourself, get the QB experts at the toll-free helpline +1-855-542-9309. You’ll receive professional assistance from specialists for your issues.”

You may also Read: Fix QuickBooks desktop error 12031

What is QuickBooks Error 15271?

Error 15271 updating QuickBooks causes issues and interruptions in updating and installing QuickBooks. When the update procedure begins, a file gets downloaded into the system to run and initiate installation. However, when Windows can’t validate the downloaded file and imperfections arise in the system, it will lead to error 15271 popping up on your screen. Misconfiguration in internet explorer can also lead to error 15271. Whatever the reason, the interruptions it causes aren’t worth it. So, let’s look into why it appears so that we can move forward with targeted resolutions and prevention steps.

What causes QuickBooks Error 15271?

Listed below are some common reasons for QuickBooks Desktop error 15271 to show up-

  1. Your QuickBooks Desktop version is outdated or is discontinued.
  2. Corrupted Windows operating system.
  3. Corrupted QuickBooks Desktop.
  4. Some essential files from Windows have been deleted.
  5. Windows security is interrupting the functioning of the QuickBooks Desktop.
  6. Windows User Account Control (UAC) Settings have been misconfigured.
  7. The internet explorer settings are misconfigured, including the wrong SSL, leading to QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15271. 
  8. The download file of the QB application might be corrupt or fragmented. 
  9. Windows registry might have gone corrupt due to any changes, leading to this error. 
  10. Virus or malware attacks can also cause glitches in updating QuickBooks. 
  11. Payroll tax tables might not be updated, triggering the QuickBooks error code 15271. 

After knowing the probable causes that trigger the error, let’s look into ways you can troubleshoot it quickly and effectively. But first, let’s look at the signs this error exhibits.

Recommended To Read – How To Fix QuickBooks Error H303

Signs and Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15271

QuickBooks error message 15271 leaves its mark through the following signs:

  1. The first one is a message or error notification that keeps popping up when the error strikes.
  2. Secondly, the update will stop in between, leading to this issue. 
  3. Further, Windows OS and other active programs might start acting up, causing them to hang, freeze, and eventually crash.
  4. Moreover, no mouse and keyboard input responses are received when the 15271 error appears on the screen. 
  5. QuickBooks might work slower than usual, hindering a productive routine. 

All these effects are all the more reasons why users need quick and effective troubleshooting to fix the QuickBooks payroll update error 15271. So, let’s jump straight to these methods.

Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 15271

Here are some tried and tested fixes to remove this fault from your application-

Solution 1: Turn Off UAC Settings

This is the most effective way to treat most errors arising in QuickBooks Desktop-

  1. Click on Start> type in UAC> hit Enter.
  2. Click on Change User Account Settings.
  3. Move your cursor on Never Notify> OK.
  4. Reboot your system and install updates.

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop.

Another valuable tip to remove any errors is to renew your application by updating it-

  1. Close your QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Install QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub.
  3. Get to the Program Problems tab, select Quick Fix my Program.
  4. Reopen QuickBooks and your company file.
  5. Get to Help> Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  6. Move to Update Now, select Reset Update.
  7. When the update has been installed, reopen your application, and select Get Updates.
  8. Go to Help> Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  9. Get to Overview> Update Now.
  10. Reboot your system.

Solution 3: Update Payroll in Safe Mode.

Since this error might arise while updating your QuickBooks Payroll, it is essential to install this update, but more safely-

  1. Restart your desktop.
  2. When your Windows starts rebooting, press F8 multiple times. This will bring up a prompt saying Advanced Boot Options.
  3. Select Safe Mode and hit Enter.

Solution 4: Alter the System Registry

You need to modify the damaged Windows registry as follows to fix the QuickBooks update error 15271:

  1. Opt for the Start menu and type cmd in the search space, and press Enter.
  2. You will receive results related to your search, and the command prompt window will probably be on the top. Do not be tempted to press Enter or double-click it. 
  3. Instead, you need to press the Ctrl and Shift keys together and then press Enter.
  4. A permission dialog box asking Yes will emerge on the screen. 
  5. You will receive a blank black box with a twinkling cursor.
  6. Type regedit here and press Enter.
  7. Now, look for the error 15271-related file to take its backup from the registry editor. 
  8. Go to the Export option in the main File menu.
  9. Choose the folder where you want to save the data backup from the save-in option list. 
  10. Save the file in the selected export range branch. 
  11. You are done with rectifying the error 15271 QuickBooks. 

Read Also – Getting QuickBooks Error 15241

Solution 5: Erase System Junk through Disk Cleanup

Temporary files, folders, and other junk content in your computer can lead you close to error 15271. You need to be wary of it as follows:

Check hard disk space

The update error 15271 might be appearing due to insufficient space because of junk folders. Clear them as follows:

  1. Go to My Computer or This PC option in your computer from wherever accessible (Start menu or Desktop). 
  2. Right-click your C hard drive. 
  3. Opt for the Properties tab and see how much space you’ve covered and how much you’ve left. 

Make space in the hard drive

  1. Clear the hard drive by erasing the temporary folders in the Temp folder.
  2. Eliminate the programs you don’t use now.
  3. Delete the pictures and files that are not required anymore.
  4. Refresh your QB installation as well, and try reinstalling it. 

Use Windows Disk Cleanup

  1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Windows Start menu. 
  2. Select Disk Cleanup from the results and opt for the drive you want to clean, and hit OK. 
  3. Choose the file type from the files to delete section. 
  4. Hit OK in the end. 
  5. Also, use disk cleanup to clear the system files.
  6. Select the files to get rid of in the clean-up system files option. 
  7. Select the file that matches your description and hit OK. 

Solution 6: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub has tools and features to fix your problems, like error 15271. You can find fixes to any of your network, installation, and related QB issues. So, install it as follows:

  1. Find the QuickBooks Tool Hub file on the Intuit website to download.
  2. Follow the link and download it successfully. 
  3. Once done, save the downloaded file in an accessible place. 
  4. After you store the file, go to the folder to begin installing it. 
  5. Double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file in the folder to run. 
  6. Keep accepting and agreeing to the prompts to install the tool hub successfully. 
  7. Now, you’re all ready to visit the QB tool hub and enjoy its features.
  8. In the Installation issues section, you will find QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Select and run it per commands.
  9. The Network issues section contains other tools to fix the error related to the network. 
  10. The company file issues section fixes your company files through Quick Fix My File and QuickBooks File Doctor Tool. 
  11. The Program Problems tab relieves you of problems with the QB application through the Quick Fix My Program tool. 

Solution 7: Run Windows System File Checker

The system file checker tool can scan the system for errors, bugs, and glitches. So, run it as follows and get your system error-free:

  1. Go to the Command prompt window by typing cmd in the Start menu or the Run Window. You can access the run window by pressing the Windows icon and R keys on the keyboard together. 
  2. When the command prompt window appears with a blinking cursor, type SFC/Scannow and enter.
  3. Once done, the system file checker will launch and run. Let it get to 100%. 
  4. After this process is over, you can restart your computer and check the error. 

Solution 8: Clean Install QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode

You can prevent third-party interruption in QuickBooks installation by moving to the selective startup mode:

  1. Press the Windows plus R keys together to open the Run command box. 
  2. Here, type msconfig and enter.
  3. When the system configuration window pops up, select the Selective Startup option.
  4. Further, uncheck the load startup items box.
  5. Select OK and restart your computer.
  6. Now, you are in selective startup mode. Here, carry on with the process of uninstalling QuickBooks. It can be as follows:
  7. Go to the Control Panel.
  8. Select Uninstall a Program under the Programs and Features option.
  9. Choose QuickBooks in the list of applications that’s on the screen. 
  10. Uninstall by following the prompts on the screen. 

After the uninstall finishes, clear all the files and make space. Use the clean install tool if necessary. 

Now, reinstall the application from official sources. 

After the reinstall finishes, switch back to the normal mode. The steps involve:

  1. Type msconfig command in the run window and press the enter button. 
  2. In the system configuration window, select the normal mode.
  3. Once done, restart the device and check the error.

Additional Fixes for QuickBooks Update Error 15271

In case, the above-stated methods are not helpful, do give a try to the below solutions for a steady remedy-

a) Run a malware and virus scan on your desktop– You might never know, but your system might have invited a virus from an unknown malicious website. This virus is capable of interrupting almost all your activities in your system.

b) Remove all the junk and spam files from your desktop– Junk files tend to occupy a large part of your desktop, which could slow down the functioning of your system. These files must be erased to free up space for a smooth run of the software.

c) Update your desktop drivers to the latest version– Your desktop drivers may have worn out with the last Windows update. In this case, they may start malfunctioning suddenly. To resolve this, you will have to refresh your drivers and update them.

d) Update your Windows to the latest version– Updating Windows is beneficial to let you install the latest applications and enhance the security systems preventing any damage to your confidential data.

e) Fix damaged Window Registry Entries– A damaged Registry can break your desktop internally. This can be upturned by fixing the Registry from your desktop Troubleshooting window.

You may also read: Resolve Error code 15222 in QuickBooks

With this blog, we have provided the possible sources of the QuickBooks Error 15271 and ways to sort it out. This error arises while your application is being updated; therefore, make sure the installation goes uninterrupted. For more such tips and guidance, you can get in touch with QuickBooks Customer Service at +1-855-542-9309.

Tags: