Understanding QuickBooks Error Code 12038 With Causes & Solutions

Have you ever faced errors while updating QuickBooks Desktop? If yes, then this error can be QuickBooks Error 12038. This error is displayed with the tagline ‘Failed to download the update.’ It is very irritating and frustrating to counter these update errors more often while using QuickBooks. QuickBooks Error code 12038 falls under the 12XXX series of errors. It is linked to the QuickBooks update and is generally caused by incorrect date and time, incorrect internet settings, communication blockage by third-party software, and the presence of multiple versions of QuickBooks desktop. It can easily be resolved by the solutions we have talked about in the post.

Fixing QuickBooks error code 12038 is not a tough task and can be done in easy and simple steps. But there may be some more complex reasons behind this that can be out of our knowledge. If you are also not able to determine the cause of the error and are finding it hard to fix, you can contact the experts at the toll-free number 1.855.738.2891 and get your issues resolved within minutes.

Defining the QuickBooks Error Code 12038 

QuickBooks Error 12038 is a 12xxx series of errors in QuickBooks that typically occur while downloading the latest software updates. You can end up in such an error when the date and time isn’t set correctly on your system. Whenever your QuickBooks software or update gets corrupted or stuck in the middle, it is a high probability you are facing error 12038 in QuickBooks 2024. You can easily troubleshoot error 12038 in QuickBooks with the right solutions mentioned in this blog.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 12038

Your QuickBooks update can get stuck at several times due to many underlying reasons. You can easily identify the cause of the error after analyzing the nature of the error. Here are some of the common causes of QuickBooks error Code 12038:

1. There might be an improper date and time on your device contributing to this error while updating QuickBooks Desktop.
2. There might be an incorrectly configured internet setting with your computer. This can stop QuickBooks from updating.
3. Any third-party software can also block QuickBooks’ communication, eventually leading to error 12038.
4. There might be multiple versions of QuickBooks present in your computer. This can create trouble in some cases and lead to errors.
5. Your device might not have the minimum requirements for QuickBooks. This incompatibility can lead to errors in many cases.
6. Antivirus/extensions/adblockers might trouble QuickBooks from functioning properly. This scenario can also lead to errors in specific cases.

These are some of the common causes of QuickBooks Desktop error 12038. You need to identify the cause of the error for its proper resolution. 

Troubleshooting Methods to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038 in Windows 11

Now that you have read about the causes of the error, you must learn the ways to troubleshoot them. You can easily resolve these errors provided you follow the chronological sequence of the solutions mentioned below:

1. Updating QuickBooks Desktop in Safe Mode
2. Creating a New Rule for QuickBooks.exe Files
3. Resetting the Previous QuickBooks Updates
4. Configuring Your PC’s Date and Time
5. Downloading the Updates in Safe Mode
6. Verifying the Network Connection Settings
7. Changing the Firewall Settings
8. Using the Clean Installation Tool to Repair the QuickBooks Program
9. Running an Error Scan in the Company File
10. Restarting Your Device

These are some of the quick and easy troubleshooting steps for fixing QuickBooks Update Error 12038. A brief description of each solution is mentioned in the sections below. 

Solution 1: Updating QuickBooks Desktop in Safe Mode

The first solution involves selecting the safe mode with the networking option and clicking on the enter key. Here are the steps to use safe mode to update QuickBooks for the resolution of the QuickBooks error 12038:

1. The first step is to the system.
2. Then, you can also press the F8 key to open the advanced boot option on the screen.
3. Now, you need to select the safe mode with the networking option and click on the enter key.
4. There, open the desktop and try updating the QuickBooks program.
5. Then, you need to click on update new tab,
6. Here, you need to check the box for reset update to clear the previous update download.
7. Lastly, you need to close and update the QuickBooks to the current version.

If this solution does not work out, you can move to the next solution.

Solution 2: Creating a New Rule for QuickBooks.exe Files

You should follow this solution when there is an issue with the firewall or a third-party network blockage problem. This can be one of the reasons for QuickBooks update error 12038. Here are the steps that you need to follow to create a new rule for QuickBooks.exe files:

1. First, you need to begin by pressing the Windows key and searching for “firewall.” 
2. Once it’s there, open Windows Firewall and head to the advanced settings. 
3. Next, look for the inbound rules option. 
4. Then, right-click on the inbound rules. A menu will pop up with the option to “create a new rule“; go ahead and click that. 
5. After you choose the program, hit “Next.” 
6. Now, select the QuickBooks software files by clicking on the browse button. 
7. Make sure to include QBCFMonitorService.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBLaunch.exe, Dbmlsync.exe, DBManagerExe.exe, FileManagement.exe, IntuitSyncManager.exe, AutoBackupExe.exe, and any other QuickBooks-related .exe files. 
8. Also, be sure to select the “allow the connection” option. Then, proceed by clicking on the next button.
9. Then, you should move to creating a new rule and rename it. 
10. Finally, you must follow the procedures to generate the outgoing rules.

These were some of the steps required to create a new rule for QuickBooks.exe files that will help you resolve the QuickBooks error Code 12038.

Solution 3: Resetting the Previous QuickBooks Updates

Any previous QuickBooks Desktop downloaded updates can raise issues while downloading the new updates. Clearing all the previous updates shall resolve the issue once and for all. 

1. Go to QuickBooks Desktop and visit the Help menu. 
2. Click on Update QuickBooks Desktop and move to the Update Now tab. 
   
3. Click on the Reset Update checkbox and click on Get Updates. 
   
4. After the download completes, close and restart QuickBooks. 
5. Revisit the Help menu and choose Update QuickBooks Desktop. 
6. Under the Overview tab, click on Update Now.

There might be a case where you have committed errors while installing some QB updates. In such cases, resetting the previous update can fix QB error 12038.

Solution 4: Configuring Your PC’s Date and Time

If your system’s date and time are not synced to real-time updates, you might encounter error 12038 in QuickBooks Desktop while updating. Here are the steps to correctly configure the date and time on your PC:

1. You need to right-click on the date and time at the bottom right side of your screen.
2. A window will appear; there, you need to click on the Adjust Date/Time tab.
   
3. Here, you need to choose the correct time and date and also make any further corrections if required.

We have seen the steps for changing the date and time of your PC. If the error is still there, then you need to consider changing your internet settings. Otherwise, you can also proceed to the next options.

Solution 5: Downloading the Update in Safe Mode

Sometimes, external software can also interfere with downloading the QuickBooks updates. Hence, running your system in safe mode ensures that only the necessary applications on your PC will operate while completing the download process. Here are the steps to updating QuickBooks in safe mode for the resolution of the QuickBooks payroll update error 12038: 

1. Close QuickBooks and shut down the device. 
2. Restart the computer and hold the Shift key while clicking on Power and then Restart. 
3. Once the computer restarts, click on Troubleshoot under the Choose an Option screen. 
4. Select the Advanced option and choose Startup Settings.
5. Click on Restart and choose option number 5 from the list after the device restarts. 
6. After opening the computer in Safe mode, download the QuickBooks update again. 
7. If the download is successful, restart the computer back to Normal Mode and download the update again. 

Switching Windows in safe mode can also be a good idea. However, you need to configure everything, like network configurations.

Solution 6: Verifying the Network Connection Settings

If your internet connection is lost, it may cause QuickBooks payroll update failed with error 12038. If you are unable to access the website, call your internet service provider or make the required changes for a stable connection. But if you are able to browse the internet on the browser and still have the error stuck, you must follow some steps: 

1. Visit the Help menu in QuickBooks. 
2. Choose Internet Connection Setup and click on Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet. 
   
3. Click on Next and go to Advanced Connection Settings. 
4. Visit the Advanced tab and choose Restore Advanced Settings. 
5. At last, click on OK and Done and try to update the QuickBooks again. 

Verifying the internet connection settings is an important step in resolving the QB desktop errors, especially error 12038. If the error is still there, you can proceed to the next solution for resolution.

Final Words!

QuickBooks error code 12038 does not allow you to download QuickBooks Desktop’s recent updates on your personal computer or desktop. This error can arise when there are some discrepancies in the data and time of your PC or when there are incorrectly configured network settings, or many more reasons. You need to follow the troubleshooting methods mentioned in this post to fix the QuickBooks Error 12038 in easy and quick steps. If you are unable to fix it on your own, you can reach out to us at the 1-855-542-9309 and get our experts on it.

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Erica watson

Erica Watson is writing about accounting and bookkeeping for over 7+ years, making even the difficult technical topics easy to understand. She is skilled at creating content about popular accounting and tax softwares such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Quicken, etc. Erica’s knowledge of such softwares allows her to create articles and guides that are both informative and easy to follow. Her writing builds trust with readers, thanks to her ability to explain things clearly while showing a real understanding of the industry.