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Resolving QuickBooks Error PS033 with this Comprehensive Guide

QuickBooks error PS033 is a payroll-related error that interrupts the update process and causes issues in this procedure. Users may face significant trouble getting the latest features and utilizing them to their advantage. Further, if the error stays for a long, users might face glitches related to the outdated application. Therefore, considering a comprehensive guide to rectify this annoying error is crucial. 

QuickBooks comes with a plethora of features and additional services like payroll management. The users can avail of it after purchasing a subscription for one of the different modules of the service. Intuit keeps a check on the efficiency of its payroll service by regularly rolling out updates for its users. However, when most users try to download the updates, they get the PS033 QuickBooks error on their computer system. The error message chimes on their screen, stating – “QuickBooks can’t read your payroll setup files.” You can also face the problem while opening your company file. In the blog below, we have discussed the possible causes and solutions for the issue. Read it till the end.

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QuickBooks Error PS033

QuickBooks PS033 error emerges while setting up the payroll updates or accessing the payroll company files. A damaged CPS folder is one of the many triggers for the error. The error message accompanying this error states that the app is facing trouble reading the setup files, thereby hindering the update procedure. Although the error message has a help button for assistance, the error may return after using it. So, follow this guide till the end to resolve this frustrating error code.

Before discussing the solutions, let’s glance over the root causes of the “QuickBooks can’t read your payroll setup files” error PS033.

  • The user’s version of the QuickBooks Desktop is probably outdated.
  • The UAC settings might be behind the pop-up of the issue.
  • The company file is damaged due to unknown reasons.
  • A damaged or corrupted QuickBooks CPS folder can also cause the problem.
  • Another program might be behind the failure of updates download.
  • Conflicting programs running in the background may cause QuickBooks payroll update error PS033. 
  • Damaged or invalid tax tables may also contribute to this issue.
  • Incorrect or incomplete billing information may lead to discrepancies.
  • An invalid or incorrect Employee Identification Number or PSID may be the root of the error.
  • Payment-related issues may bring forth the error.
  • A deactivated or expired payroll subscription can lead to challenges.
  • Windows OS and QuickBooks aren’t compatible.
  • Not having an active direct deposit agreement.
  • Having more than one active payroll.
  • Renaming the CPS Folder might also lead to QuickBooks Error Code PS033 sometimes.

Along with the causes, it’s good to know the consequences of this error, so you can implement the troubleshooting procedures early accordingly. 

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If you’re wondering how the annoying PS033 error announces its arrival, look for the following signs:

  • The error message might repeatedly pop up while trying to update the QuickBooks Payroll.
  • Incomplete or unsuccessful payroll updates occur.
  • The payroll functions stop working as they should.

Let’s look into how you can prevent these symptoms from happening and the error PS033 to resolve so that your normal operations don’t get interrupted.

If you are experiencing the QuickBooks Desktop error PS033 on your computer system, you can try out the solutions mentioned below to get rid of it. Follow them in the given order only. However, you can also try to download the latest payroll tax table or update your QuickBooks application to its latest release (if there are any available). They can also resolve the issue in no time.

The QuickBooks CPS folder holds important installation files that are vital in the overall running of the program. It might be possible that some corrupted files in the folder are driving the QuickBooks payroll error PS033. To fix it, you can rename the folder by following the steps mentioned below.

  • Exit from QuickBooks and follow the given folder directory – C:\ Program Files\ Intuit\ QuickBooks 20XX\ Components\ Payroll\ CPS.
  • Right-click on the CPS folder and choose the Rename option.
Rename the CPS Folder
  • At the end of its name, type GYF and press the Enter key to save the changes.

The UAC controls and stops any unauthorized action that may make changes in the OS of the computer system. It might be possible that it is also cancelling the download of the updates. You can temporarily set the UAC settings not to notify the changes to download the updates easily. However, make sure that you set the original settings back by following the same steps mentioned below.

  • Click on the Start menu and select Control Panel.
  • Choose the User Accounts option and click on User Accounts (Classic View).
  • Click on the Change user account control settings option and select Yes if prompted by UAC.
  • On the next screen, turn the slider next to the Never Notify (Always Notify to turn it back on) option and click on OK.
  • At last, restart the computer system and try to download the updates again.

One of the most common reasons behind the QuickBooks error PS033 is possible data corruption in the data file. To be sure of it and eliminate any corruption via verify and rebuild data tool, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Go to the File menu and click on the Utilities section.
  • Choose the Verify Data option and if the result shows that your data has lost integrity, then follow the next steps.
Verify Data Tool
Verify Data Tool
  • Come back to the Utilities section and click on Rebuild Data.
Rebuild data
Rebuild data utility
  • QuickBooks will tell you to backup your data first. Comply with it and let the tool run.
  • Once the rebuild is finished, select OK and verify your data once again to check if all the complicacies are cleared.

If the above solutions do not help you, it might be possible that some other program is interrupting the updates from being downloaded. In that case, you can download the updates in safe mode by following the steps mentioned below.

  • Close the QuickBooks and click the Windows Key + I to open the Settings.
  • Choose the Update & Security tab and click on Recovery.
  • Select Advanced Startup and choose the Restart now button.
  • Once the computer restarts to the Choose an option screen, click on Troubleshoot.
  • Select Advanced options and go to Startup Settings.
  • Choose the Restart option and select Enable Safe Mode after the computer restarts.
  • Download the updates in the safe mode and open the Run command.
  • Enter MSConfig and select OK.
  • Go to the Boot tab and choose Boot options.
  • Click on the checkbox against Safe Boot to clear it, and the computer will open back into the normal mode.

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An outdated payroll tax table can contribute to triggering the PS033 error. Therefore, curb it by installing the latest updates as follows:

Get Payroll Updates
Get Payroll Updates
  • Open your QuickBooks application and move over to the Employees section.
  • Here, click the Get Payroll updates option.
  • Further, choose the Download entire payroll updates icon.
  • Hit the Update button to get the updates installed on the system.
  • Hopefully, you’ll successfully get the updates without the PS033 error. 

Ensure you’re not running an outdated QuickBooks Desktop application by updating it as follows:

  • Begin by closing all your company files along with the QuickBooks application. 
  • Now, find the QB icon on your device and right-click it. 
  • Hit the Run as administrator option, and the QB Desktop will open.
  • Here, go to the Help menu.
  • Select the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
Update QuickBooks Desktop
Update QuickBooks Desktop
  • Move to the Options tab and choose the Mark all option.
  • Follow it up by hitting the Save button.
  • Now, go to the Update now tab and hit the Reset Updates option.
  • Choose to get updates, and once the update procedure finishes, close your QuickBooks application.
  • Reopen QuickBooks and hit the Yes option on the installation prompt for the updates.
  • After the updates get installed successfully, you should reboot the device to give effect to the changes. 

Incompatibility in the Windows OS and QuickBooks Desktop versions may cause issues like the PS033 error. Fix it as follows:

Update Windows
Update Windows
  • Go to the Start menu on your Windows and search for updates.
  • Hit the Check for updates option to let the system find updates automatically.
  • If any update is available, click to download and install it on the system.
  • Reboot your device to set up the Windows update and start running it seamlessly. 

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Initiate this solution as follows:

  • Begin by shutting down your QuickBooks Desktop application.
  • Now, go to the Start menu.
  • Choose Computer, followed by the Manage option.
  • At the left-hand pane, select applications.
  • Further, choose Services from the right-side pane.
  • Here, double-tap the Intuit QuickBooks FCS option.
  • Now, choose the Startup type from the General tab. Switch it to Manual.
  • Click Apply to implement these settings.
  • Hit Start and then OK.
  • Now, launch the QB software and initiate the download process of the updates.
  • Lastly, update the payroll tax tables.

QuickBooks Tool Hub can help fix numerous errors, including the payroll errors like PS033. Download the utility on your system, undertake its installation, and utilize the various features it offers in one place. Do so as follows:

  • Begin by moving to the Intuit website (official) and hitting the download link for QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  • After doing so, let the download procedure run and save the file to a preferred desktop location for easy access. 
  • Now, go to this location and double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file. 
  • Let the installation procedure run by executing the on-screen instructions, accepting the terms and conditions, and saving the changes. 
  • After the installation process is over, you are free to open and explore the numerous sections of the tool hub.

The various sections of the tool hub involve the following:

  • Network issues– Hit this section to rectify problems arising due to network and connectivity problems. You’ll find relevant tools to scan and diagnose the errors.
  • Company file issues– Resolve the problems of your company file by running the QuickBooks File Doctor tool and Quick Fix My File.
  • Program Problems– Solve issues with the program through the Quick Fix My Program utility.
  • Installation problems– This section resolves errors related to incomplete or unsuccessful installation.

Here comes the end of our blog on the subject of QuickBooks error PS033. The majority of our readers resolve the problems on their QuickBooks software through the solutions mentioned in the blog. However, some face additional issues while following the instructions and have to get external assistance to fix them. If you happen to be the latter, feel free to contact one of our QB ProAdvisors by calling on the QuickBooks Helpdesk Number 1-(855)-856-0042 anytime.

Can QuickBooks Error PS033 occur on both Windows and Mac versions?

QuickBooks error PS033 can occur both on Windows and Mac computers. The error stems from problems with the QuickBooks payroll setup folder or CPS folder, which can occur on both operating systems. If you come across PS033, go through this comprehensive guide to fix the same.

What is the role of the CPS Folder in QuickBooks Error PS033?

The CPS folder Contains Essential Data Like Payroll Tax Tables, Employee Information, Payroll Checks, Payroll Reports, And Other Payroll-Specific Settings. You require them to run your general payroll operations. However, if the CPS folder is damaged or corrupt, you might run into QuickBooks error PS033.

Can outdated tax tables cause QuickBooks Error PS033?

If you haven’t updated your payroll tax table for a long time, QuickBooks will not have accurate tax rates for calculations and recent software improvements. These can cause QB error PS033 when you run the payroll operations.

Is QuickBooks Error PS033 related to my payroll subscription?

Although payroll subscription is not directly related to QuickBooks error PS033, sometimes it can give way to the latter. For example, you may try to run the payroll updates, but the process may get restricted due to an inactive payroll subscription, resulting in the error code PS033.