Top 10 Methods to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 15243

Software updates are crucial, whether you use QuickBooks or any other application. This way, you will get the most recent features, security patches, bug fixes, and enhanced performance for all of your accounting operations. Meanwhile, the tax table updates keep the tax rates and tax table up-to-date for accurate tax calculation in QuickBooks.

If you have successfully updated, you’re good to go. However, it is common to update the software or tax table due to some errors or issues, such as QuickBooks error 15243. This detailed guide explores why this happens and the different methods to troubleshoot it.

QuickBooks Error Code 15243: An Overview 

Error Code 15243 emerges during QuickBooks Desktop or payroll service updates, often accompanied by the warning, 

“QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close.”

 As part of the 15XXX series, this error shares common triggers with others in its group, such as issues with updates or system configurations. It disrupts normal operations but can be addressed through similar troubleshooting steps applied to the 15XXX series. 

What Causes Update Error 15243 in QuickBooks? 

Let’s explore the factors why you failed in updating QuickBooks or the payroll services and are getting QuickBooks error 15243: 

• Not having the proper set of permissions or admin rights. 
• The Shared Download drive isn’t mapped 
• The Windows files are either damaged or corrupted 
• Disabled QuickBooks File Copy Service 
• QuickBooks programs in the background might be lingering with the QB update 
• Failure to verify the digital signature certificate of the update file 
• Windows Firewall might be blocking QuickBooks or the common internet connectivity issues 
• The incorrect installation of QuickBooks or the program file is damaged

Fix QuickBooks Error 15243 When Updating QB or the Payroll Service 

Explore the troubleshooting solution and resolve the specific issue we discussed above. If the Shared Download Drive is already mapped, see what is responsible for the QuickBooks error 15243 and proceed below accordingly: 

1. Get the QuickBooks Updates as an administrator

Admin rights are important to make the required changes to your computer when downloading an update: 

• Exit your company file and open QuickBooks Desktop. 
• Right-click on your QB software icon and select Run as Administrator.

• Click Yes on the UAC prompt saying, “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?“
• Get the QuickBooks Desktop product updates and the payroll tax table update again.

2. Map the Shared Download drive

QuickBooks fails to identify the correct and designated network path to the company file when downloading the software or updates if the Shared Download drive isn’t mapped: 

Note: The steps below are applicable if you use Windows 11 OS. 

• On your keyboard, press the Windows icon.
• Type This PC in the search, and select This PC from the search results. 
• Select More (…), then click on Map network drive.

Note: If you don’t see the Map network drive, you can right-click This PC and select Map network drive.

• Choose any drive letter in Drive. 
• You can either:
  • Enter the full path of the folder you wish to map or 
  • Enter the only path to the computer where your file is hosted and click Browse to find the folder
• Select Reconnect at sign-in to make sure the drive is mapped each time you sign in to your computer.
• Finally, click Finish.

3. Run the SFC scan 

Repair the Windows files to resolve QuickBooks error 15243 when trying to update QuickBooks Desktop or the payroll services:  

• Press the Windows+X shortcut keys on the keyboard. 
• Select Command Prompt (Admin) in the menu. 

NOTE: You can also run the SFC scan from the Windows PowerShell (Admin).

• Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
• Type SFC /scannow in the Command prompt window and press Enter. 

The System File Checker tool automatically verifies the integrity of Windows system files and repairs them if required.

• Once this is done, reboot your computer. 

4. Enable the QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS) 

The QuickBooks File Copy Service provides a secure and encrypted transfer of the update file and an accountant copy when updating QuickBooks. It should be enabled and secure, else you might end up with QuickBooks error 15243: 

• Open the Run command by pressing the Windows+R keys together. 
• In the Run command, type COMPMGMT.MSC hit on OK.
• The Computer management window will open on your screen. Then, click on Services and Applications.
• Mark the option for Services.
• Scroll the cursor down until you find the Intuit QuickBooks FCS option and double-click on it.  
• Select Startup type and click on Manual. 
• Finally, select Apply, then OK. 

Once done, you will need to re-validate the payroll’s service key to refresh the connection. 

Here’s how:

• Select Employees from the top menu bar.
• Choose My Payroll Service.

• Now, click Activate Service Key. 
• Highlight the current payroll you use under the Service Keys and click Edit.
• Click Next until Finish shows up.  

5. Run Quick Fix my Program 

The Quick Fix will shut down any lingering background processes QuickBooks may be using. It’ll run a quick repair on your program.

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• In the left pane, select Program Problems.
• Hit on Quick Fix my Program.

• Once it’s done, reopen QuickBooks and your company file.
• Try to download the latest QuickBooks Desktop and payroll tax table update again. 

If you still get an error, try these steps:

• Exit QuickBooks Desktop.
• Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XX\Components.

Note: Here, XX is the QuickBooks Desktop version you use. For example, QuickBooks Desktop 2023 is available for download as DownloadQB23.

• Right-click on Components and select Delete.
• Launch QuickBooks Desktop. 
• Navigate to Help, then select Update QuickBooks Desktop.

• Go to the Update Now tab.
• Mark the checkbox for Reset Update.
• Hit on Get Updates. Once the download completes, close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop. 

• Go to Help and select Update QuickBooks Desktop again. 
• Go to Overview, then Update Now.

6. Install a digital signature certificate

For data integrity and system security, it is crucial to download the QuickBooks update. Install the certificate for QuickBooks to fix error code 15243 and run the software update: 

• Navigate to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
• Right-click on the QuickBooks program file QBW32.exe. 
• Click on Properties 
• Select Digital Signature and verify that Intuit is selected in the signature list.
• Click on Details.
• Choose View Certificate in the Digital Signature Details window.

• Select Install Certificate in the Certificate window. 
• Click Next until Finish is displayed on the screen. Then, select Finish.
• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks, then try to download the updates again.

7. Configure Windows firewall and security settings 

Windows Firewall is a security feature in Windows that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic through system ports based on predefined rules. If it detects a potential threat, such as a malicious program or suspicious data, it may block the associated application, file, or folder. In some cases, QuickBooks Desktop may be flagged as a threat or restricted by Windows Firewall, leading to QuickBooks error 15243 during updates.

To resolve this issue, you need to configure Windows Firewall to allow QuickBooks Desktop by creating exceptions for its specific files, folders, and ports. This ensures that QuickBooks can communicate properly and perform updates without being blocked.

8. Repair QuickBooks Desktop 

If the QuickBooks installation went wrong, it can cause problems when you use the software. Fix the common installation issues using the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool: 

• Open QB Tool Hub. 

• Go to Installation Issues in the left pane. 
• Click on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. The tool can take up to 20 minutes; let it run until then.

• Once the tool finishes, restart your computer, then open QuickBooks Desktop and your company file.  
• Keep your QuickBooks up-to-date to the latest release to ensure that you have the most recent fixes and security updates.

9. Re-install QuickBooks 

Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop removes all the program files and folders, replacing them with new software folders and files. Doing this will resolve all program files, incorrect installations, and related errors, such as error code 15243 in QuickBooks, including damaged program files or incorrect installations, ensuring seamless software and payroll tax table updates. 

Conclusion 

An up-to-date version of QuickBooks Desktop is crucial for better functioning, uninterrupted access to different & new features, bug fixes, security patches, and more. We hope the information above in this detailed blog helped you resolve QuickBooks error 15243 and keep the software updated.

If you get stuck somewhere else or need professional assistance, we recommend consulting with QuickBooks professionals. Dial +1(866)500-0076 and talk to a ProAdvisor, available 24/7!

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to fix QuickBooks error 15242?

To fix QuickBooks error 15242, try running QuickBooks or payroll updates as an admin, configure the Windows Firewall or other security systems, install a digital signature certificate, and repair QuickBooks Desktop using the QB Install Diagnostic tool. If this doesn’t help, remove and reinstall your QuickBooks Desktop again and make sure the underlying issue is resolved.

What is error code 15243 in QuickBooks?

QuickBooks error 15243 is one of the 15XXX series errors that appear when trying to update QuickBooks Desktop or get the payroll tax table updates. This usually happens when you run the update without the proper admin rights or when QuickBooks fails to verify the digital signature certificate for the update file.

How do I fix a connection error in QuickBooks?

To fix a QuickBooks connection error, restart your computer, router, and the QuickBooks application. For QuickBooks Desktop, you may need to use the QuickBooks Tools Hub to run Quick Fix my Program or File Doctor, or adjust hosting settings and firewall permissions.

How to enable multi-user mode in QuickBooks?

To turn on the multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop, go to File > Utilities > Host Multi-User Access. After doing that, run the QuickBooks Database Server Manager to share the company file on the network, and don’t forget to run all the services. Now, you are all set to host your company file on the network and work with your team as well.

Why is my QuickBooks update not installing?

Your QuickBooks update may not be installing due to issues with your internet connection, firewall, incorrect date and time settings, User Account Control settings, corrupted installation files, or a lack of administrator privileges.