How to Fix QuickBooks Error PS077 When Updating Efficiently? 

Can’t update your payroll tax rates, and are getting QuickBooks error PS077?

Error code PS077 is a PSXXX series error that occurs when trying to update payroll services in QuickBooks Desktop, often due to incorrect permissions or security applications blocking the update. Such an error not only hampers the payroll update but also all associated operations, such as outdated tax rates impacting tax calculations and direct deposit, causing delays across the entire business management.

To help you get past the error, we have curated this detailed blog post that lists possible reasons and suitable troubleshooting steps to ensure seamless payroll updates.

What Triggers Payroll Update Error PS077 in QuickBooks? 

Let’s take a closer look at the possible causes that can trigger payroll update error PS077 in QuickBooks when updating to the latest release:

• Not having the proper admin rights to run the updates 
• The QuickBooks payroll subscription might not be active 
• QuickBooks might not be activated or up-to-date 
• Damaged, corrupted, or inaccessible QuickBooks CPS folder 
• UAC settings on Windows might be hampering the payroll updates 
• Incorrect installation of QuickBooks or damaged program files 
• Microsoft Defender might be blocking the QB update 
• Windows Firewall or other antivirus software on your system is blocking the QB processes due to incorrect settings 

Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error PS077 When Updating the Payroll Services 

As discussed previously, QuickBooks error PS077 when updating can be triggered by multiple reasons. Resolving this error requires performing suitable methods to address the root cause, allowing you to update payroll services without interruptions.

Here’s how to troubleshoot it effectively: 

1. Verify the QuickBooks payroll subscription 

It’s important to keep your payroll service subscription active and up to date. Using an outdated version can lead to errors like PS077.

• Close your QB company file and restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks Desktop. 
• Go to Employees in the left pane. 
• Select My Payroll Service from the options. 

• Click on Manage Service Key.
• Now, verify the Service Name and Status and ensure it is Active.
• Hit Edit to verify the service key number. 
• If the service is inaccurate, enter the correct one. 
• Select Next. 
• Uncheck the option labeled Open Payroll Setup, then click Finish.
• This will trigger the download of all payroll updates automatically.
• If the error continues, move on to the next solution.

2. Rename the QuickBooks CPS folder

The QuickBooks CPS folder is a component of the QuickBooks installation directory that stores payroll tax table updates and employee tax data. If this file is inaccessible, damaged, or corrupted when downloading the payroll updates, you may encounter QuickBooks error PS077. Let’s rename the folder so QuickBooks can create the new file, resolving the associated issues:

• Press Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer. 
• Navigate to This PC.
• Now, go to the Local Disk C.
• Select Run Program Files (x86), then the Intuit folder.
• Launch the QuickBooks Desktop folder and then match or verify the version that you are using currently. 
• Choose Components, then the Payroll folder.
• Right-click on the QB CPS folder and select Rename. 
• Enter a folder name and press the Enter key to make sure the file is renamed successfully. 
• When done, open QuickBooks and try to update the payroll services again. 

Important Note: Disabling User Account Control (UAC) may help resolve certain issues in QuickBooks Desktop. However, since UAC plays an important role in protecting your system, it’s recommended to enable it again after you’ve fixed the problem.

3. Turn off User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) might be preventing the payroll updates if you do not have admin rights, considering an unauthorized attempt to make changes, which can interfere with QuickBooks Desktop or the payroll updates:

Important Note: While turning off User Account Control (UAC) may fix certain issues with QuickBooks Desktop, it’s recommended to switch it back on afterward to keep your system secure.

Follow these steps to adjust UAC settings in Windows 10:

• Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows + R keys. 
• In the Run field, type Control Panel and click OK.
• Move to User Accounts and choose User Accounts again (Classic View).
• Choose Change User Account Control settings. (When prompted by UAC, click Yes to proceed.)
• Now, adjust the slider as required:
  • Select “Never Notify” and confirm with OK to disable User Account Control (UAC).
  • Select “Always Notify” and confirm with OK to enable UAC (click Yes if a prompt appears).
• Restart your computer so the changes are applied.

4. Register and update your QuickBooks Desktop

Keeping your system current helps you receive the latest security updates and performance improvements. Use these steps to check that your software is correctly registered:

• Press F2 to open the Product Information window.

• Look at the license number section and make sure the status reads “Activated.”
• If it doesn’t show “Activated,” you’ll need to register QuickBooks Desktop.
• After registering, update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.
• Install the most recent payroll tax table update. If the problem continues, proceed to Step 3. 

5. Repair QuickBooks Desktop

Incorrect installation of QuickBooks or damaged program files might hamper ongoing operations that require interaction with the installation folders/files during payroll updates. Let’s repair QuickBooks using different tools & utilities:

Important Note: Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.8) to ensure you get the latest fixes and utilities for seamless operation.

a. Run Quick Fix my Program

The Quick Fix My Program shuts down any open background processes QuickBooks uses and runs a quick repair to the program. 

• Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Go to Program Problems in the left menu bar. 
• Hit on Quick Fix My Program.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and then open your company file. 

b. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool

If issues arise during software installation—whether due to Windows components or other factors—they can cause problems when you try to use the program. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix common installation issues automatically.

• Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Click on Installation Issues. 
• Choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. The tool usually takes up to 20 minutes; let it run until then. 

• When the tool finishes, restart your computer and open QuickBooks Desktop, then open your data file.
• Make sure to update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release to ensure that you use the most recent fixes and security updates. 

6. Create a Microsoft Defender exclusion

The QuickBooks Tool Hub offers a built-in option that automatically adds QuickBooks-related files to the Microsoft Defender exclusion list. This ensures that the antivirus on your screen does not scan these files during installation or updates, reducing the chances of errors.

Before getting started, make sure to do the following:

• Log in to Windows as an administrator. 
• And the QuickBooks Tool Hub is already installed on your computer.

Follow these steps:

• Select Cancel to stop the update that is currently in progress. 
• Close QuickBooks Desktop. 
• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub. If you haven’t installed it yet, make sure to download and install it before proceeding. 
• Go to the Installation Issues menu within the Tool Hub. 
• Hit on Add Defender Exclusion. If this option appears disabled or greyed out, it means you do not have administrative rights on the computer. In that case, contact your system administrator to complete this step.

• Restart your computer to apply all the changes. 
• When done, launch QB Desktop and try to run the payroll updates again. 

7. Configure Windows Firewall and other security settings 

Windows Firewall is a system security application that controls the ports on your computer for incoming and outgoing data. If the security applications detect anything wrong with the QuickBooks processes or do not have enough permission to make changes, it might prevent QuickBooks-related operations from running on the computer, including the payroll updates.

To resolve this, configure Windows Firewall for QuickBooks Desktop and resolve the issues hampering the payroll update.

8. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop removes any damaged, corrupted, or improperly installed program files from a previous setup. This process replaces them with clean, intact files, helping eliminate related errors and ensuring smoother performance, including reliable software and payroll updates.

Conclusion

Payroll updates are crucial for keeping tax rates up to date, ensuring accurate calculations, and enabling on-time direct deposit processing. Following this guide will help you identify the root cause of the QuickBooks error PS077 when updating the payroll services and how to fix it promptly.

If you need further assistance, we recommend consulting with QuickBooks ProAdvisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks PSXXX when updating payroll? 

QuickBooks PSXXX (e.g., PS032, PS033, PS034, PS038) errors occur during payroll updates, signaling a failure to connect to Intuit servers, an inactive subscription, or corrupted tax table files. These errors indicate a disruption in downloading tax table updates or processing direct deposits, requiring actions like verifying subscriptions, updating QuickBooks, or repairing the company file.

How to fix QuickBooks error PS077?

To fix error PS077, verify your payroll subscription, update billing details, and run the Rebuild Data Utility. Other effective solutions include downloading the latest payroll tax table update, running QuickBooks as an administrator, and ensuring Intuit Data Protect is not blocked by firewalls

What is error code PS107 in QuickBooks?

Error code PS107 in QuickBooks is a payroll update error that occurs when downloading tax table updates, often indicating damaged internal files, inactive subscriptions, or internet connectivity issues. It commonly presents as a “Payroll update did not complete successfully” message, preventing the finalization of payroll. 

Can Windows Firewall or antivirus cause error PS077?

Yes, Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software can cause QuickBooks Error PS077. This error typically occurs during payroll updates, when security software incorrectly identifies the data transfer as a threat and blocks QuickBooks from communicating with Intuit servers.

Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix error PS077?

Yes, reinstalling QuickBooks (specifically a clean install) can fix error PS077 if the issue is caused by severe application file corruption. However, it is often resolved by updating tax tables, verifying subscription status, running the QuickBooks Tool Hub, or checking for multiple QuickBooks versions.