QuickBooks accounting program has created a lot of buzz in the accounting industry, especially in the recent few years. This software is renowned for it’s impressive features and functionalities, but all these plus points and advantages cannot hide the fact that the QuickBooks software is prone to certain errors. One such error of them is “QuickBooks error code 15106″. This error code is normally seen at the time of updating the QuickBooks software. It also indicates that the update program has been damaged. This is a payroll update error, and it can cause trouble/problems for you at large.

However, if you’re looking to eliminate this payroll error, then this article can be a great assistance to you. Getting rid of this error can be a troublesome and tiresome task for you, so in that case, it is highly recommended to speak with a certified support professional.

What is QuickBooks payroll error 15106?

Before you begin with the fixation process of QuickBooks update error 15106, it is important to find out the facts associated with this error. This error hinders the updating process of QuickBooks payroll. You might see the following error message on the screen:

QuickBooks Update Error“Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened”
Warning“Error 15106: The update program is damaged”.
QuickBooks Error 15106 (The update program cannot be opened) - Featuring Image

The causes and fixes to this error are discussed later in this post.

Triggers to QuickBooks update error 15106

Now that you know what this error is all about, it is important for you to learn the causes behind the error. Understanding the root cause of the issue can be of great help in fixing the bug. Let us check the causes of update error 15106:

  • Not having or not using the Administrator credentials to login while updating the software.
  • Pre-installed anti-virus software or program can be one major factor responsible for blocking the update process. For example, Spy Sweeper is present in the Webroot anti-virus.
  • UAC (User Account Control), settings if enabled, can be a major cause behind to the such errors.

You may also like: Upgrade to QuickBooks Enterprise from Desktop Pro/Premier

Methods to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106 (The Update Program is Damaged)

Before you begin with the solution steps of QuickBooks payroll update error 15106, in case you have an active QuickBooks desktop payroll subscription, then make sure to download the latest tax table after every step, in order to ensure payroll information isn’t affected. Now, without any further delay, let us begin with the solutions:

Solution 1: Logging in the system with admin credentials

Step 1: In case you have already logged in as a different user follow the steps below:

  • At first, move to the QuickBooks desktop icon.
  • And then right-click the same.
  • Moving ahead, you need to select the Run as administrator option.
Run as Administrator - Screenshot
  • Later on, type in the Admin credentials and hit click on OK tab.
  • This will log you in as an admin.

Step 2: You can login the admin account by switching the account by carrying out the steps below

  • Initially, hit a click on Start menu.
  • Then click on the Switch user option from the bottom right side arrow.
  • Now enter Admin credentials.
  • This will easily Switch the user account to admin account.
Switch the user account to admin account - Screenshot Image

Solution 2: Turning off User Account Control

In case the above method failed, then you can turn off the user account control (UAC) by carrying out the steps below. It should be noted that the steps to change UAC settings may differ for various versions of the Windows Operating system, such as Windows 11, 10 and 7.

Steps to change the user account control settings for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7:

  • At first, open the run box by pressing Windows + R tabs.
  • Once done with that, you are required to type in the Control panel and then click on the Ok tab.
  • Heading forward, select the User accounts.
  • Now hit a click on Change user account control settings.
Change user account control settings - Screenshot Image

The point to be noted here is that, if you are getting any prompt by UAC, in such case it is most favorable to select the Yes option to continue.

  • Now move the slider. If you wish to set to Turn UAC OFF, then it is recommended to click on Never notify and select Ok. Whereas for turning the UAC ON, set to Always notify and hit Ok.
Turn Off UAC in Windows - Screenshot
  • The last step is to restart the system, and you are done.

Read it Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Missing Name List Problem?

Solution 3: Uninstalling the Antivirus program and rename the folder

Close QBW32.exe process - Screenshot
  • In this process, it is first required to open the Task manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys.
  • After that, move to the Processes tab and then look for the [ANTIVIRUS].exe file, which is in the system. (For example: Spy Sweeper.exe)
  • Lastly select End process.

It should be noted that, in case you are getting any issues while performing the task, then it is important to uninstall the antivirus application.

Renaming the QuickBooks update folder

  • You are required to open the file explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
  • And then move to the C:\Program files\ Intuit\ QuickBooks (year)\Components (for 32 but users). For 64-bit users, the path C:\Program files (x86)\Intuit\ QuickBooks (year)\Components is to be selected.
  • The next step is to right-click the downloadqbXX folder > Select rename option. Also, the XX stands for the version year of QuickBooks.
  • Lastly, add .old extension to the end of the name. (Example: downloadqbxx.old.)

And then try to update the software once again.

Solution 4: Clean install of QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode

Step 1: Preparing the data for backup

Initially, you are supposed to create a backup of the company files, and also keep a copy of the QuickBooks desktop or product and license info.

Backup company file manually - Screenshot

Step 2: Login to the system in Selective Startup Mode

To ensure that no other application blocks you from completing the task, you are required to switch to selective startup mode:

  • Initially, you need to open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R keys, and then type msconfig and then click on Ok tab.
Type msconfig in Run box - Screenshot
  • Move to the General tab and opt for the Selective startup mode and then Load the system services.
Load system services - Screenshot Image
  • After that, move to the Services tab and opt for the Hide all Microsoft services.
  • Now check the Hide all Microsoft services check box and also click on Disable all option.
Hide all Microsoft services - Screenshot Image
  • You should also keep in mind to Check Windows installer checkbox from the list of services.
  • At last, Select the Restart option.

Step 3: Uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop

Uninstall or Reinstall QuickBooks - Screenshot

After you restart the system, you are supposed to open uninstall the QuickBooks desktop after the system opens and then reinstall the QuickBooks application.

Step 4: Now, switch to normal startup mode

After the QuickBooks desktop reinstall process completes, you are required to restore the system settings to the normal configuration.

  • Firstly, open the Run box and then type in Misconfig followed by hitting the OK button.
  • And then choose the Normal startup, and in the General tab, click on the Ok tab.
Activate Selective startup mode - Screenshot 2
  • The next step is to select the Restart option on the System configuration window.

Also See: How to Fix QuickBooks has Stopped Working / Not Responding Issue?

Final Words!

That’s all for the solutions to QuickBooks payroll error 15106. Implementing the above-stated methods for fixing the error permanently. However, there can be situations when even after applying the above discussed methods fail to remove this technical snag. In such situations, the QuickBooks payroll support team can be a savior for you. Simply calling us at our support line i.e. 1-800-761-1787 can be of great help in shunning off the this error. So, feel free to contact us anytime, and leave the rest to our experts and certified accounting professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks Update error PXXX?

Ans. These errors belongs to the group of 15xxx series of error codes that are usually encountered while updating QuickBooks to a newer version.

What is the procedure to fix the Payroll Update Errors?

Ans. This error can be fixed by performing the following solutions:

  • By logging into your system as administrator can resolve such an error.
  • Turning off the User Account Control (UAC) can also a good way.
  • Fix this issue by using the Selective Startup Mode.

What are the main causes of payroll errors PXXX?

Ans. Some of the main factors that can instigate Error 15106 in QuickBooks are:

  • Not using the Administrator credentials to login when updating the software.
  • User Account Control (UAC) may be enabled.
 

Other articles to read:

Fix Error in reload.sql in QuickBooks for Windows

How to Resolve QuickBooks Runtime Error R6025?

Fix Intuit Data Protect Backup Failed Issue

Call Now +1-800-761-1787