QuickBooks Error 15103: Fix Update Download Problems

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QuickBooks Error 15103 Accounting
Jul 03, 2024

Encountering QuickBooks Error 15103 while attempting to get the latest QuickBooks Desktop or Payroll update can be a nightmare. This issue might prevent users from accessing the latest features and functions, which may hamper productivity. 

While getting the latest updates on QuickBooks Desktop, you may encounter the error message: “Error 15103: Unable to open the update program.” This message indicates that installing the update is problematic due to damaged Windows files or issues with the Digital Signature Certificate. 

In this detailed post, we have explained all the possible causes and symptoms of the error. You will also discover solutions to fix the update issue. 

Is QuickBooks Error 15103 interrupting you from accessing the latest updates of the QuickBooks Desktop? Contact us at 1-844-266-9345 and find the best solutions to overcome the issue instantly.

Why Do You See Error Code 15103 in QuickBooks While Updating? 

Before finding the solution to Error Code 15103 in QuickBooks, knowing the root causes behind the issue is the foremost priority. After a deep investigation, we identified some probable causes that may have been responsible for the error. Let’s have a look at them closely: 

  1. If the file or components required to download the latest payroll updates are missing, users may encounter QuickBooks Error Code 15103. 
  2. Another major reason could be that the Shared Download drive wasn’t mapped accurately. 
  3. This issue may arise when the Windows firewall blocks users from updating QuickBooks Desktop or Payroll for certain security reasons.
  4. In other instances, Error 15103 QuickBooks arises if the QB payroll service is disabled. 
  5. If you are not connected to a consistent internet connection, this may also prevent users from installing the QuickBooks updates. 

Also Read: QuickBooks Error 15214

What’s the Impact of QuickBooks Desktop Error 15103? 

Upon the arrival of QuickBooks Desktop Error 15106, users could not download the latest payroll or desktop updates. Besides this, you may encounter numerous other consequences due to this error. So, let’s know about them in detail to prevent them from occurring in the future. 

  1. The inability to get the latest updates of QuickBooks Payroll might prevent the accurate processing of the employee’s payroll. 
  2. The QuickBooks Error 15103 might hamper productivity, which might result in a loss to the company. 
  3. Another major symptom is that your QuickBooks Desktop freezes or crashes. 
  4. Error 15103 QuickBooks might slow down the operating system’s performance. 

Advisory Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error Code 15103 

Users must remember the following points to access QuickBooks Desktop or payroll updates easily. This will help them resolve QuickBooks Error Code 15103 in the future.

  1. Confirm that your device has the updated QuickBooks Desktop and Payroll version. 
  2. Testing internet connectivity is another major activity that involves seamless updates. 
  3. The most important thing is to have a valid and updated QuickBooks payroll subscription. 
  4. Before implementing the troubleshooting steps listed below, don’t forget to backup your company file. Doing so will help you safeguard your crucial company file data from being damaged or lost. 

Read More: QuickBooks Error 15240

Getting the Error Code 15103 in QuickBooks? Here are the Solutions to Fix it

If you get the appropriate assistance at the right time to deal with Error Code 15103 in QuickBooks, fixing the issue gets even easier. So, to end this issue, it’s important to review all the effective solutions listed below. Then, the solution will be applied according to the cause of the error. 

Remedy 1: A Digital Signature Certificate Must be Installed Properly 

Digital Signature Certificate

Users must install the valid and updated digital signature certificate required to install the QuickBooks updates properly. This would help users simplify QuickBooks Error Code 15103. To fix the issue, implement these steps to install the Digital Signature Certificate properly. 

  1. At first, the users must access the QuickBooks with the help of the following location “C: >> Program Files >> Intuit >> QuickBooks.”
  2. Soon after this, right-click on the file named QBW32.exe and hit the Properties option.
  3. You must choose the Digital Signature and confirm that Intuit was chosen from the signature list.
  4. Once you select the Intuit option, hit the Details tab to continue the process.
  5. Afterwards, you must choose the Install Certificate option from the Digital Signature Details window. 
  6. Now, from the Certificate window, you must go with the Install Certificate. 
  7. Later on, press the Next tab unless the Finish button is displayed, and then hit Finish. 
  8. After completing the above steps, relaunch your system and open the QuickBooks application to check if you can get the latest updates.  

Remedy 2: Get the Latest QuickBooks Desktop Updates By Running As Admin 

You must proceed with the following process to run the QuickBooks Desktop with proper administrative rights. 

  1. Before proceeding, ensure your company file and the QuickBooks Desktop are open. 
  2. After that, right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon and tap the Run As Administrator option. 
  3. Subsequently, when you receive the message stating, “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?” and click the Yes button. 
  4. Ultimately, try to download the updated version of the QuickBooks Desktop product updates or the latest payroll tax table updates again. 

Know More: QuickBooks Error 15217

Remedy 3: Readjusting the Settings of Internet Explorer Settings

Sometimes, users might experience QuickBooks Update Error 15103 due to improper Internet Explorer settings. Therefore, it is necessary to readjust the web browser’s settings by performing the steps below. 

  1. All you require is to open the Internet Explorer and then hit the Gear icon. 
  2. After this, choose Internet Options and then the Security tab > Trusted Sites > Site. 
  3. Once you have done with the changes, list the following websites:
    1. For accessing the QB of US Edition
      • *.quickbooks.com
      • *.intuit.com.
    2. Accessing the Canadian Edition of QB
      • *.quickbooks.ca
      • *.intuit.ca.
  4. Once you have completed the steps, hit the Close button > Apply and then the OK tab. 
  5. Conclude the entire process of whether you are still confronting QuickBooks Error 15103. 

Remedy 4: Fixing Damages in the QB Program Via Quick Fix My Program

At times, the QuickBooks Program gets corrupted or damaged due to a sudden shutdown of the system. As a result, it might prevent the users from updating the QuickBooks Desktop and end up with Error 15103 in QuickBooks Desktop. So, to correct those issues, run the Quick Fix My Program by applying the following steps. 

QB Program Via Quick Fix My Program
  • In the first phase, ensure you are ready with the updated version of QB Tool Hub installed on the device. 
  • If you haven’t done it, then all you require is to visit the Intuit website to download the Tool Hub. Then, do as per the instructions given on the screen to wind up with the installation of the Tool Hub. 
  • Go to the desktop, locate the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon, and double-tap on it to open. 
  • Afterwards, click the Program Problems tab from the Tool Hub dashboard and then Quick Fix My Program.
  • Once you have completed the above steps, try opening QuickBooks Desktop again and then your data file.
  • Finally, update the QuickBooks Desktop product updates or the payroll tax table update to the latest version. 

After applying the above-listed steps, if you still can’t fix the error, use the steps below.

  • The users must access the following location i.e., “C: >> ProgramData >> Intuit >> QuickBooks XX >> Components.”
  • After that, you only need to right-click on the Components and choose the Delete button. 
  • Once again, you must launch the QuickBooks Desktop application and hit the Help tab > Update QuickBooks Desktop. 
  • Following this, select the highlighted Update Now tab and confirm that the “Reset Update” checkbox is selected.
  • Subsequently, click the Get Updates and try to open the QuickBooks Desktop once again after completing the download.
  • Next, move to the Help menu and tap the Update QuickBooks Desktop > Overview > Update Now tab. 

Remedy 5: Shift to the Windows Safe Mode For Downloading the Updates 

Getting the latest QuickBooks Desktop or Payroll updates in safe mode will not store any unnecessary caches and storage. Thus, it also allows users to get updates easily and without interference. For that, you need to perform the steps outlined below in the same manner as discussed below. 

Windows Safe Mode For Downloading the Updates
  1. First, open the Run window using the shortcut keys, e.g., Windows + R, and include “msconfig” in the search panel.
  2. Once you have given the command, press the OK button to open the window.
  3. Afterwards, you must choose the Normal Startup option > Apply and then the OK tab.
  4. Finally, the users must relaunch their system and check the error status. 

Remedy 6: Perform the Clean Installation of the QuickBooks Desktop application 

  1. To start the process, remove the QuickBooks Desktop version that is already present. To uninstall the application, open the Control Panel and choose the Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program option. 
  2. After uninstalling the QBDT, download the updated version of the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool. 
  3. Thereon, you must install the Clean Install Tool by performing the steps given on the screen. 
  4. Later, you are supposed to change the name of the QuickBooks installation folder so that you can identify which one is older. 
  5. Conclude the entire process by installing QuickBooks Desktop and verifying if the QuickBooks Error 15103 still exists. 

Also See: QuickBooks error code 15106

Taking Everything into Account!!

Hopefully, the above-listed troubleshooting methods will help you update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version. However, if you are still confronting the issues during the update process, simply consult the QB professionals for immediate resolution. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Yes, if the QuickBooks Application is damaged or corrupt, it might lead to QuickBooks Error 15103. So, to fix the issue, you need to repair the damage by running the QB Install Diagnostic Tool through the Tool Hub.

It is important to fix the QuickBooks Error Code 15103 immediately so that you can resume getting the latest QBDT or payroll updates. Thus, it would allow you to access the latest features and functions of the application.

Whenever users encounter Error 15103 Update QuickBooks, the application might shut down. This increases the chance of data loss or file corruption, so it’s crucial to fix it ASAP using the solutions explained in this post.

Below, we have discussed the reasons that may trigger the update issues in QuickBooks.
1. You are not working on an up-to-date QuickBooks Desktop or operating system version.
2. Insufficient permissions could also be the reason behind the payroll update issue.
3. Another major reason is the inconsistent internet network connection.

Yes, the users might end up with Error 15103 QuickBooks Desktop when the Internet Explorer settings are not properly configured. So, it’s essential to correct those settings to rectify this problem quickly.

For Immediate Help +1-844-266-9345