QuickBooks Error 15240 appears when you try to update QuickBooks Desktop or download payroll updates. This error stops the update process and displays a message such as “Error 15240: The payroll update did not complete successfully” or “File exists: The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not being used by another program”.
Causes of QuickBooks Error 15240
- The system date and time are incorrect.
- QuickBooks does not have administrator rights.
- Internet Explorer security settings are not set correctly.
- The firewall or antivirus blocks QuickBooks updates.
- QuickBooks installation is incomplete or damaged.
- The download path or shared drive mapping is incorrect.
- File Copy Service (FCS) is disabled.
- Digital signature verification fails.
Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15240
- You see the error code 15240 and related messages on your screen.
- QuickBooks cannot install updates or download payroll data.
- Payroll features do not work.
- The computer runs slowly or freezes while using QuickBooks.
- The system or QuickBooks crashes during updates.
Precautions Before Fixing Error 15240
- Back up your QuickBooks company file.
- Update your Windows operating system.
- Close QuickBooks and related processes.
- Check your internet connection.
- Log in as an administrator.
Solutions for QuickBooks Error 15240
Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator
- Right-click the QuickBooks icon. Select “Run as Administrator.” Try updating QuickBooks again.
Solution 2: Check System Date and Time
- Right-click the time display on your taskbar. Select “Adjust date/time.” Set the correct date and time. Click “OK” to save changes.
Solution 3: Set Windows Permissions
- Go to the QuickBooks installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\Intuit).
- Right-click the folder, select “Properties,” then “Security.”
- Ensure your user account has full control.
- Repeat for related folders, such as C:\ProgramData\Intuit and C:\Users$$Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Intuit.
Solution 4: Check Internet Explorer Settings
- Open Internet Explorer. Go to “Tools,” then “Internet Options.”
- Click the “Advanced” tab. Under Security, check “Use SSL 2.0” and “Use SSL 3.0.”
- Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Solution 5: Configure Firewall and Antivirus
- Add QuickBooks and its update files (qbw32.exe, qbupdate.exe) as exceptions in your firewall and antivirus programs.
- Check that ports 80 and 443 are open.
Solution 6: Enable File Copy Service (FCS)
- Press Windows + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter.
- Find “Intuit QuickBooks FCS.”
- Set the startup type to “Manual” or “Automatic.” Click “Start” if the service is not running.
Solution 7: Check Shared Drive Mapping
- Make sure the shared download drive is mapped correctly and accessible.
Solution 8: Repair QuickBooks Installation
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Select QuickBooks, click “Uninstall/Change,” then choose “Repair.”
- Follow the instructions to repair QuickBooks.
Solution 9: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15240
- Keep QuickBooks and Windows updated.
- Always run QuickBooks as an administrator.
- Regularly check firewall and antivirus settings.
- Maintain the correct system date and time.
- Use a stable internet connection.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error 15240 stops updates and payroll downloads. The main causes are incorrect system settings, missing permissions, or blocked connections. Follow these steps to fix the error and restore normal QuickBooks operations.