QuickBooks error code 12038 commonly arises during the download of the latest QuickBooks updates. This error is typically attributed to incorrectly set date and time, misconfigured internet settings, and various other factors. To familiarize yourself with effective strategies to fix QuickBooks error 12038, read the entire article.
Main Causes of QuickBooks Error 12038
The various causes of this error are:
- Incorrectly set Date and Time.
- Internet settings not configured to allow QuickBooks updates.
- Firewall or antivirus software preventing server communication with QuickBooks.
- Antivirus hindering vital QuickBooks services like Qbupdate.exe.
- Running multiple versions of QuickBooks on the system.
Solutions to implement to fix QuickBooks Error 12038
Perform the following solutions to permanently resolve this QuickBooks error.
Solution 1: Reset Previous QuickBooks Updates
The procedure to reset previous updates involves clicking on the Reset Updates checkbox in the Update QuickBooks Desktop option in the Help tab. The steps are:
- Open the QuickBooks application.
- Select the Help tab, then choose Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Click “Update Now” and confirm the Reset Update checkbox.
- After completion, select Get Updates.
- If updates download successfully, no further fixes are needed. Otherwise, proceed to the next solution.
Solution 2: Adjust System Date/Time
Incorrect date and time can fix also lay grounds for QuickBooks Error 12038. The steps to fix the date and time are:
- Right-click on the date if incorrectly set.
- Choose Adjust date/Time.
- Set the time zone correctly and make necessary adjustments.
- Dismiss the window and retry the QuickBooks update.
Solution 3: Configure Internet Settings
Incorrect Internet Explorer settings may also cause this error. As such, you should do a check on the settings and modify them accordingly. The steps are:
- Open QuickBooks and select the Help menu.
- Choose Internet Connection Setup.
- Allow QuickBooks access to your internet connection.
- Proceed to Advanced Connection Settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab and select Restore advanced settings.
- Click Apply and attempt updating QuickBooks again.
Solution 4: Terminate QuickBooks Services
Another way to fix Error code 12038 is by ending all the QuickBooks services in the Task Manager. After that, you should run QuickBooks again. That will restart the services. The steps to do it are:
- Launch the Task Manager with the Short key “Ctrl+Alt+Delete”.
- Go to the Services tab and stop all QuickBooks services.
- Terminate all QuickBooks processes.
Solution 5: Close Conflicting Programs
You should also close the QuickBooks processes in the Task Manager. The process is:
- Open Task Manager [Ctrl + Alt + Delete].
- Select the Processes tab.
- Terminate processes connected to conflicting programs.
- Reopen QuickBooks and retry the update procedure.
Solution 6: Configure Firewall
It is prudent to create a new rule in the Inbound and Outbound rule section and add QuickBooks port in that rule. This has fixed QuickBooks Error 12038 in many cases. The procedure is:
- Press the Windows key and type “Firewall.”
- Access Windows Firewall and go to Advanced Settings.
- Choose Inbound Rules, then right-click.
- Select “Create a New Rule” and choose Program.
- Click Next and select executable files related to QuickBooks.
- Click “Allow the Connection” and press Next.
- Provide the new rule a name and repeat for Outbound Rules.
This article enumerated all the steps to root out QuickBooks Error code 12038. If you face any difficulty while trying to fix this error, just give our team of experts a call at the helpline 1-800-761-1787.
