Troubleshooting Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error 15271

Get step-by-step instructions on how to fix QuickBooks error 15271 and experience the smooth functioning of your accounting software.

QuickBooks is an outstanding and widely used accounting software that has revolutionized the way old-school accounting works in the real world. This software has marked its presence all over the world as a reliable and efficient tool for managing finances. It has completely transformed the way businesses handled their financial transactions and has become an essential tool for medium- and large-sized businesses. 

As we all know, every software has its own set of drawbacks, and QuickBooks is no different. If you have been using the QuickBooks software for a long time, then you can totally understand the cons of it—the unwanted technical errors. These technical errors keep juggling all the time while working on the software, causing frustration and delays in completing the task. Each error is assigned to a specific error code or message, and one such critical error is QuickBooks error 15271. 

If you are also experiencing this error and are seeking a reliable and effective troubleshooting guide, then you have landed at the right destination. Written by our U.S.-based certified technical writers, this blog provides step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks that will surely help you resolve the QuickBooks update error 15271. So, make sure to read this blog until the last word. Or if you don’t have sufficient time to carry out the steps on your own, then we recommend you get in touch with our QuickBooks enterprise support team. Our experts will give you peace of mind by resolving the error for you in no time.

QuickBooks Error 15271: Quick Description

QuickBooks users often face various technical errors and glitches while updating or running the program. One such error belonging to the 15xxx series of error codes is error 15271. This is a maintenance release and update error that may prevent the user from updating QuickBooks to the latest release. In the last few years, many users have frequently reported this error and faced difficulties in resolving it. 

This error can occur on any of the QuickBooks desktop versions and can be frustrating for the users who rely on the software for managing their business operations. As a result of this error, you will be able to see a pop-up display message similar to the below-mentioned message. 

• “Error 15271: The payroll update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated.”
• “Error 15271: The update did not complete successfully. A file cannot be validated.”

As the error message indicates, this error most often occurs when the software fails to validate a specific file during the updating process. When it comes to dealing with this error, it becomes important to understand the possible causes behind the error. This will let you understand the root cause of the error on your workstation and may assist you in preventing it from occurring again in the future. 

Possible Reasons Behind QuickBooks Error 15271

Let’s take a brief look at the list of the most common and frequent reasons why you may face QuickBooks update error 15271 while working on the software:

• If the QuickBooks software is not installed properly on your workstation, or if the downloading file is corrupted or damaged.
• An outdated version of the QuickBooks desktop software can also cause conflicts while updating the payroll, resulting in an error code 15271.
• If you are trying to download the payroll updates in a discontinued version of the software.
• Wrong User Account Control (UAC) settings can also be another prominent reason behind the error. 
• Incorrect internet Explorer SSL settings. 
• If important QuickBooks files have been accidentally deleted, then it can even lead to operational issues with the software. 
• A malware attack on the QuickBooks files can also ruin the functionality of the software. 

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Ways to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15271

The QuickBooks update error 15271 can be tackled easily by following the simple walkthrough solutions. In this segment, we will explore each of the troubleshooting solutions one by one. Therefore, avoid skipping any of the steps and ensure to follow them with the utmost observation. 

Solution 1. Delete the System Junk Files

Below are the steps that you can follow to delete the system junk files on your workstation: 

• The first step is to conduct a full malware scan on your workstation. 
• Delete all the junk files on your computer, and then instantly update the PC device drivers. 
• Therefore, run the Windows system to restore them and repair the instant changes. 
• After that, you have to uninstall the QuickBooks application from the computer. 
• Moving ahead, run the Windows System File Checker (SFC/scannow) and then download a new Windows update on your computer. 
• At last, conduct a clean installation of the Windows operating system. 

Solution 2. Perform QB Clean Installation in Selective Start-up Mode

By clean installing the QuickBooks desktop software in selective start-up mode, you can ensure that there are no conflicting programs running in the background. By doing this, you create a clean environment for QuickBooks to be installed successfully. 

So, here are the actions that you can follow to get it done:

• First of all, launch the Windows run command on your PC by pressing the Windows + R keys together. 
• Type Msconfig in the search bar, and then click on the OK option. 
• Now, scroll down to the General tab, and then click on the Selective Startup option.
• Thereon, check-mark the Load System Services option, and then head forward to the Services tab.
• Afterwards, click on the Hide All Microsoft Services option, followed by a click on the Disable All option. 
• Ensure that you have checked the Windows Installer option, then click on the OK option.
• Following the above steps, click on the Restart option under the System Configuration settings. 
• Once you’re done with the above steps, carry out the uninstallation and reinstallation processes of the QuickBooks software. 

Solution 3. Disable UAC Settings

Disabling the user account control settings is another effective solution that you can follow to deal with the Quickbooks payroll update error 15271. This step will provide the QuickBooks software with the necessary permissions to make changes to their system without any interruptions. 

In Windows Vista:

• The first step is to head forward to the Control Panel settings on your computer.
• Thereupon, type UAC in the given search bar, and then click on the OK option. 
• Following the above steps, click on the Turn User Account On or Off option.
• Subsequently, click on the OK option, and then restart your computer. 

In Windows 7, 8, and 10:

• Navigate to the Control Panel settings and type UAC in the provided search bar. 
• Click on the OK option, and then you will be redirected to the UAC settings.
• Afterwards, click on the Change User Account Control Settings option, and then disable the UAC settings.
• Make sure to move the slider to the Never Notify option and click on the OK option.
• Provide your consent for the changes by providing the password. If you have made any changes to the UAC settings, you will be asked to reboot your computer.
• Once again, navigate back to the UAC settings. This time, turn on the UAC settings by clicking on the ON option and moving the slider to the when you want to be notified option. 
• At last, click on the OK option. 

Solution 4. Modify the System Registry

The Windows system registries are responsible for storing important settings and configurations for the operating system. Therefore, by modifying the system registry in the correct manner, you can ensure that your computer runs smoothly and efficiently. It will even help you deal with the error 15271 QuickBooks update. Below are the actions that you can follow to modify or change the system registry on your workstation:

• Start the procedure by running any registry repair software or tool that will make it easier for users to fix the damaged registry entries connected with the Quickbooks software. 
• Therefore, open the Windows run box and type Command in the search bar.
• Press the Ctrl and Shift keys together, and then press the Enter key. 
• Afterwards, a black window with a blinking cursor will appear on your screen. 

• Provide the command as Regedit, and then hit the Enter key.
• From the registry editor, you have to select Error 15271. 
• Navigate to the File menu, and then click on the Export option. 
• Choose the folder where you want to save the data backup, and then click on the Save option. Make sure to select the Branch from the Export range.
• Following the above steps, fix the malware attack, and use the malware detection system to ensure that your system is clean and secure. 
• At last, remove all the temporary files and folders from your computer. 

Now, verify whether the above-listed steps have helped you fix the QuickBooks payroll update error code 15271 or not. If the error still persists even after performing the above-listed steps, then there might be some chances that you might be using an outdated version of the QuickBooks desktop. An outdated version of QB can cause a variety of compatibility and technical errors with the software. Therefore, we recommend you update the QuickBooks desktop software to the latest release. 

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Solution 5. Update QuickBooks Software to the Latest Release

Let’s take a look at the steps that you can follow to update the QuickBooks desktop software to the latest release:

• Run the QuickBooks desktop software and then navigate to the Help menu.
• Thereon, choose the Update QuickBooks option. 

• As the QuickBooks update window appears on the screen, select Yes in front of the Automatic Update option.
• Subsequently, click on the Close option, and the QuickBooks software will automatically download the latest release update. 

Conclusion

At the end of the above solution, we have reached the conclusion section of this blog. We trust that the information in this blog post has significantly assisted you in resolving the QuickBooks error 15271. If the solutions do not bring positive results for you, then we recommend you dial the QuickBooks Enterprise Support phone number. Trained and experienced professionals are readily available 24/7 to help you use the QuickBooks software smoothly and efficiently. So, get in touch with the experts now and experience seamless accounting operations with QuickBooks software.