QuickBooks Error 12057 What It Means and How to Resolve It

 QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software used by millions of small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Despite its robust features, users occasionally encounter errors that can disrupt their work. One such error is QuickBooks Error 12057. This error typically occurs during the update process of QuickBooks software or payroll services. Understanding what this error means and how to resolve it is crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of your business’s financial processes.

To help you fix this problem, we have some resources in this article. But if you need expert help, you can contact us anytime. We have a team of QuickBooks experts who are available 24/7 to assist you. Just call our support line at +1–844–712–2521.

What is QuickBooks Error 12057?

QuickBooks Error 12057 is a payroll update error that generally occurs when the software is unable to connect to the internet or when there are issues with the firewall or network settings. The error message typically reads: “QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12057.” This error can be frustrating because it prevents users from updating their payroll service, which can lead to further complications like incorrect payroll calculations or delays in paying employees.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 12057

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of QuickBooks Error 12057. Understanding these causes can help you prevent the error from happening in the future. The primary causes include:

• Internet Connectivity Issues:
• Poor or unstable internet connection is one of the most common reasons for Error 12057. If QuickBooks cannot connect to the update servers, it will throw this error.
• Firewall or Security Settings:
• Sometimes, firewall settings or other security software may block QuickBooks from accessing the internet, causing this error. Incorrectly configured firewall settings can prevent QuickBooks from reaching the update servers.
• Incorrect Date and Time Settings:
• If the date and time settings on your computer are incorrect, QuickBooks may not be able to connect to the update servers, leading to Error 12057.
• Network Timeout:
• A network timeout can occur if the server takes too long to respond to a request from QuickBooks. This can happen if your network is slow or experiencing high traffic.
• Misconfigured Internet Explorer Settings:
• QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer for internet connectivity. If Internet Explorer settings are misconfigured, it can cause Error 12057 during updates.
• Multiple QuickBooks Installations:
• Having multiple installations of QuickBooks on the same computer can sometimes lead to conflicts, resulting in this error.

Impacts of QuickBooks Error 12057

QuickBooks Error 12057 can have several negative impacts on your business operations, particularly if it goes unresolved:

• Payroll Processing Delays:
• Failure to update payroll can result in delays in processing employee paychecks, leading to dissatisfaction among staff and potential legal issues.
• Inaccurate Payroll Calculations:
• Outdated payroll information can lead to incorrect payroll calculations, which might cause discrepancies in tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and net pay amounts.
• Compliance Issues:
• Failure to update QuickBooks payroll might result in non-compliance with the latest tax laws and regulations, leading to penalties and fines from tax authorities.
• Increased Downtime:
• Frequent occurrence of this error can increase business downtime as you or your IT team work to resolve the issue, impacting productivity.

How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 12057

Fixing QuickBooks Error 12057 requires a methodical approach, as the solution will depend on the underlying cause of the error. Here are several steps you can take to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first step in resolving QuickBooks Error 12057 is to ensure that your internet connection is stable and functioning correctly. Here’s how you can do it:

• Verify Internet Connectivity:
• Open a web browser and try to visit any website. If the website loads successfully, your internet connection is working. If not, troubleshoot your internet connection or contact your internet service provider (ISP).
• Restart Your Router/Modem:
• Sometimes, restarting your router or modem can fix internet connectivity issues. Simply unplug the device from the power source, wait for about 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
• Disable and Re-enable Your Network Adapter:
• On your computer, go to the Control Panel, open “Network and Sharing Center,” and click on “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on your active network connection and select “Disable.” After a few seconds, right-click again and select “Enable.”

Step 2: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

Firewall and security software can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the internet. To resolve this:

• Add QuickBooks as an Exception in Your Firewall:
• Open your firewall or antivirus program.
• Find the option to add exceptions or exclusions.
• Add QuickBooks to the list of allowed programs. Ensure that both inbound and outbound rules are configured to allow QuickBooks access to the internet.
• Temporarily Disable Firewall:
• If adding QuickBooks as an exception doesn’t resolve the issue, try temporarily disabling your firewall. Remember to re-enable it after the update is complete.
• Check Security Software:
• If you are using any third-party security software, make sure it is not blocking QuickBooks. You may need to add QuickBooks to the list of trusted programs or temporarily disable the security software while performing the update.

Step 3: Verify and Correct Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with QuickBooks’ ability to connect to update servers. To check and correct these settings:

• Check Date and Time:
• Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select “Adjust date/time.”
• Ensure that the date, time, and time zone are correct.
• Synchronize Time with an Internet Time Server:
• Go to the “Internet Time” tab in the Date and Time settings.
• Click on “Change settings.”
• Check the box that says “Synchronize with an Internet time server.”
• Select a server from the drop-down menu and click “Update now.”

Step 4: Adjust Internet Explorer Settings

Since QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer to connect to the internet, any misconfigurations in IE can lead to Error 12057. Here’s how to adjust these settings:

• Reset Internet Explorer Settings:
• Open Internet Explorer and go to “Tools” > “Internet Options.”
• Click on the “Advanced” tab and then click “Reset.”
• Check the box that says “Delete personal settings” and click “Reset” again.
• Configure SSL Settings:
• In Internet Explorer, go to “Tools” > “Internet Options.”
• Click on the “Advanced” tab.
• Scroll down to the Security section and make sure that the options for “Use SSL 2.0” and “Use SSL 3.0” are checked.
• Clear Cache and Cookies:
• In Internet Explorer, go to “Tools” > “Internet Options.”
• Under the “General” tab, click on “Delete” under Browsing History.
• Make sure “Temporary Internet Files” and “Cookies” are selected, and then click “Delete.”

Step 5: Update QuickBooks in Safe Mode

Sometimes, performing updates in Safe Mode with Networking can bypass issues caused by other software on your computer. To do this:

• Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode with Networking:
• Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
• Go to the “Boot” tab and check the box for “Safe boot” with “Networking” selected.
• Click “OK” and restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks and Perform the Update:
• Once your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking, open QuickBooks and try to perform the update again.
• Return to Normal Mode:
• After completing the update, open the Run dialog box again, type “msconfig,” and go to the “Boot” tab.
• Uncheck the “Safe boot” option and restart your computer to return to normal mode.

Step 6: Reinstall QuickBooks

If none of the above methods work, reinstalling QuickBooks might be necessary. This can fix any corrupted files or settings that are causing the error.

• Uninstall QuickBooks:
• Go to the Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features,” and find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs.
• Select QuickBooks and click “Uninstall.”
• Download the Latest Version:
• Go to the official QuickBooks website and download the latest version of QuickBooks.
• Install QuickBooks:
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall QuickBooks on your computer.
• Perform the Update:
• Once QuickBooks is reinstalled, open the software and try to perform the payroll update again.

Step 7: Contact QuickBooks Support

If you’ve tried all the steps above and are still encountering Error 12057, it might be time to contact QuickBooks Support. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting or identify if there’s a specific issue with your account that needs to be resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about QuickBooks Error 12057

What is QuickBooks Error 12057, and why does it occur?

QuickBooks Error 12057 is an error that occurs during the update process of QuickBooks software or payroll services. It usually happens when the software cannot connect to the update servers due to issues like internet connectivity problems, firewall or security software blocking the connection, incorrect date and time settings, or misconfigured Internet Explorer settings.

How can I prevent QuickBooks Error 12057 from occurring?

To prevent QuickBooks Error 12057, ensure that your internet connection is stable, configure your firewall and security settings to allow QuickBooks, maintain correct date and time settings on your computer, and ensure that Internet Explorer is correctly configured. Regularly updating your software and maintaining a clean and optimized system can also help prevent this error.

Can QuickBooks Error 12057 affect my payroll processing?

Yes, QuickBooks Error 12057 can affect payroll processing by preventing you from updating your payroll service. This can lead to incorrect payroll calculations, delays in paying employees, and potential compliance issues with tax authorities.

Is it safe to disable my firewall to resolve QuickBooks Error 12057?

Disabling your firewall can help determine if it is the cause of QuickBooks Error 12057, but it should only be done temporarily. Always re-enable your firewall after completing the update. If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, you should add QuickBooks as an exception in the firewall settings to prevent future occurrences of the error.

What should I do if reinstalling QuickBooks doesn’t resolve Error 12057?

If reinstalling QuickBooks doesn’t resolve Error 12057, you should contact QuickBooks Support for further assistance. They can provide advanced troubleshooting steps and may identify account-specific issues that need to be addressed.

Can using an outdated version of Internet Explorer cause QuickBooks Error 12057?

Yes, QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer for internet connectivity. Using an outdated or misconfigured version of Internet Explorer can cause QuickBooks Error 12057. Make sure you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer and that it is correctly configured.

How do I update QuickBooks in Safe Mode?

To update QuickBooks in Safe Mode, restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, open QuickBooks, and perform the update. After completing the update, return your computer to normal mode.

Why does QuickBooks use Internet Explorer for internet connectivity?

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer for internet connectivity because it was the default web browser for many years and is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system. Even though Internet Explorer is no longer the primary browser for most users, QuickBooks continues to rely on it for certain functions.

Can I use another browser to resolve QuickBooks Error 12057?

No, QuickBooks specifically relies on Internet Explorer for certain internet-related functions, including updates. Using another browser will not resolve QuickBooks Error 12057. You must ensure that Internet Explorer is correctly configured and up to date.

How can I check if my firewall is blocking QuickBooks?

You can check if your firewall is blocking QuickBooks by adding QuickBooks as an exception in the firewall settings. If adding the exception resolves the error, your firewall was likely blocking the connection. You can also temporarily disable the firewall to see if the error is resolved, but be sure to re-enable it afterward.

Is it possible to resolve QuickBooks Error 12057 without technical expertise?

Yes, many users can resolve QuickBooks Error 12057 by following the step-by-step troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide. However, if you are not comfortable with the technical aspects, it may be best to seek assistance from an IT professional or contact QuickBooks Support.

Can a weak internet connection cause QuickBooks Error 12057?

Yes, a weak or unstable internet connection can cause QuickBooks Error 12057 because the software may not be able to connect to the update servers. Ensuring a stable internet connection is one of the first steps in resolving this error.

What should I do if I encounter Error 12057 during a critical payroll period?

If you encounter Error 12057 during a critical payroll period, try to resolve the issue quickly by following the troubleshooting steps in this guide. If you are unable to resolve the error, contact QuickBooks Support immediately to avoid delays in payroll processing.

Does Error 12057 occur only in QuickBooks Desktop?

Yes, QuickBooks Error 12057 is primarily associated with QuickBooks Desktop versions, including QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. It occurs when the software cannot connect to the internet for updates.

Will updating Windows resolve QuickBooks Error 12057?

Updating Windows may resolve QuickBooks Error 12057 if the error is caused by outdated system files or compatibility issues. Keeping your operating system up to date is always a good practice to ensure the smooth operation of all software, including QuickBooks.

Can multiple installations of QuickBooks cause Error 12057?

Yes, having multiple installations of QuickBooks on the same computer can sometimes lead to conflicts that cause Error 12057. Uninstalling redundant versions and ensuring that only the necessary version is installed may help resolve the issue.

How do I clear the cache and cookies in Internet Explorer?

To clear the cache and cookies in Internet Explorer, open the browser, go to “Tools” > “Internet Options,” and click on “Delete” under Browsing History. Make sure “Temporary Internet Files” and “Cookies” are selected, then click “Delete.”

Is Error 12057 related to QuickBooks Online?

No, QuickBooks Error 12057 is not related to QuickBooks Online. It is specific to QuickBooks Desktop versions, where the software attempts to connect to update servers via the internet.

Can Error 12057 be caused by issues with my QuickBooks company file?

No, QuickBooks Error 12057 is generally not related to issues with your QuickBooks company file. It is more commonly caused by internet connectivity, firewall settings, or misconfigured software.

Should I consult an IT professional for resolving QuickBooks Error 12057?

If you are not comfortable with the technical troubleshooting steps or if the error persists despite your efforts, it may be advisable to consult an IT professional. They can provide expert assistance to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 12057 can be a frustrating hurdle when trying to update your payroll services or QuickBooks software. However, by understanding the causes of this error and following the detailed troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the issue and prevent it from occurring in the future. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks Support for further assistance.