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How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15243

· 7 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15243 occurs when you're trying to download or install the latest payroll updates in QuickBooks Desktop. This error typically happens due to a malfunction or incorrect configuration of the File Copy Service (FCS), which is essential for downloading and updating payroll services in QuickBooks.

The error message usually reads:
"Error 15243: The QuickBooks FCS service is not working properly."

Resolving this error is crucial for ensuring that your payroll updates are installed correctly and that your payroll calculations remain accurate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes and step-by-step solutions to fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15243.

Causes of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15243​

The most common causes of Error 15243 include:

  1. File Copy Service (FCS) is Disabled: QuickBooks FCS is not working properly or has been disabled, preventing updates from being applied.
  2. Corrupt or Damaged QuickBooks Installation: Corrupt installation files can interfere with QuickBooks' ability to download or apply updates.
  3. Incomplete or Failed Payroll Update: If a payroll update was previously interrupted or incomplete, this can lead to error 15243.
  4. Outdated QuickBooks Version: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can cause compatibility issues when trying to download the latest payroll updates.
  5. Incorrect Firewall or Antivirus Settings: Firewalls or antivirus programs may block QuickBooks from accessing the necessary files for updating.

Step 1: Verify and Enable QuickBooks FCS Service​

The most common cause of Error 15243 is an issue with the QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS), which is required for downloading and applying updates. Enabling or restarting the FCS service can resolve this issue.

1.1: Enable QuickBooks FCS Service​

  1. Press Windows + R: Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
  2. Type Services.msc: In the Run window, type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Windows Services Manager.
  3. Locate QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS): Scroll through the list of services and find QuickBooks File Copy Service.
  4. Check Service Status: Ensure that the FCS service is set to Started and the Startup Type is set to Manual.
  5. Enable the Service:
    • If the service is stopped, right-click on it and select Start.
    • If it’s disabled, right-click on it and select Properties, then change the Startup Type to Manual and click OK.
  6. Restart the Computer: After starting or enabling the FCS service, restart your computer.

Once the computer restarts, attempt to download the payroll update again to check if the error is resolved.

Step 2: Download the Latest QuickBooks Update​

Ensuring that you are using the latest version of QuickBooks is essential for avoiding errors like 15243. Updating QuickBooks can resolve issues caused by outdated program files or missing components.

2.1: Update QuickBooks Desktop​

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop: Launch QuickBooks Desktop as an administrator.
  2. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop: In the top menu bar, click Help, then select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Check for Updates: Click on Update Now, then select Get Updates to download the latest updates.
  4. Install the Updates: Once the download is complete, restart QuickBooks to install the updates.

After updating QuickBooks, try to install the payroll updates again.

Step 3: Repair QuickBooks Installation​

If the error persists, it may be due to corrupt QuickBooks installation files. Repairing the QuickBooks installation can help resolve any damaged files that are causing the issue.

3.1: Repair QuickBooks Desktop​

  1. Go to Control Panel: Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
  2. Select Programs > Programs and Features: Click on Programs, then select Programs and Features.
  3. Find QuickBooks in the List: Scroll through the list of installed programs and select QuickBooks.
  4. Click on Uninstall/Change: Click on Uninstall/Change, then select Repair from the options provided.
  5. Follow the Repair Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to repair your QuickBooks installation.
  6. Restart Your Computer: After the repair process is complete, restart your computer.

Once the system restarts, open QuickBooks and attempt to download the payroll update again.

Step 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Using Clean Install​

If repairing QuickBooks does not resolve Error 15243, performing a clean reinstall of QuickBooks Desktop may be necessary. A clean reinstall ensures that no corrupted files interfere with the payroll update process.

4.1: Uninstall QuickBooks​

  1. Go to Control Panel: Open the Control Panel, then select Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select QuickBooks and Uninstall: Find QuickBooks in the list of programs and click Uninstall.
  3. Follow the Uninstallation Instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

4.2: Use QuickBooks Clean Install Tool​

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub: If you haven’t already, download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the Intuit support site.
  2. Run the Clean Install Tool: In the Tool Hub, go to the Installation Issues section and click on Clean Install Tool. Follow the on-screen instructions to completely remove any remaining QuickBooks files.
  3. Reinstall QuickBooks: After running the Clean Install Tool, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop from the official website or installation CD.

Once QuickBooks is reinstalled, run the payroll update again to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily​

In some cases, third-party antivirus or firewall settings may block QuickBooks from downloading payroll updates, causing Error 15243. Temporarily disabling these security features can allow QuickBooks to download the update.

5.1: Disable Firewall and Antivirus​

  1. Open Your Antivirus Program: Locate your antivirus software (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Avast) and open it.
  2. Disable Real-Time Scanning: Temporarily turn off real-time scanning or disable the firewall protection.
  3. Disable Windows Firewall:
    • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Click Turn Windows Firewall On or Off and disable the firewall temporarily.

5.2: Retry Payroll Update​

With your firewall and antivirus disabled, attempt to download the payroll update again. If the update completes successfully, remember to re-enable your security settings after the download is finished.

Step 6: Perform a Manual Payroll Update​

If the automatic update fails, you can download the payroll update manually from Intuit’s official website and install it on your system.

6.1: Download the Payroll Update File​

  1. Visit the Intuit Payroll Support Site: Go to the official QuickBooks Payroll Update site.
  2. Download the Latest Payroll Update: Look for the latest payroll update file and download it to your computer.

6.2: Install the Payroll Update​

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop: Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates: In QuickBooks, click on Employees, then select Get Payroll Updates.
  3. Click Browse: Click Browse and locate the payroll update file you downloaded.
  4. Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15243 is typically caused by issues with the QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS), corrupt installation files, or firewall settings. By following the steps in this guide—such as enabling the FCS service, updating QuickBooks, or reinstalling the software—you can resolve the error and successfully update your payroll.

If you continue to experience issues with payroll updates after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to contact QuickBooks support or consult with a certified QuickBooks professional.

For more QuickBooks troubleshooting guides and best practices, explore additional resources and tutorials to help manage your accounting software effectively.