How to Fix QuickBooks Error PS038 With Simple Solutions

When updating the payroll or its components in QuickBooks, you may experience the QuickBooks error PS038. An inactive payroll subscription or a poor Internet connection are some of the common possible reasons that can evoke this issue. When the error occurs, it disrupts your payroll management processes. However, when you have the list of the potential reasons, you can deal with this issue more efficiently. Even if you don’t have it, you can follow this post until the end to explore the possible causes and troubleshooting solutions for QuickBooks error code PS038.

QuickBooks Error PS038 occurs when payroll updates get stuck. Call +1(866)409-5111 for instant support to resolve the issue and process payroll smoothly.

More About QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038

QuickBooks Payroll error PS038 comes with an error message. According to this alert message, you need to go online before a given date after downloading the latest payroll update and verifying your payroll subscription. This error can also show up when your paychecks are marked as “online to send.” The inability to update the QuickBooks payroll can give rise to a wide range of other possible problems. Therefore, you need to fix the error PS038 in QuickBooks before it causes further disruption.

Factors That Can Contribute To QuickBooks Desktop Error PS038

There are multiple factors that can be held responsible for causing the QuickBooks error PS038. 

1: Outdated QuickBooks Desktop Payroll 
Using outdated QuickBooks Payroll software is one of the major reasons that can promote error PS038.

2: Damaged QuickBooks Payroll Installation 
A damaged QuickBooks software installation due to incompatible/damaged components is often blamed for the arrival of the error. 

3: Corrupt/Damaged Company File 
You may experience the error PS038 in QuickBooks when damage or corruption exists within the primary data file.

4: Malicious Program Attack 
A malicious attach caused due to virus or malware attack can bring forth this payroll update error in the middle of the procedure.

5: Problematic Windows Registry 
Sometimes, you may receive the payroll update error PS038 in QuickBooks due to a damaged Windows registry.

6: Restrictive Firewall/Antivirus Settings 
Sometimes, Firewall prevents QuickBooks to access the required resources, such as Internet connection for downloading the payroll updates.

7: Abrupt System Shutdown
An abrupt system shut down in the middle of the ongoing task can be a potential reason for promoting the update error PS038.

8: Incorrect System Time/Date 
Incorrect date or time on PC can interfere with the SSL (connections), thereby promoting an error when updating QuickBooks payroll.

Before Troubleshooting The QuickBooks Update Error PS038

All set for the troubleshooting solutions? Before jumping to the error resolution, you need to check and confirm the following pointers:
    • Make sure that you are using a supported version of the QuickBooks Desktop software.
    • Also, check and confirm that the payroll system has the latest payroll tax tables.
    • The troubleshooting must be done in single user mode. If you are currently working in multi-user mode, switch it.
    • Make sure that the date and time on your system is accurate and the system is connected to a stable Internet connection.
    • Using Rebuild Data feature again and again can make your company file data complicated, so you are suggested to avoid its excessive use.

Fixing QuickBooks Error Message PS038 With Relevant Solutions

Solution 1: If You Have Due QuickBooks Updates, Install It
Using an outdated version of the QuickBooks software is one of the main reasons and therefore, you need to update your accounting application in the first place. Thereafter, you are recommended to create a backup of your QuickBooks company file as well.
    • You can start this process as a Windows admin after opening QuickBooks software.
    • Thereafter, you are supposed to hit the Help menu option.
    • Next, click Update QuickBooks Desktop to move ahead.
    • Subsequently, choose the Update Now option while advancing with this procedure.
    • Get QuickBooks Update is the next option to select and it will initiate the downloading of the most recent maintenance release.
    • Once the QuickBooks update is downloaded, install it by executing the on-screen instructions.
    • Now, take a backup of your QuickBooks company file, as it can prevent any potential loss of your crucial accounting data.

Solution 2: Find The Stuck Paychecks 
In the next solution, you need to fix the stuck paychecks that are “Online to send.” You can follow the below stated steps:
    • In the beginning, click the Edit button and move your cursor to the Find option.
    • When in the Find section, click the Filter option to move ahead.
    • Now, in the Advanced tab, click the option labeled Filter.
    • Thereafter, you are supposed to choose the Detail Level Filter option from the List of Filters.
    • Next, choose Summary only, and it will help you advance in the procedure.
    • Back to the list of Filters, choose Online Status Filter.
    • After that, you can select Online to send Filter option to get a list of the stuck paychecks.
    • In the end, press the CTRL + F keys together, and when the Find option appears, locate the unsent paychecks.

If the QuickBooks error PS038 continues, you can try the next method.

Solution 3: Run Verify and Rebuild Data Utility To Fix The Error
Verify Data utility checks the data integrity whereas, Rebuild Data repairs the data damages to restore the data integrity. 
    • Launch the QuickBooks Desktop File menu and then choose the Utilities option. 
    • The next option you need to choose is Verify Data. 
    • Click OK, and the Verify Data will start scanning your company file for possible data damage. 
    • If it detects data damage, you will need to run the Rebuild Data utility. 
    • Rebuild Data is also accessible from within the File >> Utilities section. 
    • It will repair the file and question and restore the integrity of your financial data.

Using an outdated version of the QuickBooks payroll not only hampers the payroll calculation but also evokes compliance issues. It is important to implement the best solutions to eliminate the QuickBooks error PS038 as soon as possible. We hope that the solutions explained in this post have helped you with error resolution. If you need additional assistance with the process, contact Qbookshub and speak to an expert.Call +1(866)409-5111 for instant support to resolve the issue and process payroll smoothly. 

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