What is QuickBooks Error 12038 and Know How to Fix?

Here at Onelane Solution, we know how annoying it is when technical issues stop you from using important features and interrupt your workflow. One such problem that frequently arises during software updates is QuickBooks Error 12038, which leaves consumers looking for dependable remedies. Rest assured, we are here to assist you.

Incorrect system settings, problems with internet connectivity, or program conflicts are major causes of Error 12038. If left unaddressed, Error 12038 can lead to unnecessary delays and hinder production. That is why we have compiled this comprehensive guide to assist you in fixing the error and ensuring that your QuickBooks software continues to function without any issues.

This blog post will go into detail about the mistake, its causes, and how to fix it. Quickly resolve the issue with the help of our remedies, which include checking your internet connection, upgrading your system settings, and addressing firewall conflicts.

Through this blog, we want to give you content that is both instructive and practical, making problem-solving easier. You will quickly and easily be able to use QuickBooks again without any problems if you follow our simple instructions. How about we begin?

Table of Contents

What is QuickBooks Error 12038?

QuickBooks error 12038 is the most frequent error that appears when the user tries to update the software to the latest release, but the update process fails for a plethora of reasons. Internet connectivity issues, firewall settings, or issues with the QuickBooks server can cause this error. If you fail to address this error promptly, it can lead to inconvenience and disrupt your workflow.

Therefore, we recommend promptly addressing this error to ensure the smooth operation of the QuickBooks desktop accounting software. Later in this segment, we will discuss the detailed reasons behind the error.

Factors that Trigger QuickBooks Error 12038

After a detailed understanding of the error, it’s time to explore the list of factors and reasons that led to its occurrence. There can be a plethora of reasons behind the error; below, we have listed a few of them.

Incorrect date and time settings.
Poor or unstable internet connection.
QuickBooks desktop software relies on SSL to create safe connections with the servers. Incorrect SSL settings can result in such an error.
Incorrect Internet Explorer settings.
Active internet firewall settings.
Your workstation may have multiple versions of the QuickBooks software installed.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 12038

Let’s look at some solutions that you can follow to overcome error 12038.

Solution 1: Verify the date and time settings.

The very best solution that we recommend you follow to deal with the error 12038 is to verify the date and time settings on your PC. If your PC has incorrect date and time settings, the QuickBooks update process may be the cause. Below is a list of the steps involved in this procedure:

Navigate to the system clock and right-click on the tab.
After that, click on the Adjust Date/Time option.
Subsequently, click the Change Date & Time option and apply the necessary changes.
Double-click on the OK option.

At last, restart the QuickBooks desktop, and then try again to update the QuickBooks software to the latest release.

Solution 2. Reset the Prior Updates and Download the Latest Ones

Run the QuickBooks desktop software and navigate to the Help menu option.
As the help menu expands on the screen, choose the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
Switch to the Update Now tab, and then select the Reset Update option.
Followed by the above steps, verify the availability of new updates by clicking on the Get Updates option.
If new updates are available for your software, then the downloading process will commence automatically.

Solution 3. Verify the Internet Connectivity

If the QuickBooks software is unable to download new updates, we recommend that you verify the internet connectivity. Sometimes, a poor internet connection can hinder the downloading process of new updates.

First of all, navigate to the Help menu on the QuickBooks desktop.
Thereon, click on the Internet Connection setup option.
After following the above steps, select the “Use my computer’s internet connection settings to establish a connection” option when this application accesses the internet.
Next, select the Next option and proceed to navigate to the Advanced Connection Settings.
Now, click on the Restore Advanced Settings option, followed by a click on the OK option.
Click on the Done option.

Now, you are ready to proceed with the process of updating the QuickBooks desktop software.

Solution 4. Check the Firewall and Application Settings

If the previous steps fail to resolve the error, you may need to check the firewall and application settings to confirm that QuickBooks has full internet permissions.

First of all, go to the Windows search bar and type Firewall.
Select the Windows Firewall option from the available search results to navigate to the Windows Firewall settings.
After that, go to the Advanced Settings option and choose the Inbound Rules option.
Subsequently, right-click on it and choose the New Rule option.
Following the above steps, click on the Program option, and then click on the Next option.
Afterwards, click on the This Program Path option and select the Browse choice.
Choose the executable files listed below, then select the “Next” option. In this case, you must separately create the rule for each of the files listed below.
1. QBCFMonitorService.exe
2. QBW32.exe
3. QBDBMgr.exe
4. QBDBMgrN.exe
5. DBManagerExe.exe
6. FileManagement.exe
7. AutoBackupExe.exe
8. Dbmlsync.exe
9. QBServerUtilityMgr.exe
10. QBGDSPlugin.exe
11. QBLaunch.exe
To proceed, select the “Allow the Connection” option and then select “Next.”
Consequently, you should mark all the displayed profiles. If you don’t, proceed to select them immediately and click on the “Next” option.
Next, create a new rule and name it in the format “QBFirewallException(name.exe).”
Finally, create the outbound rules by implementing the steps listed above.

Solution 5: Uninstall Duplicate or Multiple Versions of QuickBooks

In this scenario, if you are using duplicate or multiple versions of the QuickBooks desktop software on your workstation, then you are most likely to experience conflicts and errors with the software, including QuickBooks update error code 12038. Therefore, we recommend you uninstall the duplicate or multiple versions of the QuickBooks desktop software on your workstation.

Let’s take a look at the steps that you can follow to do the same:

Navigate to the Windows Start Menu and then launch the Control Panel settings.
Click on the Programs and Features option.
Check the list of available programs to see if your PC has a duplicate version of the QuickBooks software installed.
If you find any duplicate copies, then immediately click on them and select the Uninstall/Change option.
Following the above steps, click on the Uninstall option, and then remove the duplicate file from the workstation.

Once you have completed the above steps, then retry updating the QuickBooks desktop software and check if this solution has helped you troubleshoot the error.

Solution 6. End All the QuickBooks Pending Processes

If the QuickBooks software has multiple pending processes, it can overload the system resources and potentially cause conflicts when using the software. Therefore, if you encounter the QuickBooks error 12038, we recommend that you terminate all pending processes within the software.

The actions that you can take to achieve the same are listed below:

The first step is to open the Task Manager on your PC. To do this, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys together.
Select the Processes tab and close each pending process.
Next, navigate to the Services tab and proceed to close all pending services using the QuickBooks software.

Once you have successfully closed all the pending processes and services with QuickBooks, try again to download the latest updates. At this stage, you should also consider restarting your computer to ensure that all the changes take effect immediately and the QB software runs smoothly.

Ending Note

While QuickBooks Error 12038 and other technological difficulties might halt workflows, they are fixed with the correct strategy. Methodically addressing the likely causes, such as internet connectivity, system settings, or program conflicts, can restore smooth functionality and keep activities on schedule. In order to successfully troubleshoot and resolve the error, this tutorial provides you with practical answers.

When working with complicated software, you’re bound to encounter some technical difficulties; yet, these issues also provide chances to optimize your system for enhanced efficiency. A systematic approach and careful attention to detail can quickly fix most mistakes, reducing irritation and downtime.

Seeking expert help might be life-changing if the problem continues despite your efforts. Always keep in mind that there is a solution to any difficulty. By being patient and persistent, you may conquer any technical obstacle and continue operating with confidence and efficiency.