QuickBooks Desktop Payroll allows SMEs to manage their payroll processes with better accuracy and efficiency. You need to update your QuickBooks payroll service regularly to get the latest tax table. However, technical issues such as QuickBooks payroll error PS038 can interrupt the update process, thereby hampering the accuracy of your payroll calculations.
This error code can show up due to a multitude of the possible reasons. It is crucial to address the possible reasons with their relevant solutions to get rid of the error. Find the best solutions to eliminate the QuickBooks error code PS038 by navigating through this post until the end.
About Error PS038 While Updating Payroll
Error PS038 in QuickBooks is a payroll related error that occurs when downloading the current tax table in payroll service. Having the latest tax table ensures the correct payroll calculation and processing. However, when updating QuickBooks Desktop Payroll service, an error can occur due to several possible reasons.
It can be a damaged company file, or the corrupt installation of the QuickBooks Desktop application. Addressing the possible reasons behind this error is important. You also need to make sure that your system is not causing this error, such as poor internet connection, or a damaged component.
Why I am Getting QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038? Prominent Reasons Behind The Error
QuickBooks Payroll update error code PS038 can arise due to several possible reasons, and they are mentioned in the list:
When the QuickBooks installation is corrupt or incomplete due to damaged components.
A damaged or corrupt company file can also be blamed for the error PS038 in QuickBooks.
An infectious program affecting system files or QuickBooks is capable of hindering the QuickBooks Payroll update.
A problematic Windows registry sometimes prevents QuickBooks from running or updating QuickBooks.
When the Firewall or antivirus application settings hinder QuickBooks from downloading the payroll updates, QuickBooks payroll error PS038 can take place.
Damaged corresponding QuickBooks files, such as network data (.ND) and transaction log (.TLG) files.
If the system resources, such as memory or disk space, are not sufficient, you won't be able to install the payroll updates in QuickBooks.
If you are not using a strong and stable Internet connection, an error can take place.
QuickBooks payroll subscription is expired or not active.
Aftermaths Of QuickBooks Payroll Won't Update Error PS038
QuickBooks error PS038 can be disruptive in many aspects. It not only hinders the payroll update process but also leaves other detrimental effects, such as:
(Degraded Windows Performance)
When the error occurs, its effects can be seen on your Windows performance as well. The windows becomes sluggish or an active window crashes on the arrival of the error.
(Interrupted Payroll Process)
When the payroll update gets interrupted, you will face difficulty running various payroll tasks and processes. You may also receive errors when sending paychecks.
(Inaccuracies In Payroll Management)
An outdated payroll is prone to a myriad of the technical issues and can affect the payroll processing and management. These inaccuracies can lead to the compliance issues as well.
How To Fix "Unable To Update Payroll Error PS038" With Ease?
Now that you are aware of the ins and outs of QuickBooks error code PS038 let's discuss the solutions to eliminate it.
First Solution: Install The Latest Maintenance Release For QuickBooks
As using an outdated version of the QuickBooks can be a possible reason for QuickBooks error PS038, updating the program can fix it as well.
Open QuickBooks Desktop software with as Windows administrator. It will enable to you to make the critical changes in the program.
Next, click on the Help menu and subsequently select the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
Proceeding further, you are supposed to choose the Update Now tab.
Thereafter, selecting the Get QuickBooks Update option will initiate the update downloading process.
Wait for the download to complete, and then reopen the QuickBooks accounting program.
Now, follow the on-screen prompts and give permission to install the QuickBooks update.
Second Solution: Send Payroll Usage Data To Fix Error PS038
Sending payroll usage data is an effective solution to fix QuickBooks update error PS038. Below are the steps to accomplish it:
Open the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll service to initiate this step.
From within this section, click the Employees option and choose My Payroll Service.
Thereafter, select Send payroll usage data located in My Payroll Service.
Some QuickBooks versions have the "Send payroll data" option underneath the Employee tab. Therefore, you need to look for both options.
After implementing these steps, try sending your payroll data.
If the data is sent successfully, move back to the update section and try updating your QuickBooks Desktop payroll service.
Third Solution: Check If There Is Any Paycheck Stuck As "Online To Send"
The processing of the paychecks can be stuck due to the QuickBooks payroll update error PS038. Check for such paychecks using these steps:
Navigate to the Edit tab as the initial step.
Thereafter, select Find and consequently select the Advanced option.
Locate the option labelled Filter list under the Choose Filter option.
After that, select the Detail Level.
Here, you have to select the Summary Only option.
Again, go to the Filter list under the Choose Filter tab and select Online Status.
Click the drop-down menu and select Online to send.
In the end, click the Find button and check the unsent paychecks.
Fourth Solution: Verify Data Integrity And Rebuild If Necessary
A corrupt QuickBooks company file that is also a possible reason behind the QuickBooks update error code PS038 needs to be diagnosed. Verify Data utility checks the integrity of the company file. If it detects data corruption, Rebuild Data Utility repairs it.
Run Verify Data Utility
Open QuickBooks and click the File tab on the top left corner.
Next, select Utilities and hit the Verify Data option.
Click OK when you are asked if you want to continue.
The tool will scan the file and notify you whether or not the data is damaged.
If the data corruption is detected, run the Rebuild Data utility.
Run Rebuild Data Utility
Back to the Utilities section in the File menu and select Rebuild Data.When you run this tool, the program prompts you to save a backup of your company file.
Create data backup, and you can also choose how often the backup should be created.Thereafter, click Next Rebuild Data will start.
Wait for the process to complete and re-examine your data with the Verify Data utility.
This procedure will repair the data damage, thereby resolving the QuickBooks Desktop update error PS038.
Final Words!
The solutions explained in this post can put QuickBooks payroll error PS038 to an end, enabling users to download latest tax table. Thus, you can handle your payroll processes easily without any technical hindrances. If the further help is needed, you can access various online help resources, such as QuickBooks Help Desk, community forums, etc.
Also Read : Mindblowing Facts To Eliminate QuickBooks Error PS032
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