How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12031- Answered by Experts

Last Updated on August 21, 2024

QuickBooks error 12031 usually appears while updating QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. A user might encounter several update errors while running QuickBooks update, where the 120XX series of errors occurs due to internet connectivity issues. If your system has internet connectivity issues, you not only encounter error 12031 but also have problems working with QB online services like payroll and banking. Without proper troubleshooting instructions, resolving error 12031 that appears while updating QuickBooks might be challenging. This article will share techniques to help you quickly settle the QuickBooks update error 12031. Each detail simplifies the resolution so you don’t get stuck in the mess.

If you are uncomfortable troubleshooting QuickBooks error code 12031, Call the Support Number 1.855.738.2784 for troubleshooting assistance.

What is QuickBooks Update Error 12031

Among several errors that users encounter while updating QuickBooks, QuickBooks service message error 12031 falls under the category of the 120XX series of errors. You might see this error while getting the updates for Desktop, Payroll, New Features, Maintenance Releases, and Accountant. Once a user receives such an error, QuickBooks displays an error message:

QuickBooks Update Error

Problem

Error 12031: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.

Solution

Check your internet connection setup in QuickBooks from the Help->Internet Connection Setup menu selection. Verify that your connection is set to use your computer’s internet connection.

Start                Cancel

Reasons For QuickBooks Error 12031

The following reasons can trigger error 12031 and others, such as error codes 12002, 12007, 12009, and 12029:

• Internet connection problems
• Inaccurate browser and security settings
• Antivirus or firewall interference
• Missing or outdated digital signature certificate for QuickBooks

Solutions to Fix Error Code 12031 QuickBooks

Let us now look at the solutions that will eliminate the 12031 error in QuickBooks in no time.

Solution 1: Select Correct Internet Connection Settings in QBDT

You can try updating the Internet Connection Settings if the error code 12031 hinders the update process. This is how to do so.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and click Internet Connection Setup under the Help tab.

• Click Use My Computer’s Internet Connection Settings, then hit Next.
• Click Done and try to run the QuickBooks update once again.
• If the Update QuickBooks window still displays the same error, follow the next troubleshooting step and reset the QuickBooks updates.

Solution 2: Reset QuickBooks Desktop Updates

Any update error in QuickBooks can be tackled by resetting the QuickBooks Desktop updates. Try performing this solution and see if the application gets updated without the 12031 error QuickBooks.

• From under the QuickBooks Desktop Help tab, click Update QuickBooks.
• Click Reset Updates and then hit Get Updates.
• If you are still getting QB payroll update error 12031, ensure your computer is connected to the internet.

Solution 3: Remove QuickBooks from the Firewall Blocked Programs List

Windows firewall sometimes identifies QuickBooks as a threat to Windows security and blocks its access to the internet, causing different errors in QuickBooks. For example, if you suspect the Windows firewall causes the 12031 error QuickBooks, follow the article [Fix Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks through Easy Steps] and grant QuickBooks permission to connect to the internet.

NOTE: If you manually set up an internet connection for QuickBooks using the “Use the Following Connection option,” then make sure Port 80 for HTTP and Port 443 for HTTPS are enabled.

Solution 4: Run QuickBooks Updates in Windows Safe Mode

Safe mode allows only specific programs to run in the background. Hence, it is a great way to install QB updates without interruptions from other apps installed on the system.

• Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard and then type msconfig.
• Hit OK or press Enter on your keyboard to open Windows System Configuration Window.

• Navigate to the Boot tab, then checkmark the Safe Boot option under the Boot Options.
• Click Apply and then hit OK to save changes.
• Restart your computer, and this time, the system will boot in safe mode.
• Once the system is started in Safe Mode, rerun the payroll update.

IMPORTANT: If the error is resolved after booting your computer in safe mode, then make sure to switch the system back to the normal boot mode. Follow the steps above, remove the checkmark next to the Safe Boot option, save the settings, and restart the system.

Solution 5: Install a Digital Signature Certificate

Let us look at another solution to fix the 12031 error in QuickBooks: installing the digital signature certificate. This verifies the QuickBooks program’s authenticity and helps you proceed with the update.

• Navigate to the C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks folder.
• When finding the QBW32.exe file, right-click on it and select the Properties option.
• Go to the Digital Signature tab and verify that Intuit is specified in the signature list.
• Click on Details.
• Once you are on the Digital Signature Details window, choose View Certificate.
• Next, use the Certificate window to select the Install Certificate option.
• Keep selecting Next until you see Finish. Press the Finish button.
• Finally, restart the PC.
• Launch QuickBooks and try downloading the updates.

Solution 6: Update the Internet Settings

Here is the last solution to fixing the 12031 error in QuickBooks. Follow the steps carefully, as they can be technically complex, and you must avoid making unwanted changes.

• Launch the Edge browser on the system, click the Menu icon at the top right, and select Settings.
• Use the General tab to choose Delete.
• Select Temporary Internet files and then Delete. (Note – You must not select the delete cookies option.)
• Move on to the Connections tab and then the LAN settings.
• Select the Automatically Detect Settings option and ensure that proxy servers are blank if you don’t use one.
• Click on OK twice.
• Choose the Advanced tab and scroll 3/4 down the list.
• Verify that the SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 are marked and that the Check for publisher’s certificate option is unmarked.
• Now, scroll down toward the bottom of the screen.
• Mark the TLS 1.2 option.
• Keep the TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 options unchecked; unmark them if selected.

There might be instances where error message 12031 still comes up even after following all the troubleshooting methods. If, for any reason, you are unable to resolve the 12031 error QuickBooks, then you can get direct help from a certified expert by calling the support team on the toll-free number 1.855.738.2784.

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Edward Martin

Edward Martin is a Technical Content Writer for our leading Accounting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Edward’s passion for clarity, accuracy, and innovation is evident in his writing. He is well versed in how to simplify complex technical concepts and turn them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.