Get Rid of QuickBooks Error Code 12038 Once & For All

Ross Anderson
1 minute ago
2 min read

QuickBooks releases its update to help you utilize the software seamlessly and with advanced features. With every update, you will see enhanced security settings and functioning of the program. However, you may fall into trouble updating it. QuickBooks error code 12038 is one such issue that you may often encounter during the update process. It shows up with a message saying “Failed to download the update.”

The reason that might be triggering this error could be incorrect date and time settings, improper internet connection configuration, multiple QB instances, or other issues. To go into depth and know more information about the problem, take a deep dive into the blog and see what has been suggested by our experts.

If you are tired of fixing QuickBooks error code 12038 and want to keep your data safe, contact a professional and ask them to resolve it. Call 1- 855-888-3080 to connect with a QB Expert.

Common Causes You Should Know About QuickBooks Desktop Error 12038

Reasons behind the QuickBooks error 12038 are precisely mentioned below. Have a look at them carefully.

Improper date and time settings.
Third-party security software blocks QB from updating it.
Improper configuration of the internet connection settings.
Due to multiple instances installed on the same computer.
Your device doesn’t meet the software’s minimum requirements.
Antivirus or malware could be the reason behind this error.

Fixes You Can Try For QuickBooks Error Code 12038

The listed solutions can help you overcome error 12038. To do this, implement the steps accordingly.

Solution 1: Verify the system’s date and time settings

Head to the system’s clock.
Click on the Adjust Date/Time option.
Choose the Change date and time.
Define the exact date and time, followed by OK.
Close and reopen QB and try to run the update.

Solution 2: Configure the internet connection settings

Go to the Help menu.
Choose Internet Connection Setup.
Tap on the option that says Use my computer's Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet.
Click Next.
Choose the Advanced Connection settings.
Now, hover over the Advanced tab.
Click Restore Advanced Settings.
Tap OK, followed by Done.
After this, try to update QB Desktop again.

Recommended to read: What is error code 7149 in QuickBooks?

Solution 3: Internet security or firewall settings

Let’s verify the internet security or firewall settings because sometimes the issue occurs due to their misconfiguration. To do, enable ports 80 and 443, also, provide access to the following files.

AutoBackupExe.exe
Dbmlsync.exe
DBManagerExe.exe
FileManagement.exe
FileMovementExe.exe
IntuitSyncManager.exe
QBCFMonitorService.exe
QBDBMgr.exe
QBDBMgrN.exe
QBGDSPlugin.exe
QBLaunch.exe
QBServerUtilityMgr.exe
QBW32.exe
QuickBooksMessaging.exe

Solution 4: Update all the instances of QB

Manually update the QB if you have multiple instances of QB installed on the same computer. Otherwise, this may lead to update errors.

The Final Thoughts

We explored the reasons that cause QuickBooks error code 12038. Additionally, this blog also covers the solutions that you can implement to resolve it. If you are unable to rectify it even after reading this, connect with our support team. Dial 1-855-888-3080 to speak to them.