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QuickBooks is a vital accounting program that assists companies with payroll, money management, and other critical tasks. However, QuickBooks Error 15106 is one of the difficulties that users occasionally go into that interfere with their operations. This problem stops the installation of required updates and usually happens while attempting to update payroll or QuickBooks Desktop.

If you’re facing QuickBooks Error 15106, this article will guide you through the causes and step-by-step solutions to resolve it effectively.

What is QuickBooks Error 15106?

QuickBooks Error 15106 occurs when the update process is blocked, displaying one of the following error messages:

• "The update program cannot be opened."
• "The update program is damaged."

This error prevents QuickBooks from downloading and installing updates, affecting payroll updates and other essential features.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 15106

Several factors can trigger this error, including:

1. Insufficient Administrative Privileges: If you’re not logged in as an administrator, QuickBooks may not have permission to install updates.
2. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: Security software may mistakenly flag QuickBooks updates as a threat and block the process.
3. Corrupted QuickBooks Update Files: If the update files are damaged or incomplete, the update process may fail.
4. User Account Control (UAC) Restrictions: Windows security settings may prevent the installation of updates.
5. Outdated QuickBooks Version: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can lead to update issues.

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step troubleshooting process.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106

Step 1: Run QuickBooks as an Administrator

Since QuickBooks may lack the necessary permissions to update, running it as an administrator can resolve the issue.

1. Close QuickBooks if it’s open.
2. Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
3. Select Run as Administrator and click Yes if prompted.
4. Try updating QuickBooks again.

If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Antivirus software such as McAfee, Norton, or Windows Defender may block QuickBooks updates. Temporarily disabling your security software can help.

1. Open your antivirus program.
2. Locate the Disable Protection or Turn Off option.
3. Select the duration (e.g., 15 minutes or until the next restart).
4. Try updating QuickBooks again.

%uD83D%uDCA1 Remember to re-enable your antivirus after completing the update.

Step 3: Rename the QuickBooks Update Folder

Renaming the update folder can help reset the update process and fix corrupted files.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (Your Version)\Components
2. Locate the DownloadQBXX folder (where "XX" represents your QuickBooks version).
3. Right-click the folder and select Rename.
4. Add .old at the end of the folder name (e.g., DownloadQBXX.old).
5. Restart QuickBooks and attempt the update again.

Step 4: Turn Off User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) settings may restrict QuickBooks from updating. Disabling it temporarily can help.

1. Press Windows R and type Control Panel, then hit Enter.
2. Click on User Accounts > Change User Account Control Settings.
3. Drag the slider down to Never Notify and click OK.
4. Restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

%uD83D%uDCA1 Re-enable UAC after resolving the issue to maintain system security.

Step 5: Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool

If the error persists, a clean installation of QuickBooks can help resolve software corruption issues.

1. Uninstall QuickBooks:

   • Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   • Locate QuickBooks and select Uninstall/Change.
   • Follow the prompts to remove QuickBooks.

2. Download and Run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool:

   • Visit the official Intuit website and download the Clean Install Tool.
   • Run the tool and follow the instructions.

3. Reinstall QuickBooks:

   • Download the latest version of QuickBooks from Intuit’s website.
   • Install it and try updating again.

Step 6: Update QuickBooks Manually

If automatic updates fail, manually updating QuickBooks may resolve the error.

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Visit the Intuit QuickBooks Download & Update page.
3. Select your QuickBooks version and edition.
4. Click Get the latest updates and save the file.
5. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to update QuickBooks.
6. Restart QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 7: Contact QuickBooks Support

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact QuickBooks Customer Support for further assistance.

• For QuickBooks Online: Visit the QuickBooks Help Center and select Contact Us.
• For QuickBooks Desktop: Go to Help > QuickBooks Desktop Help > Contact Us.

Provide details about the error, including the steps you've already tried, to help the support team assist you efficiently.

Preventing QuickBooks Error 15106 in the Future

To avoid encountering this error again, follow these best practices:
%u2705 Run QuickBooks as an Administrator by default.
%u2705 Keep QuickBooks Updated to the latest version.
%u2705 Add QuickBooks as an Exception in your antivirus and firewall settings.
%u2705 Regularly Clear Cache and Temporary Files to prevent update issues.
%u2705 Ensure a Stable Internet Connection before updating QuickBooks.

Final Thoughts

When QuickBooks Error 15106 prevents payroll changes or significant program enhancements, it can be very annoying. You can, however, swiftly fix the problem by following the aforementioned troubleshooting steps. Before moving on to more complex adjustments like renaming the update folder, turning off UAC, or reinstalling QuickBooks, start with simple fixes like running QuickBooks as an administrator and turning off security software. A final answer may be obtained by manually updating QuickBooks or by contacting QuickBooks Support 1-(855)-955-1942.