Are you facing issues related to QuickBooks error 12031 while working with the software payroll services? Numerous QuickBooks users encounter this error when they try to update the added QuickBooks services, like Payroll. Internet connectivity can be the primary reason for the same, but don’t worry. This post will help you immediately resolve this issue. Continue reading this post, and find the easiest solutions to eliminate the error permanently. 

Need professional help while solving QuickBooks payroll services issues? If yes, ring us, and our team of expert technicians will help you immediately. 

QuickBooks Error 12031 - A Detailed Introduction! 

Belonging to the QuickBooks 12XXX error series, the QuickBooks error 12031 occurs at the time of refreshing or updating the QuickBooks added services. That’s why users mainly complain about this issue when updating their payroll services in QuickBooks. Hence, it’s also called the QuickBooks Payroll error. 

If you’re also facing this payroll issue, you must have received an error message reading, “Error 12031: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server. 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.” Did you? If yes, resolve the issue ASAP by first learning about its root causes.

Why Am I Encountering a QuickBooks Error Code 12031 Message? 

While refreshing your QuickBooks payroll services, if you continuously encounter the QuickBooks error code 12031 message on your screen, the following can be the reasons for the same. Have a look! 

1. As we noted in the beginning, the internet connectivity glitches are one of the major reasons for the QuickBooks payroll error 12031.
   
   
2. Another root cause of this issue can be the antivirus or Firewall Defender software settings. These settings may block the access of QuickBooks services, including Payroll.
   
   
3. If your default internet browser is different and not Internet Explorer, you may receive the QuickBooks error message 12031 while refreshing your QuickBooks payroll services.
   
   
4. Incorrect configuration of the SSL settings is also a prominent contributor to the occurrence of QuickBooks error code 12031.
   
   
5. Any QuickBooks software error, malware attack, or malicious virus infection is also a notable reason. Thus, such virus attacks can cause payroll errors as well.
   
   

How Can I Eliminate the Payroll QuickBooks 12031 Error? 

We have prepared a quick solution guide in this section to help you eliminate the annoying Payroll QuickBooks 12031 error. Perform the solution methods as per the given instructions and get back to your seamless workflow. 

Solution Method 1 - Try Running QuickBooks Payroll Updates in Windows Safe Mode

Updating your QuickBooks payroll services in Windows Safe Mode can help you avoid receiving errors. It’s because the safe mode of the Windows OS allows all the software programs to run seamlessly. Try this by following the given method:

1. Firstly, get the Run Window on your Desktop by tapping the Windows + R keys. Once the Run Window opens, enter MSConfig and hit the Enter key.
   
   
2. By this, you will get another window of Windows System Configuration from where you must move to the Boot tab.
   
   
3. Under this Boot tab, you will see the Safe Boot option. unmark this, and hit the Apply option.
   
   
4. Click the OK button to save all the changes made till now, and continue to Restart your computer system.
   
   
5. Once you have restarted your system, your computer system will run in Safe Mode.
   
   
6. Finally, you must retry to refresh your QuickBooks payroll services and check for the error; if you still receive the same error message, try this next method.
   
   

Solution Method 2 - Get the Latest Digital Signature Certificate on your System

If your system is missing the updated Digital Signature Certificate, it may hamper the update process of QuickBooks services. So, you may face the QuickBooks error 12031 as well. Continue with the given method to troubleshoot this issue: 

1. In the beginning, you must move to the C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks folder path.
   
   
2. Hit the Browse button to search the QBW32.exe file. Once you get the file, right-click the same to hit the Properties alternative.
   
   
3. Here, in the Properties menu, you will see the Digital Signature option. Click the same and confirm whether Intuit is listed in the Signature List or not.
   
   
4. After verifying, hit the Details option. By this, you will get the Digital Signature Details window.
   
   
5. Select the View Certificate alternative from this Window, and you will land on the Certificate window.
   
   
6. Now, choose the option stating Install Certificate. After this, click the Next button, and then Finish.
   
   
7. Finally, you must Restart your computer system and retry to update your required QuickBooks payroll services. If the error still persists, we have another method to solve the problem. Continue reading!
   
   

Solution Method 3 - Solve the Issues Related to Internet Explorer 

Issues related to your browser, like Internet Explorer, are also one of the prominent causes of the error code 12031 in QuickBooks. Get rid of this by following this method: 

1. Firstly, open your Internet Explorer and move to the Settings tab. From here, go to the Tools option and select the Internet Options.
   
   
2. Secondly, click the General alternative and select the Delete button.
   
   
3. After this, you must choose all the Temporary Internet Files and select the Delete option for all the files. (Make sure not to delete the cookies of your browser.)
   
   
4. Now, navigate to the Connections tab and click the LAN settings. Here, you must choose the Automatically Detect Settings option, ensuring all the proxy servers are blank.
   
   
5. Double-click the OK button, select the Advanced tab, and continue scrolling down to the list.
   
   
6. After this, you must mark the SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 and unmark the Check for publisher’s certificate option.
   
   
7. Done up to this? Now, continue scrolling down, and at the bottom of the screen, tick-mark the TLS 1.2 option and unmark the TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 options.
   
   
8. End this procedure by saving all the changes.
   
   

Solution Method 4 - Fix the Issue by Resetting your QuickBooks Desktop Updates

Since you’re facing the QuickBooks error 12031 while updating the QuickBooks payroll services, try to reset your QuickBooks updates. By this, you can address the problem. Follow the instructions below: 

1. Open your QuickBooks Desktop application and move to the QuickBooks Desktop Help tab.
   
   
2. Under this tab, you’ll find the Update QuickBooks option. Click this option and then the Reset Updates alternative.
   
   
3. Now, click the Get Updates button, and end this procedure by resetting your QuickBooks Desktop application updates.
   
   

Solution Method 5 - Configure your Internet Connection Settings

Internet connectivity can effectively contribute to the arrival of such issues, so follow the given strategy to configure your Internet settings and figure out the QuickBooks 12031 error.

1. Firstly, open your QuickBooks Desktop application and move to the Help tab. From here, click the Internet Connection Setup option.
   
   
2. Hit the Use My Computer’s Internet Connection Settings button.
   
   
3. Now, click the Next button and the Done alternative. Finally, start running the QuickBooks payroll updates in your system.
   
   

The Final Thoughts..!

Hopefully, this comprehensive blog post has given you enough insights about the QuickBooks error 12031 and helped you troubleshoot the same. However, if you face any confusion or feel like asking for professional help while solving this issue, connect with us. Our Live Chat Support facility is accessible to all QuickBooks users. You can contact our QuickBooks technicians here and get instant technical support.