Overcoming QuickBooks Error 120: Essential Fixes for Accountants

QuickBooks is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, providing robust accounting solutions to manage finances effectively. However, like any software, it isn’t immune to errors. One such error is QuickBooks Error 120. This error can disrupt your workflow, causing frustration and delays. In this article, we’ll dive into what QuickBooks Error 120 is, its general causes, and provide troubleshooting solutions to fix it.

What is QuickBooks Error 120?

QuickBooks Error 120 is typically related to payroll updates in QuickBooks. It can occur when trying to download the latest payroll updates, and it usually signifies issues with the internet connection, firewall settings, or system date and time settings. This error prevents users from updating their payroll, potentially leading to incorrect payroll processing and compliance issues.

General Causes of QuickBooks Error 120

Understanding the causes of QuickBooks Error 120 is the first step towards resolving it. Here are some common reasons why this error might occur:

1. Internet Connection Issues

  • A slow or unstable internet connection can interrupt the payroll update process.
  • Network timeouts or disconnections during the update process.

2. Firewall or Security Settings

  • Incorrect firewall settings might block QuickBooks from accessing the internet.
  • Security software can sometimes mistakenly flag QuickBooks update files as threats.

3. Incorrect System Date and Time Settings

  • Mismatched date and time settings on your computer can cause conflicts with QuickBooks servers.

4. Outdated QuickBooks Software

  • Using an outdated version of QuickBooks might cause compatibility issues with the latest payroll updates.

5. Corrupt QuickBooks Installation

  • Corruption in the QuickBooks installation files can lead to various errors, including Error 120.

Troubleshooting Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 120

Now that we’ve identified the causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix QuickBooks Error 120:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast. You can do this by:

  • Restarting your router and modem.
  • Running an internet speed test to check for stability and speed.
  • Switching to a wired connection if you’re using Wi-Fi.

2. Configure Firewall and Security Settings

Adjust your firewall and security settings to allow QuickBooks to access the internet:

  1. Open your firewall settings and add QuickBooks as an exception.
  2. Check security software to ensure it isn’t blocking QuickBooks update files.
  3. Allow specific QuickBooks ports in your firewall settings:
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2021: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377

3. Verify System Date and Time Settings

Make sure your system date and time are correct:

  1. Right-click on the date and time in the taskbar.
  2. Select “Adjust date/time”.
  3. Ensure the date, time, and time zone are correct.
  4. Enable “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically”.

4. Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Keeping QuickBooks up to date can prevent many errors:

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Go to the “Help” menu and select “Update QuickBooks Desktop”.
  3. Click on the “Update Now” tab and then select “Get Updates”.
  4. Once the updates are downloaded, restart QuickBooks.

5. Repair QuickBooks Installation

If the error persists, repairing the QuickBooks installation might help:

  1. Close QuickBooks and all other running applications.
  2. Open Control Panel and go to “Programs and Features”.
  3. Find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs and select it.
  4. Click on “Uninstall/Change” and then choose “Repair”.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

6. Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub is a great utility for fixing common QuickBooks errors:

  1. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
  2. Install and open the tool.
  3. Navigate to the “Program Problems” tab.
  4. Select “Quick Fix my Program” to resolve common issues.
  5. Restart QuickBooks and attempt the payroll update again.

7. Check Internet Explorer Settings

Since QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings, ensure they are configured correctly:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to “Tools” > “Internet Options”.
  3. Under the “Security” tab, set the security level to “Medium-high”.
  4. Under the “Advanced” tab, ensure TLS 1.2 is checked.
  5. Click “Apply” and “OK”.

8. Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Running QuickBooks with administrative privileges can help resolve permissions-related issues:

  1. Right-click on the QuickBooks icon.
  2. Select “Run as administrator”.
  3. Attempt the payroll update again.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 120 can be a significant hurdle, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it efficiently. By ensuring a stable internet connection, configuring firewall settings, verifying system date and time, updating QuickBooks, repairing the installation, using QuickBooks Tool Hub, adjusting Internet Explorer settings, and running QuickBooks as an administrator, you can get your payroll updates back on track

July 15, 2024
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