Payroll Error 15212 can happen when downloading payroll or QuickBooks updates. This error shows messages like payroll update not being completed successfully, or the location for the shared download is not accessible. 

The error might be due to an unmapped or inaccessible shared download drive or insufficient access permissions for the drive. There are other possible causes too. Read this article to know the causes and solutions to fix QuickBooks Payroll Error 15212 it.

What are Causes of QuickBooks Payroll Error 15212?

• The QuickBooks software download file might be broken. 
• The software may not have installed correctly. 
• A virus might have infected QuickBooks files or software. 
• Some QuickBooks files may be missing. 
• Someone might have intentionally or accidentally deleted QB-related files.
• The files in your computer's window registry might be damaged.

Methods to Rectify the QuickBooks Payroll Error 15212

To resolve this error, you can try the following steps:

Method 1: Remap data files to a network drive 

• Firstly, restart your computer.
• Then, open "This PC" by double-clicking on it.
• After that, proceed by clicking on "Map Network Drive".

• Now, click on "Browse" and select the data file that needs to be mapped.
• Once the mapping process is complete, check if the ongoing error has been fixed.

Method 2: Start the system in selective startup mode 

• To make sure that no other program is causing issues with QuickBooks, switch to selective startup mode.
• Now, press the Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
• After that, type "msconfig" in the box and click on "OK".

• Under the "General" tab, choose "Selective Startup" and "Load System Service" option.

• Then, proceed by clicking on the "Services" tab and select "Hide all Microsoft Services".
• After that, choose "Disable all" and uncheck the "Hide all Microsoft Services" checkbox.

• Then, ensure that the Microsoft Windows Installer option is selected.
• Click "OK".
• Finally, select "Restart" in the System Configuration window.

Method 3: Uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks to fix the error

Uninstall QuickBooks

• Firstly, go to the Start menu and search for "Control Panel".
• Then, click on "Programs and Features" or "Uninstall a program".

• After that, look for the QuickBooks version that is causing the error.
• Now, proceed by clicking on "Uninstall" and then "Remove".
• For Windows 7, also uninstall .NET Framework.

Reinstall QuickBooks

• Double-click on the downloaded QuickBooks.exe file.
• Follow the steps displayed on the screen.
• Then, accept the terms and conditions by clicking on "Next".
• Proceed by entering the product and license number.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• The process is complete once finished.

Method 4: Download the latest QuickBooks updates manually

• Firstly, open the QuickBooks application.
• Then, click on "Help" option and then "Update QuickBooks" tab.

• Select "Option" tab and click on "No" for shared download option.
• Save the changes and then close.
• Download the updates manually.
• This process may fix the issue to some extent.

Method 5: Download the update in Safe Mode

• Begin by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Then, press and hold the shift key and click on the Power icon, then select "Reboot".
• In the blue window, choose "Troubleshoot".
• Click on "Advanced Options".
• Now, choose "Startup Settings" and restart the system.
• Select "Safe Mode with Networking".

• Press the Power icon on the sign-in page.
• Click on the QuickBooks icon and select "Run as Administrator".
• Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version and then reboot the system.

Winding Up!

By the end of the article, you may be able to successfully fix QuickBooks Error Code 15212. If you are not able to solve the issue, it is recommended to contact our QuickBooks payroll error support team at 1-800-615-2347.