How To Fix Internet Connection Error Read Error in QuickBooks?

Is the QuickBooks Connection Read Error stopping you from processing payroll? This common issue often arises when QuickBooks can’t connect to the internet, blocking essential payroll functions like tax calculations, pay runs, and updates.

It may seem like a minor connectivity glitch, but in reality, it can disrupt your entire payroll cycle. The root cause could be anything, from incorrect browser settings and firewall restrictions to temporary network interruptions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, step-by-step methods to fix the error and get your payroll running smoothly again. Let’s dive in and troubleshoot the issue before it impacts your business operations.

9 Different Methods to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Error Read Error

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop and Payroll Tax Tables

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
2. To check your current tax table version, look for the number beside “You are using tax table version:”
3. Compare this with the latest version listed on Intuit’s Payroll News and Updates page.
4. For more information about your tax table, select Payroll Update Info.
5. To download the latest tax table, select Download Entire Update.
6. Click Update and wait until you see a confirmation message that the download is complete.

Once updated, restart QuickBooks and verify that your payroll functions are working properly.

Solution 2: Configure Firewall and Internet Security Settings

• Open your Windows Firewall and allow QuickBooks programs (e.g., QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe) through it.
• If you’re using third-party antivirus software, temporarily disable it or add QuickBooks as an exception.

Solution 3: Correct Date and Time Settings on Your PC

1. Press Windows + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Select Clock and Region > Date and Time.
3. Choose Change date and time, adjust it to your local time, and click OK.
4. If the time zone is incorrect, select “Change time zone,” choose the correct one, and click “OK.”

Solution 4: Reactivate Your Payroll Subscription

An inactive payroll subscription can also cause internet connection errors. Follow the steps below to reactivate:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Info.
2. Sign in with your Intuit account.
3. In the Status tab, select Resubscribe and follow the prompts to reactivate your subscription.

Solution 5: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies 

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner → History → Clear browsing data.
2. Select ‘All Time’ as the time range.
3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and site data, and Cached images and files, then click Clear now.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome → three dots → Clear browsing data.
2. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data.

Restart QuickBooks and retry payroll. 

Solution 6: Check QuickBooks Internet Connection Settings

1. Open QuickBooks → Help → Internet Connection Setup.
2. Select Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection → Next → Done.

Solution 7: Clear Server Certificate Revocation

1. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
2. In the Internet Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
3. Under Security, uncheck Check for server certificate revocation.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Solution 8: Add QuickBooks Security Certificate Manually

1. Right-click the QuickBooks icon → Properties → Shortcut → Open File Location.
2. Locate the QBW32.EXE file.
3. For Pro/Premier: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX
4. For Enterprise: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XX.0
5. Right-click QBW32.EXE → Properties → Digital Signatures.
6. Select the signature → Details → View Certificate → Install Certificate.
7. Choose Current User → Next → Finish.

Once installed, reopen QuickBooks and check payroll connectivity.

Solution 9: Add Intuit as a Trusted Site

If Intuit isn’t added as a trusted site, your browser might block payroll connections. In Microsoft Edge:

1. Go to Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Manage and Delete Cookies and Site Data.
2. Under “Allow,” click “Add” and enter intuit.com.
3. Click Add again to save.

After adding the trusted site, rerun QuickBooks Payroll and check the connection.

Conclusion

The QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Read Error can be frustrating, especially when it halts essential payroll operations. Fortunately, most cases can be resolved by updating QuickBooks, verifying internet settings, and ensuring your system configurations are correct.

By hosting QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud with us, you gain uninterrupted access to your accounting data and unlock dedicated support designed to keep your business moving forward without errors or delays.