Resolving QuickBooks Error 12029: A Comprehensive Guide

Elijahdaniel
5 min readJun 20, 2024

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QuickBooks is a leading accounting software solution widely used by businesses for its robust features and user-friendly interface. However, like any software, QuickBooks is not without its issues. One common error that users encounter is QuickBooks Error 12029. This error typically arises during payroll updates or when updating QuickBooks software. In this blog, we will delve into the specifics of QuickBooks Error 12029, its causes, and provide detailed troubleshooting solutions to resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding QuickBooks Error 12029

QuickBooks Error 12029 is an update-related error, commonly encountered when QuickBooks is unable to access the server. This can happen during payroll updates or when updating QuickBooks to the latest version. The error message might read: “QuickBooks Update Error 12029: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.”

Causes of QuickBooks Error 12029

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of Error 12029:

  1. Network Timeout: A network timeout can prevent QuickBooks from accessing the server for updates.
  2. Firewall or Security Settings: Incorrect firewall or internet security settings can block QuickBooks from connecting to the server.
  3. Internet Connection Issues: Unstable or poor internet connection can interrupt the update process.
  4. Browser Settings: Incorrect internet browser settings, particularly in Internet Explorer, can cause this error.
  5. SSL Settings: Incorrect SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) settings can prevent a secure connection required for updates.

Troubleshooting Solutions for QuickBooks Error 12029

Here are several steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve QuickBooks Error 12029:

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for downloading updates:

  1. Restart your modem or router to refresh the connection.
  2. Ensure no other applications are consuming excessive bandwidth.
  3. Run a speed test to verify your internet speed.

Step 2: Update Internet Explorer

QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer for internet connectivity. Ensure you have the latest version installed:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to the “Help” menu and select “About Internet Explorer.”
  3. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Step 3: Verify Internet Explorer Settings

Ensure your Internet Explorer settings are correctly configured:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to the “Tools” menu and select “Internet Options.”
  3. Under the “General” tab, click on “Delete” under Browsing History.
  4. Check the boxes for “Temporary Internet Files” and “Cookies,” then click “Delete.”
  5. Under the “Connections” tab, click on “LAN settings” and ensure “Automatically detect settings” is checked.
  6. Under the “Advanced” tab, scroll down to “Security” and ensure “Use SSL 2.0” and “Use SSL 3.0” are checked. Additionally, uncheck “Check for publisher’s certificate revocation.”

Step 4: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

Ensure that your firewall or internet security settings are not blocking QuickBooks:

  1. Open your firewall or internet security software.
  2. Add QuickBooks as an exception to the firewall.
  3. Ensure ports 80 and 443 are open.

Step 5: Check SSL Settings in QuickBooks

Ensure that SSL settings in QuickBooks are configured correctly:

  1. Open QuickBooks and go to the “Help” menu.
  2. Select “Internet Connection Setup.”
  3. Choose “Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet.”
  4. Click on “Next” and then “Advanced Connection Settings.”
  5. Under the “Advanced” tab, ensure that SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 are checked. Click “OK” and then “Done.”

Step 6: Restart QuickBooks in Safe Mode

Restarting QuickBooks in safe mode can help bypass certain restrictions:

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Right-click on the QuickBooks icon on your desktop.
  3. Select “Run as Administrator.”
  4. Try updating QuickBooks again.

Step 7: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, performing a clean install of QuickBooks can help:

  1. Uninstall QuickBooks using the Control Panel.
  2. Download the latest version of QuickBooks from the official Intuit website.
  3. Install QuickBooks and try updating again.

Step 8: Update Windows

Ensure that your Windows operating system is up-to-date:

  1. Go to “Settings” and select “Update & Security.”
  2. Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
  3. Restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

Preventing QuickBooks Error 12029

Prevention is key to avoiding future occurrences of Error 12029:

  1. Regular Updates: Ensure QuickBooks and Internet Explorer are regularly updated to the latest versions.
  2. Stable Internet: Maintain a stable and high-speed internet connection, especially during updates.
  3. Proper Configuration: Regularly check and configure your firewall, internet security, and SSL settings.
  4. System Maintenance: Keep your operating system updated and perform routine maintenance.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 12029 can be a significant obstacle, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can be effectively resolved. Ensuring a stable internet connection, proper configuration of firewall and browser settings, and maintaining up-to-date software are critical in preventing this error. If the problem persists, QuickBooks support is always available to assist with more complex issues. By following these steps, you can ensure smooth updates and uninterrupted use of QuickBooks for your business needs.

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