Are you looking for a way out to fix QuickBooks error 12038 while using QuickBooks software for managing your finance functions?
QuickBooks error 12038 falls in the category of 12xxx series of error.
This error occurs due to many reasons such as incorrect time and date settings, blocking of QuickBooks connection by third-party software as well as using the same versions of QuickBooks software on same system.
When this error occurred, a message like this will be displayed on your screen.
This blog will help you in providing detailed information related to QuickBooks desktop error 12038.
Some of the symptoms of QuickBooks error 12038 so that you can identify are:
You have to follow the points below to prevent QuickBooks error 12038 :
Several reasons for which the QuickBooks desktop error 12038 occurs in first place :
Updating the QuickBooks desktop will help in eliminating files and fix the error.
Follow the below steps :

Using different versions of QuickBooks makes update services confused leading to this error.
Follow the below methods to update all versions while avoiding conflicts related to update process.

Firewall or antivirus settings hampers QuickBooks updates process leading to error 12038.
Some of the methods to update these settings :
Wrong time and date settings blocks server communication leading to error.
Follow the below steps to change the time and date settings to fix the issue :

Implement below steps to finish tasks and reboot QuickBooks :
· Choose ‘Task manager’ option from the system screen.
· Tap on the ‘Processes’ tab to monitor active processes.
· Search all processes related to QuickBooks.
· Choose each QuickBooks processes and End task.
· Go to the Services tab mentioned in the Task manager.
· Find services related to QuickBooks.
· Close all these QuickBooks related services by tapping End Task.
· Shut down all Task manager after completing all tasks.
· Open your QuickBooks software.
Wrong configuration of internet settings prevent QuickBooks functions to run properly during updating process causing error 12038.
Go through the below steps to correct the connection settings and fix the issue :
· Start your QuickBooks desktop on your system.
· Go to Help section to choose Internet connection setup.
· Select My computer’s internet connection settings to build the connection.
· Tap Next -> choose Advanced connection settings.
· Move to Advanced tab.
· Tap on Restore advanced settings.
· Choose done to exit the setup window.
· Shut down QuickBooks properly by closing all currently running background processes.
· Open your QuickBooks again.
· Then, install the updates again to check for the error.
Firewall settings hinders QuickBooks .exe files which are required for updates leading to QuickBooks error 12038.
Follow the below steps to generate firewall rules while allowing QuickBooks connections :
· Search firewall from the search box.
· Choose Windows defender firewall.
· Now open Advanced settings.
· Tap on Inbound rules mentioned in the left panel.
· Choose New rule mentioned in the right panel.
· Select Program as rule type.
· Tap Next.
· Click on Browse.
Choose below QuickBooks .exe files:
· Select Allow the connection.
· Tap Next.
· Repeat the above steps for Outbound rules to finish the setup process.
Implement below point to prevent QuickBooks error 12038 :
· Do not install different versions of QuickBooks software on same system.
· Make sure to add exceptions for QuickBooks files in antivirus software.
· Watching background running functions to get rid of update conflicts.
· Before trying to execute major functions or updates, restart your system.
We hope that above solutions have worked and QuickBooks error 12038 has been resolved. In case the error still persists then you need technical guidance.
You can connect to ProAdvisor support technical experts to solve the error permanently and resolve your queries.
You can contact them via email id [email] or dialing on their toll-free number [number] or from chat support.
To resolve this QuickBooks error 12038 issue, you have to correct your time and date settings on your system; have an active and stable internet connection; using recent versions of QuickBooks product updates. You can use QuickBooks tool hub to implement the ‘Quick Fix My Program’ tool while ensuring you have administrative privileges.
2. What are the causes of Error 12038 in QuickBooks Desktop?
Common causes for the existence of QuickBooks error 12038 are wrong time and date settings, incorrect configuration of internet settings such as SSL or proxy settings; blocking of QuickBooks functions either by firewall or antivirus softwares.
3. What is the meaning of QuickBooks error message 12038?
QuickBooks error 12038 symbolizes a failure of connection to Intuit servers which avoids software and payroll updates from downloading or installing process. It occurs due to wrong date and time settings on operating system, inactive internet connection settings etc.
4. Can I use the QuickBooks Repair Tool to fix Error 12038?
No, you cannot use the QuickBooks Repair tool to resolve this QuickBooks error 12038, because it’s not the direct solution as its an internet connection error. Rather you can use QuickBooks Install diagnostic tool from QuickBooks tool hub for resolving QuickBooks installation then solving the error 12038 by correcting the internet settings, correction of time and date settings on your system etc.
5. Are there any specific network settings to fix Error 12038 in QuickBooks?
Yes, for fixing QuickBooks error 12038, some of the network settings are :
· Enabling TLS 1.2 in internet while disabling old SSL/TLS versions settings.
· Make sure time and date settings on system are correct.
· Make sure firewall / antivirus settings do not block QuickBooks functions and files i.e., QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe etc.