What is QuickBooks Error 15106?
QuickBooks Error 15106 is an issue that users encounter when updating QuickBooks to the latest version. It typically presents itself with the message: “Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened” or “QuickBooks Error 15106: The update program is damaged.” This error suggests that something is stopping the software from updating correctly.
Key Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15106
- Update Failure: The primary indication of this error is QuickBooks’ inability to complete an update.
- Error Messages: Displaying error messages that specifically mention issues with the update program.
- System Performance: Sluggish system performance when attempting to launch QuickBooks updates.
Causes of QuickBooks Error 15106
Understanding the causes behind QB Error 15106 is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are some common triggers:
- User Permissions: If the QuickBooks user does not have administrator privileges on the Windows machine, the software may be unable to access certain files needed for the update.
- Antivirus Software: Sometimes, antivirus programs mistakenly identify QuickBooks update files as potential threats and block them, leading to Error 15106.
- Corrupted Update Files: Partial or incomplete downloads or corrupted update files can also result in this error.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106
Step 1: Log in as an Administrator
Ensure that you are logged into your computer as an Administrator. This gives you the necessary permissions to make changes to QuickBooks installations and updates.
- Right-click the QuickBooks icon on your desktop.
- Select ‘Run as administrator.’
If the error persists, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily
Your antivirus software could be blocking QuickBooks from accessing or downloading the necessary update files.
- Temporarily turn off your antivirus program.
- Try to update QuickBooks again.
- If the update is complete successfully, remember to enable your antivirus program again.
Step 3: Rename the Update Folder
Renaming the QuickBooks update folder can force the application to reset its update parameters and create a fresh download folder.
- Navigate to the folder path C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks(year)\Components.
- Right-click the folder named DownloadQBxx, where ‘xx’ is your version of QuickBooks.
- Rename it to DownloadQBxx.old.
- Re-run the update.
Step 4: Clean Install QuickBooks
If the above steps fail, performing a clean installation of QuickBooks might be necessary. This process involves uninstalling the current QuickBooks application, renaming installation folders, and then reinstalling QuickBooks.
- Uninstall QuickBooks from ‘Programs and Features’ in the Control Panel.
- Rename all the installation folders located in the paths like C:\Program Files\Intuit and C:\ProgramData\Intuit.
- Reinstall QuickBooks and attempt to update once again.
Step 5: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
Intuit provides a QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool that can automatically detect and fix issues with Microsoft components QuickBooks uses, which may resolve error 15106.
- Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub and install it.
- Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
- Restart your computer and attempt the update again.
Conclusion
While annoying, QuickBooks Error 15106 is generally resolvable with the right steps. By following this guide, you can overcome the hurdles it presents and return to managing your business’s finances effectively. Regularly updating your QuickBooks installation and maintaining your system can help minimize the occurrence of such errors in the future.