Do you often find QuickBooks error 30159 while updating your QuickBooks payroll subscription? If yes, don’t worry! Numerous daily QuickBooks users encounter this problem due to one or the other reasons. However, this issue arises mainly when Intuit’s server fails to verify the user’s login for some reason. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting strategies that may help you fix this payroll update issue. 

In this post, we will provide you with the relevant methods to troubleshoot this problem, along with the possible reasons behind it.

Do QuickBooks errors like code 30159 disturb your payroll processing? It’s better not to overlook this issue and immediately contact our QuickBooks support team for further help. Call us at +1-844-248-9739. 

What’s the QuickBooks Error 30159 Message?

Every time when a user tries to update their QuickBooks payroll subscription, which may be due to expired or inactive payroll subscription, a user faces QuickBooks error 30159. Along with this, a message pops up reading, “Can’t Verify Payroll Subscription Error 30159.” Additionally, users notice an error description stating, “Error 30159: QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

Are you receiving such error messages as well? If yes, let’s understand why it’s happening. Continue reading the next section. 

Why Do Users Face Error Code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop?

Mostly, users encounter an error code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop when their QuickBooks payroll subscription expires. But, if it’s not the issue, maybe the following factors are triggering this error in your case. Have a look:

1. Ensure the correct Employer Identification Number (EIN) in your QuickBooks company file. It’s because the incorrect EIN can bring payroll update issues.
2. Even the incorrect service key of your QuickBooks payroll application can be a reason for the error 30159.
3. Data damage of your QuickBooks company files can also lead to payroll update errors.
4. If the PSID is incorrect in your company file, it could also bring an error code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop.
5. Incompatibility between your QuickBooks payroll version and the Windows Operating System is another major reason for payroll update errors.
6. If you have more than one active payroll agreement with an inactive direct deposit agreement, it may surely invite payroll update issues.
7. Another reason why you’re not able to update your payroll subscription is that your current QuickBooks product is outdated.

When a User Can Learn About QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159?

If you’re noticing the following signs or technical issues in your system, it means the QuickBooks payroll error 30159 has attacked your system:

1. Continuous display of the error message 30159 on the user’s screen.
2. Slow system performance with repeated crashing or hanging.
3. Crashing of activated Windows programs, including QuickBooks.
4. Poor Windows running with no response from mouse clicks and keyboard tabs.
5. Unexpected shutdown of your computer system.

Read Also:- How to Fix Error 1402: Could not open key

Expert Methods to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 30159

This section has covered the 7 easiest and effective methods to help you troubleshoot the QuickBooks payroll error code 30159. Take a look, carefully implement the methods, and let the error permanently get resolved.

Strategy 1- Try Reinstalling QuickBooks Application in Selective Startup Mode

Users may fail to update their QuickBooks payroll service if multiple Windows applications or related processes are running on the system. That’s why we suggest you reinstall the QuickBooks application and perform the updates in Selective Startup mode. Here, no other background processes will interfere with QuickBooks updates. For this:

1. Firstly, you must create a backup of your QuickBooks company data file.
2. Make sure to note down your correct QuickBooks desktop product number and license info. 
3. Now, you must open the command Run box by pressing the Windows+R buttons on your keyboard. 
4. In the Run dialogue box, type MSConfig, and immediately press the Enter key.
5. Following this, you need to move to the General tab, and from here, you must choose the Selective Startup and Load System Services options.
6. Right after this, you must navigate to the Services tab and choose the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
7. Done till here? Now, click the Disable All option, and remove the tick-mark from the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
8. In the next step, you need to ensure the selected Windows Installer checkbox from the list of all the services.
9. Now, hit the OK option and continue choosing the Restart button from the system configuration window.
10. Here, you must continue to perform the clean installation of your QuickBooks Desktop.
11. After this, open the Run box again by pressing the Windows + R buttons. Again, type MSConfig in the Run box and click the OK button.
12. Once you are done with this, now choose the Normal Startup option from the General tab.
13. Finally, click the OK button, and on the System Configuration Window, you need to click the Restart option.

Strategy 2 – Run QuickBooks Error 30159 Repair Tool

QuickBooks has multiple free tools and utilities that help users fix common issues. One of them is the repair tool. So, to run the QuickBooks error 30159 repair tool, you must follow the steps below and continue fixing the problem:

1. Initially, you must close all the running applications and processes on your computer, and.
2. Now, download and install the QuickBooks repair tool to fix the payroll update errors on your computer.
3. In the next step, click the Scan option and let the tool start scanning the damages or issues causing the payroll update error 30159.
4. Continue this and hit the Fix QB errors tab. Now, wait till the tool fixes all the issues.
5. Finally, once it’s done, you must restart your computer system.

Strategy 3 – Add EIN to the Company File

One of the most essential components of your QuickBooks company file is the EIN (Employee Identification Number). If it’s incorrect or missing, it will impact your QuickBooks update processes. Thus, it can also be the reason for facing QuickBooks payroll error code 30159 while trying to get the latest Desktop update . Let’s fix this by simply adding EIN to the company file.

1. To do this, you must first log in to your QuickBooks application as an administrator.
2. When you open your QuickBooks application, you will see the Employee tab. Click this tab, and then choose the Payroll option from the drop-down menu.
3. Here, click the Use My Existing Payroll Service and go to the Identify Subscription tab.
4. From the Identify Subscription tab, you must choose your Subscription Number xxxxxxxx. (it’s according to your payroll subscription version)
5. Right after this, you need to choose Other: I have an existing subscription and a Zip Code, so continue feeding this into your information.
6. In the next step, you must click the Open option and then hit the Next tab.
7. By this, you will get the Add Company information window on your screen. In this window, click the Next button and add the Company EIN.
8. Done with this? Now, you can select either the Print option or return to QuickBooks Desktop.
9. Right after this, you must continue verifying your QuickBooks service key. For this, you must follow the path as Employees tab > My Payroll Service > Manage Service keys.
10. Following this, click the new service key button to ensure the active status.
11. Once you follow the above steps, now take note of the EIN service key that you need to add.
12. Now click the Employee tab > payroll > enter payroll service key, and carefully enter your payroll service key in the company file.
13. Finally, hit the Next and Finish buttons to end the whole procedure. Now, try updating your QuickBooks payroll. If you still get the QuickBooks payroll error 30159 messages, implement the next method.

Strategy 4 – Restore your Computer System

In this strategy, we will restore the computer system to its latest point. This method may work in troubleshooting payroll errors, as sometimes, due to system issues, it becomes difficult to update QuickBooks services. But after restoring the computer system to its original settings, we can fix or undo the system problems. Let’s see how it gonna happen:

1. Begin this procedure by signing into your Windows system as an administrator and directly moving to the Windows Start button.
2. Here, navigate to the All Programs tab and then hit the Restore alternative. With this, a new window will appear on your screen, from which you must choose the Restore My Computer alternative.
3. Right after this, click the Next button and select the latest system restore point option.
4. Once again, choose the Next option and click the Confirmation Window.
5. Following this, you must restart your computer system. After restarting, you must use the QuickBooks error 30159 repair tool and let it scan the issues of your system.
6. Wait till this tool fixes the respective errors or system issues, and once the repair ends, you will get the Success notification on your screen.
7. Lastly, restart your system again, and then retry updating your QuickBooks payroll service.

Strategy 5 – Run Windows File Checker to Fix System File Corruptions

As we have mentioned earlier, corruptions or damages in your Windows system files can prominently affect your QuickBooks service updates. Often this could lead you to the QuickBooks Desktop error 30159 message while updating payroll. Therefore, we suggest you run the Windows File Checker tool to root out the corruptions of system files.

1. Firstly, you’re required to login to your Windows system as an Administrator and tap the Windows button.
2. Now, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard and open the Run box. In this Run dialogue box, enter cmd, and continue tapping the Enter key.
3. By this, a complete black screen will appear on your QuickBooks Desktop screen. On this screen, you need to enter sfc/scannow.
4. Immediately after this you must press the Enter key. Now, the scanning process will start, which may take a few seconds to successfully complete.
5. Once the scanning is over, you must follow the instructions appearing on your screen to fix the corruption of your system files successfully.

Strategy 6 – Cleanup all the Temporary Files

Excessive temporary files in the system’s hard disc are another reason for facing issues like QuickBooks error 30159 while updating QuickBooks services. That’s why it’s better to first perform a disc cleanup in Windows to wipe off all the excessive temporary files. Do this procedure by carrying out the given procedure:

1. Initially, you must go to the Windows Start button and then enter disc cleanup in the Search bar.
2. Right after this, you will be asked to select the drive that you wish to free up from the temporary files.
3. Now, hit the OK tab, and in the next step, you must choose the Remove All option to wipe off all the unwanted or temporary files.
4. Following this, choose the OK option and continue selecting the cleanup system files in disc cleanup alternative.
5. Further, you must choose the file types, and then the OK button. This will remove all your unwanted or temporary system files.

Strategy 7 – Change the Paysub.ini File Name

Paysub.ini Files basically have all the essential payroll subscription information. But, if unfortunately these files get damaged or corrupted, it can lead to problems while updating payroll service. Also, it may present the QuickBooks Desktop error 30159. So, let’s modify the Paysub.ini File name, and try to troubleshoot this payroll subscription update issue.

1. Initially, you must go to the My Computer option on your system and double-click it.
2. Further, choose the Organize alternative and then hit the Folder option. It will bring the Folder Options window to your screen.
3. Within this window, you must go to the View tab and click the Hidden Files and Folders option.
4. Here, you must tick-mark the Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives boxes. Now, again, go to My Computers and search for Paysub.ini.
5. Once you find the Paysub.ini file, right-click the file and hit the Rename button.
6. So, change the name of the file by replacing the .ini with .old extension.
7. Done? Now, you must follow the same steps for all the Payslub files having issues.

Let’s Wrap Up! Contact Us for More..

So, that’s all! We understand how frustrating and stressful the QuickBooks payroll errors are. Hopefully all these strategies above have helped you figure out the problematic QuickBooks error 30159. In case you find any technical glitch or confusion while troubleshooting the error, it’s better to ask for professional help. Our QuickBooks support team is available for 24*7 to help you via Live chat Support. Ping us for instant assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1 – What brings the QuickBooks payroll error code 30159 to the users?

The following factors can trigger QuickBooks payroll error code 30159 to the users:

• Damaged or missing Paysub.ini files.
• Corrupted Windows System files.
• Incorrect payroll subscription number.

Question 2 – When can a user encounter the error code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop?

Users can often face the error code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop while trying to update the expired payroll subscription. Also, while calculating or processing payroll, users may find the error code 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop.

Question 3 – What message displays with the QuickBooks error 30159?

QuickBooks users may encounter the error message reading, “Can’t Verify Payroll Subscription Error 30159” or “Error 30159: QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience” while trying to update their payroll service.

Question 4 – How can the payroll update error 30159 in QuickBooks Desktop be permanently fixed?

With the following actions, you can permanently and easily troubleshoot the payroll update error code 30159:

1. Use the Windows System File Checker tool.
2. Restore your computer system to the original settings.
3. Manually update the Windows System.
4. Add ENI to the company files.
5. Perform the disc cleanup to remove temporary files.

Question 5 – In what ways can I contact the QuickBooks technical support team?

You can directly contact our QuickBooks support team at +1-844-248-9739 or ping us via Live Chat Support.