Users occasionally encounter the QuickBooks error 15212 when updating the application or installing its payroll. That causes the app to not fully install on your device. Hence, users who encounter this error see an error message on their computer that refers to the incomplete installation. Although this issue by itself does little harm, it may result in other error codes like 12507, 6147, etc. So, you must address the 15212 error code as soon as possible.

Read Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 1603?

Causes of QuickBooks Error Code 15212

The cause of this error 15212 can be attributed to a number of factors. An incomplete installation or upgrade of the accounting software is the most significant of them, though. 

The following are potential additional causes of the QuickBooks error code 15212: 

• It's possible that the error happened because you downloaded the installation updates on a disc that is no longer accessible. 
• It's possible that you assigned the updates or shared location to an unavailable drive. 
• The shared download feature is off. In spite of this, various devices are being used to access the files. 
• The data cannot be stored on your hard drive since there is not enough space.

Methods To Resolve QuickBooks Error 15212

You can ensure that the update error 15212 is avoided in the future or fixed if it has already happened in a variety of ways. Manually reinstalling the software for a new start is the easiest solution. Safe Mode also enables you to do this. Instead, Selective Startup can be used to install the application. 

Method 1: Manually update the software 

Update your accounting software to the most recent version before attempting to fix error 15212. Ensure that you obtain the most recent updates. But you have to update QuickBooks manually. This procedure might require some time. Later, though, it may successfully remove the issue. 

Note: Ensure that the system has downloaded the most recent updates. 

Method 2: Update in Safe Mode

If you maintain your accounting software updated, you can fix error 15212. You can utilize Safe Mode if the standard way of updating it fails for some reason. Hence, while you upgrade it, no progress should be lost. 

• On your computer, click the "Windows" icon. 
• After that, you should press the "Shift" key. 
• Press the "Power" button. 
• Choose "Restart." 
• Choose "Troubleshoot" when you are led to the next window. 
• Click "Advanced" now. 
• Choose "Startup Settings" from the menu. 
• Await the device to shut off and restart. 
• Make sure "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" is selected. 
• You can sign in if necessary. 
• Tap "Power" to do so. 
• After that, click the "QuickBooks" icon. 
• Choose "Run as Administrator" after that. 
• "No Company Open" will now appear. 
• Click "Help." 
• It is necessary to select the software update option.
• Choose "Options." 
• Make sure you select "Mark All." 
• Hit the "Save" button. 
• Click "Update Now." 
• Choose "Reset Update" here. 
• The next step is to choose "Receive Updates." 
• Then select "Close QuickBooks." 
• Your Windows computer can now be restarted. You can resolve error code 15212 with this. 

Method 3: Set the system up in selective startup mode. 

An incomplete installation of the accounting software could be the major cause of the QuickBooks error code 15212. But, if you choose to install the application in selective startup mode, the issue code may disappear quickly. Therefore, be sure to backup your company's data files first. 

• Then, launch the accounting software on the computer. 
• Go to "Quickbooks License and Product." 
• By simultaneously pressing "Windows" and "R," you can launch "Run." 
• Put "MSConfig" in the text field. 
• Then, click "Ok." 
• Activate the "General" tab. 
• Choose the option "Selective Startup and Load System Services". 
• Turn off "Hide All Microsoft Services." 
• Choose "Disable All" from the menu. 
• After that, uncheck "Hide All Microsoft Services." 
• If "Windows Installer" is not already selected, review it and click "Ok." 
• Restart your computer to start over. 
• On the computer, remove the accounting program. 

Advice: The "Clean Install" tool is recommended for doing the removal. 

• Reinstall the accounting software on the computer. 
• Once more, press "Windows+R." 
• Enter "MSConfig" when the "Run" prompt reappears. 
• Choose "Ok" from the menu. 
• Go to the "General" tab. 
• Choose "Normal Startup" from the menu here.
• Click "Ok". 
• Attempt a computer restart to determine if the 15212 issue has been resolved.

Method 4: Transform the company data files 

If you can move your company file to a network drive, it will be possible to fix the issue 15212 that sometimes appears in QuickBooks Payroll. You can accomplish this using the Windows system's Map Network Drive option. 

Follow the instructions listed below to resolve error code 15212 in the QuickBooks Payroll update: 

• Start by hitting "Restart" on your computer. 
• On your home screen, look for the "This PC" icon. 
• To open the section, click the icon twice. 
• Choose "Map Network Drive" from the menu. 
• Activate the "Browse" button. 
• Search for the specific data file that you wish to map. 
• If the error 15212 still appears after the troubleshooting is complete, verify. 

Method 5: Modify the name of the installation folder 

• Start by removing the accounting program from your Windows computer. 
• Choose "Start" from the menu. 
• In the Windows search box, type "File Explorer." 
• On your desktop, launch "File Explorer." 
• To open "File Explorer" on your computer, you can also simultaneously hit the "Windows" key and the "E" key. 
• Search for the folder where you keep the company files. 
• Try looking in the places listed below to see if you can find the folder:
• C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks”
• “C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks”
• “C:\Users\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks”
• Click directly on the folder once you've found it. 
• Choose "Rename" from the menu. 
• The folder name should now include the phrase ".OLD." 
• Once you've finished, ensure to reinstall the accounting program.

We hope that the aforementioned methods have helped you to resolve the QuickBooks error 15212. However, if you still face any issue, you can contact our experts at +1800-615-2347.