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4 Simple Steps to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Ps038

Submitted by jhonhenry on Thu, 03/23/2023 - 13:33

QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software used by businesses around the world. It is an excellent tool for managing finances, creating invoices, tracking expenses, and much more. However, like any software, it is not immune to errors. One such error is QuickBooks Error PS038.

QuickBooks Error PS038 is a payroll-related error that can occur when you are trying to download or install the latest payroll updates. It can be frustrating, especially if you are in the middle of running payroll for your employees. However, it is not a critical error and can be fixed easily.

Here are some of the reasons why QuickBooks Error PS038 may occur:

Corrupt or damaged QuickBooks company file.
Outdated QuickBooks software or payroll tax table.
Incorrectly entered EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Damaged Windows registry.
QuickBooks installation files are missing or corrupted.

Here are some of the steps you can take to fix QuickBooks Error PS038:

Step 1: Verify your EIN and payroll subscription

The first step is to verify that you have entered the correct EIN and have an active payroll subscription. To do this, you need to:
Open QuickBooks and go to the Employees menu.
Click on My Payroll Service and then Account/Billing Information.
Enter your login credentials and click on Sign In.
Check your EIN and payroll subscription status.
If everything looks good, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check for updates

QuickBooks releases regular updates to fix known bugs and improve the performance of the software. Make sure you have the latest updates installed on your computer. To check for updates:

Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
Click on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Select the Latest Updates tab and click on Get Updates.
Wait for the updates to download and install.

Step 3: Rename Paysub.ini and PSID.DAT files

Renaming the Paysub.ini and PSID.DAT files can help fix QuickBooks Error PS038. Here's how to do it:
Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer.
Navigate to the folder where QuickBooks is installed.
Look for the Paysub.ini and PSID.DAT files and rename them to .OLD.
Close QuickBooks and restart your computer.
Open QuickBooks and try to download the latest payroll updates.

Step 4: Repair QuickBooks installation

If the above steps do not fix QuickBooks Error PS038, you may need to repair the QuickBooks installation. Here's how to do it:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter.
Look for QuickBooks in the list of installed programs and select it.
Click on the Uninstall/Change button.
Select Repair and click on Next.
Wait for the repair process to complete and then restart your computer.
Open QuickBooks and try to download the latest payroll updates.

In conclusion,
QuickBooks Error PS038 can be a frustrating issue, but it is not a critical error. By following the steps outlined above, you can fix the error and get back to running your payroll smoothly. If you are still unable to fix the error, it is recommended that you contact QuickBooks support for further assistance.