No doubt, updating QuickBooks in a timely manner is crucial to get the latest security patches and features. However, while attempting to install the updates, you may get into QuickBooks error 12038. 

It can be due to multiple reasons, such as misconfigured firewall settings, poor or unstable internet connection, and incorrect date and time settings. Moreover, you can encounter this if there are multiple instances of the QB versions present on your computer. 

Consequently, you won’t be able to access some of the QB features as they are not available in its older versions. To ensure your QB performance, take a deep dive into the blog post and discover new insights by reading it.

Key Factors Leading to the QuickBooks Error 12038

A variety of reasons can be responsible for why you get stuck with QuickBooks error 12038. Let’s look at them carefully.

• It can be due to incorrect date and time settings.
• Such an issue occurs due to a busy server.
• In case there are multiple instances of QBDT versions on the computer.
• It can be due to an unstable or poor internet connection.
• QB is unable to connect to the internet due to Windows firewall settings.

Note:- Learn how to update your QuickBooks license number safely to restore activation, subscription validation, and uninterrupted accounting access.

Effective Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Error 12038

Take the following into consideration and get QB error 12038 fixed. See how to implement the steps:

Solution 1: Update QBDT to the latest release

• Open the application and go to the Help menu.
• Choose Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click on the Update Now option.
• Tick the Reset Update checkbox.
• Choose Get Updates.
• Close the program and restart your computer.

Read:-  Resolve QuickBooks unsupported browser error by adjusting browser settings, enabling compatibility, and ensuring secure access to online services.

Solution 2: Configure the internet connection settings

• For this, you need to open the QB program.
• Click on the Internet Connection Setup that is present in the Help menu.
• After this, you need to choose Use my computer’s internet connection settings to establish a connection.
• Click Next and move to the Advanced Connection settings.
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Choose Restore Advanced settings.
• Click Apply and then choose OK.
• Later, choose Done and close the application.
• Try to install QBDT updates.

Solution 3: Import the digital signature certificate into QB

• Close the QB Desktop.
• Press Win+E to open the File Explorer.
• Choose This PC, and then click on C:Drive.
• Move the Program Files folder.
• Search for Intuit and then click on the QuickBooks folder.
• Right-click on the .exe file.
• Move to the Properties.
• Choose Digital Signature.
• Look at the signature list.
• Make sure that the Intuit option is chosen.
• Click on Details.
• Head over to the View Certificate option.
• Choose Install Certificate.
• Click Next and then choose Finish.

Also read:- Understand causes of QuickBooks errors 80004005 and 80004003 affecting company files, permissions, and system configuration during operations.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the reasons why you get into a strange issue like QuickBooks error 12038. In essence, it mainly occurs due to unstable internet connection, wrong Windows firewall settings, and multiple instances of QB. 

In order to help you fix it, we have also suggested some technical ways. If you still can’t tackle this problem, give a call to +1(855)-510-6487 and let experts handle your issues.