How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12029?

What is Error Code 12029 in QuickBooks?

QuickBooks Error 12029 is a 12000 series error code also known as a network time-out error. It indicates “backend servers failed to revert to QB within the allotted time duration”. The actual reasons behind the error are firewall and internet security preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server. Verify the Security Settings and authenticate the Internet Connectivity to fix the error.

Error: QuickBooks Error Code 12029

Error message: [Error 12029]. QuickBooks is failed to receive the IP address or servers

QuickBooks error 12029 happens when you update the software. During the update process, you’re more likely to encounter the error as a result of problems with the browser and the security settings. Further, third party applications such as antivirus and firewall can also block the connection and cause this update error in your accounting software. 

Incorrect internet explorer settings often lead to the QuickBooks error 12029, but most importantly, it’s the firewall in windows that blocks the connection. The firewall automatically stops malicious connections that can harm your system. Even though the connection, in this case, is safe, it is blocked because of unknown reasons. So creating new rules for the firewall can help you to get through this error.

In this post, you’ll learn how to fix QuickBooks error 12029.

Error Code:	Error Code 12029
Error Description:	[Error 12029]. QuickBooks is failed to receive the IP address or servers.
Developer:	Intuit Inc.
Software:	QuickBooks
Applies to:	Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
Cause:	Internet Connectivity issues with QuickBooks., SSL settings are incorrect.
Symptoms:	Windows operating system got frozen, and QuickBook Desktop won’t respond or work.
Solution:	Check the Internet connection., Installing or Updating QuickBooks Security certificate

Causes Behind The QuickBooks Error 12029

This error occurs when QuickBooks, or one of its payroll services, is updated.

Few internal Reasons:

• Internet Connectivity issues with QuickBooks.
• Timeout for QuickBooks updates.
• QuickBooks has connection troubles.
• QuickBooks is unable to connect to the server.

Few External Reasons:

• QuickBooks is unable to connect to the server due to Internet Security or a firewall.
• During the QuickBooks Payroll Download request, the network timed out.
• SSL settings are incorrect.
• Internet packets were dropped by unsupported browsers.

What are the symptoms you get from QuickBooks Error 12029?

1. The QuickBooks error code 12029 pops up on the payroll update window.
2. QuickBooks might quit unexpectedly while downloading or installing the payroll updates.
3. You might not be able to access the payroll update section in QuickBooks.
4. Your Windows Operating System starts responding slow to your inputs.

Causes: 

There are many rephrased terminology of this error to avoid confusion about what this QuickBooks 12000 error relates to. So, just take a look at synonyms of Payroll Error 12029.

1. QuickBooks Desktop update Error 12029
2. QuickBooks Service messages Error 12029
3. Payroll Error 12029 QuickBooks
4. QuickBooks Payroll update error 12029

Backing up Company Files before resolving the QuickBooks Error Code 12029

While performing certain fixes for the 12029 error code in QuickBooks, you may lose some data of your files. For this reason, you are recommended to take a backup of the Important QB company files. On Quickbooks Desktop, it can be prepared by moving to the File Menu. Here, the Backup Company option needs to be chosen. Then you can select Create Local Backup. 

1. Start QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Tap on File.
3. Navigate to the Backup Company option.
4. Choose the Create Local Backup option.
5. Read and execute the instructions that you can see on the screen.

Soon, the backup of your QuickBooks Company Files will be created. At the time of fixing the QB error 12029, even if you lose the data of your files, this backup will be used.

Ways of Fixing Quickbooks Error 12029

There are some certain fixes to resolve QuickBooks error code 12029, follow the given below are a few solutions to this error:

Method 1: Check the Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is compulsory for an uninterrupted update process. Here are the instructions that will guide you to ensure internet connection misconfiguration is not causing the QuickBooks Error 12029. Check out the below-listed steps to proceed further:

To do this, follow the given steps:

• Select ‘Help’ and then ‘Internet Connection Setup’.
• Then, select ‘Use my computer’s internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the internet.
• Next, select ‘Next’, followed by ‘Done’.
• Now, try to update QuickBooks again.
• For QuickBooks 2008 and later, select ‘Help’, ‘Update QuickBooks’ and then select the ‘Update Now’ tab.
• For QuickBooks 2006 and earlier, select ‘File’, ‘Update QuickBooks’ and then select the ‘Update Now’ tab.

Select the Update Now tab. Then, choose the ‘Reset Update’ checkbox and select the ‘Get updates’ button. If QuickBooks still can’t be updated.

Do the following:

• Check the Internet connection.
• Configure the security software and firewall settings by checking the configuration applications for security software and firewall.
• If the previous steps didn’t work, start Windows in ‘Safe Mode and try the download again.

Method 2: Restore Advanced Settings

The Users won’t be able to download and install the payroll updates if the Internet Connection is set up in such a way. Follow the instructions below and update the internet connection settings so that QuickBooks won’t come across QuickBooks Error 12029 while downloding the updates. Let’s get started:

The steps involved in this process are as follows:

• First, close QuickBooks. Now, users must open Internet Explorer and select ‘Tools’.  Now, select ‘Internet Options’ and then the ‘Security’ tab. Now, select the globe icon at the top and ensure that the security settings for this zone is ‘Medium-High’.
• Now, select the ‘Content’ tab and check that the content advisor button is in ‘Enable’ mode. Now, users must click this button and if the button says ‘Disable’, users must type in a password and disable the content advisor.
• Next, users must choose the ‘Connections’ tab. First, users must choose ‘Never Dial a Connection. If the dial-up node (DUN) isn’t visible, users must check if the correct ISP is selected. If the DUN is visible, users must select OK.
• Next, users must select the ‘LAN Settings’ button located at the bottom of the tab and ensure that the ‘Automatically Detect Settings’ checkbox is selected. Next, the ‘Use a Proxy Server’ box should be unchecked.Note down the complete address and port if the ‘Use a Proxy Server’ box is checked. If the port is not 80, ‘Use a Proxy Server’ shouldn’t be unchecked.
• Next, select Ok in the ‘LAN Settings’ screen.
• Now, users must select the ‘Advanced’ tab. First, they must select the ‘Restore Advanced Settings’ button. Next, under ‘Settings’, users must check the ‘Use TLS 1.0’, ‘Use TLS 1.1’, and ‘Use TLS 1.2’ options and check if the ‘Use TLS 1.0’ option is selected. Users must also ensure that the other two options aren’t selected.
• When this is done, users must OK to close the ‘Internet Options’ window and then exit Internet Explorer and restart the computer.
• Now, users must open QuickBooks and try updating it again.

Method 3: Installing or Updating QuickBooks Security certificate

A security certificate of the software verifies that the application is accurate and it can only download the updates from the update server if it has valid authorization. With the help of the below-given steps, the user can install or update the QuickBooks security certificate to eliminate QuickBooks Error 12029. Here’s how:

To do this consider the points listed below:

• To start with right-click on the QuickBooks icon and then select the Properties icon 
• Next, go to the shortcut tab then click on the open file location and hit “Ok”
• Now, make right-click on the QuickBooks.exe file and then select the Properties tab 
• From the list, select the QuickBooks option and then click “Details” which appears under the “Digital Signatures” tab 
• Once done then click on the option “View Certificate” 
• After that, move to the General tab and select the “Install Certificate” option 
• Make sure that you set the current user as the store location within the “Certificate Import Wizard” window followed by clicking on the Next tab 
• Hit the Next button once again and then click on the Finish button respectively 
• To finish this procedure, click Ok and then you’re good to move further.

Method 4: Authenticate Internet Connectivity

Connectivity to the internet is required for using QuickBooks. However, when this connectivity is unavailable, It gets troublesome to use the internet in a proper way. Moreover, a faulty or slow internet connection may also limit you from using it. As a result, you won’t able to access the QuickBooks software. In such a situation, finding the QuickBooks Error 12029 should not be surprising or unexpected. To avoid this scenario, internet connectivity should be checked before starting the process. Go through the steps given below:

Below we have listed some steps to authenticate internet connectivity:

• First, open Internet Explorer and access any safe website such as www.google.com
• Once you’re able to access it without any difficulty and then you’re suggested to perform the below steps:
• Verify the Internet Connection for any misconfigurations 
• After that, confirm that the date and time of the system should be correct 
• Next, open the Internet Explorer and then at the top screen, click Tools 
• Once done then select the Internet options 
• Now, go to the Advanced tab and then click on the “Reset/Restore defaults”  
• Hit “Apply” followed by the Ok button 
• In the end, run the update for QuickBooks Desktop and payroll then check the status of QuickBooks Error Code 12029.

Method 4: Open the Windows in a safe mode and then attempt to update

It is found that starting Windows in a safe mode can help QuickBooks Users in avoiding the QuickBooks Error 12029. Below are the steps you need to perform:

It’s worth noting that starting Windows in safe mode can assist QuickBooks users in resolving error 12029.

The following are the steps involved in this procedure:

• Initially, press the Windows + I keys together from your console 
• Go to the Update and Security and then hit the same 
• Click the “Recovery” tab and then go to the “Advanced Startup” tab 
• Carry out on-screen instructions and choose an option to restart your system 
• You will observe an option called open the system in safe mode with networking while restarting your PC.
• To complete the process, verify whether the error is resolved or not.

Method 6: Re-configure QuickBooks Payroll and then restart your updates

You can reconfigure the QuickBooks payroll and reboot all the updates to rectify the QuickBooks error 12029 if none of the above methods worked. Let’s have a look at the below pointers:

If none of the above ways worked out, you can modify QuickBooks payroll and restart the updates.

The following are the steps involved:

• Wait around 10 seconds after unplugging the wireless router or internet switch
• Turn on the wireless router or internet switch after that, and check the internet latency presently
• After that, open QuickBooks, and then the company file
• Then press the Ctrl + K buttons on your keyboard
• After that, select the option to edit
• The open payroll setup should then be unchecked.
• You simply wait till the process completes and then payroll updates continue further. 

Method 7: Configure SSL Settings for Internet Explorer in QuickBooks 

If you are unable to update the QuickBooks Payroll, you can start QuickBooks and navigate to the Help menu then select Internet Connection Settings. And later, make sure that Quickbooks is using the Internet Connection of the system. Also, tap on Next, and after this choose the Advanced Connection Settings option. Doing so will minimize the chances of occurring the QuickBooks Error 12029. Let’s see how:

If you’re having trouble updating payroll, open QuickBooks and go to the help menu, then click the internet connection options. Then, make sure QuickBooks is using the system’s internet connection. Also, select next, followed by advanced connection settings.

You must first check the internet properties, then select the advanced tab:

• In the beginning, verify use SSL 2.0 and use SSL 3.0 
• Next, select the Connect tab followed by the Ok button 
• Close QuickBooks Software and then restart your software 
• In the end, go to the Help menu and then the “Update Now” tab 

Configure the SSL settings Internet Explorer outside the QuickBooks 

• Open the Microsoft Internet Explorer Browser 
• Go to the Tools and then select the Internet options 
• After that, go to the Advanced tab
• Select the checkboxes named SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 that are found within the Security
• At last, click Apply >>> Ok to close the currently open window. 

Method 8: Clean Install of QuickBooks

Carrying out a clean install of QuickBooks in a selective startup mode will assist you to disable QuickBooks Error 12029. For doing this, implement the steps described below:

Steps to Clean Install of QuickBooks:

• Reset QuickBooks updates and then try to download and install the QuickBooks Update
• After that, restart your system and confirm that the company file is open in single-user mode
• Once done then reset the Internet Explorer 
• In a selective startup mode, perform a clean install of QuickBooks

The Steps involved in the QB Clean Install process:

• First, you have to download the QuickBooks Tools Hub from Intuit official website 
• Go to the file location where you saved the download file and then install the program by performing the instructions appears on your screen 
• To complete the installation process, click “I Accept” and then from the desktop, open the QB Tools Hub 
• After selecting the installation issue, you have to click “Clean Install Tool”
• Choose the version of QB which was installed previously and click Continue 
• After some time, a message appear stating that “Please Install your copy of QuickBooks to the default location” and then click “Ok” 

In case, you’re unable to access QB during the renaming of the folders, follow the below steps:

• Start the Windows Taskbar and then go to the Task Manager 
• Go to the Processes tab and then click the “Image name” column header 
• Select exe, QBDBMgern.exe, qbw32.exe, QBCFmonitorservice.exe, and then click on END
• Finally, click on Yes when you will see any warning message on your screen. 

Method 9: Exclude QuickBooks from Firewall Settings

At times, the Windows Firewall prevents the user from downloading the updates as it identifies the update files as a threat to the system’s integrity. In certain instances, the security software blocks the software from connneting to the server. This is why it becomes necessary to check and fix settings so that they can troubleshoot QuickBooks Payroll Error 12029. The steps are included as follows:

• Firstly, you need to tap on the Start button and type Windows Firewall in the Search Programs and files check box.
• Now, select Windows Firewall from the list of programs.
• Under the Advanced Settings section, hit a right-click on the Inbound Rules and choose the New Rule option.
• Press Next in the programs and then select This Program Path.
• Navigate to the QuickBooks File Location and then tap on Next.
• Choose to Allow the connection and click Next once again.
• Make sure you have check-marked all the checkboxes and press Next.
• Then, you need to mention the name for the rule and hit the option Finish.
• To set the outbound rules, you are required to repeat the same procedure of setting the Inbound Rules.
• Ensure that you have selected Outbound instead of Inbound this time.

Method 10: Verify System Time and Date

If the foregoing solutions didn’t work out, you are required to adjust the date and time on your PC. This might chuck off QuickBooks Error 12029. Perform the steps inclined below:
On your computer, hit a right-click on the time in the extreme bottom-right corner of the taskbar.

• Click on Adjust Date/Time.
• Inspect if the Time zone is correct. If not, then tap on Change Time Zone.
• You need to set the exact time or date and enter the key.
• Finally, reopen QuickBooks and check for the status of QuickBooks Error code 12029.

Conclusion

As an update error, QuickBooks error 12029 prevents you from getting the latest updates for your accounting software. But it also prevents you from working with the latest data and tax tables. So you need to create firewall rules and work on the other configurations so that the error can be resolved and you can get back to work.

FAQ