Full Guide on QuickBooks Error PS077 – Latest Method

QuickBooks error PS077 is one of the PSXXX series errors that occur when users run QuickBooks payroll and tax table updates. An error message “QuickBooks Error PS077: QuickBooks is having trouble installing your payroll tax table updates” appears on the screen, notifying the occurrence of this error. If this scenario seems familiar to you, follow this troubleshooting guide to know more about the error.

Payroll service is one of the essential features of QB. It effortlessly simplifies multiple payroll activities, including releasing employee wages on time, managing payroll data transparently, calculating taxes accurately, printing and filing W2 and 941 forms, and much more. However, you must update the QB payroll from time to time in order to keep enjoying these features. While doing the same, users may encounter error code PS077 in QuickBooks, causing hindrance in the update process. In order to help you with this, we have provided the primary causes and expert-recommended solutions for the error in this specific blog.

Common Causes For QuickBooks Payroll Error PS077

Understanding the primary triggers of QuickBooks Error PS077 is essential for effective troubleshooting. Identifying the root cause can help in selecting the most suitable solution to resolve the issue. Below is a comprehensive list of reasons that may lead to this error.

1. Inactive or Expired Payroll Subscription – If your subscription has lapsed, payroll updates will not process.
2. Damaged or Missing CPS Folder Components – Essential files might be corrupted, preventing updates.
3. Firewall Restrictions – Incorrect firewall settings may block QuickBooks from accessing the update server.
4. Corrupt QuickBooks Installation – A damaged installation can trigger multiple errors, including PS077.
5. Incorrect Billing Information – Outdated or invalid billing details may hinder subscription verification.
6. Unregistered QuickBooks Software – QuickBooks must be registered to enable payroll updates.
7. Network Configuration Issues – Poor internet settings may interfere with payroll downloads.
8. Damaged or Missing Windows Registry Entries – Corrupt registry settings can cause QuickBooks to malfunction.
9. Insufficient System Storage – Low disk space may prevent QuickBooks from downloading and installing updates.
10. Interference from Third-Party Applications – Other installed programs, such as antivirus software, can block QuickBooks updates.
11. Background QuickBooks Processes Running – Conflicting background processes may prevent the update from proceeding.
12. Corrupted QuickBooks Database File – A damaged or corrupt database can trigger update errors.
13. User Account Permissions – Insufficient Windows user permissions may block QuickBooks from making necessary changes.
14. Incorrect Date & Time Settings – A mismatch in system date and time can prevent secure payroll updates.
15. Malware or Virus Infection – Malicious software affecting QuickBooks files can disrupt the update process.
16. Multiple QuickBooks Versions Installed – Having multiple versions installed on the same system can lead to conflicts and errors. – Poor internet settings may interfere with payroll downloads.

Step-by-Step to Fix QuickBooks Error Code PS077

You must resolve the PS077 QuickBooks Desktop error to update QB payroll and the tax tables. This update error can be addressed with the help of a few proven ways. Follow the troubleshooting solutions provided below to eliminate the error code PS077 –

Note: Before we fix the QuickBooks error message PS077, make sure that the QuickBooks Desktop installation CD is prepared.

Solution 1: Verify Your Payroll Subscription

Ensuring that your payroll subscription is active is crucial for downloading payroll updates. If your subscription is inactive or expired, QuickBooks will not allow you to proceed with payroll updates. Follow the steps below to verify your subscription status and update it if necessary.

1. Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches and open QuickBooks.
2. Navigate to the Employees menu at the top of the screen.
3. Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key.
4. Check if your service status is “Active.”
5. If incorrect, select Edit, enter the correct service key, and click Next.
6. Uncheck Open Payroll Setup and click Finish.

If the error persists, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 2: Register QuickBooks and Update Tax Tables

An unregistered or outdated QuickBooks version can prevent the payroll update process. Ensuring that your QuickBooks software is registered and updated to the latest version is essential for smooth operations. Follow these steps to verify registration and update QuickBooks.

1. Press F2 to open the Product Information window, where you can check your license and registration details.
2. If your QuickBooks is not activated, follow the next steps.
3. If QuickBooks is not activated, navigate to Help > Activate QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to enter product and license information.
5. Update QuickBooks by selecting Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop > Update Now > Get Updates.
6. Restart QuickBooks and try updating payroll tax tables again.

Solution 3: Run Quick Fix My Program Tool

QuickBooks errors can sometimes stem from minor glitches or software conflicts. Running the Quick Fix My Program tool from QuickBooks Tool Hub can resolve these issues and restore the program to optimal functionality. Follow the steps below to use this tool effectively.

1. Save your work and close QuickBooks completely to avoid conflicts during the repair process.
2. Ensure no background QuickBooks processes are running using Task Manager.
3. Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub.
4. Open the Tool Hub and select Program Problems > Quick Fix My Program.
5. Once completed, restart QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

If QuickBooks installation files are damaged or missing, payroll updates may fail. The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool is designed to identify and fix these installation-related issues. Use the following steps to run the tool and repair QuickBooks.

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub, a utility designed by Intuit to troubleshoot various errors, and navigate to the Installation Issues tab.
2. This tool will diagnose and repair installation-related problems automatically.
3. Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and allow it to run.
4. After completion, restart your system and launch QuickBooks.

Solution 5: Modify Firewall Settings

Firewall settings may sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the update server, causing payroll update errors. Adjusting firewall settings and creating exceptions for QuickBooks can help eliminate this issue. Follow the steps below to modify your firewall settings and allow QuickBooks updates.

Action 1: Run QuickBooks File Doctor

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select Company File Issues.
2. Choose QuickBooks File Doctor and scan your company file.
3. After scanning, try updating payroll again.

Action 2: Configure Firewall Manually

1. Open Windows Firewall from the Start menu and go to Advanced Settings.
2. Configuring firewall settings correctly ensures QuickBooks has uninterrupted access to online updates.
3. Create Inbound and Outbound Rules for QuickBooks.
4. Allow TCP ports:
   • QuickBooks 2020 & later: 8019, XXXXX
   • QuickBooks 2019: 8019, XXXXX
   • QuickBooks 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
5. Restart QuickBooks and attempt the update.

Solution 6: Repair QuickBooks from Control Panel

Corrupt or damaged QuickBooks files can prevent payroll updates from installing correctly. Repairing QuickBooks using the Control Panel can help restore the application to proper functionality without reinstalling it completely. Follow these steps to repair QuickBooks.

1. Restart your computer to close any conflicting programs that may interfere with QuickBooks.
2. Access the Control Panel and locate Programs and Features.
3. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
4. Select QuickBooks > Uninstall/Change > Repair.
5. Follow on-screen instructions and restart your system.

Solution 7: Rename the CPS Folder

A damaged or corrupted CPS folder can disrupt payroll updates in QuickBooks. Renaming the folder forces QuickBooks to create a new, error-free CPS folder, allowing updates to proceed smoothly. Follow these steps to rename the CPS folder and resolve the error.

1. Launch File Explorer and head to the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks\Components\Payroll.
2. This directory contains payroll-related files that may need to be refreshed..
3. Locate the CPS folder, right-click, and rename it to CPS.old.
4. Restart QuickBooks and retry updating payroll.

Related Article: A Complete Guide to fix QuickBooks Error PS038

Solution 8: Update Billing Information

Incorrect or outdated billing information may cause QuickBooks payroll updates to fail. Ensuring that your payment details are up to date can prevent unnecessary disruptions. Use the following steps to verify and update your billing information.

1. Open QuickBooks, navigate to Employees, and click on My Payroll Service to access your payroll settings.
2. Checking and updating billing details here ensures your subscription remains active.
3. Click Account/Billing Info and log into your Intuit account.
4. Verify and update billing details.
5. Save changes and retry the payroll update.

Solution 9: Disable User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) settings may restrict QuickBooks from making necessary changes during the payroll update process. Disabling UAC temporarily can allow updates to install correctly. Follow these steps to turn off UAC and update payroll.

1. Use the Windows + R shortcut, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Adjusting User Account Control (UAC) settings can help resolve permission-related issues.
3. Go to User Accounts > Change UAC Settings.
4. Move the slider to Never Notify and click OK.
5. Restart your computer and retry updating payroll.

Solution 10: Use Verify & Rebuild Data Tool

Corrupt QuickBooks data files can lead to payroll update errors. The Verify & Rebuild Data tool helps identify and fix these data integrity issues, ensuring a smooth update process. Follow these steps to run the tool and resolve QuickBooks error PS077.

1. Launch QuickBooks, navigate to File > Utilities, and select Verify Data to scan for file integrity issues.
2. If QuickBooks detects data corruption, follow the next steps to rebuild your data.
3. If an error is detected, select File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
4. Follow on-screen prompts to fix data issues.
5. Restart QuickBooks and try updating payroll.

Need further assistance?

I hope the solutions provided in this blog have helped you resolve QuickBooks Error PS077 with ease. These simplified steps are designed to make the troubleshooting process smoother, allowing you to download the latest payroll updates without any hassle. However, if you still encounter any challenges or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to seek professional support from QuickBooks Data Recovery Service team for a seamless resolution.