QuickBooks software is one of the best accounting and bookkeeping software in the world. The features present in it are useful for businessmen of all sizes. However, like other software, errors in it also trouble the users a lot. Most of these errors are related to the payroll in QuickBooks, due to which employees face difficulties in creating payroll invoices. Today in this segment, we will learn about one such error i.e. QuickBooks error code 20102 which is usually seen by the users when your company file is unable to connect to the Intuit payroll service. This error often indicates a missing or incorrect employer identification number (EIN), a mismatch between the payroll subscription and the company file, or incomplete payroll setup.
Possible causes behind QuickBooks Payroll error 20102
There are many reasons by which QuickBooks payroll error 20102 trigger, which are follows:
- Sometimes incorrect network settings causes QuickBooks to unable to access the Internet which leads to such error.
- An unstable or weak Internet connection may prevent QuickBooks from downloading updates.
- Security apps or Windows firewall may prevent QuickBooks from connecting to Intuit’s servers.
- You may also face problems if QB-related files are deleted mistakenly.
Solutions to resolve the QuickBooks Error Code 20102
If you are facing the QuickBooks payroll Error Code 20102 then you need to apply the below solutions to fix it.
Solution 1: Update QuickBooks in selective startup mode
- Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run window.
- In the searching tab type Msconfig and click OK.

- After that System Configuration window will appear. Click on the General tab.
- Select Selective startup and check mark on Load system services.

- Now, go to the Services tab and click on Hide all Microsoft services..
- Then click on Disable All, then uncheck the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.

- Scroll down the list and make sure the Windows Installer box is checked. If not, check it.
- Lastly, click on OK, then restart your computer.
Solution 2: Repairing registry entries
- To repair registry entries first you need to restart your PC.
- After that hit the Windows button from your keyboard.
- You need to select Command prompt and press Ctrl+ Shit+ Enter keys.
- Next hit to Yes tab.
- After this a black box appear on screen.
- Now type the Regedit in the run command window.

- Check and select all the keys related to this QuickBooks error.
- Now select the File tab then Export.

- Safe the file where you want to make it secure.
- Now, you need to go to the folder and give the folder a new title list.
- Once done click on OK button.
- After all you will find the QuickBooks backup file named reg.extension.
Solution 3: Confirm payroll services are active
Error 20102 can appear if payroll services are not activated or not linked properly.
- At first, open your QuickBooks desktop.
- After that go to Employees tab
- Select My Payroll Service and click on Account/Billing Information.

- Now verify that your payroll subscription is active.
- Reopen the program and retry the payroll tasks.
Solution 4: Check and re-validate payroll service key
QuickBooks requires a valid Payroll Service Key to access payroll features. Revalidating the key may fix related errors.
- Start your QuickBooks and Go to Employees tab.
- After that select My Payroll Service
- Now choose Manage Service Key.

- Next, you need to select your payroll service and click Edit.
- Enter the payroll service key once more, and then save your changes. QuickBooks will validate the service key automatically.
- Open payroll tasks to check if the problem is fixed.
Solution 5: Fix the issue by running QuickBooks file doctor tool
- First download and install the QuickBooks tool hub in your system.
- Open the tool and click on Company file issue.
- After that click on Run QuickBooks file doctor to scan your company file.

- When you select File Doctor a drop-down menu will come up and you will have to select your company name. Or the name that you are using and that you want to fix at this time.
- This will open the folder and you need to select the file you want and then press the “OK” button from the list.
- Now, open your admin account by using your password to log in and then finally click on OK.
Solution 6: Check firewall and antivirus settings
- Start with pressing the Window + S keys to open the search box.
- After that type “Firewall” in the search bar and select Windows Defender Firewall from the list.
- Through Windows Defender Firewall click on Allow app or feature.

- Find out the QuickBooks file which is like (qbw.exe, qbupdate.exe, etc.) from the list.
- Now make sure that both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked.
- If you are using any third-party antivirus software then open its settings and add QuickBooks to the list of Exceptions.
- Click to Save button and restart QuickBooks to check if the update is successful.
Conclusion
Did you find the above solutions a bit helpful in fixing the QuickBooks error code 20102? If not, then you can simply connect with our QuickBooks error support team at 1-800-761-1787, and let our experts help you fix the error on your behalf.
FAQ’s
Error 20102 pops up when your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is already in use or linked to another payroll account, stopping direct deposit payroll setup.
Yes, sometimes firewall issues or antivirus settings can triggers such an errors by blocking communication with QuickBooks servers.
You will see repeated error messages, app crashes, or trouble with payroll and direct deposit features.
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How to Resolve QuickBooks Installation Error 1317?
Steps to Turn on Advanced Inventory in QuickBooks Enterprise