How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15215: Unable to Verify Digital Signature?

Posted on 29 December, 2022 by Olivia Watson

For one, it's a standard error message for anyone attempting to upgrade to QuickBooks or download payroll updates. Typical times for this include releasing maintenance or payroll adjustments. The server encountered an unexpected condition and terminated the connection. This blog is written to help understand QuickBooks Error 15215 and its causes, manifestations, and resolutions.

More about QuickBooks Error 15215

If you're trying to download the latest payroll updates for QuickBooks, you'll see error 15215. It's an error with the payroll upgrade because of a conflict with another program. This could be due to excessive bandwidth usage by the application or software operating in the background. If the software cannot communicate with the server, this will be generated.

Reasons for QuickBooks Error 15215

Any of the following could have brought on this QuickBooks error:

• If you are experiencing this error, it could be because Internet Explorer is set up improperly on your computer.
• In QuickBooks, for example, a digital signature on a file is checked for authenticity. When an update is installed, this error may occur if any downloaded files fail verification.
• If you have installed QuickBooks incorrectly or QuickBooks was not installed properly, this error may occur.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15215

• It appears that Windows has been compromised by malicious software.
• The desktop version of QuickBooks failed to install correctly or was corrupted during the download.
• The Windows program you're using may crash if this error occurs.
• When working on your computer, you may notice that it frequently freezes.
• It's possible that Windows and its programs and input devices, like the mouse and keyboard, will begin to respond slowly.

Fixing QuickBooks Error 15215

Now that we know what to look for regarding symptoms and root causes, we can investigate potential fixes for update error code 15215. Each of the following methods can be used to fix QuickBooks error 15215:

Method 1: Log in as the System Administrator

To prevent this QuickBooks error, users are advised to log in as administrators.

• Initially, make sure that QuickBooks Desktop is completely shut down.
• Select Run as Administrator from the context menu after right-clicking the QuickBooks Desktop icon.

• When prompted with "Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?" selects Yes.

Method 2: Check for TLS 1.0 Configuration Use

• Initiate by closing any open copies of QuickBooks.
• Launch Internet Explorer.
• Select Internet Options from the menu that appears, and finally, click the “Advanced” tab.
• The options to Use TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, and Use TLS 1.2 can be accessed by selecting the corresponding submenu under the Advanced Settings tab. In older versions of Internet Explorer, these settings may not be available.

• Select Use TLS 1.0 by marking the box next to it and deselecting any other options that appear.
• When finished, choose OK to exit the Internet Options window in Internet Explorer.
• For the modifications to take effect, you must restart your computer.
• After the computer has booted up, look to see if there are any updates available. Try to re-download the update if there is one.

Method 3: System Restore in MS Windows

If you're seeing this QuickBooks error, try restarting your computer in Selective startup mode, which stops your computer from starting any unnecessary or conflicting background apps. Below you can find the instructions on how to enter selective starting mode:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop
• When it's time, launch the command prompt.
• To launch the Run dialogue box on Windows XP, select the Start menu, then click the Run button.
• If you press Windows+R to bring up the Run dialogue, you may type MSConfig to get the system configuration menu. Then, select OK to continue.
• Type "MSConfig" into the run prompt.

• A window labeled "System Configuration Utility" loads. Do nothing but give the configuration window permission to appear.
• Selective Startup can be used by leaving the box next to Load Startup items unchecked.

• To finish, select Save and then click OK.
• Restart the PC.
• Double-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon after the restart is complete to launch the program and obtain the most up-to-date tax table.
• To accomplish this, launch the System Settings Program (Open Run Window and type MSCONFIG).
• Select "Normal Startup" and click "OK."
• To make the modifications take effect, you'll need to shut down the computer and start it back up again.

Method 4: Perform a system reboot

Alternatively, you can restart the computer to see if it helps fix the error. Occasionally, rebooting the computer will fix the issues you're having, especially if they're related to the web, the network, or the printer. However, if the error code 15215 continues to appear in QuickBooks Payroll despite your best efforts, try the next solution or try to shut down any background processes.

Final Words

All the methods mentioned above for resolving QuickBooks error 15215 are tried and true. However, if the error remains after you've tried these things and still can't get it to work, you can contact QuickBooks support staff immediately 1-800-615-2347.