How to Fix QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10


QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software widely used by businesses for managing financial operations. However, like any software, it can encounter errors. One common issue users face is QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10. This error usually occurs when attempting to update payroll or send paychecks. The error message typically states: "You’ve retrieved the latest payroll updates and validated your QuickBooks Payroll subscription, but still can't send payroll data."

If left unresolved, this error can hinder your ability to manage payroll effectively. In this guide, we will walk you through how to fix QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10.

Find out more: quickbooks desktop installation error 1328

What Causes QuickBooks Error PS038?

Understanding the cause of an error can help in troubleshooting more effectively. QuickBooks Error PS038 may occur due to the following reasons:

  1. Pending paychecks that are stuck while being sent to Intuit’s servers.
  2. Issues with QuickBooks company file or data damage.
  3. Incorrect payroll service subscription status.
  4. Outdated QuickBooks software or payroll updates.
  5. Network issues preventing communication with Intuit servers.

Once you have identified the cause, it becomes easier to apply the right fix for QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10.

How to Identify QuickBooks Error PS038

Before diving into solutions, you need to verify if QuickBooks Error PS038 is the problem. Follow these steps:

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Go to the Edit menu, select Find, then click on Advanced Find.
  3. Set the Filter to "Online Status" and choose "Sending".
  4. Click Find to check if there are any paychecks stuck in "Sending" status.

If you see pending paychecks, it confirms that the QuickBooks Error PS038 is the issue.

Fixing QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10

Below are step-by-step solutions to resolve QuickBooks Error PS038 in Windows 10:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop

Sometimes, outdated QuickBooks versions can trigger errors such as PS038. Updating your software to the latest version ensures that all bug fixes are applied.

Steps to Update QuickBooks Desktop:

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Click on the Update Now tab.
  4. Select Get Updates.
  5. Once the update completes, restart QuickBooks.

After updating, check if the error persists by sending payroll data again.

2. Send Payroll Data

Pending paychecks could be the primary cause of QuickBooks Error PS038. To resolve this issue, you need to send the pending payroll data manually.

Steps to Send Payroll Data:

  1. Go to the Employees menu.
  2. Select My Payroll Service and choose Send Usage Data.
  3. If there are any stuck paychecks, they will be sent during this process.

After successfully sending the payroll data, verify if the error message still appears.

3. Verify and Rebuild Data

If the issue persists, the QuickBooks company file might have some data corruption, which can cause Error PS038. You can use QuickBooks’ Verify and Rebuild Data utility to fix this.

Steps to Verify Data:

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Go to the File menu, select Utilities, and choose Verify Data.
  3. QuickBooks will begin scanning the company file for issues.

If QuickBooks finds any issues during the verification, you can proceed to rebuild the data.

Read more: quickbooks error 1904

Steps to Rebuild Data:

  1. Go to the File menu, select Utilities, and choose Rebuild Data.
  2. QuickBooks will create a backup of your company file.
  3. After the backup, it will attempt to fix any errors in the file.

Once the rebuild is complete, check if the error is resolved.

4. Check for Payroll Subscription Status

Incorrect payroll subscription details can trigger QuickBooks Error PS038. You need to ensure that your QuickBooks payroll subscription is active and updated.

Steps to Verify Payroll Subscription:

  1. Go to the Employees menu.
  2. Select My Payroll Service and choose Account/Billing Information.
  3. Sign in with your Intuit account credentials.
  4. Verify that your payroll subscription is active and the billing information is correct.

If there’s an issue with your subscription, you may need to update your payment information or renew the service.

5. Run QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub is a diagnostic tool that can help fix a wide range of QuickBooks errors, including Error PS038.

Steps to Run QuickBooks Tool Hub:

  1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s website.
  2. Open the Tool Hub and select the Program Problems tab.
  3. Choose Quick Fix my Program.
  4. After the scan completes, try sending payroll data again to see if the error is resolved.

6. Repair QuickBooks Installation

If none of the above solutions work, the QuickBooks installation might be corrupted. Repairing the installation can fix underlying issues causing Error PS038.

Steps to Repair QuickBooks:

  1. Open the Control Panel in Windows 10.
  2. Go to Programs and Features.
  3. Locate QuickBooks Desktop, right-click, and choose Repair.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.

Once the repair is done, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Preventing QuickBooks Error PS038 in the Future

While QuickBooks Error PS038 can be frustrating, following these preventive measures can help avoid it in the future:

  1. Regularly update QuickBooks Desktop and payroll updates.
  2. Send payroll data promptly to avoid paychecks being stuck in pending status.
  3. Backup your QuickBooks data regularly to prevent file corruption.
  4. Ensure your payroll subscription is active and up to date.
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Conclusion

QuickBooks Error PS038 can disrupt your payroll processing, but with the right steps, you can resolve it quickly. Whether it’s updating QuickBooks, sending pending payroll data, or verifying your subscription, following these troubleshooting steps should help. If you continue to face issues, consider seeking professional assistance.

For expert help resolving QuickBooks Error PS038 or any other QuickBooks-related problems, feel free to call us at +1-888-538-1314.

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