Fix QuickBooks Error 557: Payroll Subscription is Inactive

Jun 27, 2024

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In case you get error code 557 while attempting to check your QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, this detailed article provides efficient troubleshooting techniques to help you fix the problem. This article discusses error 557 in QuickBooks Desktop, a common problem that appears while updating payroll. We will begin this article by understanding what the error is all about, its causes, symptoms, and prerequisites to implement.

Error 557: QuickBooks has encountered an error and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

What are the Causes of the QuickBooks Payroll error code 557?

Here is the list of the most common reasons for the QuickBooks Payroll error code 557:

When a Payroll subscription expires.
The performance of your Windows operating system may deteriorate, and other apps on your Windows PC may become slow
Certain users could have identical symptoms with a distinct error code.
Hardware appliances like your keyboard and mouse could stop working.
QuickBooks Payroll program is not installed correctly.

Before you start troubleshooting remember,

Here is the list of the points to consider before fixing the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll error code 557:

Make sure your subscription to QuickBooks Payroll is still current.
Verify that the Payroll Tax Table is current.
To prevent data loss, always make a backup of the company’s files before restoring the system.
Install the most recent QuickBooks updates to avoid more problems after Windows has been restored.
Check to see if your system satisfies the minimal setup requirements needed for the application to run properly.

Solutions to Fix the QuickBooks Error 557?

You can find several solutions to assist you in fixing QuickBooks error 557. We are going to go over a few of the relevant and effective solutions here. Examine each one of them individually.

Solution 1: Take a backup of the QuickBooks-related registry files

Start the system and enter Command into the search bar
Next, fully depress and hold the Ctrl + Shift buttons. Then hit Enter
Select Yes, after choosing the permission panel
At this point, a blinking signal will appear where you need to input Regedit
Select the Enter Key
In the meanwhile, go to the QuickBooks Registry Files and select the problem code
Select Export from the File menu by clicking on it
From the Save In the List menu, choose the folder
Open the File Box name and type a name for the file, for instance, QuickBooks backup
Make sure that you have chosen the selected branch in the Export range box
Choose the Save option and save the file with a .reg file extension
Finally, you have the backup of your QuickBooks-related registry files

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop

Open the QuickBooks Desktop first
Select the Help menu now, and then press the update QuickBooks Desktop button
Choose Update Now after that
After selecting Reset Update, select Get Updates. The updating procedure can take some time
Lastly, verify if the error has been resolved

Solution 3: Conduct a Malware Scan on your computer

Sometimes, getting rid of error 557 might be aided by performing a virus scan. Numerous kinds of malware can cause problems with Windows. It will therefore be preferable to check your machine for viruses or malware. To remove this error number, you should also undo or reverse a recent Windows system upgrade.

Solution 4: System Restore

If the problem continues, try to restore your system to a point before the issue starts:

Start the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R
Type rstrui and press Enter to launch System Restore
Follow the directions on the screen to restore your system
Enter the service key for QuickBooks.

Solution 5: Access System Restore in Windows

You must first log in to the system as the administrator
Next, select the Windows Start menu
Select Accessories. Then select System Tools, and System Restore after that
Select the restoration point or use one of the restore points that were generated automatically
Select Next and wait for the System Restore in the meantime
Restart the computer after the system restore procedure is finished
Lastly, give the QuickBooks program a restart

Solution 6: Add the right QuickBooks Service Key for subscription concerning problems

Go to the QuickBooks Employees menu
Click My Payroll Service and then Manage Service Key
After entering the Intuit Service Key, click Add
After that, select Next and Finish

Solution 7: Quick Fix My Program

Updates for QuickBooks Payroll may take longer to download if internal problems, such as glitches or bugs, prevent the Windows Installer from accessing the update package or interfere with the program’s background activities.

You can use the QuickBooks Tool Hub, which has several automated tools made specifically to address software mistakes and fix internal problems. Please follow these steps:

Double-click the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file after downloading the most recent version of QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.3) to your PC
Install the tool hub by following the on-screen directions, then launch the program once the installation is finished
Navigate to the Program Problems menu and select Quick Fix My Program from the list by single-clicking on it
To use the program to fix software problems, adhere to the instructions provided
After QuickBooks has been completely fixed, let the tool run and wait for it to stop on its own

Solution 8: Activate the expired subscription again

In case the subscription of your QuickBooks has expired, you need to ensure you have reactivated it with the help of the steps given below:

Method A: Activation of Subscription via QuickBooks

QuickBooks must first be launched on your computer
Next, select the Help tab from the upper menu bar
After you’re done, select QuickBooks from the drop-down selection
Now, fill up the designated fields in the new window with the product and licensing details
Then, to proceed with the activation process, click next
Follow the on-screen steps to finish the activation
You will have complete access to QuickBooks features once you have activated it

Method B: Activation of subscription through the official website of QuickBooks

To begin with, you must launch a web browser and go to the official QuickBooks website
Next, select the Sign-in tab and provide your login information
Choose goods and services from the main menu now
From the list of items, pick the subscription you want to start
After that, enter all required data, such as product and license details
Click Activate now to finish the procedure
The subscription will be active and usable near the finish.

Read More: Fix Subscription Error when Update QuickBooks Enterprise

Solution 9: Erase the Entitlement Data Store file

To initiate the process, press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E to open File Explorer immediately
To locate the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file, navigate to the C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 folder
After you’ve searched it, you can select Delete with a right-click on it
Next, choose Yes to confirm the deletion
To finish the activation, launch QuickBooks now and enter the necessary registration information about your QB
Finally, update the payroll after downloading and installing the QB program updates, if you haven’t already.

FAQs

How to prevent QuickBooks error 557 from occurring in the future?

This issue can be avoided by regularly backing up company files, upgrading and maintaining your QuickBooks program, avoiding installing incompatible hardware or software, and keeping your computer virus-free.

Will the QuickBooks error 557 lead to data loss?

If QuickBooks Error 557 is not handled properly and quickly, it may result in data loss. It is advised that you often backup your QuickBooks data and, if needed, seek expert assistance.