Best Ways to Tackle QuickBooks Error PS038
When you try to download the payroll update but QuickBooks experiences
some glitch or issue with the update files, QuickBooks error PS038 pops up on
your screen. PS038 error usually appears when running payroll or tax table
updates. Also, when the paychecks get stuck as “Online to Send,” this error
appears. Many factors can trigger this error, such as outdated QuickBooks,
network issues, incorrect Windows firewall settings, corrupted company files,
incorrect time and settings, and insufficient permission. In this guide, we will
discuss how to fix error PS038 and ensure a smooth workflow.
Reasons For Error PS038
Here is a list of reasons that are responsible for triggering payroll update errors,
including PS038.
 Outdated QuickBooks version.
 Insufficeint permission.
 Corrupted Data or issue with the update files.
Solutions To Resolve QB Error PS038
Now that you are familiar with the reasons for the error let’s find the best way to
resolve it.
Step 1: Update and Backup QB Data
Update QuickBooks and backup your company files to fix the payroll update errors
such as QuickBooks Error PS060 and PS038.
Update QuickBooks:
 Go to the Help menu.
 Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
 Click on Get Updates.
 Check the Reset Updates box.
 Then, click Update Now.
 Complete the update process.
Back-Up Your Files:
 First, switch to single-user mode.
 Navigate to the File menu.
 Choose a Backup Company.
 Then select Create Local Backup.
 Click Local Backup.
 After that, click Next.
 Access the Local Backup Only section.
 Click Browse.
 Save your backup file.
 Set the number of backups.
 Click Complete Verification in both the local and online backup
sections to ensure everything is correct.
 Click OK.
 Choose Save it now.
 Click Next.
Step 2: Send Payroll or Usage Data
 Navigate to Employees.
 Choose My Payroll Service.
 Click on Send Usage Data.
 If this option isn’t available, proceed to the next step.
 Go to Employees.
 Select Send Payroll Data.
 In the Send/Receive Payroll Data window, choose
Send All.
 Enter your payroll service PIN if prompted.
 Try to run the update if successful in submitting.
 If you still see the error, move on to the next steps.
 If the submission fails, please contact the QuickBooks
team for assistance.
Step 3: Identify Stuck Paychecks
 Go to Edit and select Find.
 Click on the Advanced tab.
 Access the Choose Filter section.
 Select Detail Level from the list.
 Choose Summary Only.
 Return to the filter list. Scroll down.
 Select Online Status.
 Choose Online to Send.
 Click on Find to view the paychecks that have not been sent to Intuit.
 Note the "Number of matches" displayed in the Find window, and then proceed
to Step 4.
Step 4: Verify and Rebuild Your Data
 Close the Find window and run a verify data check. This will reveal any stuck
paychecks waiting to be sent.
 Next, rebuild your data file.
 Attempt to download your payroll updates again.
Conclusion
After following the above steps, you can successfully fix the underlying causes of
QuickBooks error PS038 and ensure a swift payroll operation.