QuickBooks Error 17337: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Resolving the Issue

QuickBooks is a powerhouse accounting software designed to simplify financial management for small and medium-sized businesses. However, like any complex software, it’s not immune to technical issues. One such problem that users may encounter is QuickBooks Error 17337. This error is often related to payroll services and can disrupt your business operations if not addressed promptly. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what QuickBooks Error 17337 is, its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, provide you with a step-by-step solution to fix it.

What is QuickBooks Error 17337?

QuickBooks Error 17337 typically occurs during the payroll update or while accessing payroll services. This error is primarily associated with Internet Explorer settings, particularly the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) settings that QuickBooks requires to communicate securely over the internet. When these settings are misconfigured or when there’s an issue with the digital signature certificate, QuickBooks might fail to complete payroll updates, leading to Error 17337.

The error message usually appears as:

"QuickBooks Error 17337: QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to process payroll, which is a critical business function. Understanding the underlying causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue efficiently.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 17337

QuickBooks Error 17337 is closely linked to internet connectivity and security settings, particularly those related to Internet Explorer, which QuickBooks uses as its default browser. Here are some common causes:

Misconfigured SSL Settings: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) settings are essential for secure communication between QuickBooks and the Intuit servers. If these settings are not correctly configured, QuickBooks may not be able to connect, leading to Error 17337.
Outdated or Corrupt Internet Explorer: Since QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer for internet connectivity, an outdated or corrupt version of the browser can cause issues during payroll updates.
Incorrect Internet Explorer Settings: QuickBooks requires specific internet settings to function correctly. If these settings are altered, it can disrupt the payroll update process.
Firewall or Security Software Blocking Connection: Sometimes, firewall or security software might block QuickBooks from accessing the internet, resulting in Error 17337.
Digital Signature Issues: A problem with the digital signature certificate, which ensures that the data being sent and received is secure, can also trigger this error.
Outdated QuickBooks Version: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks that is not compatible with the current payroll updates can lead to this error.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 17337

Identifying the symptoms of QuickBooks Error 17337 can help you diagnose the problem quickly. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Failed Payroll Updates: The most obvious symptom is the failure to download or install payroll updates. The process might start but will not complete successfully.
Error Message Displayed: An error message with the code 17337 will appear on your screen, usually when trying to update payroll.
Internet Connectivity Issues: You might notice that QuickBooks has trouble connecting to the internet, even though other applications can connect without problems.
Slow Performance: QuickBooks might become sluggish or unresponsive when attempting to perform payroll-related tasks.
Issues with Internet Explorer: If Internet Explorer crashes or behaves unexpectedly while using QuickBooks, it could be related to Error 17337.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error 17337

Now that we’ve explored the causes and symptoms, let’s move on to the solutions. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve QuickBooks Error 17337.

1. Check and Reconfigure SSL Settings

Since SSL settings are a common culprit, ensuring they are correctly configured is crucial.

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon (Tools) in the upper-right corner and select "Internet Options."
Step 3: Go to the "Advanced" tab.
Step 4: Scroll down to the "Security" section.
Step 5: Make sure that "Use SSL 2.0" and "Use SSL 3.0" are checked. You should also check "Use TLS 1.2" if available.
Step 6: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Step 7: Restart your computer and try to update QuickBooks payroll again.

2. Update Internet Explorer

An outdated version of Internet Explorer can cause compatibility issues with QuickBooks.

Step 1: Check which version of Internet Explorer you are using. Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon (Tools), and select "About Internet Explorer."
Step 2: If your version is outdated, go to the Microsoft website and download the latest version.
Step 3: Install the update and restart your computer.
Step 4: Try accessing QuickBooks payroll services again.

3. Add QuickBooks to the Trusted Sites List

Adding QuickBooks to the list of trusted sites in Internet Explorer can help avoid conflicts with security settings.

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer and go to "Internet Options" under the Tools menu.
Step 2: Click on the "Security" tab and select "Trusted Sites."
Step 3: Click on the "Sites" button.
Step 4: Add the following URLs to the list: https://*.intuit.com and https://*.quickbooks.com.
Step 5: Uncheck the box that says "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone."
Step 6: Click "Close," then "Apply," and "OK."
Step 7: Restart QuickBooks and try updating payroll again.

4. Adjust Firewall and Security Software Settings

Sometimes, your firewall or security software might block QuickBooks from accessing the internet.

Step 1: Open your firewall or security software.
Step 2: Navigate to the settings where you can manage exceptions.
Step 3: Add QuickBooks as an exception to the firewall or security software.
Step 4: Ensure that ports 80 and 443 are open as these are required for QuickBooks to connect to the internet.
Step 5: Save the changes and restart your computer.
Step 6: Try running the payroll update in QuickBooks.

5. Verify and Repair Digital Signature

If there’s an issue with the digital signature certificate, QuickBooks might fail to connect securely, leading to Error 17337.

Step 1: Navigate to the folder where QuickBooks is installed (usually C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks).
Step 2: Locate the file named "QBW32.exe."
Step 3: Right-click on the file and select "Properties."
Step 4: Go to the "Digital Signatures" tab.
Step 5: Ensure that Intuit, Inc. is listed as a signer. Select it and click "Details."
Step 6: Click on "View Certificate," then click "Install Certificate."
Step 7: Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 8: Restart your computer and attempt to update payroll again in QuickBooks.

6. Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Running the latest version of QuickBooks ensures that you have all the recent updates and bug fixes.

Step 1: Open QuickBooks and go to "Help" > "Update QuickBooks Desktop."
Step 2: Click on "Update Now" and then select "Get Updates."
Step 3: Once the updates are downloaded, restart QuickBooks.
Step 4: Try accessing payroll services to see if the error is resolved.

7. Reset Internet Explorer Settings

If none of the above steps work, resetting Internet Explorer settings to their default can resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer and go to "Internet Options" under the Tools menu.
Step 2: Click on the "Advanced" tab.
Step 3: At the bottom of the window, click "Reset."
Step 4: Check the box that says "Delete personal settings" if you want to reset everything to default.
Step 5: Click "Reset" again and wait for the process to complete.
Step 6: Restart your computer and open QuickBooks to try updating payroll.

8. Reinstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode

If the problem persists, reinstalling QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode might help.

Step 1: Press "Windows + R" to open the Run command.
Step 2: Type "msconfig" and hit Enter.
Step 3: In the System Configuration window, go to the "General" tab and select "Selective startup" and "Load system services."
Step 4: Click on the "Services" tab, check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services," and then click "Disable all."
Step 5: Uncheck the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services."
Step 6: Make sure the checkbox for "Windows Installer" is selected and click "OK."
Step 7: Restart your computer and reinstall QuickBooks.
Step 8: After installation, restore your system to normal startup mode by opening "msconfig" and selecting "Normal Startup" under the General tab.

Preventing QuickBooks Error 17337 in the Future

To avoid encountering QuickBooks Error 17337 again, here are some preventive measures you can take:

Regularly Update QuickBooks: Always ensure that your QuickBooks software is up to date. Regular updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can prevent errors.
Keep Internet Explorer Updated: Even if you don’t use Internet Explorer as your primary browser, it’s important to keep it updated because QuickBooks relies on it for internet connectivity.
Regularly Review SSL and Security Settings: Make it a habit to periodically check your SSL and security settings in Internet Explorer to ensure they are correctly configured.
Firewall and Security Software Configuration: Ensure that QuickBooks is always added to the list of trusted applications in your firewall and security software.
Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your QuickBooks data to avoid data loss in case of any software issues.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 17337 can be a significant hurdle, especially when you’re trying to manage payroll, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the root causes and following the step-by-step solutions provided in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the error, getting your payroll operations back on track. Remember, maintaining your software and systems regularly is key to preventing such issues in the future.