🧾 What Is QuickBooks Error 557?
QuickBooks Error 557 typically shows up when you attempt to download payroll updates or submit payroll data. It’s often accompanied by a message like:
> “QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
This error can prevent you from updating payroll tax tables or submitting payroll, and in some cases, it may even crash the software.
🔍 Common Causes of Error 557
Understanding the root of the problem helps you fix it faster. Here are the most common triggers:
Inactive or expired payroll subscription
Multiple payroll agreements with inactive Direct Deposit
Corrupted or outdated QuickBooks installation
Incorrect or missing service key
Invalid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Damaged entitlement or configuration files
Incompatibility between QuickBooks and your Windows version
🛠️ Step-by-Step Fixes for Error 557
✅ Step 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop
Close QuickBooks.
Right-click the QuickBooks icon and select Run as Administrator.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click the Options tab, select Mark All, then click Save.
Go to the Update Now tab and click Get Updates.
Restart QuickBooks and install the updates.
Updating ensures compatibility with Intuit’s servers and fixes known bugs.
✅ Step 2: Verify Payroll Subscription
Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Information.
Sign in with your Intuit account credentials.
Confirm that your subscription is Active.
If it’s inactive, follow the prompts to renew it.
✅ Step 3: Re-enter or Correct the Service Key
Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key.
Click Edit, re-enter your Service Key, and click Next.
Click Finish and restart QuickBooks.
This step revalidates your payroll subscription with Intuit.
✅ Step 4: Delete the EntitlementDataStore.ecml File
This file stores license and subscription info. If it’s corrupted, QuickBooks may fail to verify your payroll subscription.
Close QuickBooks.
Navigate to:
C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
Locate and delete the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.
Reopen QuickBooks and re-register your product if prompted.
✅ Step 5: Use Quick Fix My Program (Tool Hub)
Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Open it and go to Program Problems > Quick Fix my Program.
Reopen QuickBooks and retry the payroll update.
✅ Step 6: Check EIN and Company Info
Go to Company > My Company.
Click the Edit icon and verify your EIN and business details.
Make sure all fields are accurate and complete.
✅ Step 7: Reactivate Payroll via Web Browser
Visit Intuit’s Payroll Account Management Portal.
Sign in and go to Products & Services.
Locate your payroll subscription and ensure it’s active.
If needed, reactivate it and return to QuickBooks.
❓ Q&A: QuickBooks Payroll Error 557
Q1: Why does Error 557 appear after updating QuickBooks?
It often occurs when the payroll subscription isn’t synced properly with the updated version of QuickBooks. Corrupted entitlement files or outdated service keys can also trigger it.
Q2: What is the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file and why delete it?
This file stores your license and subscription data. If it becomes corrupted, QuickBooks may fail to verify your payroll subscription. Deleting it forces QuickBooks to regenerate a clean version.
Q3: Will deleting the entitlement file erase my payroll data?
No. Your payroll data is stored in your company file, not in the entitlement file. Deleting it is safe and often necessary to fix subscription errors.
Q4: What if my payroll subscription is active but I still get the error?
Try re-entering your service key and deleting the entitlement file. If the issue persists, use the Tool Hub or contact QuickBooks Support for deeper troubleshooting.
Q5: Can antivirus or firewall settings cause this error?
Yes. Security software can block QuickBooks from connecting to Intuit’s servers. Try disabling your antivirus/firewall temporarily or add QuickBooks as an exception.
Q6: What if I have multiple payroll agreements?
Having multiple agreements—especially with inactive Direct Deposit—can confuse QuickBooks. Make sure only one active agreement is linked to your company file.
Q7: How do I know if my QuickBooks is registered?
Press F2 in QuickBooks to open the Product Information window. Look for “Activated” next to the license number.
Q8: Can I fix this error without admin access?
No. You need to be logged in as the Admin user in QuickBooks and run the program as an administrator to make changes to payroll settings or subscription info.
🧩 Pro Tips
Back up your company file before making any changes.
Use a wired internet connection for more stable updates.
Keep your Intuit login credentials handy for verification.
Document any changes you make during troubleshooting for future reference.
Avoid using outdated Windows versions that may not support the latest QuickBooks Desktop.
🧠 Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Payroll Error 557 can feel like a roadblock, but it’s really just a signal that something needs attention—whether it’s your subscription status, service key, or a corrupted file. With a little patience and the right steps, you can clear the error and get back to paying your team without a hitch.
