Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033 (Can’t Read Payroll Setup Files)

Are you facing QuickBooks Error PS033 and can’t find the right solution to fix it? Don’t worry! This blog is going to solve this error in a detailed manner and thus read this blog till the end to get aware of everything about the error.

Quick Overview of QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033

Error Code:	Error Ps033	Developer:	Intuit Inc.
Error Description:	QuickBooks can’t read your payroll setup files or Error PS033 is caused by a damaged file in the CPS folder.	Software:	QuickBooks
Symptoms:	program window crashes, Windows runs slow and reacts gradually to the keyboard and mouse inputs.	Applies to:	Windows 10 and 11
Cause:	Non-activation of the Payroll Subscription, Damaged in QuickBooks Desktop File	Solution:	Download the latest payroll tax table, Update the QuickBooks Desktop Application

Error PS033 -QuickBooks Can’t Read Payroll Setup Files

QuickBooks Error PS033: QuickBooks can’t read your payroll setup files.” Behind the error one fundamental reason is the storage of Damage in the CPS folder, and another reason for this problem is when a user tries to access their company file.

• Error: QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033
• Error Message: “QuickBooks can’t read your payroll setup files. [Error PS033]”

What are the causes of QuickBooks error PS033?

Below are the mentioned possible causes of QuickBooks error PS033:

• The CPS folder of QuickBooks or its files is corrupted/damaged.
• The User Account Control settings are not turned off.
• You are using an older version of QuickBooks Desktop.
• The company file/business file in your system is damaged/contains some corrupted entries. Damaged files cannot be run even if you have the latest version of QuickBooks or the latest payroll updates available.
• The payroll update process is being interrupted by another program running in the background.
• Your tax tables are either damaged or invalid.
• There are incorrect and incomplete billing details. This may cause discrepancies in the software.
• The service key/EIN/PSID is either invalid or incorrect.
• Your QuickBooks is either having payroll-related issues or the payroll subscription is inactive.

Symptoms of Error PS033 in QuickBooks Desktop

Here are the issues you might face due to QuickBooks Desktop error PS033.

• An error message states, “QuickBooks can’t read payroll setup files.”
• Payroll updates are hindered, limiting access to enhanced features.
• QuickBooks malfunctions, causing lags, crashes, and freezes.
• Employee details and payroll access become restricted due to the PS033 error.
• Delayed mouse and keyboard response, system crashes, and related glitches can occur.

How Can QuickBooks Payroll PS033 Error be Fixed?

Solutions that can be done to resolve the QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033 in detail are as follows:-

Things to consider before troubleshooting this issue PS033

• Restart your system and start QuickBooks again.
• Take data backup.
• Open your QuickBooks update and then check. If updates are available, go for it.
• Once you are done with the above step. Reset QuickBooks desktop updates.
• UAC should be turned off before troubleshooting. Once you are done with troubleshooting. Turn on UAC.

Solution 1: Update your QuickBooks Desktop with the latest release 

This is the last but not the least solution, in case you’re unable to resolve the QuickBooks Payroll error PS033 then you can perform the below-provided steps:

• The very first, close your QuickBooks along with the company files 
• Next, go to the Windows Start menu and type QuickBooks Desktop in the appeared search bar 
• Now, right-click on the QB icon and select “Run as an Administrator” 
• After that, go to the No Company file option and then press the F2 key from your console 
• Once you’re done then go to the Help menu and click the “Update QuickBooks” tab

• Select the “Mark All” option and then click Save 
• Now, click the “Update Now” tab and then select the checkbox named “Reset Update” >> Get Updates

• Wait a few minutes to end this process of the latest updates 
• Close and open the process once again then press OK to install the updates 
• Finally, restart your system in Safe mode and attempt to update the QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table once again.

Solution 2: Rename the CPS Folder of QuickBooks 

• To rename it, you have to go to the path C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 20QQ\ Components\Payroll\CPS

Where XX is the version of your software like 2020, 2019, etc

• Now, you have to right-click on the CPS folder 
• Then select the Rename option 
• Now, write the OLD at the end of the name to change it 
• After that, update the QuickBooks payroll tax table.

Solution 3: Disable the UAC

• In your system, open the Run window 
• Then type the Control Panel and open it 
• You can also directly open the Control Panel 
• In the Control Panel window, open the User Accounts option 
• Then click on the Change User Account settings 

• If Windows pops up then click on the Yes button or Continue in your next step
• Now, you have to move the slider to Never Notify and then again click on the OK button 
• Finally, restart your system and check whether the issue is resolved. 

Solution 4: Troubleshoot by restarting the system in Safe mode

To restart your computer in safe mode and troubleshoot; You have to do the following things:-

• You have to run the Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop
• Update your QuickBooks Desktop to the new release
• Reboot your system in safe mode
• Now update the QuickBooks Payroll tax table
• Restart your Windows computer to set the changed settings.

Solution 5: Run Verify & Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop

To resolve the QuickBooks payroll Error PS033, you need to follow the mentioned below steps of solution one. This solution mainly involves 3 steps:

Verify Data

• Initially, select the Windows and then Close All option 
• Next, you need to verify data by choosing File >>> Utilities >>> Verify Data
• Now, if you find:
  • “QuickBooks detected no problems with your data”, no further action is needed 
  • “Your data has lost integrity”, means that the file contains data loss. To fix the issue, follow the steps below to Rebuild Data
  • “There might already be an article for it”, a particular error message. Try looking for detailed guidance on our QuickBooks Desktop support platform.

Rebuild Data

• Go to the File >> Utilities >> Rebuild Data
• Next, you’ll receive a warning message to backup your company file, and then click Ok 
• A rebuild needs a backup of your company file ahead of time because sometimes, you may need to delete the transactions or list of entries to fix the file issue 
• Backup of your company file assures you that you have a secured copy of the company file before you start making any changes to it 
• Now, choose the location of your desktop to save the created company backup file 
  • If a message prompts you to replace another backup file then select No 
  • Enter a new name within the field of the File name and then click Save 
  • In case, the backup fails then pick the Cancel option at the rebuild prompt 
• Once the backup is completed then the Rebuild Data will start 
• When you receive a notification message stating “Rebuild has completed”

Check for The Remaining Data Damage

• Again, you have to run the Verify Data to check for the remaining data damage 
• To do so, go to the File menu >> Utilities >> Verify Data
• If the Verify identifies any additional damage that means the damage requires to be corrected manually 
• Locate the error in the qbwin.log and look for the resolution 
• If no error is found then you can try to restore a recent backup by choosing the File >> Restore option.

Solution 6: Download the Payroll Tax Table in your QuickBooks Account 

• First, open the QuickBooks account 
• Move to the Employees 
• Then further click on the Get Payroll Updates option 
• Now, click on the Download entire payroll update 
• Click on the button Update to get the update in your system 
• You get the update successfully. 

Solution 7: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

• If you get an error notice when you open your company file, or if you have missing or blank lists, choose Company File Issues. This will launch the Quick Fix My File and QuickBooks File Doctor applications. Select File Dr. Help from the corporate file tab if you require additional assistance.
• If you’re having issues with your network or PCs connected to it, such as error H202, choose Network Issues. You must be connected to your server.
• If you’re experiencing performance issues, troubles opening the software, Error 6123, or the program has crashed or ceased working, go to Program Problems. We suggest starting with the Quick Fix My Program option. This section can also be used to fix common PDF and print-related issues.
• If you’re having trouble installing or uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop, go visit Installation Issues. You can also fix 3371 issues.
• If you need to change your password, choose Password Reset.
• To contact us or modify your Intuit account, go to Help & Support. You can give comments on any of our tools as well.
• Select Advanced Tools to see a list of commonly used Windows shortcuts for troubleshooting QuickBooks issues.

Solution 8: Check the EIN and Service Key

Enter the Payroll Service Key 

• To start away, log in to the QuickBooks Desktop company file and head to the Employees menu.
• Tap on Payroll and choose the Enter Payroll Service key option. 
• Now, press the Add button and enter the Disk Delivery key under the Payroll Service key field. 
• Finally, press Finish. 

Confirm the EIN 

• From the IRS website, get your EIN and note it down somewhere.
• Next, you have to open QuickBooks and tap on the Company menu.
• Under the My Company screen, you must verify the EIN.
• In case, there’s no EIN visible on the screen, you need to enter it again.

Solution 9: Reinstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode

• Press Windows + R to open the Run order 
• Type “MSConfig” in the clear region and afterward hit OK 
• Presently pick Selective Startup and afterward select Load framework administrations 
• Structure Services tab, click Hide all Microsoft administrations 
• Checkmark the case for Disable all and uncheck the crate for Hiding all Microsoft Services 
• Ensure the container against the Windows Installer is set apart prior to continuing further 
• The final step is to restart and then reinstall QuickBooks utilizing the clean install.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033 occurs when a damaged file in the CPS folder disrupts payroll setup. To fix it, rename the CPS folder, restart in safe mode, verify and rebuild data, and update QuickBooks Desktop. Follow all instructions to resolve this error and make sure QuickBooks payroll working accurately.

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QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033 PDF