QuickBooks Error PS077: Payroll Tax Table File Damaged

Quick Fix: Delete the paysub.ini file from your QuickBooks program folder and re-download the entire payroll update.

What Causes Error PS077?

Error PS077 occurs when QuickBooks detects that a critical payroll configuration file is damaged or contains invalid data. QuickBooks won't let you process payroll until the issue is resolved. Common causes:

1. Corrupted paysub.ini file — This file stores your payroll subscription validation data. If it gets corrupted (from a crash, disk error, or antivirus quarantine), QuickBooks can't verify your payroll access.
2. Failed payroll update installation — A tax table update downloaded successfully but failed to install properly, leaving payroll configuration files in an inconsistent state.
3. Antivirus interference — Some antivirus programs flag and modify QuickBooks payroll files during real-time scanning, corrupting them in the process.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error PS077

Solution 1: Delete and Regenerate the paysub.ini File

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop completely.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to:

- C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]

1. Find the file named paysub.ini.
2. Right-click it → Rename → change it to paysub.ini.old (this preserves it as a backup).
3. Open QuickBooks as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
4. Go to Employees → Get Payroll Updates.
5. Check Download Entire Update → click Update.
6. QuickBooks will regenerate a new, clean paysub.ini file.
7. Restart QuickBooks and verify payroll works.

Solution 2: Clear All Payroll Cache Files

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Navigate to the CPS folder:

- C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]\Components\Payroll\CPS

1. Delete all files inside the CPS folder.
2. Also navigate to:

- C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]

1. Delete any .dat or .cfg files related to payroll (look for files with "payroll" or "tax" in the name).
2. Open QuickBooks as Administrator.
3. Download the entire payroll update (Employees → Get Payroll Updates → Download Entire Update).
4. Restart QuickBooks.

Solution 3: Repair QuickBooks Installation

1. Close QuickBooks and back up your company file.
2. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
3. Find QuickBooks Desktop → click Uninstall/Change → select Repair.
4. Follow the repair wizard to completion.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Open QuickBooks → verify your payroll service key (Employees → My Payroll Service → Manage Service Key).
7. Download the entire payroll update.

Still Getting Error PS077?

• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time scanning, then retry the payroll update. If it works, add QuickBooks folders to your antivirus exclusion list.
• Download and use the QuickBooks Tool Hub → Payroll Issues tab for automated diagnostics.
• If you recently moved your QuickBooks installation to a new computer, you may need Intuit to re-register your payroll subscription. Call 1-800-446-8848.
• Try creating a new Windows user account with admin rights and running QuickBooks from that account.

Prevent This Error in the Future

• Add QuickBooks folders to your antivirus exclusion list — specifically the Program Files\Intuit and ProgramData\Intuit directories.
• Always let payroll updates complete before closing QuickBooks or shutting down.
• Keep regular backups so you can restore quickly if payroll files get corrupted.
• Run disk error checking periodically (right-click drive → Properties → Tools → Error checking).
• Update your antivirus definitions — outdated antivirus is more likely to produce false positives on QuickBooks files.

Related Errors

• QuickBooks Error PS032
• QuickBooks Error PS033
• QuickBooks Error PS038
• QuickBooks Error PS107
• Payroll Error

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