It is a common error that several users face while updating or processing paychecks in QuickBooks. you might get an error message that reads, "You've retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before mm/dd/yyyy. [PS038]". The error message says, "QuickBooks payroll won't update error; validate payroll subscription". An inactive payroll subscription is one for the apparent reasons for the QuickBooks Desktop update error code.