Error 42004 Could not connect to the update site. How do I fix this?

[Fastcat]

Windows 10, fully updated. Using Edge Browser.

[CarissaM]

I would suggest resetting your modem, as well as restarting your computer and then trying once more. 

Please let us know if the issue still persists afterwards. 

[rfmeaux]

I have a 2023 Premier TT Desktop version.  Downloaded it, and I get this message before the program even fully opens!!  I have reset internet router/modem, rebooted computer, and have performed all updates to Windows 10 and associated drivers.  This Error code (42004) still comes up!  Is this fixable?

[CatinaT1]

I'm not sure if this will help for sure, but I am going to suggest these steps below. I think you might be having an issue other users have experienced with installing when using Windows 10. 

1. Type "environment" in the windows search bar.  
2. This will bring up "Edit the System Environment Variables" as a match.   
3. Clicking on it takes you to the "Advanced" tab of a dialog box titled "System Properties."   
4. Near the bottom of the dialog box, click on the pushbutton labeled "Environment Variables...".   
5. This brings up a separate dialog box that shows the current values for user environment variables at the top and system variables at the bottom. In the list of user environment variables, you should see both TEMP and TMP, and their current values.   
6. Click on each, then click on the "Edit..." pushbutton.   
7. This brings up another dialog box in which you can change the "Variable value" to "C:\Temp" (be sure to change the variable value, not the variable name).   
8. This folder must, of course, exist for this step to work properly.   
9. OK out of all the dialog boxes and retry the install.   
10. Environment variable changes take effect immediately, so if this is the only change you make, it's not necessary to reboot.   

[rfmeaux]

Thanks for the reply.  I followed your directions and still come up with the same error message.

To provide some detail, my problem has not been with downloading the program, rather once it is downloaded, it cannot communicate with the TurboTax server.

In any case, I de-installed the Premier TT desktop program, followed your instructions, and downloaded the program successfully.  However, the newly installed program cannot communicate with the TurboTax server (which it does as soon as it is installed to obtain updates).

Without straying too far off of the current issue, as stated above, here is some history.  I previously bought the Deluxe TT Desktop program, it downloaded and updated fine.  I completely did my taxes on that program (although I could not connect with my broker...probably different issue), and when completed, I transmitted the return to the TT server.  It gave a message, "Oops....there was a problem".  It said to try back later, I tried back later at various times over the next 24 hours with no message.  I completely deleted the Deluxe version and all files associated with it.  I bought the Premier version and now cannot even communicate with the TT server to obtain updates for the new program.  One of my major concerns is:  did my tax transmission from the Deluxe version actually go through and get filed with the IRS? 

[CatinaT1]

You can check that your return was received by the taxing authority  using these instructions: Check the Electronic Postmark of your Return. Pay close attention to the separate lines for Federal and State. They are separate statuses.

[MikeW53]

I have followed the steps in this suggestion but still receive error 42004.  I was ale to update on the initial installation of TT Deluxe 2023.  I am using the Firefox browser and have an excellent connection to the internet   (I am posting this message, aren't I) using Spectrum as my ISP.  I have downloaded the update & installed w_perrelsuperpatchIS_ttax_2023 manually successfully.  I have uninstalled TT multiple times on my computer but I am unable to file my return.  If you can't come up with a fix for this problem, I would like for you to refund my purchase price on TT Deluxe 2023.

[CatinaT1]

If you're having trouble updating your TurboTax 2023 for Windows Individual software using the "Check for Updates" method, click on the following link for instructions on how you can get the latest federal program update:  Manually Update TurboTax for Windows Software 

[MikeW53]

I have downloaded this update manually at least 4 times prior to your response.  I downloaded it again manually, successfully installed it again after your response, yet TT Deluxe CANNOT connect to the updater sight nor will allow me to file my taxes electronically.  HMMMM something went wrong.  To be perfectly honest with you, I am tired of seeing this message.

I had to file for my return by mail this year and now must wait 4-6 weeks to receive my refund.  Thanks for the help, TurboTax!  Not!  Your product sucks!  One of your former happiest users is now disgruntled and you have absolutely 0 to offer me to solve this problem.

It is more than apparent to me that there is a serious problem with TT Deluxe 2023 and other versions of TT 2023 (as evidenced by the number of inquiries on your help site regarding this problem) that needs to be corrected.   Since this problem is not being adequately addressed by TT, please refund my purchase price immediately.  I have been using TurboTax for the past 20 years and must say that I am extremely disappointed by this product this year to the extent that I will most likely choose another provider in the future.

[rfmeaux]

MikeW53,  I have gone through the same issues that you have experienced.  And, yes, I believe that part of the problem is that the computer I used to file my taxes had about 20 years history of TT information on it.  The way I finally got around this issue is to use an entirely different computer that had never used TurboTax on it.  I downloaded TT on it, and also copied only the 2022 TT file on a thumb drive and loaded it on the other computer.  (This was to save the import of the carryover information from 2022 to 2023.)  It worked perfectly.

I believe TT 2023 (deluxe or Premier....as I ended up buying both trying to get something to work), that will block communications with both the updater and the filing software if you have older copies of TT on your computer.  No proof, but obviously, the proof is the fact that a new computer without any prior TT information on it did.....finally work.

Hope this helps.

[rfmeaux]

PS:  If you are looking for a refund, you won't get it on this community forum.  You will have to contact TT customer service directly.  I was on the verge of doing that, but finally was able to use the program on a "new" computer.  (However, I did end up buying the Premier version, in addition to Deluxe, which wasn't required.)  I decided to forgo the hassle of dealing with TT Customer Service, given that I finally got my taxes filed.

Good Luck!!