Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop is essential for accessing new features and security updates. However, users often encounter errors during the upgrade process, preventing a smooth transition. This guide explores common QuickBooks Desktop upgrade errors, their causes, and step-by-step solutions in a detailed Q&A format.
Q1: Why does QuickBooks fail to upgrade, showing "Error 1603"?
A: Error 1603 is a common installation failure caused by:
Corrupted Windows Installer files.
Insufficient user permissions.
Conflicting programs (antivirus/firewall).
Damaged QuickBooks components.
How to Fix It:
Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool – Download from Intuit’s website to fix installation issues.
Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily – Security software may block the upgrade.
Repair Microsoft .NET Framework:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
Disable .NET Framework, restart, then re-enable it.
Run QuickBooks as Administrator – Right-click the installer and select Run as Admin.
Clean Reinstall QuickBooks – Uninstall, delete residual files, then reinstall.
Q2: How do I fix "QuickBooks Upgrade Error 1402" during installation?
A: Error 1402 occurs when QuickBooks cannot access registry keys due to permission issues.
How to Fix It:
Modify Registry Permissions (Advanced Users Only):
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components
Right-click Components > Permissions > Add "Everyone" with Full Control.
Use QuickBooks Tool Hub:
Download and run the QuickBooks Tool Hub (from Intuit’s website).
Select Installation Issues > Quick Fix my Program.
Reinstall QuickBooks – If registry edits fail, perform a clean install.
Q3: What causes "QuickBooks Error 1935" during an upgrade?
A: Error 1935 is related to Microsoft .NET Framework or C++ runtime conflicts.
How to Fix It:
Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
Locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, select Repair.
Update Windows:
Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
Run QuickBooks Installer in Compatibility Mode:
Right-click the installer > Properties > Compatibility > Run as Windows 8.
Disable Antivirus Temporarily – Some security suites block installations.
Q4: Why does QuickBooks show "Error 1723" when upgrading?
A: Error 1723 indicates a corrupted Windows Installer package or missing DLL files.
How to Fix It:
Restart Windows Installer Service:
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Installer, and restart it.
Clear Temporary Files:
Press Windows + R, type %temp%, delete all files in the folder.
Re-download QuickBooks Installer – The downloaded file may be corrupted.
Use QuickBooks Clean Install Tool – Removes all residual files before reinstalling.
Q5: How do I resolve "QuickBooks Error 1406" during upgrade?
A: Error 1406 occurs when QuickBooks cannot write to registry values.
How to Fix It:
Modify Registry Permissions:
Open regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Intuit\QuickBooks
Right-click QuickBooks > Permissions > Add "Everyone" with Full Control.
Run QuickBooks Tool Hub – Use the File Doctor tool to fix registry issues.
Reinstall QuickBooks – If registry edits fail, perform a clean install.
Q6: What should I do if QuickBooks freezes during upgrade?
A: Freezing can happen due to:
System resource limitations.
Conflicting background applications.
Corrupted installation files.
How to Fix It:
Close All Programs – Ensure no other apps are running during upgrade.
Restart Your Computer – Try the upgrade again after a reboot.
Run QuickBooks in Clean Boot Mode:
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, go to Services > Hide Microsoft services > Disable all.
Restart and attempt the upgrade.
Check Disk Space – Ensure at least 10GB free space is available.
Q7: How do I fix "QuickBooks Error 1904" after upgrading?
A: Error 1904 means QuickBooks cannot register a DLL/OCX file post-installation.
How to Fix It:
Re-register the DLL Manually (Advanced):
Press Windows + R, type cmd, and run:
regsvr32 "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\<filename>.dll"
Run QuickBooks as Administrator – Right-click the shortcut > Run as Admin.
Reinstall QuickBooks – A clean install often resolves DLL issues.
Q8: Why does QuickBooks crash after upgrading to a new version?
A: Post-upgrade crashes may occur due to:
Incompatible third-party integrations.
Damaged company files.
Outdated device drivers.
How to Fix It:
Update Device Drivers – Especially graphics and network drivers.
Verify QuickBooks Company File:
Open QuickBooks > File > Utilities > Verify Data.
Disable Add-ons Temporarily:
Go to File > Utilities > Stop 3rd Party Apps.
Restore a Backup – If crashes persist, revert to a pre-upgrade backup.
Q9: How can I prevent QuickBooks upgrade errors in the future?
Backup Company Files – Always create a backup before upgrading.
Use QuickBooks Tool Hub – Fixes common installation issues.
Update Windows & Drivers – Ensures system compatibility.
Download Updates Directly from Intuit – Avoid third-party installers.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Desktop upgrade errors can be frustrating but are often resolvable with the right steps. Key solutions include:
Running QuickBooks as Administrator.
Using QuickBooks Tool Hub for automated repairs.
Ensuring proper system permissions and updates.
If issues persist, Intuit Support can provide further assistance.
