Use QuickBooks Clean Install Tool & Fix Installation Issues

Are you the one who is facing installation errors, software crashing, or any Windows registry errors in QuickBooks?

Well, in that case, the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool comes into the picture. It is a great tool that helps in removing residual files and folders by uninstalling and reinstalling the application. However, this tool removes the old QuickBooks Desktop version and installs the new version from scratch. Thus, it ensures the smooth installation of the QuickBooks application. This post contains the step-by-step guidelines to get the Clean Install tool in QuickBooks. So, let’s begin reading this post and experience the smooth accounting operations.

Table of Contents

Which Errors Can Be Resolved By the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool Utility?

By accessing the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool Utility, you can overcome the following errors.

Damaged QuickBooks Programs-

You can run this tool to repair the damage or corruption during the installation for updating the QuickBooks software. Thus, it ensures that the application’s files remain intact and run smoothly.

Installation & Update Issues:

If you face any errors due to the failure of QuickBooks installation or update, you can run the Clean Install Utility tool. Running this tool will ensure that you install the accounting application smoothly without causing any hindrance.

Problems Associated With the Windows Components:

Any problems incurred due to the damage in the Windows components required to install the QuickBooks application can be repaired.

Insufficient User Permissions:

In case you are receiving errors due to insufficient user permissions to run QuickBooks, then it can be fixed with the Clean Install tool. By running this tool, you can set proper permissions to run the software smoothly.

Application Crashing or Not Responding:

You can also fix the QuickBooks crashing or not responding issue in QuickBooks by running the Clean Install Tool.

What are the Key Benefits of the QuickBooks Clean Install Utility?

The following are the key benefits that you can get by running the QuickBooks Clean Install Utility.

The clean install tool of QuickBooks deletes the program files, but it won’t cause any damage to your accounting data.
Another great benefit of running this tool is that it installs QuickBooks from scratch, which reduces the chances of the program crashing or freezing.
Using the QuickBooks Clean Utility tool will help remove the remaining program files, folders, and registry entries by assuring a clean slate of installation.
Moreover, it lets you reinstall QuickBooks with new, uncorrupted system files by replacing the damaged ones, and it restores the software’s performance.

How to Download and Run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

Before you begin with the QuickBooks Clean Install Utility download, get ready with the setup or installation file. Also, make sure that you have a valid license number and product key available. Regardless of this, it is also essential that you log in to QuickBooks with the proper system admin credentials. Furthermore, thoroughly carry out the steps below for running this tool efficiently.

First Step: Uninstall the QuickBooks Desktop Installation

The very first step involved in running the Clean Install Tool for QuickBooks is removing the previously installed QuickBooks version. For that, you must undertake the instructions outlined below.

The first and foremost step is to click the Windows icon and then type “Control Panel” in the text area.
After this, choose the Control Panel option to open the desired window.
Now, locate and then click on the Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program option.

Thereon, you must pick the QuickBooks Desktop version that you no longer want and need to be removed.
Once selected, tap on the Uninstall/Change, Remove option and then Next.

In case you didn’t get this option, simply log out of Windows. Then, log back in to Windows as an admin (or a user with admin rights).

Second Step: Display the Hidden Files

Perform the steps below to display the hidden files and folders in QuickBooks:

From your desktop or System Tray, you must choose the folder icon to launch the File Explorer.
After this, choose the View tab option and then hit the Hidden Items tab.

Third Step: Renaming the QuickBooks Installation Folders For Removing QuickBooks

Perform the steps instructed below to change the name of the QuickBooks Installation folders.

Initially, launch the Start menu and type “File Explorer” in the search panel.
After this, it will take you to the File Explorer window.
Now, locate and then launch the folder that contains the QuickBooks data files. You will locate your QuickBooks folder using any one of these locations:
- C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
- 64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
Thereon, you must right-click on the folder and pick the Rename option.
Afterwards, include “OLD” at the end of the folder name. Doing so will prevent QuickBooks from launching the application when you reinstall.

Fourth Step: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop

After completing the uninstallation and changing the name of the QuickBooks application, you must reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop. Doing so will set up the QuickBooks application from scratch by removing all the technical bugs from the software.

Steps to Perform if you get the error message while renaming the folder

Under this process, you must right-click the Windows Taskbar, then choose the Task Manager.
After this, browse to the Processes tab.
Now, pick the Name column header to sort the list.

Thereon, you must choose the following processes and then End Process for each: QBDBMgrN.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe, Qbw32.exe.

Following this, hit the Yes option when you see the message, “WARNING: Terminating a process can cause undesired results…”

Conclusion

So, here we conclude this post and hope that by performing these steps, you will run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool. Thus, it will help you resolve the QuickBooks installation, update, freezing, or crashing issues. In case you are having trouble running this tool, connect with our QB professionals for quick assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: When can you use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

Ans. The following are the instances when you can use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

You can use it to fix the Installation errors.
It can be used to fix the errors related to damage or corruption of the QuickBooks program files.
For the clean installation of the QuickBooks Desktop application.

Question 2: What are the key points to consider before running QuickBooks Clean Install Utility?

Ans. The following are the measures you must consider before running the QuickBooks Clean Install Utility.

Ensure you are running the up-to-date version of the QuickBooks Desktop application.
Also, verify that you have generated a backup copy of the company data.
Moreover, you must check that you have a valid product year and version.

Question 3: Is using the QuickBooks Clean Install tool safe for your company data?

Ans. Yes, running the QuickBooks Clean Install tool won’t cause any damage to your company file data. But, for the safer side, it is suggested that you generate a backup copy of your data file.

Question 4: Does the Clean Install Tool support the Windows and Mac versions of QuickBooks?

Ans. Yes, you can run the Clean Install tool in both the Windows and Mac versions of QuickBooks.

Question 5: What is the main use of the QuickBooks Clean Install?

Ans. The main motive of the QuickBooks Clean Install tool is to remove all the accounting data and install QuickBooks from scratch. It is basically a process of giving a system a fresh start, which will help in improving the software performance.

About The Author

Jonathan Browns

Jonathan Brown is a trained QuickBooks professional with 10 years of experience in the accounting sector. Moreover, he is passionate about helping businesses reduce the stress of managing accounts. Also, he is proficient in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners to use QuickBooks and enhance their accounting experience.

Intuit has stopped providing new subscriptions for the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 and previous versions.

You can migrate to QuickBooks Online or switch to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise.

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