Fix QuickBooks Error 1612 During Installation or Update

  • By Jonathan Browns
  • Dec 08, 2025
  • Accounting
  • 7 min read

Users often get stuck with the QuickBooks Error 1612 while installing the latest updates of the application. This issue may appear due to problems with the Windows installer, a corrupt installation, or corrupt company files. However, when this error appears, it flashes the warning message on the screen that says “Error 1612: The update error is not accessible.”

In this guide, we have provided the complete information regarding the root causes behind the QuickBooks Error Code 1612 and solutions to fix them.

Reasons That Trigger QuickBooks Error Code 1612

Before you go forward to the troubleshooting part, let’s focus on the actual causes that trigger QuickBooks Error Code 1612.

  • Your QuickBooks company file is either damaged or corrupt.
  • Malware or a virus present in your system is affecting the installation process.
  • The Error 1612 QuickBooks may arise due to an invalid or unauthorized Windows Registry.
  • The installation CD used for installing the QuickBooks application is damaged.
  • Sometimes, the interference of Windows Firewall may also hamper the installation of QuickBooks.
  • You may experience a corrupt installation of QuickBooks software.

How to Troubleshoot Error Code 1612 in QuickBooks Desktop?

If you are getting Error Code 1612 in QuickBooks Desktop during the installation or updating the software, then stop worrying. Instead, read all the fixation methods discussed below to address the issue swiftly.

Method 1: Reinstalling the Patch

At times, if you get stuck with the QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 1612, you can fix the issue by resetting the patch to its original settings and discarding the old changes.

  • Firstly, test if the patch is working correctly or not. If it’s not working properly, then re-download it.
  • Head to the Shared Download Folder and then turn it on or off.
  • Now, go through the instructions directed on your computer screen. Click on Off and then the Save option. Once again, you need to hit the Save option.
  • Next, try to resume applying Step 1 again to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Scan Your QuickBooks Program With System File Checker/Scannow Tool

The system file checker is an inbuilt tool in  Windows that is designed to scan and repair the corrupt or damaged system files by linking them with a cached copy on your device.

  • To begin with, launch the Run Command window. For that, you can use the shortcut keys Windows + R.
  • In the search box of the Run window, type “cmd” and click on OK.
  • By this, it will launch the Command Prompt screen, wherein insert “SFC/Scannow” and press the Enter key.
  • Consequently, it will begin scanning for damage or corruption in the file.
  • Once done, relaunch your computer and see if the QuickBooks Error Code 1612 still exists.

Method 3: Fix the Issues With QuickBooks Installation

You can fix the issues with the QuickBooks installation by performing the steps instructed below.

  • Open the Control Panel and then choose the Add/Remove Programs tab.
  • After this, from the list of available programs, opt for the QuickBooks application.
  • Now, browse to the Uninstall/Change option and hit the Repair tab from the QuickBooks Installation window.
  • Thereon, you must follow the on-screen prompts to finish the process.
  • Finally, relaunch your system and try to install the QuickBooks update again.

Method 4: Remove the Damaged Application

At times, the users may get the QuickBooks Desktop Error 1612 due to a corrupt or damaged .msi file. So, to address the issue, you must uninstall the application by performing the given instructions.

Windows 7 & Windows Vista Users

  • Go to the Start menu and choose the Programs and Features option.
  • After that, head to the Control Panel and hit the Programs tab.
  • Browse to the Programs and Features tab and search for the Windows installer error code linked with the program present in the same column.
  • Navigate to the Windows Installer and hit the Enter key.
  • Move to the Uninstall tab and do as instructed on the screen for completing the process.

Windows 8 Users

  • Initially, hit the Start menu and right-click on the Context menu.
  • Choose the Programs and Features tab and start searching for the Windows Installer code regarding the issue.
  • When you get it, tap on the Windows Installer-related Entry and select the Uninstall and Change tab.
  • At last, do as per the steps guided on the screen.

Windows XP Users

  • To begin with, launch the Control Panel and hit the Add/Remove Programs from the available options.
  • After this, locate and choose the Error 1612-related Windows Installer key beneath the list of installed software.
  • Now, pick the entry and click the Remove tab.
  • Once you are done, install the QuickBooks Desktop application again.

Method 5: Review Your Antivirus Software Settings

As already discussed, the users may get QuickBooks Desktop Error 1612 due to the blockage of Windows Firewall or third-party security applications. Therefore, to resolve the issue, you must configure the settings of the antivirus software using these steps.

  • Firstly, start checking your Firewall ports. See if the QuickBooks or related files are disabled.
  • Herein, you need to configure the antivirus settings. If you find that QuickBooks is present within the list of blocked apps, remove it.
  • Note: You can also remove the antivirus software for some time if you still encounter any issues. For that, you must perform the steps instructed below.
    • Launch the Control Panel and then head to the Programs and Features option.
    • Choose the Uninstall a Program tab and then click on the antivirus software.
    • Thereon, hit the Uninstall > OK and then relaunch your computer.

Method 6: Do the Necessary Changes To QuickBooks Software Changes

Even after implementing the above solutions, you fail to fix the QuickBooks Error 1612, then configure your software settings.

Note: Before starting the process, conduct a backup of the company file to save your data from any loss or damage.

  • Initially, move to the Start menu and start looking for the QuickBooks application.
  • After that, right-click on the QuickBooks icon and choose the Uninstall option.
  • Give some time to complete the uninstall process.
  • Now, visit the official Intuit website and search for the QuickBooks program.
  • Begin downloading the latest QuickBooks version. Then, save the downloaded setup file to a safe location.
  • Use the proper login details for setting up the QuickBooks application.
  • When the installation of QuickBooks is over, move to the Control Panel and hit the Programs and Features tab.
  • Beneath the Names option from the Associated Entry, and then pick the associated files. Then, click on the Uninstall tab.
  • Once again, move to the Programs and Features section and browse to the QuickBooks application.
  • Thereon, hit the Repair tab and let the repair process complete.
  • Finally, relaunch your computer and see if the error still arises.

Conclusion

So, here we conclude our blog and hope you find it worth reading. Also, we hope that the solutions discussed in this post will help you resolve the QuickBooks Error 1612. Furthermore, if you are still struggling while installing the updates, then connect with our BizBooksAdvice professionals for assistance.

Question 1: What is Error Code 1612 in QuickBooks?

Ans. The “Error 1612: The update installer is inaccessible” means QuickBooks is unable to get the essential installer file to complete the update. However, the problem may occur while opening QuickBooks, accessing a data file, or during the software update.

Question 2: What are the signs you observe when QuickBooks Error 1612 occurs?

Ans. The users may experience QuickBooks Error 1612 with the help of the following signs and symptoms.

  • You may notice a sudden freezing of the QuickBooks update process.
  • When you see that your system stops responding due to the occurrence of QuickBooks Error Code 1612.
  • The users may notice a warning message flashing on their computer screen.
  • Also, you may see that the Windows operating system.

Question 3: Does a clean installation of QuickBooks fix QuickBooks Error 1612?

Ans. Yes, by running the clean installation tool, you can address the QuickBooks Error 1612.

Question 4: What points must you consider to rectify QuickBooks Desktop Error 1612?

Ans. Before fixing the QuickBooks Desktop Error 1612, you must consider the following things.

  • You must sign in with the proper admin rights to make the changes to your system.
  • Also, verify that your system is linked to a good internet connection.
  • Consider scheduling the backup of your company file to save your data from any loss or damage.  

Question 5: Can the Microsoft Runtime Library cause Error 1612 in QuickBooks?

Ans. Yes, the Microsoft Runtime Library may cause error 1612 in QuickBooks.

About The Author

Jonathan
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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