How to Rectify QuickBooks Error 1904 Using Expert Tips?

Have you got stuck while installing or updating the QuickBooks Desktop? This might happen due to the occurrence of QuickBooks Error 1904. It is the most common issue that is triggered due to missing or damaged Windows components like DLL files and Microsoft C++. However, when this error appears, the following error message pops up, indicating “Error 1904: [file path / name / extension] failed to register.“

Read this post attentive and get a better understanding about the causes and solutions to overcome QuickBooks Installation Error 1904.

Are you having trouble with the 1904 QuickBooks Error and unable to accomplish your financial tasks? Connect with our QB professionals instantly at +1-866-408-0444 and let them help you resolve your query as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

What Do You Mean By QuickBooks Error Code 1904?

QuickBooks Error Code 1904 is an installation issue that primarily appears when the components required for installation are corrupted or damaged. In other instances, this issue may also appear because of inappropriate file location. Unfortunately, this issue disrupts the installation process disrupting the entire business operations.

What Are the Possible Reasons That cause QuickBooks Install Error 1904?

QuickBooks Install Error 1904 might takes place due to numerous reasons. So, here we have elaborated on all the root causes in detail below.

Unavailability of the Storage Space:-

You must have adequate storage space to download and install QuickBooks Desktop. A lack of storage space might result in installation issues, such as QuickBooks Error Code 1904.

Software Compatibility Problems:-

The outdated version of the QuickBooks Desktop might not be compatible with your latest Windows operating system. Thus, it might interrupt the users from installing the application and end up with a 1904 QuickBooks Error.

Insufficient User Permissions:-

Proper user permissions are required to seamlessly edit and install the QuickBooks Desktop application on your device. However, if the users don’t have proper permissions, this might cause this issue and interrupt the ongoing tasks.

Problems Due to Corrupted Installer:-

At times, it has been reported that the installation file gets damaged or corrupted during QuickBooks download or transfer. As a result, it might create problems with the installation and cause this error.

Network-Related Issues:-

Sometimes, an inconsistent internet connection might create problems with the QuickBooks installation and give rise to Error 1904 in QuickBooks.

Availability of Corrupted Windows Registry:-

The installation issue may be due to the damaged or corrupted Windows Registry.

Interference of Firewall or Antivirus Software:-

In certain instances, this issue may trigger when the Windows Firewall or antivirus software blocks access to the Internet, which might prevent users from installing QuickBooks.

How Can You Identify the Appearance of Error 1904 in QuickBooks Desktop?

Upon the arrival of Error 1904 in QuickBooks Desktop, the users might face the following consequences. Let’s walk through the following repercussions to prevent the error from occurring in the future.

The users might face challenges while trying to install the QuickBooks Desktop which might disrupts the smooth financial operations.
Also, you might face difficulty in installing latest QuickBooks updates.
Continuous freezing or crashing of the QuickBooks application may cause QuickBooks Error Code 1904.
In some instances, you may observe the computer’s sluggish performance due to this error.
The users may observe that their system stops displaying automatic updates on their system.
This error will eventually disrupts the performance of the Windows operating system.

Best Ways to Resolve QuickBooks Error 1904 failed to register

The procedure for installing QuickBooks Desktop is straightforward and simple. However, complications may arise during the installation, resulting in QuickBooks error 1904. Herein, we have discussed all the effective solutions to rectify the issue and try installing QuickBooks without any trouble.

Method 1: Setup & Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

QuickBooks 1904 Error usually appears while trying to install the latest QuickBooks Desktop or updates. So, to resolve the issues with the installation of the QuickBooks application, you must run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool. This utility program will scan the damage or corruption with the installation and then run a repair to fix the issue.

QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool -BizBooksAdvice

Method 2: Repairing the Windows Components Manually

Even after running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool, you can’t resolve the QuickBooks Install Error 1904

A. Repairing.NETFramework Issues

Mark the .NET Framework 4.5 (or a higher version)
In case the .NET Framework 405 checkbox isn’t marked, then do as follows:

Firstly, mark the checkbox to turn on .NET Framework 4.5 (or later).
After that, click OK to save your changes.
Then, relaunch your PC.

If you haven’t marked the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox, it is already checked:

Primarily, mark the checkbox to turn off .NET Framework 4.5 (or later). Make sure not to enable it.
After that, click OK to save your changes.
Thereon, relaunch your computer.
Once you logged in to Windows, follow the steps to turn on .NET Framework 4.5 again.

Mark the .NET Framework 3.5 (or a higher version)
In case you haven’t marked the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox:

Initially, tick mark the checkbox to enable the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
After that, click OK to save your changes.
Thereon, relaunch your Windows PC.

In case the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox is previously marked:

Mark the checkbox to turn off .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. Make sure that you won’t switch it back on.
After this, click OK to save your changes.
Thereon, relaunch your PC.
Once you log in to Windows, perform the steps to turn .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 on again.

B. Registering the MSXML Components

Steps to perform on 64-Bit operating system for registering MSXML:

Under this process, click the Start menu and type cmd.
After that, right-click cmd and choose the Run as Administrator option.
Thereon, give the following command “cd\windows\syswow64” in the C: prompt.
Now, insert “regsvr32 MSXML6.dll” and hit the Enter key.
At last, begin installing the QuickBooks Desktop.

Steps to perform on a 32-bit operating system for registering MSXML:

Firstly, launch the Run command window by pressing the Windows+R keys.
After that, insert “cmd”, then press Enter.
Thereon, type “regsvr32 MSXML6.dll”, then again press Enter.
Finally, begin installing the QuickBooks Desktop.

Method 3: Make the Necessary Change With Windows Account Settings

You must move to the Windows administrator account for making the relevant changes.

Switch to your Windows Administrator Account

Primarily, launch the Start menu and type “CMD” into the search console.
When you get the CMD icon, right-click on it and then choose Run as Administrator.
After this, insert “net user administrator /active: yes” in the command window and hit the Enter key. Once you are done giving the command, shut down the command window.
Thereon, launch the Start menu and pick the sign out option.
Furthermore, opt for the account that says Administrator and sign in. Herein, you doesn’t require any password for login.

Change your user permissions

Initially, launch the Start menu, type “File Explorer” into the search, and launch File Explorer.
After this, start looking for C:\Program Files\Common Files.
Thereon, right-click the Common Files folder, and then hit the Properties option.
Now, you must move to the Security tab, and then click Edit.
When you are in the “Group or user names” section, opt for Users.
Furthermore, when you are in the “Permissions for Users” section, enable the following permissions: Modify, Read & execute, List folder contents, Read, Write.
Once you are done making changes, click Apply and then hit the OK tab.

Reinstall QuickBooks & Then Log Out

Firstly, you must try uninstalling and then reinstalling the QuickBooks Desktop.
Once you are done with the install, click the Start menu, and then log out of the administrator account.
Thereon, you must log in to your user account.
Now, launch the Start menu again, type “CMD” and open the command window. Then, right-click on CMD icon and choose Run as Administrator.
Next, type “net user administrator /active: no” and press the Enter key. Doing so will eventually hide your administrator account.

Different Instances When You Encounter QuickBooks Installation Error 1904

Go through the steps below if your error belongs to any one of these special cases.

Instance 1: If you are using the Bitdefender application

You must include QuickBooks Desktop to the Bitdefender exclusion list. However, turning off Bitdefender doesn’t resolve the issue.

Bitdefender application - bizbooksadvice

In case you are accessing a 32 bit of the Windows OS, then include “C: >> Program Files >> Common Files.:
However, if you are using a 64-bit operating system, then insert “C: >> Program Files >> Intuit (C: >> Program Files (x86)>> Intuit.”

Instance 2: If you Encounter Error 1904 while installing Adobe Flash Player

uninstall-adobe-flash-player- bizbooksadvice

Begin the process by downloading and then running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
After this, launch the Start menu, and insert “Control Panel” into the text field.
Doing so will launch the Control Panel on your computer.
Now, choose the Uninstall a Program option.
Furthermore, hit the Adobe Flash Player ActiveX option.
Thereon, opt for the Uninstall option.
Next, go through the instructions presented on the screen for uninstalling.
At last, try to download and then reinstall the Adobe Flash Player once again.

Instance 3: In case you receive an Error 1904 message, it refers to QbversionTool.dll

Before proceeding further, you first require to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool. Then, perform the steps below to resolve the issue.

Examining Your Permissions

Even after running the Install Diagnostic Tool, you are getting QuickBooks Error 1904. Run this test to find out if something else is generating the problem.

Initially, click on the Start menu and type “Notepad”.
After this, launch the Notepad application and write “QBTEST” in it.
Now, move to the File menu > Save As option. You must save it either to the “C:\Program Files\Common Files” or “C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files”.

If you find issues saving the note to the folder, you must log in and then try installing QuickBooks as an administrator.

Installing QuickBooks As an Administrator

Primarily, launch the Start menu and then choose the Log Out option.
Afterwards, you must pick the account saying Administrator and then sign in. Make sure that there mustn’t be a password.
At last, try installing QuickBooks with proper admin credentials.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 1904 is a complex issue which might prevents the users from installing the QuickBooks Desktop or updates. Therefore, to fix the issue, you must fix the installation issues by running the Install Diagnostic tool. If still the error persists then you can take help from this post or connect with our QB professionals for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: How do I fix QuickBooks Desktop Installation errors?

Ans. You can resolve the QuickBooks Desktop Installation errors by running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. For that, use the steps below.

Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub and browse to the Installation Issues tab.
After this, choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and then restart your Pc.
Thereon, launch the QuickBooks Desktop and then access your company file.
At last, try to update the QuickBooks Desktop to the new version.

Question 2: Do I need admin rights to fix Error 1904 in QuickBooks?

Ans. Yes, you must require administrative rights to install QuickBooks Desktop and resolve Error 1904 in QuickBooks.

Question 3: Can changing the installation location resolve QuickBooks Error Code 1904?

Ans. No, by changing the installation location you can’t rectify the QuickBooks Error Code 1904. This is so because this error is mainly caused by corruption or damage in Windows components.NETFramework.

Question 4: How do I know if I am facing QuickBooks Error 1904?

Ans. Whenever the users encounter QuickBooks Error 1904, they will get a message stating “Error 1904: [file path/name / extension] failed to register.” Also, the users may face trouble installing QuickBooks, or the application may fail to open.

Question 5: Can Error 1904 cause data loss in QuickBooks?

Ans. Yes, the QuickBooks Error 1904 might significantly cause data loss, but it won’t directly cause damage to the application. This is so because the error evokes due to the damage or missing Windows components.

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.

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