Discover solutions for QuickBooks error 1618 that occurs when another program is undergoing an update.
QuickBooks has become the go-to financial management software for businesses of all sizes, thanks to its efficiency in handling complex financial tasks. Its user base is constantly expanding, a testament to its effectiveness. However, even the best software can encounter hiccups, and QuickBooks Error Code 1618 is one such annoying issue that users occasionally face.
This error often appears during the installation or uninstallation of QuickBooks or related programs, preventing you from getting the software up and running smoothly. But don’t worry – you’re not alone, and this issue is entirely resolvable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind QuickBooks Error 1618 and provide you with multiple effective solutions to fix it. We’re here to help you get past this obstacle. If you’d rather not tackle the troubleshooting steps manually, simply call our tech support line to speak with our specialists for expert assistance.
What is QuickBooks Error Code 1618?
QuickBooks error 1618 typically appears when you try to update the program or install QuickBooks on your desktop. This might occur as a result of an unsuccessful installation or update. This error, which is an update error, can take the following forms:
| Error | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning | Error code: 1618 |
| Error | There was a problem installing Microsoft Runtime library (Error 1618) |
| Error 1618: | ERROR_INSTALL_ALREADY_RUNNING error message when you run the setup program to install QuickBooks programs |
| Software: | QuickBooks Desktop |
| Symptoms: | Active program window crashes, system crashes, slow Windows performance, incomplete install process |
| Quick solution: | Create a backup of the Windows registry |
You might see the following error message on your computer screen:

Causes of the QuickBooks error code 1618
There are several possible reasons behind the QuickBooks error code 1618. Some of these are related to the installation, while others may not be directly related but may trigger the error.
- Installation error 1618 can occur if your updates and installations are not done properly.
- The latest installation of QuickBooks was incomplete.
- The installer files for QuickBooks updates might be corrupt.
- Malware or viruses on the system might interrupt the installation process
- A malfunction in the Windows registry can also cause this error.
- The update could be obstructed by conflicting programs in the background.
- The Microsoft Installer Executable Process (MSIEXEC), which enables Windows application installation, is either damaged or not functioning properly.
- A damaged installation process of the Microsoft Runtime Libraries can lead to error 1618.
Solutions for QuickBooks Error code 1618
There are many ways by which we can fix the QuickBooks Error 1618. Here we are giving you some common and best solution to fix it-
Method 1: Reinstall the Microsoft Runtime Libraries
- At first, press the Start button and search for Control Panel.
- Then, open the control panel and go to Programs and Features.
- After that, search for the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package from the list of installed programs.

- Now click on the Uninstall/Change tab.

- Once done with that, follow the onscreen steps to uninstall the component. Do the same with the MSXML component as well.

- After uninstalling the components, go to the Microsoft website and download the latest versions of these components.
- Next, install the components by following the instructions provided on the screen.
- Once done, you need to open QuickBooks and then go to the Help menu.
- Now select Update QuickBooks Desktop to start the update process.

Method 2: Close MSIEXEC.EXE running in the background
Some processes running in the background may interfere with the installation of QuickBooks. This problem can be resolved through the following steps.
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del keys together.
- Sort all running processes alphabetically under the Processes tab.
- Then, click on the Image Name column.
- Search for the MSIEXEC.EXE process. When found, select and press End Process.

- To confirm, press Yes.
- Exit the Task Manager window and proceed with the installation.
- Finally, close your QuickBooks and reopen it.
Method 3: Update the Windows Installer
- Log in to your computer as an administrator.
- Click on the ‘My Computer’ icon on your desktop or access it through the ‘Start’ menu.
- Open your C drive and then go to the ‘Windows’ folder.
- Locate the ‘System32’ folder and open it.
- Now find the .exe file and right-click on it.
- After that, proceed to the Properties tab.
- Check the Windows Installer version installed on your computer in the new window.
- If any update is available, then download it.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect, and then try reinstalling the application.

Method 4: Create Backup for the Windows Registry
- At first, launch the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys.
- Now, type ‘regedit’ and click on the OK button. (It will open Registry Editor dialog box.)

- Next, go to My Computer and select the File menu > Export option.
- Now select all the options in the Export category.

- Save the Created registry backup on the desktop and Delete the keys
- Also make sure that deleting keys will delete sub-keys as well.
Method 5: Run QuickBooks install diagnostic tool using the Tools Hub program
QuickBooks install diagnostic tool help to repair many errors that are caused by software installation or updation.
- At first you need to download and install Tool Hub program.
- After downloading, save the install file in that location from where you can access it easily.
- After that, open the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file and install it.
- After installation, double-click on the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon to open it.

- Click on the ‘Installation Issues‘ tab and select ‘QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool’ to launch the tool.

- It will take approximately 20 minutes to find and diagnose the problem.
- After completing the process, open QuickBooks to check whether the error 1618 is resolved or not.
- If you are facing the same issue, then follow the next solution to fix it.
Method 6: Update the Windows
- From the Start menu, go to Settings.
- Choose the tab for Update & Security.
- And further select the Windows Update option.
- Next, select the Check for Updates option.

- The download process will start automatically when updates are available.
- Restart your computer and let the updates install.
- At last, launch the QuickBooks software and check if the error 1618 got resolved.
Method 7: Run Quick Fix My Program
- In the first step, run the Tool Hub and access the Program Problems tab.

- After that, move to the Quick Fix My Program option.
- Then, proceed with the scan process and allow this feature to diagnose and rectify issues within QuickBooks.
Method 8: Using clean install in selective startup mode
There is a possibility that the error 1618 in QuickBooks is not resolved even after applying all the above techniques. In that case, you can try a clean installation in safe mode. This prevents third-party app interruptions during the reinstallation process. Follow the below steps to resolve the error:
Step 1: Switch to the Safe Mode
- Open the Run dialog box (Windows + R)
- Type MSConfig in the text box.

- After pressing Enter, you will see a pop-up window.
- The General tab will be already selected in the window. You will see three mode options.
- Now click on Selective Startup and then click on Load system services.
- Now, go to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services option at the bottom.

- Choose Disable and then untick the Hide all Microsoft services option.
- From the list of services provided, select Window Installer.
- After selecting the above, click OK and select the Restart button.
Step 2: Uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks desktop
- Go to Control Panel and click on the Programs and Features tab.
- Select QuickBooks from the list of installed applications.
- Then click on the Uninstall program option.

- Finish the uninstallation by following the instructions on the screen.
- Visit the official website to download the clean install tool.

- Install the tool and run it on your PC.
- Next, reinstall QuickBooks from the installation hard drive.
- Continue the download and installation by following the instructions on your PC screen.
Step 3: Returning to the Normal Mode
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- After that, write MSConfig in the search box and press the Enter key.

- You will see a pop-up window.
- Now, select the Normal Startup option in the General tab.

- Reboot your system again to apply the changes and see if the problem persists.
Conclusion!
In this segment we discussed the quick fixation of QuickBooks error code 1618 and the causes of this error. By using the methods mentioned above, you will be able to fix the error easily, as this would prevent any further damage to your important company files. Moreover, if you have any doubts and you need any technical guidance, then you can contact our QuickBooks installation error support professionals at 1-888-368-8874. Let them fix the error from its root cause.
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