How to Reinstall QuickBooks for Windows Using a Clean Install?

Here is how you can go for clean installation of QuickBooks (or reinstall) for your Windows computer

Is your QuickBooks Desktop performance lagging, or are you encountering persistent company file issues that a standard reinstall just won’t fix? The solution might be a QuickBooks Clean Install. This powerful troubleshooting method is designed to resolve a wide array of problems by completely resetting your QuickBooks Desktop environment.

Unlike a basic reinstall, a Clean Install (or Clean Uninstall) involves a precise multi-step process: first, thoroughly uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop for Windows, then renaming associated company files, and finally, reinstalling the program from scratch. This comprehensive approach ensures that any corrupted or problematic components are entirely removed, paving the way for a fresh, error-free installation.

Before you begin the “un-establishment” process, ensure you have your QuickBooks Desktop downloaded .exe file or installation CD readily available, along with your license number. Having these essentials prepared will make your clean installation process smooth and successful.

Methods to perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop for Windows

The repair tool for the complete Clean Install of QuickBooks procedure subsumes ‘uninstalling, renaming QuickBooks company file(s), and then reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop. Following is the step-by-step guide to performing the uninstalling and reinstalling of the QuickBooks Desktop software:

Method 1: QuickBooks Desktop UnInstallation process

• At first, hit the Windows+R keys on the keyboard to show the RUN command window.
• After that, type in Control Panel and then hit OK.
• Now opt for the Program and Features option.

• Open the Programs list, click on QuickBooks, and then opt for the option to uninstall.
• Next, follow the online instructions to complete the procedure.

Method 2: Rename the QuickBooks installation folders.

Post uninstalling QuickBooks, the next step involves renaming the folders by using the Clean Install Tool. You can also rename the QuickBooks Installation folders manually by navigating to the QuickBooks folder and then right-clicking on it to opt for Rename option.

Step 1: Download and RUN the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

After you have renamed the folders, download and run QuickBooks Clean Install Tool. Here is how you can perform this procedure.

• Download the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub program. This tool can be downloaded from the official website of Intuit.

• Soon after, launch the downloaded QuickBooks Clean Install.exe file.
• Choose the I Accept option on the license agreement page.
• Now, pick the QuickBooks desktop version and then check the option to continue.

• Now, hit the OK button when a message box that reads QuickBooks is prepared to complete a clean install appears, and you can install this to the default index.

Step 2: Manually rename QuickBooks Desktop installation folders.

Next, you can rename the QuickBooks Desktop Installation folders to show the hidden files, and after that, rename the ‘folder location‘ listed for the MS Windows version. Add ‘OLD’ at the end of the name of the folder. With this activity, you will maintain a strategic distance from QuickBooks from perceiving the folder while you make another one.

Step 3: On the off chance that you see the error message stating, ‘The Access Denied while Renaming the folders’, perform the following steps:

The following steps will assist you in getting rid of the above situation:

• On the Windows Taskbar, right-click and choose Task Manager. You can alternatively access the Task manager by clicking on the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys.
• Within the Task Manager, head to the Processes tab and choose the Image Name column header to unravel the processes alphabetically.
• At this stage, you are required to pick the following processes: QBDBMgern.exe, QBDBMr.exe, QBCFmonitorservice.exe, and qbw32.exe. Click on these processes one by one and then tap on the option to End Process.

• Opt for YES when you receive a warning message box.

Method 3: Re-Installation of QuickBooks Desktop

The final step is to go for the uninstall and reinstall process. After uninstalling the accounting application, head forward to download and install QuickBooks Desktop. You will need your license and product keys to authenticate the installation process.

What is the utility for a QuickBooks clean install?

QuickBooks Clean Install Tool is basically a repairing tool that is generally used to fix damage in the QuickBooks company file. There can be issues that might not get resolved by a mere re-installation of the QuickBooks Desktop. Such issues are generally addressed by uninstalling QuickBooks, retitling the installed files, and then reinstalling the same again. This complete process is named clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop and can be performed either manually or by taking the help of the clean install tool. Considering the complexities involved in the manual process, users often conform to using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

Points to remember

Before you uninstall the QuickBooks software, there are specific points that you need to keep in mind.

The points to remember are as follows:

1. Having the installation CD and license number or the QuickBooks .exe file downloaded on your system is one of the essential points.
2. Also, you need to back up the company data file because there are chances of data loss.
3. Make sure that you take note of your product and license keys before proceeding with the clean install process. Just open QuickBooks and then hit the F2 key to reveal the Product Information Window. Your license keys and all relevant details are contained in this window.

Prior steps to be performed

Before you start with the actual steps for running a clean install tool. Make sure to perform the below steps:

Step 1: Ascertain that a clean installation of QuickBooks is the right option.

In case you haven’t already, then you simply have to do a basic reinstall of the QuickBooks desktop. A basic re-install is a simple process that might resolve the issue in a few cases. If that doesn’t work, then you need to perform a clean install of QuickBooks desktop on each system you are facing issues with. Note that a clean installation of QuickBooks generally does not affect the company data.

Step 2: Gather information and back up the data.

• You need to initially download a new install file for your version of QuickBooks. This way, you might be sure to get the latest updates for your version.
• Make sure to have a license number handy. Note that on the original packaging or the purchase confirmation email, if you bought a digital version.

• Note down the product year and version.
• It is recommended to get all the info from your account management portal.
• In case you haven’t already, then ascertain to back up the company file to save the work.

Winding Up!

We hope this article helped to brief you on the complete procedure for a clean installation of the QuickBooks desktop for Windows. But if you face any issues, you can always contact our 24×7 QuickBooks Support team and speak to certified experts at the helpline 1-888-368-8874. Our certified experts are always ready to offer you any kind of assistance that aims at fixing the numerous issues confronted while using the QuickBooks accounting software.

 

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