Several problems can arise when you install QuickBooks Desktop on your computer. One of the most complex issues you might experience is QuickBooks error 1903, which can also prevent you from accessing the software after installation.
Here are some things you can experience along with this error:
- The QuickBooks installation window freezes & it won’t respond to your commands.
- You might fail to access any third-party program installed on your system.
- Even if you succeed in accessing the QB application window after the installation process, you might experience degraded software performance.
Generally, this problem manifests due to a bunch of technical causes, such as faulty Windows components, outdated Windows, and interference by security apps. The great thing is that it is quite easy to overcome this challenge if you implement proven troubleshooting hacks.
Alright, then, let’s dive into the article to explore the fundamental factors that contribute to this issue & discover detailed resolutions.
If you want instant help to eliminate QuickBooks error 1903, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to contact a QB professional.
Why Do You Get the 1903 Error Code When Installing QB?
Before you try to eliminate QuickBooks error 1903, you must be aware of the factors provoking it. Once you identify it, resolving 1903 becomes much quicker and easier.
- If QuickBooks installation files or program files are damaged.
- If the QuickBooks Desktop installation process remains incomplete.
- Third-party programs on the system, for instance, antivirus and antispyware programs, might be stopping QuickBooks installation.
- If the Windows OS is outdated, it might trigger error 1903 in QuickBooks.
- You might get a runtime error due to the Microsoft .NET Framework damage.
- In case of damage or corruption in the Microsoft MSXML and C++ files.
To learn more about other QuickBooks installation errors, go through this article.
4 Powerful Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 1903
After reading and analyzing the factors responsible for error code 1903 in QuickBooks, use the troubleshooting solutions below that can fix it:
1. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
QuickBooks Tool Hub includes numerous utilities designed to eliminate different issues in the QuickBooks application automatically. Here, we will use the QuickBooks install diagnostic tool to get rid of QuickBooks error 1903. If you have never used Tool Hub, download it by clicking on this LINK. Also, for a much better experience, we recommend you install QB Tool Hub on 64-bit Windows OS.
Step I: Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub
After downloading the latest (1.4.0.0) version of Tool Hub, save the downloaded file and follow the instructions below to install it on the system.
Note: If you have already installed Tool Hub before, you need to find out which version you have. Go to the Home tab, and you can see the version at the bottom right. Alternatively, you can also select About to view the version.
- Locate the downloaded Tool Hub file, which usually gets saved in the Downloads folder.
- When you find the file, double-click to open it and start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen steps carefully and then agree to the terms and conditions.
- When the installation finishes, the Tool Hub icon appears on the Windows desktop. Double-click the icon to open the utility.
Note: In case you don’t see the Tool Hub icon on the Windows desktop, search it manually in the Windows search bar and open it.
Step II: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
The QB install diagnostic tool identifies and resolves problems that prevent QuickBooks from installing or running. Fixing these issues can eventually help you eliminate error code 1903 in QuickBooks Desktop.
- After installing QuickBooks Tool Hub, open it by double-clicking the Tool Hub icon.
- Choose Installation Issues from the left-hand side menu bar and choose QB Install Diagnostic Tool.
- The tool will take approximately 20 minutes to run, and once the process is complete, restart the system.
If you are still getting QuickBooks error 1903 despite running the QB install diagnostic tool, apply the next troubleshooting solution.
2. Install Windows Updates
Updating the Windows OS can fix QuickBooks installation error 1903. To download and install the recent updates, follow the steps given below:
For Windows 10
- Choose Start and click the gear-shaped icon (Settings).
- Choose Update & Security, then Windows Update, and then select the Install Now or Check for Updates option.
- To install the Windows updates, choose the Restart Now option.
For Windows 11
- Choose Start and then choose Settings.
- Choose Windows Update, then hit the Check for updates button. You can install the updates if they are available.
After rebooting the system, install or launch the QuickBooks program to see if the QuickBooks error 1903 message has been removed. However, if the same error message persists, move to the next solution.
3. Manually Repair the Windows Components
Microsoft .NET Framework and Microsoft MSXML are two essential parts of Windows components. You must fix the issues in these components to resolve QuickBooks Desktop error code 1903. By applying the two-step process given below, you can easily eliminate error 1903 and be able to install or use QuickBooks successfully :
Step I: Fix the Microsoft .NET Framework
The QuickBooks software utilizes multiple Microsoft programs to run web-based applications smoothly, comprising the .NET Framework. If complications in the .NET Framework trigger QuickBooks error 1903, learn how to check and repair it by following the procedure below:
- Close all open programs on the system, and click the Windows Start menu.
- In the search bar, type Control Panel and press Enter.
- Choose Program, and under it, click the Programs and Features option.
- Click Uninstall a Program, select Turn Windows features on or off, and find .NET Framework on the list.
Note: Ensure you checkmark the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 option. You must also note that the steps to repair .NET Framework 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, & 4.8 are the same.
Check the. NET Framework 4.5 (or Later) Settings
Case A: The .NET Framework 4.5 (or Later) is Not Enabled
- If the checkbox for .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) is not selected, click on it to enable it.
- Choose the OK option to save the changes and reboot the system.
Case B: The .NET Framework 4.5 (or Later) is Already Enabled
- If the checkbox for .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) is tick-marked, uncheck it to disable the settings.
- Do not enable it and choose OK to save the changes.
- Restart the system, and after signing back into Windows, follow the steps to enable .NET Framework 4.5 again.
Check the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Settings
Case A: The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is Not Activated
- If the checkbox next to .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is not selected, click on it to enable it.
- Choose the OK option to save the changes and reboot the system.
Case B: The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is Already Activated
- If the checkbox next to .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is tick-marked, uncheck it to disable .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
- Do not enable it and select OK to save the changes, as performed earlier.
- Restart the system, and after logging back into Windows, follow the steps to enable .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 again.
After performing all the instructions above, try to install QuickBooks Desktop to check if QuickBooks error 1903 is fixed. However, if not, move to step two.
Important Note: If you face an error while enabling or disabling the .NET Framework, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 or contact Microsoft Support to get the issue resolved.
Step II: Fix the Microsoft MSXML Component
The process of registering MSXML on 64-bit OS and 32-bit OS is different. Follow the steps accordingly.
Type A: Registering MSXML For the 64-bit Windows Operating System
- Click the Start button to open the search panel.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- Right-click Command Prompt and choose the Run as Administrator option from the drop-down.
- At the C: prompt, enter cd\windows\syswow64, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and hit Enter.
Try to install the QuickBooks application to see if performing the above steps helps eliminate QuickBooks error 1903.
Type B: Registering MSXML For the 32-bit Windows Operating System
- Hit the Windows and R keys to open the Run command window on the system.
- In the command box, type in cmd, select OK, and afterward, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll.
- Hit Enter.
- Try to re-install QuickBooks Desktop.
If the above solution does not help you rectify QuickBooks Desktop error 1903, move to the last troubleshooting solution.
4. Install QB Desktop in Selective Startup Mode
To rectify QuickBooks error 1903, try to install QuickBooks in selective startup mode. To learn how to switch to selective startup mode and back to normal mode, follow the steps below carefully.
Prior to implementing these two steps, remember to:
- Make a backup of the company file.
- Keep the license and product numbers handy. You will need it when re-installing QuickBooks.
Step I: Switch to Selective Startup Mode
To ensure no third-party software gets in the way of installing QuickBooks Desktop, follow the instructions given below:
- Open the Run window by pressing the Windows and R keys together.
- In the command box, type in msconfig and choose the OK option.
- Under the General tab, choose the Selective Startup and Load System Services option.
- Choose the Services tab, click Hide all Microsoft Services, and then Disable all.
- Uncheck the checkbox beside Hide all Microsoft services, choose Windows Installer under the list of services, and click OK.
- Choose the Restart option in the System Configuration window.
Step II: Install QuickBooks and Switch Back to Normal Startup Mode
After the Windows OS is in selective startup mode, try to install the QB application. If you can install QB, the next step is returning to normal mode. Here are the instructions to do it:
- Hit the Windows and R keys.
- In the Run command dialog box, type msconfig and click OK.
- Move to the General tab, click the Normal startup option, and choose OK.
Choose Restart from the System Configuration window.
Use These Exclusive Tips to Prevent QB Installation Errors
- To prevent QB Desktop installation problems, you can do the following:
- Ensure System Compatibility: Verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for the QuickBooks version you are installing.
- Run the Installer as Administrator: Always install QuickBooks using administrator privileges to avoid permission-related issues.
- Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily: Security software can block installation files, so temporarily disable them during installation.
- Use a Stable Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection ensures that QuickBooks downloads and installs necessary components without interruption.
- Ensure Sufficient Disk Space: Check that your system has enough free storage to accommodate QuickBooks installation files.
- Close Background Applications: Running unnecessary programs during installation can cause conflicts, so close all background applications.
Wrapping Up
In this detailed article, we have discussed how to troubleshoot QuickBooks error 1903 using different methods. Hopefully, you can now install QB Desktop on the computer easily & effectively. If, however, you still encounter various issues or have a query, you can contact a QB professional for instant assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s why you might face QuickBooks error 1903 on your computer:
1. Corrupt or Incomplete Installation: If the QuickBooks installation is incomplete or corrupted, this error can arise.
2. Damaged Windows Components: Corrupt Microsoft .NET Framework, MSXML, or C++ components can interfere with QuickBooks installation.
3. Insufficient System Permissions: Lack of administrator rights may prevent QuickBooks from installing properly.
4. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: Security software may block the installation or update process.
5. Conflicting Background Processes: Other running programs might conflict with QuickBooks during installation.
6. Damaged Windows Registry: Corrupted registry entries related to QuickBooks can cause installation issues.
To resolve QuickBooks error 1903, you can do the following:
1. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool: This tool automatically detects and fixes installation issues.
2. Update Windows: Ensure your Windows OS is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
3. Check and Repair Microsoft .NET Framework: Use the ‘Turn Windows Features On or Off’ option to repair .NET Framework, which QuickBooks relies on.
4. Reinstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup Mode: Restart Windows in Selective Startup Mode and reinstall QuickBooks to prevent background apps from interfering.
5. Grant Full Control to QuickBooks Installation Folder: Adjust folder permissions to ensure QuickBooks has the necessary access.
6. Disable Antivirus and Windows Defender Temporarily: Some security software may block installation; disable them and retry.
Yes, Windows components like Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) and Microsoft .NET Framework are crucial to running every application installed on the system, including QuickBooks. If these components get damaged or corrupted, you might be unable to run or install the QuickBooks application, which can provoke multiple installation errors.
