Several problems can unexpectedly emerge when you install QuickBooks Desktop on the computer. One of the highly intricate issues that might trouble you is QuickBooks error 1904, which can also arise during the installation of Adobe Flash Player. Here’s the message that you are likely to see on the screen:
“Error 1904: [file path / name / extension] failed to register.” |
The file path name in the error message can be icwrapper.dll, qbprefs.dll, qbupdate.exe, cv32.dll, QBversionTool.dll, and RcnFndRequestHandler.dll. For example, you can observe the following error message window on your system:

In most cases, this problem occurs due to damaged Microsoft Windows components. Fortunately, there are multiple methods to resolve this error easily & effectively. Alright, then, let’s move into the article to find out the common causes of this issue & discover how we can eliminate it effortlessly.
If you need immediate help to troubleshoot QuickBooks error 1904, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to contact a QB professional.
Why Do You Get the 1904 Error Code in QuickBooks Desktop?
Here are the factors that might trigger QuickBooks error 1904 on your computer:
- You might have skipped some steps during the QB installation process.
- An outdated Windows version may not remain compatible with the QB Desktop version that you are trying to install, and consequently, you might face problems.
- Corruption in various Microsoft Windows components (.NET Framework & MSXML) can cause this error.
- You might be running Windows without admin privileges, and as a result, you may not have the required permissions to install QB on the system.
- Interference by security programs, such as Windows Firewall & antivirus software, might block the QB installation process after misidentifying it as a security challenge.
- Damaged system files can cause authentication issues when you install or update QuickBooks, eventually triggering error codes.
- You may not have rebooted the computer after upgrading Windows, and consequently, compatibility issues with QB Desktop can emerge.
- Any corruption in the QB installation files can hinder you from installing the software.
- You may not have the required permissions to install or upgrade any application on your system.
Now that you know about the relevant reasons behind this problem, let’s jump to the following section to find out the appropriate hacks to fix it.
10 Steps to Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 1904
Here are some really great resolutions that you can implement each time you encounter QuickBooks error 1904. These solutions have been categorized in the following two sections:
- General Methods to Resolve QB Desktop Error 1904
- Special Methods to Fix the 1904 Error in QB in Certain Cases
You should use special methods only in the following cases:
- If you have Bitdefender installed on your computer.
- You run into the 1904 error code when installing Adobe Flash Player.
- The 1904 error message provides a reference to the QBversionTool.dll file.
In all other scenarios, you can implement the general troubleshooting methods. Alright, then, let’s explore each section described below.
Section A: General Methods to Fix QB Desktop Error 1904
Here are the proven hacks that you can use to eliminate QuickBooks error 1904. Ensure that you implement these solutions in the exact order described below.
1. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
Internal issues in the QB installation files can hinder you from installing the software. The simplest way to fix these installation problems is to operate the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. This advanced utility will quickly scan & repair various files and installation components. You will be able to effortlessly install QB after running this tool.

If, however, you still get QuickBooks error 1904, try the next resolution.
2. Install Windows Updates
An outdated Windows version can trigger compatibility issues with the QB Desktop version that you are trying to install on the computer. As a result, many error messages can appear on the screen, indicating the failed QB installation process. To resolve this problem, you have to update Windows to the latest version.

If you get QuickBooks error 1904 even after using an updated Windows version, consider fixing Microsoft Windows components as discussed below.
3. Repair Microsoft Windows Components
Damaged Windows components (.NET Framework & MSXML) can stop the QB installer from running correctly on the computer. Moreover, the QB installer won’t be able to run commands related to different files & folders. Repairing these Windows components will enable you to install QuickBooks on your computer. Here’s how to do so:
Type I: Fix the Microsoft .NET Framework Component
To repair the Microsoft .NET Framework component, follow these points:
- Firstly, open the Start menu on Windows Desktop and click the Control Panel icon.

- Jump to the Control Panel window and select the Programs and Features tab.
- Click Uninstall a Program and choose the Turn Windows Features On or Off option.
- Locate the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox and mark it if it is unmarked. On the other hand, if you find that the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox is already marked, you must clear it.

- Tap OK and reboot your computer. After that, move to the Control Panel and mark the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox.
- You have now repaired the .NET Framework 4.5 component. In a similar way, you can repair .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8.
You also need to fix the Microsoft MSXML component. Let’s go to the next point to learn how to do that.
Type II: Repair the Microsoft MSXML Component
You can fix the Microsoft MSXML components by implementing the points detailed below:
- Open the Windows Start menu and type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click on the cmd option and choose Run as Administrator.
- When the command prompt window opens, type cd\windows\syswow64 and press Enter.
Note: You must not type the cd\windows\syswow64 command if you use a 32-bit operating system.
- Next, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and hit Enter to register the file.
Once you have fixed both Windows components, try installing QB Desktop once again. If you find that the QB 1904 error message still persists, consider running Windows with admin privileges as detailed below.
Also Read: How to Eliminate QuickBooks Installation Error 61686
4. Operate the Windows Admin User Account
When you run Windows with admin rights, you secure proper permissions to install or update various apps. This helps you easily install QB Desktop on the computer. Here’s how to run Windows in admin mode:
- Open the Windows Start menu, and in the search bar, type CMD.
- When the Command Prompt icon appears, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
- In the command window, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter. Once the command finishes running, close the window.
- Go back to the Start menu and select Sign Out.
- From the login screen, choose the Administrator account and sign in. No password will be required.
- Finally, start installing QB Desktop on your computer once again.
If you still run into QuickBooks error 1904, consider changing your Windows user permission settings as outlined below.
5. Modify the Windows User Permission Settings
One of the key factors behind the installation error codes, such as 1904 and 1334, in QuickBooks, is the improper Windows user permission settings. When you don’t have the necessary authority to read & write program files in the C: drive, you are most likely to experience problems when installing QB. Here’s how to set valid Windows user permission settings:
- Open the Windows Start menu and type File Explorer in the search bar, and after that, open the File Explorer application.
- Navigate to the following location: C:\Program Files\Common Files.
- Right-click the Common Files folder and choose Properties.
- Go to the Security tab and click Edit.

- Under the Group or user names section, select Users.
- In the Permissions for Users section, enable the following permissions:
- Modify
- Read & execute
- List folder contents
- Read
- Write
- Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
At this stage, try installing QuickBooks once again. If you continue to get QuickBooks error 1904, try the next solution.
6. Utilize the System File Checker Tool
Damaged system files can trigger problems when installing QB Desktop on the computer. The best way to scan & repair system files is to operate the System File Checker tool. This Windows utility will enable you to effortlessly fix system files, thereby ensuring successful QB installation.

Do you still get QuickBooks error 1904? If so, consider turning off Windows Firewall, as illustrated below.
7. Switch Off Windows Firewall On Your Computer
Windows Firewall can block the QB installation process after incorrectly perceiving it as a security issue. This can lead to problems like the 1904 error message code in QuickBooks. To overcome this difficulty, you can temporarily turn off Windows Firewall on your computer. Once you do that, you can seamlessly install QuickBooks.
So far, we have looked at the general methods to troubleshoot the 1904 error message in QB Desktop. Let’s now examine the special methods for the same error in the following section.
Section B: Special Methods to Fix 1904 Error in QB in Certain Cases
Below are the special methods that you can use to eliminate QuickBooks error 1904. Depending on the situation in which you encounter the error, you can utilize the solutions indicated here.
Case I: You Have Bitdefender Installed On Your System
The Bitdefender antivirus software can restrict you from installing QB Desktop. This happens because the antivirus app perceives QB files as a security issue. Turning off Bitdefender won’t help you install QuickBooks. The only way to resolve this problem is to create QB exclusions in Bitdefender. Once you do that, you can easily install QB Desktop.
Case II: You Get the 1904 Error Code When Installing Adobe Flash Player
If you encounter the 1904 error code during the installation of Adobe Flash Player, you should do the following:
- Firstly, you need to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
- Once the tool finishes, open the Windows Start menu.
- Type Control Panel in the search bar and open the Control Panel.
- Click Uninstall a program.
- Find Adobe Flash Player ActiveX in the list of installed programs and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
- After that, download and reinstall Adobe Flash Player.
Case III: The 1904 Error Message Provides Reference to the QBversionTool.dll File
In this case, you should run the QB Install Diagnostic Tool to fix the error. If you still can’t install QB Desktop, follow the points detailed below:
- Open the Windows Start menu, and in the search bar, type Notepad & open the Notepad application.
- Type QBTEST in the blank note.
- Click the File menu and choose Save As.
- Save the file in either C:\Program Files\Common Files or C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files.
- If you can’t save the note to the relevant folder, you should access the Start menu and sign out.
- Choose the Administrator account and start operating Windows with admin privileges.
Finally, you can successfully install QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.
Preventive Measures That You Can Follow For QB Error 1904
Here are the tips that you can utilize to prevent QuickBooks error 1904:
- Keep Windows Updated: Ensure your operating system is up to date to avoid compatibility problems.
- Check System Requirements: Verify that your computer meets QuickBooks’ minimum hardware and software specifications.
- Disable Antivirus During Installation: Temporarily turn off antivirus or firewall software to prevent them from blocking the installation.
- Repair Windows Components: Keep Microsoft .NET Framework, MSXML, and C++ redistributables updated and properly installed.
- Maintain Proper Folder Permissions: Ensure QuickBooks installation folders have the correct read/write permissions.
- Avoid Corrupt Installation Files: Download QuickBooks only from the official website to prevent corrupt or incomplete files.
- Use a Windows Admin Account: Install QuickBooks from a Windows account with full administrative privileges.
Wrapping Up
In this comprehensive article, we showed you how you can effortlessly fix QuickBooks error 1904 using different methods. Hopefully, you can now seamlessly install QB Desktop on your computer. If, however, you still face difficulties or have a query, you can contact a QB professional for real-time guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the reasons behind QuickBooks error 1904:
1. Damaged Windows Components: Corruption in Microsoft .NET Framework or MSXML can trigger this error.
2. Insufficient Admin Privileges: Installing QuickBooks without administrator rights may prevent certain files from registering properly.
3. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: Security software may block QuickBooks installation or modify critical files.
4. Corrupt or Missing DLL Files: Certain DLL files, such as qbversiontool.dll, may fail to register, causing the error.
5. Outdated Windows OS: An outdated or incompatible Windows version may lead to installation issues.
6. Damaged Hard Drive or System Issues: Hardware failures or system-level corruption can prevent QuickBooks from installing correctly.
To resolve QuickBooks error 1904, you can do the following:
1. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool: This tool from QuickBooks Tool Hub automatically fixes installation-related issues.
2. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary system glitches affecting the installation.
3. Check Windows Updates: Ensure your operating system is up to date to prevent compatibility issues.
4. Manually Fix Windows Components: Repair Microsoft .NET Framework & MSXML if they are corrupted.
5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus & Firewall: Security software can interfere with installation, so turn it off temporarily and try again.
6. Create a New Windows Admin User: Set up a new Windows admin profile and install QuickBooks under that account.
Yes, using an obsolete Windows version can lead to error codes, such as 1904 and 1723, during QB installation. Outdated operating systems may lack necessary updates, security patches, or required components (like Microsoft .NET Framework, MSXML, or Visual C++ Redistributables) on which QuickBooks relies. You need to install Windows updates before beginning the QB installation process.