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Try This To Fix QuickBooks Error 1603 While Installing QB Desktop

QuickBooks Error 1603

Updating any software helps fix several glitches and adds some new features to it to improve the user experience. However, many times, users experience issues while updating several applications. One such example is QuickBooks Error 1603, which users experience while updating the QB Desktop application. However, it can also pop up on the screen while installing the QuickBooks application on Windows for the first time. If you are also facing the same 1603 error, check out our complete blog. This blog will give you a detailed idea about the QuickBooks Update Error 1603, including its reasons and the troubleshooting methods.

Error Message and Description For QuickBooks Error 1603

QuickBooks error 1603 is a common update error that appears on the screen while you install or update the QB application. The error 1603 is also known as an install shield error. The error message for the same appears right after you run the QuickBooks installer file. The error message says that, 

Error 1603: The update installer has encountered an internal error.

Or

Error Status 1603: Unable to apply the patch.

Or

MSI returned 1603: Fatal error during installation.

Or 

Install Error 1603: There was a problem installing the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Common Reasons that Trigger QuickBooks 1603 Error Message

The error 1603 in QuickBooks occurs mainly due to the damaged Microsoft .NET Framework. It is a crucial file that is required to install QuickBooks.

Learn how to Download and install QuickBooks Desktop on the system.

The other reasons why the QuickBooks error 1603 appears in your system are:

  • You might have locked a company file.
  • You have not installed the Microsoft NET 1.1 SP1 properly.
  • You might not have given full permission to the installation process, which is why you are facing the error 1603 in QuickBooks.
  • The Windows Tem folder on your system might be full.
  • You might have some corrupted QuickBooks installation or Corrupted Microsoft Windows installation.
  • You might be using the older version of the QuickBooks application or the operating system.
  • You are facing error code 1603 in QuickBooks desktop because you might have a damaged version of Damaged Microsoft C++ & MSXML Components.
  • The QuickBooks error 1603 might occur because there is improper installation of Microsoft NET 1.1 on your system.
  • The malware or virus infection can also lead to this error 1603.
  • Windows registry with an invalid entry can also lead to QuickBooks error 1603.
  • Sudden system shutdown with power disconnection may also lead to the QuickBooks error 1603.

A Few Important Points Before Proceeding to Troubleshoot Error 1603 in QB

Here are a few points that you need to take care of before proceeding to troubleshoot the QuickBooks error code 1603.

  • The solutions given in the next part can help you to resolve most of the installation-related issues.
  • We suggest you get in touch with some experts if you are not confident about performing the troubleshooting steps on your own.
  • Contact your computer’s manufacturer or a Windows expert if needed.
  • You can also contact QuickBooks Support if the issues exist even after performing the troubleshooting steps.

QuickBooks error 1603: Troubleshooting Methods to resolve it

Since the main factor responsible for its occurrence is the corrupted Microsoft .NET Framework, the troubleshooting steps mainly focuses on rectifying the issues with this file. So follow the given steps to rectify QuickBooks error 1602.

Method 1: Install and Use QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool to fix error 1603.

  1. You need to download the QuickBooks Diagnostic tool from the internet.
  2. Then, save, install and execute the QB Diagnostic tool application.
  3. After that, you need to wait for some time till the repair task  is completed. It can take around 20-25 minutes to perform a complete system scan.
  4. Lastly, perform a restart of your system.
  5. The tool will help to fix issues due to applications such as .Net Framework, C++, and more.
  6. You must perform the installation process through the Administrator mode.
  7. Also, do not forget to close the background running applications while installing.

QuickBooks Tool Hub
QuickBooks Tool Hub

Method 2: Repair the MSXML 4.0 to fix error 1603.

You will be required to install the MSXML to repair QuickBooks, so you need to choose the installation type you want. However, if you want to use CD for installing QuickBooks, then follow the below-given steps:

  • First, insert the CD disk into your system and then close all the open QB installation windows on your screen.
  • Then, follow the instructions mentioned there and begin the installation of MXSML for the operating system.

For Windows 7 and Vista:

  1. First, click the Start button on the keyboard.
  2. Then, type in the word msiexec.exe /fvaum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi in the search column and then press the Enter key.
  3. You have to replace the D In case your CD drive letter is different.

For Windows XP: 

  1. Press the Windows + R key, and it will open a Run box on the bottom left of your screen.
  2. Then, type the word msiexec.exe /fvaum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi in the search box and hit the OK button.

Method 3: Manually Fix Issues in the Microsoft .NET Framework 

QB Desktop uses various Microsoft services like Microsoft .NET Framework to run its web-based applications. If these services have some issues, then your QB may not function properly. So, you need to fix these issues with the .NET Framework. The steps are as follows:

For Windows 10 and Newer Versions:

  • Firstly, close all the open programs on the system.
  • Then, open the Windows Start menu.
  • After that, type the command Control Panel in the search box and open it.
  • Then, you need to go to the Programs and Features field.
  • Now, hit the Uninstall a Program tab.
  • Here, you need to select the Turn Windows features on or off option.
  • Now, find the .NET Framework on the list.

Now check the settings for both the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and perform the steps below. Remember the steps to fix the .NET. Framework 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8 are the same.

Steps to Check Settings For NET Framework 4.5 (or later)

You need to follow the below-given steps if the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox is not checked.

  • First, you need to select the checkbox and turn on .NET Framework 4.5 (or later).
  • After this, click OK and save the changes.
  • Lastly, restart your system.

If the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox is already checked, then do the following:

  • First, click on the checkbox given there to turn off the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later). Make sure not to turn it on again.
  • After this, click OK and save the changes.
  • Further, restart your system.
  • When you sign in back to the Windows, follow the steps given above to turn on .NET Framework 4.5 again.

Turn Windows Feature On or Off

Steps to Check Settings For .NET Framework 3.5 SP1

Follow the given steps if the box against .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is not checked:

  • First, click on the checkbox and turn on .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
  • Then, hit the OK button and save the changes.
  • After this, restart your system.

Now, if the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is already checked, then do the following:

  • Click on the checkbox against the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 option to turn it off. And do not try to turn it on back.
  • After that, click OK to save the changes.
  • Now, restart the system.
  • After this, sign in back to the Windows and then follow the steps to turn on the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 again.

The above-given steps will help you fix the issues with the Microsoft .NET Framework, which will ultimately resolve the error code 1603. However, if the error still persists, then follow the next troubleshooting method.

Method 4: Update Microsoft Windows Features and Components to the Latest Version

You need to update Windows to the latest version and rectify the QuickBooks issue caused by the Microsoft components’ faults. So, follow the given steps and perform a Windows update.

  1. First, press the Windows and R keys on the keyboard and open the Run Window
  2. Inside the search box of the Run Window, type the command Control Panel and press the Enter key on the keyboard.

Run Window
Run Window

  1. Then, under the Control Panel, you need to search Windows Update from the search bar at the top.
  2. Next, click Windows Update, and then tap on the Check for Updates option from the left side panel.

Windows Update
Windows Update

5. After that, when Windows finishes searching for updates, you need to click on Install Now.

6. Then, after installing all the updates, Restart your computer and install or update QuickBooks again.

install or update QuickBooks
Install or Update QuickBooks

  1. If the Windows update step did not solve your QuickBooks error 1603, then try the next method to resolve the error.

Method 5: Change Windows Security Settings  Manually to fix the Quickbooks Error 1603.

Sometimes, Windows some specific policies can restrict users from downloading and installing any third-party application updates. In such a case, you have to make changes to the Windows Local Group Policies to resolve the error.

  1. To start the process, sign in to your system as an administrator.
  2. If you don’t have access to the Windows Administrator account, ask your IT experts for help.
  3. Then, press Windows + R, open the Run dialogue box, and type in the word gpedit.msc in the text box.

Local Group Policy Editor
Local Group Policy Editor

  1. After that, press Enter and move to the Administrative Templates section under the Computer Configuration section.

Local Group Policy Editor( Windows Components)
Local Group Policy Editor( Windows Components)

  1. Next, you need to move on to the Windows Components, followed by the Windows Installer, and then tap on the Prohibit User Installs.

Local Group Policy Editor( Windows Installer)
Local Group Policy Editor( Windows Installer)

Windows Installer
Windows Installer

  1. Now, you need to click twice on the policy to edit it and then checkmark the Not Configured option.

Prohibit User Installs
Prohibit User Installs

  1. Then click OK and reinstall your QuickBooks application now.

Method 6: Install QuickBooks Desktop in Windows Safe Mode to fix the Error 1603.

  1. Press the Windows and R keys and go to the Run command prompt.
  2. Then, type in the input MSConfig in the text box and press Enter.

Run Window (msconfig)
Run Window (msconfig)

  1. Now, you need to move to the Boot tab and then select the Safe Mode option.
  2. Then click Apply and OK to save all the changes and restart your Windows.
  3. Then Windows will start in safe mode.
  4. Next, you need to install the QuickBooks Desktop and complete the product registration process.
  5. Again, go to the MSConfig utility tab and uncheck the Safe Mode option.
  6. Now hit the Apply and OK buttons, save the settings, and restart your Windows in normal mode.
  7. Finally, you can run QuickBooks and check if the QuickBooks update error 1603 is now resolved.

Method 7: Install QuickBooks Desktop in Selective Startup Mode to resolve the error 1603.

  1. Start the process by creating a backup of your files and then safeguarding your data in a different location. Also, keep your product key and license information near you, as you will need them in the next steps.
  2. Next, you need to shut your system down and then restart it in the Selective Startup Mode.
  3. Then, you need to go to the Run window by pressing the Windows + R key and entering the MSconfig in the search box.

Run Window (msconfig)
Run Window (msconfig)

  1. Next, from the window opening on the screen, you have to go to the General tab.

System Configuration (General Tab)
System Configuration (General Tab)

  1. Then, you need to tap on the Selective Startup option followed by the Load System Services option.
  2. Next,  select the Hide all the MS Services option and Disable all.

Hide all the MS Services
Hide all the MS Services

  1. Again, you must go to the hide all the Microsoft services option and remove the tick mark against the box.
  2. Again, you need to ensure a check mark against the Windows Installer option.
  3. Lastly, tap OK and reboot your system to apply the above changes.

Choose Installation Type
Choose Installation Type

10. Then, you need to uninstall the QB Desktop from your system and finish by switching to Normal Startup mode.

Method 8: Restart the Windows Installer Service and resolve the QuickBooks error 1603.

Windows Installer Properties
Windows Installer Properties

  1. Initially, you need to head to the control panel.
  2. There, you need to choose the systems and security option.
  3. After that, go to the admin tool and click twice on the services tab.
  4. Next, in the services tab, you have to find the Windows installer option.
  5. Lastly, you need to disable and enable the service to restart the Windows installer service.

The Conclusive Words!!

Hopefully, you will be able to resolve the QuickBooks error 1603 with the steps mentioned above. However, remember that some of the steps mentioned above are quite technical. These require you to follow them carefully, or else you can lose your company data. That is why we recommend you connect with our QB IT support experts and get help. Call us at our Toll-free number+1-(855)-955-1942 to get connected.

Question 1: What is error code 1603 in QuickBooks desktop?

Ans: Error code 1603 in QuickBooks desktop means that the Windows Installer is not accessible. It means that the update installer had encountered an internal error.

Question 2. How do I fix the QuickBooks error 1603?

Ans: QuickBooks error 1603 can be fixed with the help of restarting the Windows installer, Windows Safe Mode, Selective startup, and other methods described in the blog above.

Question 3. Where can I get my product and license number to reinstall the QuickBooks application after resolving error 1603?

Ans: You can get the product and license number from the account management portal. You can also get this from the original package and purchase confirmation email.

Questions 4.  Whom do I contact if I get stuck over QuickBooks error 1603?

Ans: If you get stuck over QuickBooks error 1603, you can connect with our IT support staff by calling us at the Toll-free number +1-(855)-955-1942.

Oscar Joe Editor
Oscar Joe is a Certified Accountant with Expertise in QuickBooks, Sage and Quicken Accounting Software. Joe has been working with Data Service Solutions for the last 3 years as a QuickBooks Expert and is Helping Accounting software users with their day to day accounting tasks and issues.
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