Last Updated on August 12, 2025
Any subscription-based software requires a license file to activate it. Similarly, for QuickBooks, qbregistration.dat is a type of file that comes along when you buy the product. But in some cases, you may face errors during licensing, indicating a qbregistration.dat file issue.
This can happen when the file containing your software’s registration information is either damaged, corrupted, or cannot be opened. The User Account Control (UAC) settings usually are often the factor behind the occurrence of this problem.
This blog covers all the causes for the same, and how you can troubleshoot this problem with the qbregistration.dat file to start working again on your QB workstation.
If you need any further help with your registration file, feel free to get in touch with our experts. Dial +1(855)-738-0359.
What are the Potential Reasons Leading to the qbregistration.dat File Issue?
There can be various causes behind the qbregistration.dat file error in QB. Listed below are the reasons for it.
- If the User Account Control settings are not active, that can cause conflict with the QB registration file.
- When the MSXML component is corrupted, it can lead to this problem.
- A corrupted QuickBooks installation or company file issue can also trigger the registration error.
- If the antivirus software or Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks, this problem can occur.
- An outdated version of QuickBooks can also cause issues with the registration file, causing this error.
These were the reasons. Let’s now learn about the troubleshooting methods for this error.
Steps to Perform Before Fixing the Problem with qbregistration.dat File Issue
Before we move to troubleshoot this issue, you need to analyze and implement the steps given below:
- Keep your QuickBooks license and product numbers.
- Exit QB before doing any changes.
- To avoid data loss, back up the company files and license number.
- To apply the changes and save the updates, restart the QBDT.
Ensure you have followed the steps mentioned above before proceeding to the troubleshooting steps for the qbregistration.dat file error.
Troubleshooting Methods to Fix the Problems with qbregistration.dat File in QuickBooks Desktop
Different troubleshooting methods for this error are listed below. Go through them, one at a time, to solve this problem.
Solution 1: Enable or Disable UAC Settings
Enabling or disabling the UAC settings can fix the qbregistration.dat file error. Follow these steps to do it:
- Hit Windows + E to access the File Explorer in the system.
- Now, select the Control Panel.
- Choose View by and select Large icons. Next, tap on User Accounts.
- Now, select the option stating Change User Account Control settings.
- Then, adjust the slider:
- Choose Never to Notify to turn UAC off.
- Choose Always Notify to turn UAC on.
- Tap OK.
- Now, restart your system.
Check if the issue persists and move to the following troubleshooting method.
Solution 2: Fix the MSXML Component
Perform the following steps to fix the MSXML components in your system.
- Download the msxml.msi file and save it in your system.
- Hit Windows + R on the keyboard to access the Run window.
- Search for “exe/fvaum”%userprofile%\Desktop\msxml.msi” and tap on OK.
- Now, create or recreate the DAT file.
- Lastly, register the MSXML DLL files in your system.
For Windows 10, 8, or Vista:
- Hit the Windows key and search CMD.
- To access Command Prompt as an administrator, right-click and select Run as administrator option.
- Look for regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and hit Enter.
- Once you observe “DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded,” tap on OK.
- Search regsvr32 MSXML4.dll and hit Enter.
- After seeing “DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded,” tap on OK. (When the MSXML4.dll is not registered, disable the User Account Control and re-enable it.)
- Search regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and tap on Enter.
- Once you notice the message “DllRegisterServer in msxml6.dll succeeded,” choose OK.
- Lastly, restart your QuickBooks Desktop.
For Windows 10,8,7 or Vista 64-bit:
- Hit the Windows key.
- Search “CMD” and right-click on Command Prompt to Run as Administrator.
- Type and access “CD \Windows\syswow64.”
- Now, register the “MSXML3.dll,” “MSXML4.dll,” and “MSXML6.dll” files.
- Restart your QBDT app.
If this issue still troubles you, try to clean install the QuickBooks Desktop app.
Solution 3: Clean Install QB Desktop
To fix this qbregistration.dat file problem, perform a clean install of your QuickBooks Desktop. Follow the steps to do so:
Uninstall the QB Desktop app
- Search and access the Control Panel from the Start menu.
- Head over to the Programs and Features tab.
- Choose the Uninstall a Program option.
- Find the QBDT version and click on Uninstall/Change.
- Undergo the on-screen instructions.
If you can’t see the options to uninstall, try logging in as an admin and then following the steps. Now, rename the residual QB files and folders.
Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop
- Visit Intuit’s official website to download the QuickBooks software.
- Access the downloaded exe file.
- Perform a clean installation of QBDT by following the on-screen instructions.
After the installation is completed, check if the file is still facing any errors. Now, try to adjust the antivirus settings for the system to fix this error.
Solution 4: Modify the Antivirus Settings
To include QB to the exclusion of antivirus settings, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software to verify if the error still occurs in your QB version.
- Head to the Settings tab.
- Choose the Update and Security option.
- Click on Windows Security, then select Virus and Threat Protection.
- Choose the Manage Settings option and then tap on Exclusions.
- Click on Add or Remove Exclusions and tap on Add an Exclusion.
- Lastly, select the QB program file and tap on OK to add QB as an exception for the antivirus.
Including QuickBooks as a trusted site will help the antivirus to stop blocking QB operations.
Conclusion
This blog serves as an in-depth guide to assist you with the qbregistration.dat file and any errors you may encounter. The registration file is associated with the licensing and registration of the QuickBooks Desktop. Also, we have created a detailed guide through which you can troubleshoot this problem and avoid it in the future. If you need help fixing the registration file in your QuickBooks Desktop, please don’t hesitate to contact our experts at +1(855)-738-0359.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Suppose you want to remove the QB registration file from your system. Check if QuickBooks is running in the background; if yes, close it. Then, move to the folder where QuickBooks is installed. Usually, the file location is C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks. Look for the QBRegistration.dat file from the list. Right-click on the file and choose Delete. Access QuickBooks, and it will ask you to re-register the software.
The Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML component) functions help in identifying the malfunctioning memory. To operate QuickBooks properly, the MSXML components are required. If the MSXML files are missing, then you may face registration file errors in your QuickBooks Desktop.
Follow the steps below if you want to reset your company files in your QBDT:
1. Go to File
2. Then choose Open or Restore Company
3. Open a Company File
4. Select the company file you want to reset.
5. After this, choose the open option and follow the on-screen steps to back up the file and then reset it.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.