Top Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Registration Error

After you install QuickBooks Desktop, you will need to register and activate it. However, sometimes, you might run into a QuickBooks registration error. Here are some error messages that might accompany it:

In this blog, we are gonna discuss different kinds of errors that you can encounter while registering and activating QuickBooks and how you can troubleshoot them sectionwise. Therefore, scroll to the section that best describes the problem you are facing and carry out the instructions given there.

Reasons Why You Can’t Register and Activate QuickBooks Desktop

There are a number of reasons that can give way to errors when registering or activating QuickBooks Desktop.

• The license number you are entering might be incorrect
• There is damage in the QuickBooks program
• QuickBooks Desktop might not have been installed properly
• An antivirus or security software interrupts the activation process.

Now, let us explore how to resolve it in a sectionwise method.

A) Methods to Fix Common QuickBooks Registration Errors

QuickBooks registration errors often arise due to program problems. Given below are general ways to resolve it. Go through them and follow the instructions given.

1. Run Quick Fix my Program

Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer and then follow the steps below:

• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and go to the Program Problems tab.
• Choose Quick Fix my Program.

Once done, try registering QuickBooks. However, if the error persists,

2. Utilize the 3371 Error from the Tool Hub

The 3371 error repair tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub can resolve common registration errors. Here is how to run it:

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub and choose Installation Issues.
• Choose 3371 Error Fix and then OK.

Now, restart QuickBooks Desktop and try registering the application again.

3. Try With a New Windows Admin User

There might be an issue with your current Windows admin user that is leading to the QuickBooks registration error. Therefore, you should try using another Windows admin user.

If you don’t have another Windows admin user, first, create a new Windows admin user. Then, log out of the current user and log into Windows with the new admin user you created.

4. Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

If the error continues to prevail, you should clean install QuickBooks Desktop. This should resolve problems that are a consequence of incomplete or incorrect installation.

After reinstalling QuickBooks, resume the registration process.

5. Re-activate MSXML

QuickBooks requires certain Microsoft components to run smoothly, and MSXML is one of them.

In case the MSXML is disabled or has some issues, you will need to troubleshoot it. However, if you aren’t an IT expert or confident about repairing Microsoft components, you should connect to an expert instead of doing it yourself. Here is how to re-activate MSXML in a 64-bit computer:

• Open the Start menu and choose cmd.
• Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
• At the C: prompt line, type cdwindowssyswow64 and press Enter.
• Now, type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll, and press Enter.
• Next, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and hit Enter.

This should resolve the QuickBooks registration error for you.

B) Error: You Have Entered an Incorrect License/Product Number

You can find the following error if you enter the license or product number incorrectly.

Check your purchase email or sticker on the Original CD envelope to get the license number and the product code.

C) Error: The Validation Code is Incorrect or This Service is Temporarily Unavailable

When you see an error stating that the validation code is incorrect or that this service is temporarily unavailable, you should check the time and date settings on your system and the license number. Let us do it step by step.

1. Check the System’s Date and Time Settings

We need to check the date and time settings on the computer and make sure they are correct.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and any running programs that you don’t need.
• Now, right-click the time and date icon on the Taskbar.

• Choose Adjust date and time.
• In the Window that opens, select the right timezone according to your location.
• If not, make the changes and then save them.
• Close the Window and open QuickBooks Desktop.

Resume with the registration and activation.

2. Manage Your QB License

You might need to manage the license for QuickBooks Desktop. First, get your right license and product number from the purchase email or the sticker on the original CD envelope. Follow these steps to activate QuickBooks:

• Open the Help menu and choose Manage my license.
• Select Change my license number.
• Type in a fake incorrect license number (all 0s, such as 0000…. ) and choose Next.
• Select Finish without entering the right license number.
• Open the Help menu, choose Manage my license, followed by Change my license number.
• Type in the correct license number, choose Next, followed by Finish.

This should resolve the QuickBooks registration error.

D) Seeing a Blank Screen When Activating QuickBooks

When activating QuickBooks, if all you get is a blank screen, this could be caused by a Windows Firewall blockage or a notorious antivirus. You can try disabling your antivirus when activating QuickBooks Desktop.

As for the Windows Firewall, create QuickBooks port exceptions for it.

E) You Don’t See a Screen to Enter the Validation Code

In case no window appears for you to enter the validation code, this could be a technical glitch. There are some ways around it that you can try.

1. Manually activate QuickBooks

• Go to QuickBooks Desktop, and with it open, press the Ctrl and P keys together (Ctrl + P).
• You will now see a manual activation window.
• Type in the validation code.

However, if you continue to face a challenge, move to the next step.

2. Toggle the License Number

Follow the steps below to toggle the license number.

• Open the Help menu and choose Manage my license.
• Select Change my license number.
• Type in an incorrect license number (all 0s, such as 0000… ) and choose Next.
• Select Finish without entering the right license number.
• Open the Help menu, choose Manage my license, followed by Change my license number.
• Now, provide the correct license number, choose Next, followed by Finish.

Conclusion

This was all about the reasons for the QuickBooks registration error and how to resolve it. However, even after trying the above solutions, if you continue to face the error, get assistance from an expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359 now to connect with a QB expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kate Churchill

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.