While working with QuickBooks, users may encounter several different types of errors, such as installation errors, payroll errors, and company file errors. These errors can be fixed by following some basic troubleshooting methods, but when nothing works, you may need to reinstall the software to resolve the issue. If you are confused and don’t know how to do it, then continue reading this guide and reinstall QuickBooks software to fix the errors. Let’s dive in. 

Steps For Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop

In this section, we will explain the steps to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop, which will rename your QuickBooks folders to resolve various errors such as installation errors, company file problems, and QuickBooks error 1601. Reinstalling will not impact your data.

Before You Begin:

1. Download the installer for your QuickBooks version.
2. Keep your license number ready; it can be found on the original package or in the purchase confirmation email if bought online. 

Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

If you encounter difficulties while uninstalling QuickBooks, your computer may have underlying issues. In such cases, consider reaching out to an IT professional or Microsoft for assistance.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Search for “Control Panel.”
3. Access Control Panel.
4. Click on Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
5. Find and select the version of QuickBooks Desktop you wish to uninstall.
6. Click Uninstall/Change, then Remove, and proceed by clicking Next.
7. If the option is unavailable, log out and back into Windows as an administrator or a user with admin rights.

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Once you’ve finished, proceed to install QuickBooks Desktop again. During this installation, QuickBooks will create new folders and rename the existing ones. If this does not help to remove the error then follow the below steps to manually uninstall QuickBooks and rename installation folders.

Manually Uninstall QuickBooks and Rename Installation Folders

Remove QuickBooks Again and then Reinstall

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Search for “File Explorer.” 
3. Open it.
4. Locate and access the file folder. This is typically the QuickBooks folder found in one of these paths:
5. C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
6. C:\Users(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
7. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
8. 64-bit version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
9. Right-click the folder.
10. Choose Rename.
11. Add the word "old" to the end of the folder name to stop QuickBooks from accessing it during reinstallation.
12. Now, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

Read More: How To Fix QuickBooks Won't Open

If You Encounter an Access Error While Renaming:

1. Right-click the Windows Task Bar.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Navigate to the Processes tab.
4. Click on the Name column header.
5. Sort the list.
6. Find and select the following processes, then click End Process for each:
7. QBDBMgrN.exe
8. QBDBMgr.exe
9. QBCFMonitorService.exe
10. Qbw32.exe
11. Click Yes if prompted with the message, "WARNING: Terminating a process can cause undesired results..."

Conclusion

Certified QuickBooks experts have curated this guide and explained how to reinstall QuickBooks software. You can follow the steps to reinstall the software. However, if you are unsure somewhere during the troubleshooting process, make sure to contact the support team.

Recommended To Read: How To Resolve Update QuickBooks Company File