How to Reset QuickBooks Registration
QuickBooks requires users to register their software within 30 days of purchase or download in order to continue using it. During the registration process (either online or by phone), QuickBooks provides a registration number the user enters into a file named “qbregistration.dat.” The registration number activates the file and allows continued use of the software. If file corruption occurs as a result of incorrect installation, system failure or by installing software updates that conflict with QuickBooks, you will receive an error message and need to reset QuickBooks registration by either repairing the file or reinstalling the software.
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Instructions
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Error Message During Installation
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Locate the “qbregistration.dat” file. Installation errors can prevent QuickBooks from reading the registration file and stop the installation process. Renaming the file may allow QuickBooks to access, read and continue with installation. Access the “Search” text box in the Windows “Start” menu, and type in the filename as your search parameter.
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Rename the registration file. Right-click the file name in the “Search Results” window, and select “Rename.” Type “xqbregistration.dat” to reset the registration file, and then click any open area on the screen to de-select the file.
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Restart the QuickBooks installation process.
QuickBooks Loading Screen Appears, but QuickBooks Will Not Open
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Navigate to the QuickBooks online “Product Updates” page. Updating your software to the most current version will also reset your registration file.
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Select the QuickBooks product you are using, and click the “Manual Updates” down arrow to download the update to your computer. After downloading, click “Run” to install the update.
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Restart your computer, and open QuickBooks.
Error Messages Continually Appear
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Locate and delete the registration file. Locate the “qbregistration.dat” file as instructed in the first section. Right-click the file name, and select “Delete.”
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Reinstall QuickBooks. Insert your installation CD, or navigate to the location on your computer where you saved your download files. If you downloaded the software and cannot locate installation files, visit the QuickBooks website and obtain download files. Do not attempt to uninstall QuickBooks. Follow onscreen instructions to reinstall the software.
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Update the software to the most current version using the instructions in the second section.
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Restart your computer, and open QuickBooks.
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Tips & Warnings
On many computer systems, the “qbregistration.dat” file is a hidden file. To view this file you need to enable viewing of hidden files:
If you are using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, right-click the Windows “Start” button and select “Explore.” Click “Organize,” “Folder and Search Options” and then the “View” tab. Select “Show Hidden Files and Folders,” and clear the checkmark next to “Hide Protected System Operating Files.”
If you are using Windows XP, right-click the Windows “Start” button and select “Explore.” From the “Tools” menu, select “Folder Options” and click on the “View” tab. Then, follow the directions for Windows 7 or Vista.
When resetting QuickBooks registration, you will need to provide your license number as part of the process. Locate this number on the installation CD case, or if you can open QuickBooks, click “Help” on the main menu and then select “About.” If you downloaded the software, log into the account you created during the download process and access the “My Downloads” section for product details. If all else fails, contact QuickBooks support (see Resources).
Be sure to shut down QuickBooks before downloading and installing any third-party software updates to avoid corrupting QuickBooks files.
References
Resources
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