Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks users often face errors when customizing their QuickBooks Desktop installation. Uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop removes it from the computer, but the application files may remain. For a fresh installation, you must manually remove these files, known as a clean install QuickBooks Desktop. During a QuickBooks Desktop clean install, you replace potentially corrupted QuickBooks system files.

A clean install differs from a basic reinstall because you use a new installation file for QuickBooks Desktop instead of the existing one. We'll walk through the process of doing a clean install in this blog.

If you encounter any difficulties during this clean installation process, please don't hesitate to contact our toll-free support number, 1.855.856.0042 for assistance. You can confidently resume handling your financial and accounting responsibilities with a fresh installation.

Preparation Steps Before  Start Clean Installation 

Before starting the clean install process, it's important to prepare by following these steps:

Step 1: Make a Backup Copy of Your Company File

• Launch the QuickBooks application and sign in as an administrator.
• Select Backup Company from the File menu, then click Create Local Backup.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a location for your backup and complete the process.

Step 2: Collect Your QuickBooks Installation Files and License Details

• Make sure your license information and QuickBooks installation files are easily accessible.
• You can download your installation files from the official Intuit website if you have misplaced them.

Step 3: Remove QuickBooks Desktop from Your Computer

• Close QuickBooks and other open programs on your computer.
• Choose Control Panel from the Start menu after navigating there. 
• Click on Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs).
• Locate QuickBooks Desktop in the list of programs and click Uninstall.
• Adhere to the instructions displayed on your screen to complete the uninstallation process.

Here’s How to Clean Install the QuickBooks Program

A clean install QuickBooks, which can resolve issues such as Error 1612 in QuickBooks Desktop, consists of  basic steps:

Step 1: Renaming Your QuickBooks Directories

Renaming your QuickBooks directories ensures a fresh start to the installation process. Follow these steps:

• Launch File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
• Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\
• Right-click on the QuickBooks folder, choose Rename, then rename it to Old QuickBooks.
• Go to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\
• Right-click on the QuickBooks folder, choose Rename, then rename it to Old QuickBooks.

Step 2: Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop

With the renamed QuickBooks folders, you can now reinstall the software. Here's how:

• Double-click the QuickBooks installation file to begin.
• Follow the on-screen instructions, including entering your license information.
• After installation, open QuickBooks Desktop and follow the activation prompts.

Recommended to read : How to fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 1606

Step 3: Recover Your Company File

With the clean install process finished, it's time to recover your company file. Here's how:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and enter your administrator login credentials.
• Click on the Open or Restore Company from the File menu.
• Choose the Restore a Backup Copy option and then click Next. 
• Choose Local Backup and click Next.
• Locate and select your backup file from the saved location.

When you clean install QuickBooks Desktop, it can address issues caused by corrupted files or installation problems. You can completely reinstall QuickBooks Desktop without losing data if you follow the step-by-step instructions. Before beginning, don't forget to create a company file backup and prepare your installation files and license details. Contact us at our toll-free number, 1.855.856.0042, if you need any help.

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