QuickBooks Clean Install Tool (Download, Install, Run and Uses)

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

The QuickBooks clean install tool is an excellent utility for removing residual files and folders while uninstalling and reinstalling the application. It cleanses your system and ensures a hassle-free and seamless reinstallation. Running this tool becomes critical if you’re in a pickle and trying to get rid of certain issues. This extensive guide to implementing this utility has been developed by experts, so keep reading it until the end.

Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop using the QuickBooks clean install tool is necessary when the damage becomes an obstacle in utilizing the QuickBooks. Reinstalling without the QuickBooks clean install tool does not get rid of residual files and folders that can prompt the same errors again. In this article, we cover the step-by-step process to download and run the QuickBooks Removal tool to get a fresh copy of QuickBooks installed on your system.

When you apply it during reinstallation, the QuickBooks clean install tool may benefit you in several aspects. If you’re struggling to fix your system after removing the QB app and preparing your device for a fresh installation, we suggest you contact our team straight away. Our support team is available at the toll-free number 1.855.738.2784 to aid you with everything related to this tool and its application.

What is QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

QuickBooks Clean Install is a procedure undertaken when you wish to remove certain issues in the QuickBooks Desktop application arising as a result of issues deep in the QuickBooks installation. It fixes problems with QuickBooks operations and numerous errors you may encounter while operating QB. A clean installation is done by QuickBooks Clean Install Tool, which removes the previous installation folders to make space for fresh files, rename your QB folders, and fix company file issues.

Things to do Before you Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

Before you head over to Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop, a few crucial tasks need to be performed to avoid any file or data loss.

Backup the Company File

It is recommended to backup QuickBooks data to a flash drive. It will ensure that the data is not lost in untimely situations.

1. Double-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon to open the application.
2. Go to the File menu and create a local backup from the Back Up Company option
3. You can choose either Online Backup or Local Backup as per your preference.
4. Hit Next and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the backup.

Keep the License and Product Number Handy

After you are done with uninstalling the QuickBooks desktop application, reinstallation will require you to have the license and product number handy.

NOTE: If you can still open the application, press F2 or Ctrl + 1 keys to open the Product Information window, where you can see the product registration information.

Download Your Installer’s Version

Ensure you have your QB version installer.

How to Use QuickBooks Clean Install on Windows?

The proper method to use the QuickBooks Clean install tool requires the following steps:

Step 1: Uninstall the QuickBooks Desktop application

Undertake the following steps to remove QuickBooks from your device as a first step to clean install:

1. Using Windows + R on the keyboard, open the Run command window.
2. Type Control Panel in the Run box and press Enter or click OK.
3. Choose Programs and Features and click Uninstall a Program.
4. Locate and double-click QuickBooks from the list of installed programs.
5. Select the Uninstall/Change option and choose Uninstall to continue with the uninstallation
6. Follow the prompts on the screen to remove QuickBooks Desktop from Windows altogether.
7. Click “Next.” If you don’t see this option, log out and then sign back into the server as an Administrator.
8. To delete the QBDB service, open Command Prompt as an Administrator and type the command: sc delete QuickBooksdb## (where ## corresponds to the version, such as 28 for 2018, etc.)
9. Delete the QBDataServiceUser## within Computer Management by navigating to System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users.
10. Reboot the server.

Note: If an error occurs during the uninstallation, you may contact Support by dialling the toll-free number 1.855.738.2784.

Step 2: Rename QB Installation Folders to Completely Uninstall QuickBooks

Undertake complete deletion of QB from the system through the following steps:

1. First, make sure that your Windows is set to Display Hidden Files and Folders.
2. Open Windows File Manager by pressing your keyboard’s Windows + E
3. Navigate to the QuickBooks installation folder that is usually located at:
   1.     C:\ ProgramData\ Intuit\ QuickBooks
   2.     64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks
   3.     C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks
   4.     C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
4. Right-click the QuickBooks folder and select Rename.
5. Type OLD after the folder name and try to reinstall QuickBooks.

To Tackle the Error while Renaming the Folder

1. Right-click the Window Task Bar or press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys together on your keyboard and choose Task Manager.
2. Under the Process tab, select the Image Name column header to sort processes alphabetically.
3. Right-click QBDBMgrN.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe, Qbw32.exe, files then select the End Process.
4. Click Yes on the message that shows the ‘Warning: Terminating a process can cause undesirable results…‘
5. Try renaming the QuickBooks folder once again.

Step 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

If you have the CD, insert it into the computer and follow the steps on the screen to complete the installation process.

If the QuickBooks was purchased from the Intuit website, download your QuickBooks version from the QuickBooks Product Download Page.

Once the setup is downloaded, run it. That is when you will be asked to enter the license and product number, which can be found on:

1. CD box
2. Online order email

The wizard then helps you complete the remaining steps

1. Click Next.
2. Accept the terms of the license agreements and click Next.
3. The screen asks for the License Number and Product Number.
4. Enter your License and Product Number and Hit Next.
5. Now, choose your Installation type and go with the Recommended
6. Click Next and select Install.
7. Now QuickBooks will start installing on your computer.
8. Once your QuickBooks desktop has been successfully installed, click Open QuickBooks.

Detailed Procedure to Install QuickBooks Desktop on Windows

After you uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks through the clean install method, implement the following procedure to install the app correctly.

Downloading and Installing QuickBooks Desktop

After you’ve successfully downloaded the QuickBooks Desktop package, follow these steps for installation.

Action 1: Hosting QuickBooks on a Network

If you’re setting up QuickBooks on a network for the first time, you’ll need to establish a multi-user network setup and install QuickBooks Database Server Manager before proceeding.

Action 2: Preparing for Installation

1. Meeting the vital system requirements for compatibility and complete functionality is the first prerequisite for the clean install tool QuickBooks.
2. Next, you must download the appropriate version of QuickBooks Desktop on your device beforehand and conserve the file in an easily reachable location, such as your Windows desktop.
3. The product and license numbers should be noted or written for future needs.

Action 3: Locating Product and License Numbers

Retrieve your product and license numbers for QuickBooks via the F2 or Ctrl + 1 keys in QB Desktop that extend the Product Information window on the screen.

Action 4: Installing QuickBooks Desktop

1. Launch the exe file from the fresh download package after you uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks desktop.
2. The on-screen commands, including the software license agreement for uninterrupted and legal operations, will be accepted.
3. Then, tap “Next.”
4. Input your product and license numbers, then pick “Next.”

Action 5: Choosing the Installation Path

Intuit QuickBooks Desktop offers two installation options for QuickBooks: Express or Custom and Network.

1. Under Express Install:
   

We recommend this option if you are:

1. A first-time user.
2. Reinstalling QuickBooks.
3. Installing QuickBooks on a single computer (not part of a network).
   1.     Click “Express.”
   2.     Then, tap “Next.”
   3.     Choose “Install.”
   4.     After completion, hit “Open QuickBooks.”

We recommend a custom installation if you:

1. Open QuickBooks in a location different than the default one (e.g., on a server).
2. Host your company files on a server.
3. Have a multi-user network setup.
4.     Tap “Custom and Network Options.”
5.     Select “Next.”
6.     Show your intention to run QuickBooks.
7.     Reach the next window.
8.     Pick “Change the install location.”
9.     Use the “Browse” option to define the location for your QuickBooks folder (typically placed in the Programs folder).
10.     Hover over “Next” to initiate the installation.
11.     After it’s done, click “Open QuickBooks.”

Action 6: Activation and Updates

The finished installation of QuickBooks will nudge you to activate and update the software. If you require assistance with activation, here are the instructions:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to the Help
3. Click Activate QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Manage your information through the steps on the screen.
5. Add QBDataServiceUser## to the server’s Administrators group through Computer Management by going to System Tools >> Local Users and Groups >> Users.
6. Open “msc” and perform the following actions:
   1. Change the startup type of QuickBooksDB## to “Automatic.”
   2. Stop the QBIDPService service.
7. Delete the following file: “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\Intuit Data Protect.”
8. Grant the “All Users” group Full Control access to the following three folders:
   1. C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
   2. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit
   3. C:\ProgramData\Intuit
9. Reboot the server and verify that the QuickBooksDB## service and QBIDPService are still set to “Automatic” and running.

QuickBooks Clean Install for Mac

Here’s how you clean install QuickBooks on Mac:

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks for Mac

The uninstall procedure goes as follows:

1. Close QuickBooks for Mac.
2. Go to the Finder menu on your Mac desktop and choose “Go.”
3. Select “Applications.”
4. Locate the QuickBooks for Mac icon and drag it to the Trash.

Step 2: Remove User and System PLIST QuickBooks files

To reset preferences to their default settings, remove both User and System PLIST files. It will unregister your QuickBooks for Mac products upon reinstallation. Follow these steps for each folder.

User PLIST

1. While on your desktop, access the Finder menu and choose “Go.”
2. Hold the Option key, then select “Library.”
3. Open the “Preferences” folder.
4. Find PLIST files with “QuickBooks” and your version in the name, then move them to the Trash. Ensure you delete ALL files containing “intuit.QuickBooks20XX” (where XX represents the year of your version).
5. Empty the Trash.

System PLIST

1. In a new Finder window or from the desktop icon, open “Macintosh HD.”
2. Navigate to “Library,” then the “Preferences” folder.
3. Locate PLIST files with “QuickBooks” and your version in the name, then move them to the Trash. Make sure to delete ALL files containing “intuit.QuickBooks20XX” (where XX represents the year of your version).
4. Empty the Trash.

Step 3: Restart Your Mac

Perform a standard restart of your Mac.

Install QuickBooks Desktop on Mac

1. Close all currently running applications.
2. Double-click the downloaded installer from where you obtained your QuickBooks for Mac license. The QuickBooks installer will open automatically.
3. Drag the QuickBooks icon into the Applications folder, and the Applications folder will open automatically.
4. After the installation, double-click the QuickBooks for Mac icon to launch the application.

With a detailed insight into the process of using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool and clean installation process, we hope the QuickBooks desktop application works well. The clean install operation in QuickBooks is needed to remove all problematic files and folders before you prepare your device for a fresh installation. Although we’ve tried our best to clarify the complete procedure with exceptional details and step-by-step assessment, we recommend you reach out to our professional team for queries and doubts. If the errors persist or any of the above steps cannot be followed for any reason, you can call the certified support team at 1.855.738.2784.

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Edward Martin

Edward Martin is a Technical Content Writer for our leading Accounting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Edward’s passion for clarity, accuracy, and innovation is evident in his writing. He is well versed in how to simplify complex technical concepts and turn them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.