How to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 1601: Step-By-Step Guide

Are you searching for the best way to get rid of QuickBooks Error Code 1601 from your system? Then don’t worry we are here to assist you by providing all the information about Error 1601 QuickBooks. As we all know, QuickBooks is accounting software that helps small and medium-sized businesses to handle their bookkeeping and finances. But, there are some issues or errors that users may face several times while using QuickBooks. So, in this article, we discuss QuickBooks Error code 1601, its causes, and the simple ways to resolve them:

There are a few issues that users encounter with the system when installing the QuickBooks Desktop and the product Updates are:-

  • Error 1601:- when Windows installer is not able to access.
  • 1603 Error – An issue occurred while installing Microsoft .Net Framework [version].
  • Error 1603- when the update installer encounters internal issues. 
  • 1642 Error – Error appears while installing Microsoft .Net Framework while installing QuickBooks. 

Below are the following error messages that appear when QuickBooks update error 1601 on your system:-

  • Error 1601: Windows installer is not accessible.
  • 1603 Error: There was an issue installing Microsoft .Net Framework and here the update installer encounters an internal error.
  • Error 1642: This error installing Microsoft .Net Framework when installing the QuickBooks.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 1601

  • The most common causes that appear when the Microsoft Operating System has infected files. 
  • When the damaged or corrupted files that are related to QuickBooks are on your system. 
  • At the time of installing QuickBooks Desktop, there are some damaged files. 
  • This error occurs when windows get infected with a virus in the operating system.
  • When the QuickBooks downloading file gets faulty.
  • When you don’t get permission to install the QuickBooks or Windows operating system.
  • If all the files are locked then this error can appear.
  • When all programs are infected with a malware attack this error can occur.
Also Read: Resolve Quickbooks Won't Open Error [Troubleshooting Guide]

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 1601

The below-mentioned symptoms will help you to identify error code 1601 QuickBooks:-

  • QuickBooks Desktop does not respond or work. 
  • When the Windows operating system got frozen. 
  • The input of the system is responding slowly like a mouse and keyboard. 
  • When the program QuickBooks is crashed or frozen
  • While you work on the Windows operating system gets crashed. 

Basic Requirements to fix error code 1601

There are some basic requirements to avoid the QuickBooks Error code 1601. When the requirements are not met then this error may occur in your system. Below are the basic requirements:-

  • Your operating system has to be Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or above. 
  • The processor will be 2.0 GHz.
  • The minimum RAM of your system has to be 512 MB. 
  • Internet connection is required. 
  • Internet Explorer browser will be 6.0
  • The CD ROM will be a 4X drive. 

What are the Methods to Resolve QuickBooks Error 1601?

Below are the following methods that help you to troubleshoot error 1601 Quickbooks:

Method 1- Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

QuickBooks install diagnostic tool

  • You have to download and install the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the official website of Intuit. 
  • Then, close all the other programs and click on the QBInstall_Tool_v2.exe to run.
  • Now, when the tool is installed successfully on your system then reboot your system. So, the components will be updated appropriately. 

Method 2- Update Windows OS

Windows Update

  • Firstly, click on the Windows Key. 
  • Then, go to the search bar and type Windows Update.
  • Lastly, select the check Updates. 

Method 3- Download the QBInstallTool.exe file 

  • Firstly, you have to download the 648 KB file size of the QBInstallTool.exe file on their device. 
  • Now, open the file and make changes then click on Apply and save all the changes. 
  • Double-click on the file to run the tool. 
You may also like: Steps to Troubleshoot Quickbooks Error 1723

Method 4- Repair MSXML 4.0

Repair MSXML 4.0

  • First, choose the installation type and select the CD for installation of QuickBooks. 
  • Then, insert the CD into your PC or laptop. Press the Alt+F4 key to close the installation of the window when it appears on your screen 
  • Now, you have to follow all the instructions that appear on your screen to install MSXML 4.0.
For Windows 7 and Vista 
  • Initially, you have to select the start button.
  • Then, go to the search bar and enter msiexec.exe /fvaum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi”. And make sure that your CD drive is different then replace it with the D. 
For Windows XP
  • Click on the start button and then you have to enter msiexec.exe /fvaum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi” on the screen and click on the OK tab to open it.

Method 5- Re-register the Windows installer

Windows Installer Properties

  • Initially, press and hold the Window+R button to open Run windows. 
  • Then, go to the search bar and enter Command Prompt.
  • Click on the Enter button.
  • Now, when the command prompt window appears then enter the “msiexe/unreg” on it and tap on Enter.
  • You have to click on Ok to confirm the prompt.
  • Now, again open the Run window by pressing the Window+R button.
  • Go to the search bar and enter the Command prompt.
  • Then, in the command prompt window run the “exe/regserver”.
  • To continue this tap on the Enter button.
  • If your screen prompt you then click on Ok 

Method 6- Clean Install QuickBooks

If QuickBooks Desktop issues cause problems you won’t be able to fix them. Then perform a clean install with the help of QuickBooks Clean Install Tool by following the below steps to clean install QuickBooks:-

QuickBooks-Clean-Install-Tool

  • First of all, download the QuickBooks installer that corresponds to the QB version 
  • Make a record of the license number which comes with the QuickBooks program. If you buy QuickBooks online then go to the product details.
  • Now, make a list of the QuickBooks year and versions.
  • After that, open the search bar and enter the Control Panel.
  • Then, select “Uninstall an application”.
  • From the menu choose “Program and Features”.
  • Now, from all menus click on the QuickBooks software.
  • Then, tap on the Uninstall/Change option from the drop-down menu.
  • Click on the Remove option. And select the Next button from the fall menu.

Now, QuickBooks will be activated. When you complete all the above-mentioned steps then QB will operate without any issues.

Method 7- Enable Windows Installer

  • Click on the start button, go to the search bar and type MSc. 
  • Then, choose Activities and click on the “Windows Installer” and Properties buttons. 
  • Now, go to the startup tab then, search the disable option and change it to the Manual option. 
  • After that, click on the Service Status and tap on to start to enable the windows. 
  • If the windows installer cause issues then it will resolve. 

Winding Up!

In this article, we discuss the step-by-step QuickBooks Error code 1601 – how to resolve it. We hope that all the mentioned methods will be helpful for you and troubleshoot your error. If you face any other QuickBooks errors or issues then check out our other posts as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How do I fix error code 1601?

  • Get the latest version of Windows Installer.
  • Disable Window Installer.
  • Register Windows Installer Service.

Q2. How to change the installation folder name in QuickBooks?

  • First, check the location of the company file.
  • Then choose File and click on Rename.
  • Now, change the name and tap Yes to confirm.

Q3. How do I open my QuickBooks file?

  • Choose Open or Restore Company from the File option.
  • Now, search for the company file and select the company file.
  • Lastly, enter your username and password.

Q4. What is the difference between a portable company file and a backup?

A portable company file is a small and narrow version of a backup while the backup is a complete copy of the respective QuickBooks account.