How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1904?

The message for QuickBooks “Error 1904: [file path/name/extension] failed to register” isn’t a company file issue, so you don’t have to worry about your accounting data. Rather, it is caused because of varied reasons from third-party security software to uninstall dependencies.

You can use free utilities and tools provided by Intuit to resolve this error. Apart from how to use these tools, we’ll also provide other relevant solutions that have helped users to resolve the error and work on their accounting software.

When running a business accounting software, it’s important to make sure you’re able to track your bills and expenses. This is where QuickBooks comes in handy. But, just like any other software, there are times when QuickBooks may not function properly or rapidly enough to suit your needs.

In this article, learn how to fix QuickBooks error 1904 on the desktop!

Error Code:	Error 1904
Error Description:	Error 1904: [2] failed to register, when installing QuickBooks Desktop.
Developer:	Intuit Inc.
Software:	QuickBooks
Applies to:	Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
Cause:	If the company file gets corrupted or damaged and also if file settings are wrong., Microsoft components are missing or corrupted.
Symptoms:	QuickBooks Desktop won’t respond or work, Windows operating system got frozen.
Solution:	Running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, Toggle to the Built-in Admin Account.

What is QuickBooks Error 1904?

The 1904 error occurs mainly because of problems with the network connection or program files. Various windows components may also be the reason the cause of this error. That’s why users have to rely on the QuickBooks tool hub and system expertise to fix this error. 

While the QuickBooks tool hub can offer some relief to people who’re not comfortable with changing preferences on their operating system, manual steps can be somewhat complex. However, there’s no reason for worrying about the QuickBooks Error 1904.

Causes of QuickBooks error 1904

Here are the causes for the QuickBooks error code 1904:

• QuickBooks program files are damaged
• Windows components are damaged
• You’re using Bitdefender
• You’re using Adobe Flash
• QBversionToll.dll isn’t working properly

What are the Symptoms of QuickBooks Desktop Error 1904?

There are many signs through this you can detect the QuickBooks Desktop error. This error can interrupt your ongoing process and also hamper your workflow. So, you need to have a look at the below-listed pointers;

• It might be possible that the window system is hanging or does not work correctly. 
• The screen of the system is continuously popping up errors. 
• You can see that the critical system files are missing. 
• The system becomes unstable and won’t work properly.
• The module would be failed to register QuickBooks.
• Sometimes, the system can take much time to respond.
• You might come across the QuickBooks installer setup failed problems. 
• The QuickBooks company file that you are using is either damaged or corrupted.

Solution steps to fix the QuickBooks error 1904

Before moving ahead, you all are required to identify the causes first so that it is easy to troubleshoot QuickBooks log-in error 1904. Let’s execute the following steps to resolve such an issue.

Solution 1: Scan with QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

You would have to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool if you don’t want to deal with QuickBooks error 1904. To proceed further, follow the steps inclined below;

To resolve QuickBooks error 1904 using the Tool Hub, follow these steps:

• Exit QuickBooks desktop and end all instances of it.
• Download setup for QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Note: if you have a version of this utility already installed on your system, then you can search for the same via the search option in the start menu.
• Save the setup for the QuickBooks tool hub on the desktop.
• Launch the setup for the QuickBooks tool hub by double-clicking on the executable file.
• Launch the Tool Hub from the start menu or the desktop icon created after the installation.
• Go to Installation Issues.
• Choose Install Diagnostic Tool and scan your system.

This tool automatically fixes components that are required by the QuickBooks desktop to run on your system. If you’re still getting the QuickBooks error 1904, then follow the solutions below.

Solution 2: Activate Built-in Administrator (Admin account is Hidden)

Activating the hidden/built-in administrator account on Windows will turn off UAC (User Account Control) on Windows which will eliminate all running system Sanctions from QuickBooks and other apps installed on Windows. The created admin account is only used to fix common application issues and is not recommended for daily use.

A. Activate Built-in Administrator

To avoid QuickBooks error 1904, the users are required to activate the built-in Administrator. Here are the steps you need to perform on your own.

Follow the given steps to activate the built-in administrator:

• Locate and click on the ‘Windows’ key on the keyboard.
• In the space available type in ‘CMD’ followed by right click on the Command Prompt to select the option ‘Run and Administrator’.
• In the new screen called ‘Command prompt’ type in the command – “net user administrator / active: “yes” followed by clicking on Enter key.

B. Toggle to the Built-in Admin Account

Being a QuickBooks user, it is recommended to switch to the Built-in Administrator account. If you are willing to resolve QuickBooks error 1904. So, go through the below-listed steps to do so;

Steps to Switch to a built-in administrator account:

• Press ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ together from the keyboard and then select the option ‘Switch User’.
• For Windows 8 – First click on ‘Windows’ key and then on the user icon located in the upper half of the screen in the right side.
• Now click on ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ keys and then click on the option of Administrator Account as default option.

C. Hide the Built-in Administrator Account again

QuickBooks error 1904 can be repaired only if you navigate to hide the Built-in Administrator account. This process will help you to get rid of QuickBooks error 1904. Let’s see how;

Follow the steps to Switch to Hide the Built-in Administrator Account again:

• Locate and click on the ‘Windows’ key on the keyboard.
• In the space available type in ‘CMD’ followed by right click on the Command Prompt to select the option ‘Run and Administrator’.
• In the new screen called ‘Command prompt’ type in the command – “net user administrator / active:no” followed by clicking on Enter key.

D. Configure the Security Properties of the Installation Directory

It is important to change the Installation Directory Security Settings for the fixation of QuickBooks error 1904. To get a better insight, have a look at the steps described below;

Steps to Change Installation Directory Security Settings:

• Browse and locate the path – “C:\Program Files\Common Files
• Navigate to folder called ‘Common Files’, right click mouse ico on it and then click on the ‘Properties’ option.
• Look for ‘Security’ option and then select the ‘Edit’ tab.
• In the new screen select the option ‘Users’ from Group or User Names tab.
• Next click on ‘Allow’ option under Permissions section for following fields:
  1. Read & Execute
  2. Read
  3. Modify
  4. List Folder Content
  5. Write
  6. Now select tab called Apply and Ok.

E. Install the QuickBooks Software

You can’t eradicate the QuickBooks error 1904 until you download and install the QuickBooks Application. Here are the instructions you need to follow to do it smoothly;

QuickBooks Installation Steps:

• Uninstall QuickBooks by going to the control panel > apps & features or uninstall a program.
• Choose QuickBooks, then select Uninstall.
• Follow the procedure.
• Download setup for your version of QuickBooks desktop and install.

Note: you’ll have to reenter the activation keys to start using QuickBooks desktop out of trial mode.

Let’s check which special case applies to you

There are some special cases and solutions presented according to the scenarios. Let’s check them out without any ado;

Case 1: If you have Bitdefender

If you have the QuickBooks Desktop on your system with the Bitdefender exclusion list then always remember that turning off or disabling the Bitdefender won’t fix the QuickBooks 1904 error. To resolve this, you need to do the following; 

You are supposed to add a file location on your system;

1. For 32-bit of windows Operating System: C:\Program Files\Common Files.
2. For 64-bit of windows operating system: C:\Program Files\Intuit (C:\Program Files((x86)\Intuit.

Case 2: If the error arises during the installation of Adobe Flash Player 

• Firstly, you need to download QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and install it on your system.
• Uninstall the Adobe Flash Player 
• To open the Run window, press and hold Windows + R on the keyboard Concurrently.
• Type in the Control Panel and press the OK tab.
• Now, select the Uninstall a Program option.
• Then, choose the Adobe Flash PlayerActiveX file from the list.
• Tap on the Uninstall button and follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall it.
• At last, download & install the Adobe Flash Player again. 

Case 3: When the error references QBVersionTool.dll

If the error refers to the QBversionTool.dll, then the issue can be resolved with the help of following the below procedure. But before this, you need to run the install diagnostic tool, change the admin settings, and then go ahead with the process. 

Step 1: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

1. Download and Run QuickBooks install diagnostic tool.
2. Reboot the computer and reinstall the QuickBooks.

Step 2: Check permissions and use hidden (built-in) Administrator account

You are supposed to make a notepad file and save it to the installation directory to verify the permissions:

1. To begin with open the Run window and click the Windows + R on the keyboard at the same time.
2. Go to the Notepad and hit the Ok tab.
3. Now, you need to write QBTEST in the notepad file.
4. From the File menu, tap on Save As icon.
5. Save the file to the installation directory.
   • 32-bitC: \Program Files\Common Files.
   • 64-bitC :\Program Files ((x86)\Common Files.

If, you are unable to save the note then, log in and install the QuickBooks as an Administrator. Here are the steps you need to implement on;

1. Sign out from the user account and log in again to install the QuickBooks as an Administrator. 
2. Then install the QuickBooks as an Administrator. 

Some Additional Guidelines: 

• The solutions won’t work if the QuickBooks installer setup failed, if you are working with QuickBooks Database Manager then you need to install the .exe.
• The error mostly occurs in Microsoft Windows when you don’t run the installation as an administrator. 
• Make sure that the exe is installed on the server before installing Avalara Avatax.
• You may end up with this issue if you try to install the connector on a server without installing QB exe on it. 
• The installation must complete once you press OK on the error.
• After this, go to File> AvaTax> Configuration. 
• Run the QuickBooks Software as Administrator.
• Select your Test Connection option.
• Then, you must run QuickBooks software as an Administrator.
• Finally, choose your Test Connection option.

Conclusion

For those of you who may have encountered the QuickBooks error 1904 when trying to open your company file, there are a few things you can do to solve the issue. The solution is to make sure that your computer has all of the latest updates for both QuickBooks and Windows.

Note: If you’re still getting this error, get in touch with our accounting software experts via chat or call.

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