QuickBooks Update Error Code 1603 and Why it Happens?

QuickBooks Error 1603 is an installation error that may arise if the installation file is damaged or if essential Microsoft components are missing from the computer device. When error 1603 interrupts the installation process, it can be challenging to manage the issue, especially if you don’t know what it entails and what you can do. Hopefully, you can find answers to all your queries related to the issue in this carefully curated blog. The error suddenly pops up on the screen when the user opens QB after installation. Not only does this issue restricts the user’s access, but it may also go on to further corrupt the entire program or even Windows if not treated at the right time. This blog has been carefully curated to provide all the relevant knowledge about the error, along with the steps to troubleshoot it effectively.

Seeking professional support to resolve “can’t update – QuickBooks error code 1603”? If yes, you can Reach out to specialists by dialing our QuickBooks error support number +1 800-579-9430 or carry out the mentioned solutions in the following article.

What does Mean by QuickBooks Update Error 1603?

As discussed above, QuickBooks Error 1603 is an installation error that is supported by this subtext saying, “The update installer has encountered an internal error.” The main reason behind it is an interruption caused during the installation process. Apart from this, deletion of important QB files or Microsoft components might also do the same. QuickBooks Desktop Error 1603 can be solved by various methods that have been explained later in this blog; read till the end to find and implement them.

Reasons QuickBooks Update Error 1603

Before moving on to the methods that are useful in eliminating QuickBooks update Error 1603, let us have a look at the factors that are responsible for the occurrence of the same –

• Damage in the QB installation file is the most significant reason behind error 1603.
• If the Microsoft components (.NET Framework and MSXML) are damaged or missing, they may trigger such an error.
• Running an outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop can prompt the issue.
• If the installation was interrupted by a power shutdown or network disconnection, it would lead to QuickBooks error 1603.
• Missing Windows installer components can also provoke the QuickBooks Desktop Installation error.
• Accidental deletion of important QuickBooks files.
• Damaged entries are recorded in the Windows Registry.

Symptoms of QuickBooks install Error 1603?

Here is a list of the most commonly seen symptoms on the devices you have fallen victim to QB Error Code 1603 –

• The user will be unable to open the company file.
• Delayed or no responses received from the QuickBooks program.
• When the user clicks on the buttons or tabs, there is no action implemented by the application.
• QuickBooks or Windows may suddenly crash to prevent further damage.
• Options may become blurred or even grey out.
• QuickBooks starts displaying a blank or glitchy screen.

How do I fix the QuickBooks Error Code 1603 in Windows?

QuickBooks Installation error 1603 is a perplexing error code, and the troubleshooting may require step-by-step assistance from certified professionals. Before dialing the QuickBooks support number, follow the below-described solutions to fix error 1603 in QuickBooks.

Solution 1- Use QBinstallTool.exe File for Error Resolution

Start the troubleshooting process by downloading QBInstallTool.exe file having file-size 648KB. Save the file on your Desktop. Double-click on the file to run the tool and it will try to resolve the QuickBooks error 1603. If the error remains unfixed, proceed further with the next solution.

Read more: QuickBooks Reconcile Beginning Balance Wrong | Top methods to fix

Solution 2- Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to Fix the Error

QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool is a powerful tool in QuickBooks that fixes the nuisance caused due to applications such as MSXML, C++, and .NET Framework.

• Open your system and perform sign-in as Administrator
• Use your computer’s browser to search for QB Install Diagnostic Tool
• Once, you find the download link, click it to download the tool and save it on your local desktop
• Close all the applications running in the background
• Double-click on the QBInstall_Tool_v2.exe file that you have saved
• Choose the Run option from the drop-down.

Solution 3- Manually Troubleshoot MSXML 4.0 for Windows Vista/XP

It can be the damaged MSXML component of Windows responsible for QuickBooks Update Error 1603 so manually fixing it is surely worth a try.

• Select CD installation type for installing QuickBooks to begin
• Insert the installation CD into your system
• If the QuickBooks installation for Windows opens up on your screen, close it.
• Perform the MSXML installation procedure according to your operating system to fix error code 1603

Installation for Windows 7 or Vista

• On windows, tap on the Start button
• Type msiexec.exe /forum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi” in the provided area and then press Enter.
• Replace D with your CD drive letter if different.

Installation for Windows XP

• Using the Windows Start button, select Run
• Provide msiexec.exe /forum “D:\QBOOKS\msxml.msi” in the Run box and then click OK.

Confirm if this solution works or not, and proceed otherwise.

Related article to read — Proper guide to fix QuickBooks error has stopped working

Solution 4 – Check Windows Updates

Windows updating can be the one solution that needs to get practiced for the resolution of QuickBooks error code 1603.

• Tap the Windows icon and go to Settings
• Now, go to Update & Security options
• Confirm if an update is available by clicking on Check for Update button
• Update Windows and examine the existence of QuickBooks error code 1603.

Solution 5 – Switch to the Selective Start-Up Mode to Reinstall QuickBooks

Other active applications can disrupt the process when you install programs like QuickBooks on your device. The Selective Startup stop other applications to run on the system so that you can perform a specific task without interruptions –

1. Create a backup for your QuickBooks company data file and uninstall QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Now, press and hold the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to bring up the Run prompt box.
3. Type MSCONFIG in the search panel and hit the OK button to open a new window.
4. Click on the General tab and check the following two options –
   a. Selective startup
   b. Load system services
5. Tap on the Disable All button and untick the box beside Hide all Microsoft services.
6. Go to the list of services and check the box beside Windows Installer.
7. Click on OK and press Restart.
8. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop from Intuit.
9. Revert to the Normal Startup mode by performing steps 2 and 3 again and selecting Normal Startup.

Solution 6 – Configure the Security Settings of your Device

Incorrect security settings can stop the device from successfully installing applications. Here we will reconfigure the settings to permit QuickBooks to install updates –

1. Use your Administrator credentials to log in to your system.
2. Tap on the Windows icon and type gpedit.msc in the Start menu.
3. When directed to the next window, go to Computer Configuration and choose Administrative Templates.
4. Select Windows Components and then Windows Installer.
5. Move to the Prohibit User Installs option and double-click on it to make some changes.
6. Click on the Not Configured option and press OK.
7. Tap on OK again and attempt to install QuickBooks again.

Solution 7 – Restart Program installer service in Window

• Start by Pressing Windows + R button to launch the Run program.

• Next, Type Service.MSC in the text File and Click Ok.
• In service, Scroll down and Find the service name as Windows installer.

• Double click the selected windows installer service.
• Click on the start to run installer service and then click on apply.
• After all this, You may try to verify install error is still persisting or not.

Solution 8- Repair Microsoft .NET Framework

Let’s see how you can repair the Microsoft .NET Framework to fix QB error 1603:

1. Launch the Control Panel from the Start menu or Desktop and choose the Programs and Features section.
2. Here, click the Windows Features option, find the .NET version, and double-click it.
3. Tick-mark the .Net Framework 3.5.1 & 4.5 checkboxes and hit the Uninstall a Program option.
4. A pop-up window will appear asking you to Repair or Remove the program.
5. Hit Repair and then, restart the device.

Again, check the .Net Framework 3.5.1 & 4.5 boxes and restart the computer.

Solution 9- Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

The QuickBooks application utilizes Microsoft .NET Framework for internet application integrations. However, damage to this component can result in error 1603. Therefore, reinstalling this can help fix the issue:

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type Control Panel, and hit Enter. Alternatively, open the Control Panel from Desktop or other easy sources. 
2. Here, choose the Uninstall a Program option. 
3. From there, you will be taken to a list of programs, from which you should uninstall Microsoft MSXML and C++ components.
4. Restart your computer after uninstalling it.
5. Now, go to the official Microsoft website to install these components again.

Read more:- Filed Incorrect W-2 Form! How To Rectify? (Answered)

Summing Up

This has been an all-inclusive advisory blog on QuickBooks Error 1603. We have discussed in detail the things that lead to such an installation problem in QuickBooks. In this article many useful solutions that can be helpful to erase the issue permanently. Hopefully, your program is now error-free. However, if the error recurs, we recommend connecting with one of our pro-advisors over a call. Dial +1-800-579-9430.

FAQ’s