How do I Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop?

While using QuickBooks, users encounter various errors every now and then. These errors can be update errors, payroll errors, company file errors, network errors, or installation errors. Many tools and methods are available to fix such errors. One such method is performing a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop. This is a complex process that involves completely removing/uninstalling the QuickBooks and then installing it freshly to resolve errors related to installation, software conflicts, etc. In this blog, we will discuss the complete method of this process. Let’s clean install QuickBooks Desktop easily.

How do you perform a QuickBooks Desktop clean install?

A clean install will replace the corrupted QuickBooks files and ensure the proper functioning of QuickBooks. You will not lose your account data, but for safety, you must back up your QuickBooks files. This is an essential step. Below, we have provided the steps that you can follow to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks.

Before you start, note these points:

1. Download the QuickBooks installer.
2. Have your license number handy. Check your original package to get it, and if you purchased it online, check your purchase confirmation email.

Method 1: Remove QuickBooks Desktop and Reinstall It

Do not proceed without creating a backup of the company files.

Step 1: Remove QuickBooks

1. Access the Windows Start menu. 
2. Search for “Control Panel”, then open it. Once it’s open, go to Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
3. Here, you will find a list of programs. In those programs, select your QuickBooks Desktop version to remove it.
4. Select Uninstall/Change, Remove.
5. Select Next. 

Note: If Uninstall/Change or Remove is not visible, log out to Windows and then log in using the admin credential.

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Again

1. An active and stable internet connection is important for installing QuickBooks. 
2. Open the QuickBooks.exe file.
3. After that, you need to choose your type of installation.
4. Express Install: This installs QuickBooks and will preserve all your preferences. 
5. Custom and Network Option: This enables you to install the new version at another place while keeping the previous version installed.
6. Click Next and choose Install.
7. When done, open QuickBooks.

Method 2: Utilizing the Clean Install Tool

This is the easiest way to do a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop:

1. First, access the QuickBooks Tools Hub. Download this from the official site. 
2. After accessing the tool, go to the “Installation Issues” tab. 
3. Select the “Clean Install Tool”.
4. Choose the QuickBooks Desktop version that you currently have. 
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop. You can reinstall it by using the installer file. 

Conclusion

We have discussed how to clean install QuickBooks Desktop in this guide. You must follow the steps carefully and create a backup before following the steps. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to reach out to experts.