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Error: QuickBooks has a problem in reading this registration file: qbregistration.dat

When starting QuickBooks, the Loading QuickBooks screen appears temporarily, and then the following error appears:

QuickBooks has a problem in reading this registration file. You need to ask your system administrator to REMOVE this file and re-install QuickBooks

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBRegistration.dat
Why this is happening

This error usually occurs if there has been damage to the MSXML component of Windows.

Other possible causes include:

  • Issues with User Account Control settings.
  • Having Norton 360 (or a similar Norton product) installed and running while QuickBooks is being installed or updated.
  • Corrupted QuickBooks installation files resulting from an incomplete "clean install."

Note: following these steps will not affect the data in your Company File.

How to fix it

Intuit recommends 3 solutions for this problem. The first solution may solve your problem, or you may need to try all of them to resolve the issue. For best results, perform the solutions in the order shown.

Important: These troubleshooting steps may help resolve your issue. They focus on the Windows operating system, which is not an Intuit product. Intuit recommends that if you are not comfortable doing these steps on your own, you find the expert assistance that you need by consulting your computer's manufacturer or a Windows expert. If the difficulty persists after performing these steps, contact your computer's manufacturer or Microsoft.

 

Solution 1: Toggle User Account Control settings (Windows 8, 7 and Vista only)

Solution 2: Repair the MSXML component
  1. Download the msxml.msi file from Microsoft. Save the file to your desktop.
  2. Once the file has been saved, on your keyboard, press Windows + R to open the Run window.
  3. In the Open field, enter msiexec.exe /fvaum "%userprofile%\Desktop\msxml.msi" and click OK.
  4. When the installation is complete, click OK.
  5. Create or re-create the qbregistration.dat file, as needed. 
  6. Register the MSXML DLL files:

    Windows 8, 7 or Vista
    1. Press the Windows button and type cmd.
    2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator from the bottom of the screen.
    3. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    4. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
      Note: if MSXML 4.dll fails to register you may need to temporarily turn off User Account Control (UAC). Be sure to turn it back on when you're done.
    5. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    6. Try starting QuickBooks again.
    Windows 8, 7 or Vista 64-bit
    1. Press the Windows button and type cmd.
    2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator from the bottom of the screen.
    3. Type cd \Windows\syswow64 and press the Enter key.
    4. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    5. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
      Note: if MSXML 4.dll fails to register you may need to temporarily turn off User Account Control (UAC). Be sure to turn it back on when you're done.
    6. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    7. Try starting QuickBooks again.
    Windows XP
    1. Click the Start button and select Run.
    2. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and click OK. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    3. Click the Start button again, type Run.
    4. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll, and click OK. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    5. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    6. Try starting QuickBooks again.
    Windows XP 64-bit
    1. Click the Start menu and choose Run.
    2. Type cmd and click OK.
    3. Type cd \Windows\syswow64 and press the Enter key.
    4. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    5. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    6. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll, and press the Enter key. You should see a message saying "DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded". Click OK.
    7. Try starting QuickBooks again.

Solution 3: Reinstall with a Clean Install.

If this solution does not resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free, or you can contact a technical support agent for additional guidance. Fees may apply.

KB ID# SLN41019
5/21/2013 3:15:01 PM
QYPPRDQBKSWS02 9090 Pro 2012 4ac95b