Uninstalling and reinstalling other programs in the QuickBooks installation folder to resolve QuickBooks installation issues

It is sometimes necessary to perform a clean install or uninstall to remove residual QuickBooks installation files and folders left behind by Microsoft Add or Remove Programs. reinstall clean install clean uninstall, . This is most often required when the QuickBooks function is damaged or when reinstalling QuickBooks does not correct an issue. reinstall clean install clean uninstall, . This is referred to as a clean install.

Caution: A clean install of QuickBooks requires that you also reinstall any other Intuit software programs that share the same installation folder.

Intuit strongly suggests that before performing a clean install or uninstall, you back up your company data file to a safe location to prevent the file from being accidentally deleted or overwritten. reinstall clean install clean uninstall, . For more information, refer to the article Back up company files overview. reinstall clean install clean uninstall, . Be sure to have your QuickBooks installation CD-ROM and license key handy before reinstalling QuickBooks.

To perform a clean install or a clean uninstall

1. Click the Microsoft Windows Start button and select Control Panel:
   • Windows Vista:
     1. Select Programs and then click Programs and Features.
     2. Select QuickBooks in the list of programs and click Uninstall.
     3. Follow the instructions to uninstall QuickBooks.
        
   • Windows XP:
     1. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
     2. In the list of programs, select QuickBooks and click Remove.
     3. Follow the instructions to remove QuickBooks.
     
     Note: If you are using QuickBooks 2007 or later, repeat the steps above to also uninstall the QuickBooks Product Listing service.
     
     
2. Manually remove the following QuickBooks installation folders:
   
   Note: If you do not have any other Intuit products installed (such as Quicken, Turbotax, ProSeries, other versions of QuickBooks, and so forth), you can rename the Intuit folders.

   Windows Vista
   
   

   • QuickBooks 2007 and later
     • C:\Program Data\Intuit
     • C:\Program Data\Common Files\Intuit
     • C:\Users\<current user>\AppData\Local\Intuit
     • C:\Program Files\Intuit
     • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
       
       
   Windows XP/2000
   
   
   • QuickBooks 2007 and later (Pro, Premier, Enterprise Solutions)
     • C:\Program Files\Intuit
     • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
     • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit
     • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Common Files\Intuit
       
       
   • QuickBooks 2006 and earlier (Pro, Premier, Enterprise Solutions)
     • C:\Program Files\Intuit
     • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
     • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit

     Important: If other Intuit products are installed on your computer, you should only uninstall or rename the QuickBooks version folder found within the Intuit folders: C:\Program Data\Intuit (Windows Vista) or C:\Program Files\Intuit (Windows XP or 2000).

     If the Application Data or Program Data folder is not visible:
     
     

     • Windows Vista:
       1. Click the Start button and select Computer.
       2. In the upper left, click the Organize button.
       3. Select Folder and Search Options.
       4. Click the View tab.
       5. Click Show hidden files and folders.
       6. Click OK.
          
          
     • Windows XP:
       1. Right-click on the Start button and select Explore.
       2. Select the Tools menu and then select Folder Options.
       3. Click the View tab, and then under Advanced Settings, select the Show hidden files and folders checkbox.
       4. Click OK.
          

     After QuickBooks is completely removed from your system, you can proceed with a new installation.

     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. reinstall clean install clean uninstall, . Fees may apply.