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QuickBooks is an essential software for managing finances and accounting tasks for businesses of all sizes. However, sometimes issues arise that can be difficult to resolve, such as problems with updates or corrupted files. In these cases, a clean install may be necessary to start fresh and resolve any lingering problems. In this article, we'll take a step-by-step approach to performing a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop.

 

What is a Clean Install of QuickBooks Desktop?

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A clean install is a process that involves uninstalling and then reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop, ensuring that all the components are removed and then freshly installed. This method can be useful for resolving issues that might have arisen due to a corrupted installation or file.

 

Before You Begin: Preparation

 

Before you begin the clean install process, there are a few steps you should take to prepare:

 

Step 1: Create a Backup of Your Company File

 

It's essential to create a backup of your company file to ensure you don't lose any data during the uninstall process. Here's how:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and log in as an administrator

2. Go to the File menu, select Backup Company, and then Create Local Backup

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to select a location for your backup and complete the process

 

Step 2: Gather Your QuickBooks Installers and License Information

 

Make sure you have your QuickBooks installation files and license information handy. If you've lost your installation files, you can download them from the official Intuit website.

 

Step 3: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

 

Before proceeding with the clean install, you must first uninstall QuickBooks Desktop. Follow these steps:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop and any other open programs

2. Go to the Start menu and select Control Panel

3. Click on Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs)

4. Select QuickBooks Desktop from the list of programs and click Uninstall

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process

 

Performing a Clean Install of QuickBooks Desktop

 

Now that you've completed the preparation steps, it's time to perform the clean install. Here's how:

 

Step 1: Rename Your QuickBooks Folders

 

Renaming your QuickBooks folders ensures that the installation process starts fresh. Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer

2. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\

3. Right-click the QuickBooks folder and select Rename. Rename it to "Old QuickBooks"

4. Go to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\

5. Right-click the QuickBooks folder and select Rename. Rename it to "Old QuickBooks"

 

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

 

Now that you've renamed the QuickBooks folders, it's time to reinstall the software. Here's how:

1. Double-click on the QuickBooks installation file to start the installation process. See How to install QuickBooks Desktop for detailed instruction.

2. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process, entering your license information when prompted

3. Once the installation is complete, launch QuickBooks Desktop and follow the prompts to activate the software

 

Step 3: Restore Your Company File

 

Now that you've completed the clean install process, it's time to restore your company file. Here's how:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and log in as an administrator

2. Go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company

3. Choose Restore a Backup Copy and click Next

4. Select Local Backup and click Next

5. Browse to the location where you saved your backup file and select it

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the restore process

 

Conclusion

 

Performing a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop can help resolve issues that might be caused by corrupted files or installation problems. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop without losing any of your data. Remember to create a backup of your company file before beginning the process, and have your installation files and license information handy. With a fresh installation of QuickBooks Desktop, you can get back to managing your finances and accounting tasks with confidence.

 

FAQs

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Will performing a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop delete all of my data? 

 

No, as long as you create a backup of your company file before beginning the process, you will not lose any of your data.

 

Can I perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop without the installation files?

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No, you will need the installation files to perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop. If you've lost your installation files, you can download them from the official Intuit website.

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How long does it take to perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop?

 

The time it takes to perform a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop will depend on the speed of your computer and the size of your company file. Generally, it should take no more than an hour.

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What should I do if I encounter issues during the clean install process?

 

If you encounter issues during the clean install process, such as error messages or crashes, you may need to seek assistance from a professional IT service or contact QuickBooks support for help.

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Will a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop fix all of my issues?

 

While a clean install can resolve many issues, it's not a guaranteed fix for all problems. If you continue to experience issues after performing a clean install, you may need to explore other troubleshooting methods or seek professional assistance.

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