How to Use QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

6 min readMar 31, 2022

What Do You Mean by QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

QuickBooks Clean Install tool is one of the tools developed by Intuit to determine different issues of QuickBooks desktop. QB clean install tool not only fixes issues that arise when opening or accessing company files but also assists the user in addressing any other QuickBooks difficulty. The utility is able to swap the QB desktop Software as well as all of the other files required for the tool’s installation. Because the clean installation procedure does not contain anything that is shown inside the data, the solution eliminates the risk of losing financial data saved in QuickBooks. This gives the user peace of mind that their information will be protected. The user must follow a step-by-step procedure that includes uninstalling QuickBooks desktop for Windows, changing the installation files, reinstalling the apps, and collecting backup data.

The user will be aware of this dynamic of the QuickBooks clean install tool and, as a result, the procedures for doing the clean install after reading the full post here. So, if you are into the topic and want to know more about the clean install tool then reach up to the end of this article.

When does QB Clean Install Tool Come in Handy?

There are numerous events when a user can perform the QB Clean Install Tool to ease their ongoing procedures within the QuickBooks desktop.

Despite several reinstallation efforts, the device still displayed the same installation error

When reinstalling QuickBooks does not address the error issue that interrupts the ongoing operation, which occurs frequently.

If a user on the network attempts to access several company files at the same time.

QuickBooks Clean Install Tool: Downloads & Installation and Usage Procedure

Many users do not know how to download, install, and use the clean install tool. So, here we are, we came up with a tutorial guide that will help you to know the process of downloading, installing, and process to use the tool on your own.

1: Download & Installation Process

Download the tool from the site of Intuit
And save the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool on your system.
Now run the downloaded file on quickBooks_clean_install_tool.exe for the installation process.
Open the program.
On the licensing agreement, click on the I accept tab.
Select the Desktop version of QuickBooks and click the Continue button.
When the message “QuickBooks is ready to try a clean install and you’ll install this to the default directory” appears in the window, choose OK.

2: Process To Use the Tool To Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Before reinstallation the software you are required to uninstall the tool first and then go for the reinstallation of the QuickBooks desktop through the clean install tool

i: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

The user must first launch the Run window (Windows + R) before proceeding.
To enter the control panel, press the OK button on the panel option
Select Programs from the drop-down menu under the Programs and Features item.
Choose Quickbooks from the list of applications and remove an alternative.
To complete the job, follow the onscreen directions exactly as they are written.

ii: Rename the Name of the Installation folder

The user should rename the downloaded files and the location of the folders to reflect the hidden files in the system. The user may quickly access and recognize the old folder while creating the new one by adding old or damaged phrases to the folder name endings.

Look for file explorer under the Start menu.
To begin, open the file explorer.
Now access the folder containing the company files.
C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
C:\Users\(current user)\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (year)
64-bit version C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks
After you’ve located the folder, right-click on a similar one and select rename.
You are required to add OLD at the end of the name of the file to create a difference between the new folder and the old folder.
Finally, the user can reinstall QuickBooks on his or her computer.

iii: If the user faces the error that reads the access denied while renaming the folder

Navigate to the task manager by right-clicking on the Windows taskbar.
To learn the processes chronologically, go to the processes tab and click the selected picture name column heading.
After that, the user must select QBDBMgern.exe, QBDBMr.exe, QBCFmonitorservice.exe, and qbw32.exe from the top process tab.
If the window asks you with the statement Warning- just in case you finish the procedure, it will result in unfavorable outcomes such as data loss and system difficulties, select “Yes”.

iv: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Insert the CD into the QuickBooks Desktop and follow the on-screen instructions.
After the program has been installed, you must input the exact product and registration number that you discovered previously in the system.
Follow the on-screen instructions now.
Select the Next option.
The user must choose the type of installation, then click next, then install.
Once the installation of QuickBooks is completed, restart the system.

v: Collect and Create a Backup of The Data

Attempt to obtain a QuickBooks software alternative install file.
Remember to install the most recent updates for the version
The user must have the registration number on hand, which may be found on the initial package and in the purchase confirmation email.
Enter the year and, as a result, the merchandise’s version.
Once you’ve finished using the process, save a backup of the company file.

Benefits of QuickBooks Clean Install Tool

Improves Performance: The tool helps to clean up any leftover files or settings from previous installations, which can improve the overall performance of QuickBooks on your computer.
Fixes Installation Issues: If you’re encountering problems during the installation process, the Clean Install Tool can help by removing any corrupted files or configurations that might be causing the issue.
Ensures a Fresh Start: It provides a fresh start by completely removing all traces of QuickBooks from your system before reinstalling it, ensuring that you start with a clean slate.
Saves Time: Instead of manually troubleshooting installation problems or trying to fix errors, the tool automates the process, saving you time and frustration.
Prevents Compatibility Issues: It helps to prevent compatibility issues that may arise when installing QuickBooks on top of previous installations, ensuring smooth operation with other software on your computer.
Increases Stability: By removing any conflicting files or settings, the Clean Install Tool can help to increase the stability of QuickBooks, reducing the likelihood of crashes or errors.
Maintains Data Integrity: It does not affect your company files or data, so you can reinstall QuickBooks without worrying about losing any important information.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) About QuickBooks Clean Install Tool

Q. What is the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?

The QuickBooks Clean Install Tool is a program designed to completely remove QuickBooks and its associated files from your computer. It helps in performing a clean reinstall of QuickBooks without any leftover data or settings.

Q. When should I use the Clean Install Tool?

You can use the Clean Install Tool when you encounter installation issues with QuickBooks, experience errors that are hard to fix, or want to ensure a fresh start with the software.

Q. Will using the tool delete my company files or data?

No, the Clean Install Tool only removes QuickBooks software and its related files. Your company files and data will remain safe and untouched.

Q. Do I need to be tech-savvy to use the tool?

Not necessarily. The tool is designed to be user-friendly and guides you through the process step-by-step. However, it’s always a good idea to follow instructions carefully.

Q. Can I use the Clean Install Tool on any version of QuickBooks?

Yes, the Clean Install Tool is compatible with all versions of QuickBooks, including QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.

Q. Will using the tool fix all my QuickBooks problems?

While the Clean Install Tool can resolve many installation and performance issues, it may not fix every problem. If you’re still experiencing issues after using the tool, you may need further assistance from QuickBooks support.

Q. Is it safe to use the Clean Install Tool?

Yes, it is safe to use. The tool is developed by Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, and is designed to remove QuickBooks software cleanly without causing harm to your system.

Q. Do I need to reinstall QuickBooks after using the Clean Install Tool?

Yes, once the tool has removed QuickBooks from your system, you’ll need to reinstall it using your original installation files or download them from the official QuickBooks website.