7 Ways to Fix QuickBooks Error 1603 Installing & Update

5 min readAug 19, 2022

When installing or updating QuickBooks Desktop, do you experience the QuickBooks Error 1603? This issue is rather unpleasant since it prohibits you from taking use of the advantages offered by QuickBooks’ most recent updates. However, you don’t need to worry because this article will resolve all of your issues.

When you try to install QuickBooks Desktop or pertinent updates for QuickBooks on your PC, QuickBooks Error Code 1603, commonly known as the “install shield error,” appears. This issue is typically brought on by a missing installation file.

You might get the following error message on your computer screen:

Causes that lead to Error 1603 in QuickBooks desktop

The QuickBooks Error code 1603 may have several causes. They consist of the following:

An incorrect installation of Microsoft NET 1.1.
QuickBooks is not being used in its most recent edition.
The documents are secured or locked.
The temporary folder is filled.
The installation of the QuickBooks Software is faulty.
The installation process does not allow for permissions.
The version of Windows you’re using is outdated.
MSXML and Microsoft C++ components are defective.

Various Roundabouts to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 1603

Since the error prohibits you from installing and updating the QuickBooks software, QuickBooks error 1603 might be quite annoying. As a result, you must make sure that this Error Code is resolved quickly. The best solutions for such error in the QuickBooks Desktop are listed below. Take your time reading this section.

Method 1: Install QuickBooks Install Diagnostic software

Install the utility after downloading the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
From the menu under “Installation Issues,” choose the “QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.”
It could take some time to configure.
Once it’s configured, click “Yes” to accept the license agreement.
Click “Proceed” to start fixing your QuickBooks desktop components.
After everything is finished, restart your computer.

Method 2: Rectify QuickBooks Error 1603 Manually

Even better, you may manually fix Error 1603 in QuickBooks. To resolve the issue manually, follow the instructions below.

(a) Install the latest updates of your windows O/S
The instructions for Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 are as follows:

Open Windows to start.
Select “Settings.”
Look for “Update & Security.”
Choose the “Check for Update” option.

For Windows 7:

Using the Start Button, choose “System & security” from the “control panel” menu.
From the drop-down option, choose “Windows updates.”
After installing updates, enable the Windows installer service. Put the following into action:
Head to the “Control panel” and head to the ‘’System and Security” tab.
Acquire knowledge of “administration tools.”
When you double-click “services,” a dialogue window will appear.
Search for “Windows installer service.”
Click on the “Restart service” link.

(b) Rectify Microsoft. Net Framework:

Launch the ‘’Control Panel.’’
Find the ‘’Uninstall a Program’’ area in the ‘’Control Panel’’ and click on it.
Select ‘’Window Features.’’
Check to see if the .Net Framework is checked.
Please uncheck it if it is already selected.
Restart the system once more, check the .Net Framework once more, then restart your PC.

© Use the QuickBooks Install Tool

Download the file named “QuickBooks InstallTool.exe.”
Install the 648 kb-sized “QuickBooks Install Tool.exe” file. Save the file type to your computer’s desktop.
Open the file by double-clicking it.
Verify if the issue persists, and if not, try the other approach.

Method 3: Repair MSXML 4.0

The QuickBooks Error 1603 can be resolved by fixing MSXML 4.0. Follow the guidelines below to fix the issue:

To start the installation, place the QuickBooks CD into your computer.
You must close the installation window that pops up.
Install MSXML for Windows after downloading it.

In Windows 7 or Windows Vista, perform the following steps:

The QuickBooks Error Code 1603 can be resolved by fixing MSXML 4.0. Follow the guidelines below to fix the issue:

To start the installation, place the QuickBooks CD into your computer.
You must close the installation window that pops up.
Install MSXML for Windows after downloading it.

In Windows XP, proceed as follows:

Type the “Win” and “R” buttons at the same time.
A window labeled “Run” appears on your screen.
Input the command “msiexec.exe/forum “D:QBOOKSmsxml.MSI””
Click on the “OK” button.

Method 4: Uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop

The ‘Win + R’ keys when pressed together will open the ‘Run’ window.
Enter “Control Panel” into the area, followed by the “Enter” key.
Select the “Programs” or “Programs” option in the ‘’Control Panel’’ box.
Then, from the list of programs, select ‘’QuickBooks.’’
To remove the software, hit on the ‘’uninstall or change’’ option, followed by choosing ‘’Uninstall.’’
You must follow the directions that appear on your screen to successfully uninstall the software.

Method 5: Make use of the QuickBooks Tool Hub

First, shut off the QuickBooks Desktop program.
The Tool Hub file should then be downloaded.
The QuickBooks Tool Hub.exe program will then double-click to open on your PC in the familiar location.
Double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon to start it once the installation is complete.

Method 6: Use Selective Setup to install QuickBooks

First, create a backup of all your data, then save duplicates of it all over the place.
Keep the product details and the license handy as well.
After shutting down the PC, you must now restart it in the chosen mode.
Select “Run” from the menu.
Input “MSConfig” and press “Enter.”
Click the ‘General’ tab in the window that appears on your screen.
Choose the ‘Selective Startup and Load System’ Services option.
All MS Services ought to be concealed.
Next, turn off everything.
Make the selection once more. After hiding all Microsoft Services, remove the checkmark from the checkbox.
After clicking “OK,” restart your computer.
Next, remove QuickBooks Desktop from your computer.
At last, return to “regular mode.”

Method 7: Rectify the Microsoft .NET Framework

Click “Control Panel.”
The ‘Programs and Features’ option should now be opted.
On your computer, a list will display. Find the “.NET Framework 3.5.1 or 4.5” application by right-clicking on it and choosing “Uninstall/Change” from the menu.
During the uninstall process, choose the “repair” option.
After fixing the programme, restart your computer.

By now, the QuickBooks Install Error 1603 should have been fixed. We hope the information in this article was useful to you and helped you effectively fix such an error. We hope that while installing or updating QuickBooks Desktop, you were able to resolve the related problems as well.

Get help from our QuickBooks technical support Team if a technical problem is still impeding your progress. We’re always here for you.