How to Fix QuickBooks Installation Error 1904 | Quick Guide

QuickBooks Installation Error 1904 is one of the most common and frustrating hurdles that can halt your accounting software setup right in its tracks. This error typically appears during the final stages of installation when the program is attempting to register critical system files (like DLLs or OCX files) and fails due to issues with permissions or damaged components.

Instead of restarting the entire installation process or spending hours troubleshooting, this Quick Guide provides you with the most effective, easy-to-follow steps to bypass this setback. We’ll show you how to properly adjust component settings, manage permissions, and complete the installation smoothly so you can get back to managing your books without delay. Let’s fix Error 1904 quickly and correctly!

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What is QuickBooks Error 1904?

QuickBooks Error code 1904 is an installation error that occurs during the upgrade, update, or installation process. The error generally happens if the company file or log data is missing, removed, or replaced. A 1904 error can also occur while upgrading your Windows and not rebooting after an upgrade.

Here is the pop-up message that can appear on your screens when you face the 1904 error:

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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1904? A Step-by-Step Guide

There are multiple options to fix the QB error 1904. Here are the options and a step-by-step guide.

Option 1: Fixing Through QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool Installation

Step. 1: Close your QuickBooks desktop if it is open to use the QuickBooks fix tool.

Step. 2: Download the latest version (1.6.0.8) of QuickBooks Tool Hub. (Download Here)

Step. 3: Once downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to install the tool and agree to the terms and conditions.

Step. 4: Once installed, double-click to open the QB Tool hub. 

Step. 5: Now, you must run the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool from the tool hub.

Step. 6: The QuickBooks Tool Hub will automatically diagnose error 1904 and fix the program with the Microsoft database. 

• Open the QB tool hub.
• In the tool hub, choose Installation Issues. 
• Now, choose QuickBooks Diagnostic and run the tool. 
• When the tool finishes diagnosing, you must restart your system. 

After restarting your system, open your QuickBooks desktop. If it opens normally, the fix is successful; if the QB error 1904 persists, try Option 2.

Option 2: Fixing Damaged Windows Components Manually

Caution: Option 2 is recommended to be performed only by an IT professional or expert. Altering the Windows file log can damage your system software.

Step. 1: Head to the Control Panel on your Windows system and select .NET Framework. 

Step. 2: Move to the programme and features option.

Step. 3: Now, register the MSXML.dll and follow the prompts as given below:

• First, click the start tab and enter CMD in the search bar.
• Then right-click to open the context menu and choose Run as an admin tab.
• Now, a command prompt window will open, and enter CMD to get the Root C directory. 
• Now, head on and locate syswow64 and enter “regsvr32 MSXML6.dll.”
• Hit the Enter button.

Step. 4: You will now need to restart your system and open QuickBooks Desktop. The QuickBooks error 1904 should be removed. If not, try option 3. 

Option 3: Fixing the 1904 Error Through Windows Account Settings

Step. 1: Activate the Windows Administrator Account. On the start menu search bar, type CMD and select Run as Administrator.

Step. 2: In the command window, type “net user administrator/active: yes”, and hit Enter, and close the Command Window.

Step. 3: Again, open the Windows Start Menu and choose the sign-out option. Now, select the administrator account and sign in. (Don’t worry, you will not be asked for the password.)

Step. 4: You will need to change your User Permission Settings.

Step. 5: Head on to the Windows start menu. In the search bar, type file explorer and open it. And search for C:/Programme Files/Common Files. Right-click on the common files and select the properties option.

Step. 6: Now go to the security tab, choose the edit option, and select Users.

Step. 7: In the Permission of Users section, you must ensure you tick the Modify, Read, and Execute options. Select Apply and then the OK option.

Step. 8: Restart your QuickBooks Desktop software. Then, QB error 1904 must have been eliminated; if not, contact your technical support admin.

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Final Words

Getting the QuickBooks error 1904 is normal if you frequently use Intuit’s QB products. Error 1904 can generally happen when you are installing, updating, or upgrading your software systems. You don’t have to worry if you encounter QuickBooks error 1904 on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. We have pointed out the top 3 options to fix the error. Every option is detailed with a step-by-step guide to ensure your error 1904 code is fixed. Did you know? Sagenext offers easy QuickBooks hosting on any of your devices and operating systems.