Learn How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1603 When Updating

You must download the latest Windows updates as soon as they are available for optimum performance and stability. Also, it prevents and often fixes installation issues and errors that interrupt the QB update process.

Let’s check for and download the Windows update by following the below steps:

• Click the Windows icon in the Taskbar to open the Windows Start menu.
• Type Settings in the search field and then click on Windows Update.
• Further, choose Check for Updates.

• If the updates are available, click the Download & Install option and wait until the process completes.
• Now, try again to install or update QuickBooks Desktop.

If you can install or update QuickBooks, you’re good to go. If not, continue to the next solution to fix the 1603 fatal error during installation.

QuickBooks Desktop uses Microsoft programs such as Microsoft .NET Framework and Microsoft MSXML to run web-based applications. QuickBooks may encounter update and installation errors if these programs are damaged or corrupted. So, follow the instructions below to fix the issues with Microsoft components.

Repair or Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

Below are the steps to repair the Microsoft .NET framework in Windows 10 and 11:

• Close all the programs running on Windows and then go to the Windows Start menu.
• In the search field, type Control Panel and then choose it from the search results.
• Click on Uninstall a Program in the options on your screen.
• Rather than uninstalling any program, click Turn Windows features on or off.

• Doing this will redirect you to the Windows Features window.
• In the list of Windows features, find the .NET Framework.

Review the settings for both .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

Note: The steps to review the .Net Framework 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8 are the same.

Check .NET Framework 4.5 (or Later)

If the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox isn’t marked in Windows features:

• Mark the checkbox to turn ON .NET Framework 4.5 (or later).
• Now, click OK to save these changes.
• Finally, restart your computer.

Steps to follow if the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox isn’t selected: 

• Select the checkbox to turn off the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later). Do not turn it back on.

• Save the changes by clicking OK.
• Now, restart your computer.
• When signed in back to Windows, turn it back ON by following the provided steps.

Check .NET Framework 3.5 SPI

If the .NET Framework 3.5 SPI checkbox isn’t selected:

• Select the .NET Framework 3.5 SPI checkbox to turn it ON. 
• Click OK to save the changes.
• Now, restart your computer.

If the .NET Framework 3.5 SPI checkbox is selected:

• Turn off .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 by selecting the checkbox. Keep it turned off.
• Save these changes by clicking OK and restart your computer.
• Once you’re signed back into Windows, follow the below steps to turn on .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 again.

Repair Microsoft MSXML

Let’s register the MSXML DLL files to fix the issues by performing below steps:

Register the MSXML in a 64-bit Windows

• Open the Windows Start menu and then search for CMD.
• Now, right-click on the CMD application in the search result and then select Run as Administrator.
• Enter cd\windows\syswow64 in the command prompt window.
• Further, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press the Enter key.

• Once done, try to install or update QuickBooks Desktop.

Register the MSXML in a 32-bit Windows

• Open the Run window by pressing the Windows + R keys simultaneously.
• Enter cmd in the Run prompt and then press the Enter key.
• In the Command Prompt window, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and hit Enter.
• Once done, retry to install or update QuickBooks Desktop.

If repairing the Windows component helped you fix QuickBooks error 1603, you’re all set to go. However, if the error persists, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

You might need to refresh the system files to update or install the QuickBooks program without interruptions; here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks

• Go to the Taskbar and click the Windows icon to open the Windows Start menu.
• Now, search for the Control Panel and select it to open from the search results.
• From the options on your screen, click on Uninstall a Program.
• Now, choose the version of QuickBooks you are using and click on Uninstall/Change.

• Further, click Remove and then Next.

(If you didn’t find this option, you need to sign out of Windows and sign in again as an admin.)

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

After removing the QuickBooks Desktop application from your computer, it’s time to reinstall it. Reinstalling the program will automatically replace the previously downloaded files with the new ones.

First, let’s prepare for the installation

• Make sure that your computer meets QuickBooks’ minimum system requirements.
• If you don’t have the QuickBooks installer file, download it from the QuickBooks Product Download page.
• Keep the product and license numbers handy.

Now, follow the below steps to install QuickBooks

•  Go to the QuickBooks installation files and open it.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and agree with the product’s terms and conditions.
• Now, enter the product and license number and then click Next.

Note: To complete the installation, ensure a stable internet connection.

Now, QuickBooks will ask you to choose an installation path based on your requirements: Express, Custom, or Network Install.

As we reinstall QuickBooks Desktop, you should use the Express installation path. Follow the below steps to complete the process by following the process mentioned below:

• Choose Express and then click on Next. Then, select Install.

• Once done, open QuickBooks and check if the QuickBooks Desktop Pro error 1603 is fixed.

If QuickBooks Install error 1603 continues to appear, move to the solution below.