How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error?

‘QuickBooks has Encountered an Error Reading the qbregistration.dat File’ Error occurs when QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) cannot read the registration file. This error is encountered due to disabled UAC, corrupted MSXL Components, damaged QB Files, or incorrect antivirus settings. QuickBooks ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error restricted the users from accessing the license details correctly. 

To fix this error, users must turn on the User Account Control, adjust the firewall settings, fix the MSXML Component, and use clean Install. Before this, users must back up the company file data and save the license details. Here are 4 effective ways to fix the QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error and start using QBDT smoothly.

Solution 1: Turn On or Off User Account Control

Turn on the UAC to provide the required permission to access the registration file. Here are the steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Select View by and choose Large icons.
4. Click on User Accounts.
5. Select Change User Account Control settings.
6. Adjust the slider:
   • Set to Never Notify to turn UAC off.
   • Set to Always Notify to turn UAC on.
7. Click OK.
8. Restart your computer.

For Windows Vista:

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. If needed, select Classic View on the left.
4. Double-click User Accounts.
5. Click Turn User Account Control on/off.
6. Choose to enable or disable UAC.
7. Click OK and restart your computer.

Solution 2: Fix the MSXML Component

1. Download the msxml.msi file and save it on your desktop.
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
3. Type exe /fvaum “%userprofile%\Desktop\msxml.msi” and hit OK.
4. Create or recreate the DAT file if needed.
5. Register MSXML DLL files.

 For Windows 10, 8, or Vista:

1. Press the Windows key and type CMD.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
3. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and press Enter.
4. After seeing the message “DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded,” click OK.
5. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll and press Enter.
6. After seeing “DllRegisterServer in msxml4.dll succeeded,” click OK. (If MSXML4.dll doesn’t register, disable User Account Control and re-enable it after.)
7. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press Enter.
8. After seeing “DllRegisterServer in msxml6.dll succeeded,” click OK.
9. Restart QuickBooks Desktop.

For Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista 64-bit:

1. Press the Windows key and type CMD.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type CD \Windows\syswow64 and press Enter.
4. Type regsvr32 MSXML3.dll and press Enter.
5. After seeing “DllRegisterServer in msxml3.dll succeeded,” click OK.
6. Type regsvr32 MSXML4.dll and press Enter. (If MSXML 4.dll fails to register, turn off User Account Control and turn it back on after.)
7. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press Enter.
8. After seeing “DllRegisterServer in msxml6.dll succeeded,” click OK.
9. Restart QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 3: Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

To fix the QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error, use Clean Install to remove traces of the faulty files, and start using QBDT fresh. Before this, make sure to back up your company file and license number. Follow these steps:

To uninstall QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Find and click on Control Panel.
3. Select Programs and Features.
4. Choose Uninstall a Program.
5. Locate the QuickBooks Desktop version causing the issue.
6. Click Uninstall/Change.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. In case the option does not appear, sign out and sign back in with admin credentials.

To clean install QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from a trusted website and install it.
2. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select Installation Issues.
3. Click Clean Install Tool.
4. Click OK.
5. Choose the version of QuickBooks you want to reinstall.
6. Click Continue.
7. In case you receive a prompt, click OK to confirm.
8. Install QuickBooks to the default location when prompted.
9. Once the tool finishes, proceed to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 4: Adjust Antivirus Settings

Strict antivirus settings can hamper your experience of using QuickBooks Software. So adjust them accordingly to avoid facing any errors triggered by these settings. Here’s what you can do:

• Disable the antivirus software temporarily to check if the QuickBooks error still occurs.
• In case the error stops, the antivirus is likely causing the issue.
• Add QuickBooks and its related files or folders to the antivirus exclusion list.
• This prevents the antivirus from interfering with QuickBooks and allows it to run smoothly.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error?

Before you start fixing QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error, follow the given guidelines:

• Locate your QuickBooks license and product numbers.
• Close QuickBooks Desktop before making changes.
• Backup your company file and license number to avoid data loss.
• Restart QuickBooks to apply the changes and check for errors.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error?

You can identify QuickBooks ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error by the followings indications:

• Look for error messages “QuickBooks has encountered an error reading the ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error when starting QuickBooks or accessing certain features.
• Review any alerts or pop-ups that mention the qbregistration.dat file.
• Observe if QuickBooks fails to open or responds slowly.

How to Prevent QuickBooks ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error?

Mentioned below are the preventive tips to ensure you don’t face QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error:

• Keep User Account Control (UAC) enabled to prevent access issues.
• Regularly update QuickBooks Desktop to ensure proper file handling.
• Avoid disabling or altering important system components like MSXML.
• Use antivirus software that doesn’t block QuickBooks files.
• Perform regular backups of company files and license details.
• Reinstall QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool if errors persist.
• Ensure your system has enough storage space for QuickBooks operations.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop ‘qbregistration.dat File’ Error?

Seek professional help when the error persists after trying all basic troubleshooting methods. In case QuickBooks still can’t read or register the qbregistration.dat file, or if the issue affects your ability to use essential features, a specialist can provide a more in-depth solution. Professionals can help resolve complicated technical problems that require advanced knowledge or tools to fix, ensuring that your QuickBooks software runs smoothly without further disruptions.