How to Fix QuickBooks XML Error

QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale (POS) installs several system files to run its operations. The installation procedure involves an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file that stores structured data in a simple text format. QuickBooks uses an XML file to save, transfer, and share data between hardware application features and functionalities.

QuickBooks Desktop POS can cause a QuickBooks XML issue when the XML file becomes corrupted. The XML issue disrupts the standard startup procedure of QuickBooks POS. Furthermore, the error restricts access to the QuickBooks POS interface, interrupting all the ongoing processes.

Hence, the QuickBooks XML issue needs an instant solution. Quick resolution resets access to the POS system and ensures seamless data communication across QuickBooks processes. In this guide, the QuickBooks XML issue is described in detail, including its causes. This guide outlines the consequences of the error on QuickBooks POS and shares effective resolutions. Read on to learn how to fix this POS error and reset system functionality.

Understanding XML Errors in QuickBooks

XML issues in QuickBooks impact the POS application. Users often witness the following error messages:

• “Error: Process could not access file C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v(x)\SessionData.xml because it is being used by another process.”
• “There is an error in the XML document (0, 0).”

QuickBooks access the XML files to save and shift organised data. XML files save data in a simple text format. These files are accessed by QuickBooks POS for standard activities. When the XML file is damaged or corrupted, QuickBooks POS blocks the interface from loading. This stops access to the POS application and freezes the workflow.

Causes of XML Errors in QuickBooks

QuickBooks POS XML errors can occur due to certain issues. Here is the list of the reasons that trigger the XML error:

• Damaged files in the Entitlement Client folder.
• Corrupted or damaged SessionData.xml file.
• Corrupted or partial QuickBooks POS installation.

How to Troubleshoot the QuickBooks Desktop XML Error?

To fix this error, certain specific solutions need to be implemented. However, prior to implementing the solutions, address the prerequisites shared below to perform the troubleshooting steps properly.

Here are the prerequisites:

1. Display the Secured Operating System Files

1. Click the “Windows + E” keys to open the Windows File Explorer.
2. Choose the “Organise” option available on the upper-right side.
3. Now, select the option “Folder and Search Options“.
4. Click the “View” tab and remove the tick from the option “Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)“.
5. Choose the “Apply” button and then click the “OK” tab.

2. Get the Latest QuickBooks POS version

1. Start the QuickBooks POS.
2. Now, from the “Help” menu, choose the option “About QuickBooks Point of Sale“.
3. Check the installed version. The recommended version is QuickBooks POS 18.0.
4. In case the version is different, head to the “Help” menu.
5. Now, choose the “Software Updates” option.
6. Choose the option “Check for Updates“.
7. Choose the “Update Now” option.
8. Now, choose the “OK” button to continue.
9. Allow for the update to finish.
10. The “Update Complete” screen appears when the update is complete.
11. Shut down QuickBooks and reboot Windows.

Once all the prerequisites are met, implement the following troubleshooting solutions. Implement one solution after another till the QuickBooks Desktop XML issue is fixed.

Solution 1: Create a New XML File for QuickBooks Desktop

Creating a fresh XML file erases damaged/corrupted entitlement data that often leads to the XML error. Here are the steps to create a new XML file in QuickBooks Desktop:

• Click the “Windows +R” keys to open the “Windows Run” dialog box.
• Type “services.msc” and click the “OK” button.
• Find “Intuit Entitlement Service” connected to the QuickBooks Desktop version displaying the error.
• Right-click the service, choose the “Stop” button.
• Now, shut down the Services screen.
• Head to “C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client [QuickBooks Version]“.
• Click the “Ctrl + A” button to choose all files.
• Now, click the “Delete” button.
• Reboot QuickBooks Desktop and verify if the XML issue is fixed.

Solution 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale again

Installing QuickBooks Desktop POS again erases corrupted program files that lead to XML processing issues. Here are the steps to install QuickBooks POS again:

1. Remove the QuickBooks Point of Sale application

• In the Start menu, click the Control Panel.
• Choose the option “Programs and Features“.
• From the list, select the “QuickBooks Point of Sale” option.
• Choose the “Uninstall” option and finish the removal procedure.
• Once the uninstallation is over, go ahead with the reinstallation.

2. Change the name of the POS Folders

Change the name of the folders to compel Windows to design new configuration files while reinstalling. Here are the steps to rename the POS folders:

• Copy the POS data folder and add it to the desktop. This step is mandatory if the user is uninstalling POS from the server system.
• Rename each folder by adding .old at the end.
• Use the following folder locations:
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX
  • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0
  • C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8

3. Erase the QBPOSDBSrvUser Windows Account

• Click the “Start” menu and choose the Control Panel.
• Select the “User Accounts” option and choose the “Manage another account“.
• In the UAC notification, choose the “Continue” option.
• Choose the “QBPOSDBSrvUser” option.
• Select the option “Delete the Account” and verify the removal.

4. Install QuickBooks POS again

• From Intuit, Download the current QuickBooks POS version.
• Click the QBPOS setup file twice and choose the “Next” button.
• Read the “License Agreement” and accept it.
• Type the “Product Number” and “License Number” for the QuickBooks version.
• Choose the installation type:
  • For a single user, Select “Only This Computer“.
  • For multi-user, Select “Two or More Computers“.
• Choose any of the following workstation types, if selecting a multi-user setup:
  • Server Workstation
  • Client Workstation
• To finish the installation, choose the “Install” button.
• Complete the on-screen guidelines to start QuickBooks POS.
• To complete the procedure, reboot the company file.

Solution 3: Fix QuickBooks Desktop POS

Fixing QuickBooks Desktop POS resets the elements that trigger the XML errors. Here are the steps to repair QuickBooks Desktop POS:

• Confirm that the QuickBooks Desktop POS is not running.
• Click the “Windows + R” keys and enter “appwiz.cpl“.
• Choose the “OK” button.
• Check the list of installed applications.
• Choose the “QuickBooks Desktop POS” or “QuickBooks” option.
• From the top menu, select the “Repair” option.
• Choose the “Finish” button once the repair is done.

In this guide, complete information on QuickBooks XML errors has been shared. This guide includes the causes and solutions to resolve the XML error with ease.

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