Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118: License Error

Sep 10, 2025 |
Admin |
Estimated Read Time : 5 MIN

QuickBooks error 3371 status code 11118: license error usually appears when you activate, open, or update QuickBooks Desktop. You may also see different error messages that state;

Could not initialize license properties. Error 3371: QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.Could not initialize license properties. [Error 3371, Status Code -11118] QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.Could not initialize license properties. [Error: 3371, Status Code -1] QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.

If the license file is damaged or missing, QuickBooks will fail to access the information and be stuck with error code 3371. To help you resolve the error, we will cover all the possible reasons why the error occurs and the different steps to overcome it. Carefully review this detailed guide to ensure the error is fixed.

What Causes Error 3371: Could Not Initialize License Properties?

Let’s get familiar with all the possible factors due to which QuickBooks fails to initialize license properties and causes error code 3371 in QuickBooks:

You are using an outdated version of Windows OS
Damaged or missing entitlement data store file
The qbregistration.dat file might be damaged or corrupted
The Windows components, such as Microsoft MSXML or Microsoft .NET Framework, are damaged or corrupted
Incorrect installation of QuickBooks Desktop
Third-party services or programs might be hindering the QuickBooks update

Resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118 When Opening or Updating

Now that you are aware of the root cause of QuickBooks error 3371, status code 11118, it will be easier to follow the stable steps and resolve the error. Proceed below to fix the error in no time and get back to your business processes:

Note: If you use WebConnect with QuickBooks Enterprise on Rightworks, you will receive error code 3371 when trying to open the file before saving it. Make sure to save the file before importing .QBO file.

1. Update Windows

If your Windows operating system is outdated, running QuickBooks Desktop may lead to compatibility issues with its features and settings, which can impair functionality and trigger Error Code 3371, Status Code 11118 during updates, opening, or registration.

Let’s get the Windows update to ensure smoother functioning:

Press the Windows logo key.
In the Windows Start menu, type Settings and press Enter.
Select Check for Updates.

If it shows the updates are available, click on Download & Install. Wait until you get the Windows update.
Finally, restart your computer to apply these updates to Windows.

If QuickBooks error 3371 continues to persist, refer to the next solution.

2. Run the 3371 Error Fix

The 3371 Error Fix is a utility in QuickBooks Tool Hub that verifies the registration issue or the cause of the error, then applies a quick fix. Let’s run the utility in the following steps:

Note: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub to the latest release available. For a better experience, it is recommended that you use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

Launch the QB Tool Hub.
Go to the Installation Issues menu.
Hit on 3371 Error Fix and click OK.

Launch QuickBooks Desktop, then open your company file.

Are you still getting QuickBooks Desktop error 3371? If so, continue moving to the steps below.

3. Delete the entitlement data store file

The entitlement file holds your license information for QuickBooks and tells QuickBooks your product is valid and activated. Sometimes this file can become corrupt.

Open the Windows Start menu.
In the search field, type Run and press the Enter key.
In the Run prompt, type C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 and press Enter. If this doesn’t open a folder, type C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6 to open it manually.

Note: If you still can’t find the V6 or V8 folder, open Windows file explorer and go to C:, ProgramData, Intuit, and then Entitlement Client. Make sure Hidden items is checked in the file explorer.

Look for the EntitlementDataStore.ecml. Right-click on the file and select Delete. Then, click Yes to confirm.

Launch QuickBooks, then open your company file.
Follow the instructions on your screen to register QuickBooks again.

Move to the next solution if you still the error code 3371 in QuickBooks.

4. Re-create the qbregistration.dat file

Damages or corruption in the qbregistration.dat file may prevent QuickBooks from verifying the license information. Let’s recreate the file by following these steps:

Important: If you use multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop on the same computer, you must add copy of the italicized text in the qbregistration.dat file, then paste the additional copies. Once done, you must replace the boldface items in the new section with the appropriate values for each QuickBooks version.

Browse the folder where the qbregistration.dat file is saved. The file location is: C:\ProgramData\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks

Tip: If you do not see the folder in File Explorer, display hidden files and folders.

If the qbregistration.dat file already exits, rename the file by adding .OLD the end such as qbregistration.old.
Launch Notepad.
Now, type the following in the notepad:

Note: The red bold text will appear regular in Notepad. After typing it into the Notepad, make sure replace the red items accordingly.

xx.x
- Replace with 33.0 if you have QuickBooks Desktop 2023
- Replace with 32.0 if you have QuickBooks Desktop 2022
- Replace with 31.0 if you have QuickBooks Desktop 2021
- Replace with 30.0 if you have QuickBooks Desktop 2020

version

Replace with pro if you have QuickBooks Pro.
Replace with superpro if you have QuickBooks Premier (not Accountant Edition).
Replace with accountant if you have QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition.
Replace with bel if you have QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions (not Accountant Edition).
Replace with belacct if you have QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Accountant Edition.

000-000

Replace with the installation product number of QuickBooks.

0000-0000-0000-000

Replace with the license number of QuickBooks.

Now, save the file and name it as qbregistration.dat.
- Navigate to File and click Save.
- Choose All Files in the Save as type list.
- Select the same directory as we specifies in the step 1 (C:\ProgramData\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks).

Still failed to activate or open QuickBooks Desktop? Move to the next solution.

5. Manually fix Windows components

Repair the specific Windows components yourself if nothing resolves the QuickBooks error 3371 status code 11118.

Only perform the steps below if you’re an IT professional or confident enough to do so, or you can reach out to Microsoft support experts for help.

a. Repair Microsoft MSXML

Open the Windows Start menu.
Type cmd and press Enter.
Right-click on the cmd, then select Run as Administrator.

In the C: prompt, type cd\windows\syswow64.
Again, type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press Enter.

Now, try to install QuickBooks Desktop again.

Launch the Run command on your computer.
In the Run, type cmd and press Enter.
Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press the Enter key.
Install your QuickBooks Desktop again.

b. Repair or reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

The following are only applicable for Windows 10 or newer versions:

Exit all open programs on your system.
Launch the Windows Start menu by pressing the logo key.
In the search, type Control Panel and press Enter.
Navigate to Programs and Features.
Click on Uninstall a Program. Don’t, we won’t be uninstalling anything.
Now, select Turn Windows features on or off.

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

Note: Whether it’s .NET. Framework 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8, the steps are the same.

c. Check NET Framework 4.5 (or later)

If the checkbox for .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) isn’t selected:

Mark the checkbox for .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) to turn it on.

Click OK to save the changes.
Finally, restart your computer.

If the .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) checkbox is already checked:

Select the checkbox .NET Framework 4.5 (or later) to turn it off. Do not turn it back on.
Click OK to save the changes.
Restart your computer.
Once signed in to Windows, follow the on-screen steps to turn on .NET Framework 4.5 again.

d. Check NET Framework 3.5 SP1

If the checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 isn’t checked:

Mark the checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 to enable it.

Click OK to save the changes.
Now, restart your computer.

If the checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is already marked:

Select the checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 to turn it off. Do not turn it back on.
Click OK to save the changes.
Restart your computer.
Once signed back into Windows, follow the same steps as above to turn .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 on again.

If you encounter an error when turning .NET Framework on or off, connect to an IT professional or Microsoft. The issue might be related to the operating system, not QuickBooks.

If this doesn’t work, follow the method below.

6. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool

If the QuickBooks installation is incorrect or corrupted, it can cause problems when opening or updating. Fix the installation issues using the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool:

Launch the QB Tool Hub.
In the left menu bar, select Installation Issues.
Click on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Let the utility run. It may take up to 20 minutes to complete the process; wait until then.

When the tool finishes, restart your computer, then open QuickBooks Desktop and your company file.
Update your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. This ensures you have the most recent security patches and fixes.

If QuickBooks error code 3371 still appears, move to the next solution.

7. Clean install QuickBooks Desktop

A clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop involves clearing all program files from the hard drive, including previous data, settings, and applications, to ensure the system is free from malware or viruses. Once done, you can easily install QuickBooks Desktop without any hindrance from the background processes or security threats on your computer.

Conclusion

At last, we hope this detailed blog has helped you resolve QuickBooks error 3371, status code 11118, when trying to install, open, or update QuickBooks Desktop. If the error persists or you require further assistance, contact professionals available 24/7. Dial TFN and talk to an expert now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is error code 3371 while initializing license properties in QuickBooks Desktop?

Error code 3371 while initializing license properties in QuickBooks Desktop appears when the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file is either damaged or missing. QuickBooks may also fail to activate, open, or start if the required components are missing.

How do I fix the QuickBooks Desktop license error?

Make sure to use the correct license number when activating QuickBooks Desktop. There’s no damage to the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file, Windows, and the QB are up-to-date, and the third-party applications aren’t blocking the software processes. If you need further assistance, connect with QB experts at TFN.

Why did QuickBooks not initialize license properties?

QuickBooks may fail to initialize license properties if the store that stores the license information is damaged, missing, or inaccessible. Other reasons, such as outdated Windows updates and damaged components, can also be the reasons why QuickBooks isn’t starting up.

How to check if QuickBooks needs an update?

To see if QuickBooks needs an update, you will need to see which version you are currently using and what the latest release available is. Sign in to Intuit> Products and Services> Details. Now, select Show More and check your current version. Match it with the latest QuickBooks release of QuickBooks Desktop.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118 Instantly?