Fix QuickBooks Error 1904 with Causes and Solutions

QuickBooks error 1904 is an installation issue that pops up when QuickBooks fails to register Microsoft Visual C++ during installation or updates. It may be due to corrupted files or a failed attempt to restart the computer.

In this guide, we will understand the common reasons behind the error and then proceed with the solution part to get the error fixed.

Common Reasons Behind the QuickBooks Error Code 1904

• Damaged or Missing System files, such as Microsoft Visual C++
• Improper QuickBooks Installation
• Insufficient User Permissions
• Failed or forgot to restart the computer after the operating system or QuickBooks update.

Call a QB Specialist +1(866)500-0076 if:

• You are not confident in your window’s technical knowledge.
• Tried 2-3 attempts but failed to fix the error.
• Want a quick fix to avoid 2 hours of headache.
• Payroll deadline is within 24 hours.

Learn to fix the QuickBooks Error 1904

Now, we will be applying the solutions to fix the error. In the beginning, we would like to inform you that a single error may have multiple solutions, but it is the one or two solutions that fix the error, depending on your use of QuickBooks and your operating system.

Solution 1: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub

Step 1: Download and install the application QuickBooks Tools Hub

You need to close QuickBooks to use the QB tool hub.
For the best experience, we recommend using QuickBooks Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

• Exit from QuickBooks.
• Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Save the file in an easy-to-reach folder. 
• Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Follow the on-screen steps and install the application.
• Agree to the terms and conditions.
• Once you finish the installation, double-click the Tool Hub’s icon on your Windows desktop.

Note: If you did not find the icon, search for QuickBooks Tool Hub and launch the program.

Step 2: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool

You must know that the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool would diagnose and resolve the issues of Microsoft components that the QB application uses. 

• Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

• In the tools hub, click on Installation Issues.

• Click on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. 
• Once the Diagnostic tool finishes its work, restart the computer.
• Open your QuickBooks application again. 

Confirm if the error is fixed or not. If QuickBooks is functioning with no issues, it means the QuickBooks error code 1904 is resolved. If not, please proceed with the next solution. 

Solution 2: Fix Windows components manually

Even after installing and updating the QuickBooks application, which did not work to resolve the error, you are required to update Windows components. If you are an IT professional or a confident Windows user. 

Repair or reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

Windows 10 and newer

• Close all your open programs on the PC.
• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• In the search box, type Control Panel.

• Launch Control Panel.
• Click on Programs and Features.

• Click on Uninstall a Program and select Turn Windows features on or off. 

• Find .NET Framework on the list. 

Confirm the settings for both .NET Framework 4.5 or later and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

Note:- We would like to inform you that the steps to fix .NET. Framework 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8 are the same.

• Check NET Framework 4.5 or later
• Mark the Checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 to enable it. 
• Click on OK and save the changes.
• Now, restart your PC.

If the .NET Framework 4.5 checkbox is already being checked:

• Right-click the checkbox to turn OFF .NET Framework 4.5. 

Note:- Do not turn it back ON. 

• Click on OK and save the changes. 
• Restart your PC.
• Once you sign in to your Windows, follow the steps and turn ON .NET Framework 4.5 again. 

If the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox is not checked:

• Mark the Checkbox for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 to enable it. 
• Click on OK and save the changes. 
• Restart your PC.

If the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 checkbox is already checked:

• Click on the checkbox and turn OFF .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
• Do not turn it ON.
• Click OK and save the changes.
• Restart your PC and sign in back to your Windows. 

Follow the same steps and turn ON .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 again.

Repair Microsoft MSXML If you are operating on 64-Bit operating system, register MSXML:

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type CMD and right-click in the command window.
• Choose Run as Administrator.
• Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and hit Enter on your keyboard.
• Install QuickBooks Desktop.

If you are operating on a 32-bit operating system, register MSXML: 

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard and open the Run command.
• Type CMD and hit Enter.
• Type or copy-paste regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and hit Enter.
• Finally, install QuickBooks Desktop.

If the error code 1904 in QuickBooks is still not resolved, try solution 3 to get it fixed.

Solution 3: Configure Windows account settings

Switch to the Windows Administrator account to edit and configure some settings.

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type CMD into the search. 

• Right-click the CMD Run icon, and click on Run as administrator.

• Type a text net user administrator /active: yes in the CMD window and press Enter. 

Note:- Close the window once the command is complete.

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Click on sign out.
• Click on the account that says Administrator and sign in.

Change your user permissions:

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type File Explorer into the search and launch File Explorer.
• Search for C:\Program Files\Common Files.
• Right-click the Common Files folder, and click on Properties.
• Click on the Security tab > Edit.
• In the Group or user names, click on Users.

In the Permissions for Users section, turn ON the permissions: 

• Modify
• Read & execute
• List folder contents,
• Read 
• Write
• Select Apply > OK.

Reinstall QuickBooks and sign out

• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop again.
• Ensure reinstallation does not impact any previous company file data.
• Log in to your user account.
• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type CMD in the search.
• Right-click on the CMD run icon and choose Run as administrator.
• In the command window, type net user administrator/active: no and hit Enter. 
• This would hide your admin account. 

Confirm if the QB error 1904 is fixed or if it still requires another diagnosis. Or, you may reach your IT professional, since there is a possibility of an issue with your PC.

If you see QB Error code 1904 when you install Adobe Flash Player:

• Download and run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
• After the tool completes its process, click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type Control Panel in the search.
• Open the Control Panel and choose Uninstall a program.
• Choose Adobe Flash Player ActiveX from the list.
• Click on Uninstall and proceed with the on-screen instructions.
• Download and reinstall Adobe Flash Player.

If the QuickBooks Error Code 1904 message refers to QBversionTool.dll

Confirm and configure your permissions.

If you still see the error 1904 QuickBooks, run this test and check if there is some other cause behind the error: 

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Type Notepad in the Search field. 
• Launch Notepad and type in QBTEST in the note.
• Navigate to the File menu and click on Save As. 
• Save it to either: 
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files or 
  • C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files”.

In case there is an issue saving the file to the folder, simply sign in and install the QuickBooks application as an admin. 

Install QuickBooks as an administrator

• Click on the Windows Start menu.
• Click on sign out.
• Select the account that says Administrator and sign in.
• Install QuickBooks as an admin.

If you are still dealing with the QuickBooks error 1904, contact a QuickBooks expert at +1(866)500-0076. 

If you have Bitdefender

Add QuickBooks Desktop to your Bitdefender exclusion list. We would like to inform you that disabling Bitdefender would not fix the QB error 1904.

• If you are operating a computer with a 32-bit Windows operating system, add C:\Program Files\Common Files. 
• If you have an operating PC with a 64-bit Windows operating system, add C:\Program Files\Intuit (C:\Program Files(x86)\Intuit. 

If you are still facing error 1904 in QuickBooks, it means the error requires an advanced solution.  

Conclusion 

We believe the QuickBooks error 1904 will no longer trouble you and is fixed. Even after applying all the solutions, if the error is not resolved, then it requires advanced technical solutions. In such a case, we would like you to talk to our QuickBooks Specialist at +1(866)500-0076. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks error 1904?

QuickBooks code error 1904 is an installation error related to QuickBooks components with Microsoft Visual C++. 

How can I fix the Error 1904 of QuickBooks?

If you are looking to fix the error, simply follow this guide to get a clear understanding of the QB error 1904 and the roadmap to fix it. 

What if I try all the solutions and still the error is not fixed?If you have tried all the solutions and are still facing the error, contact a QuickBooks specialist at +1(866)500-0076 and save your data.