QuickBooks is a full accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses, offering lots of essentials to manage their finances, give invoices, process payroll, and much more. Still, some issues might be encountered in any other software. Clean installation can be one possible fix for installation failure or even poor performance. Here we'll go over the Clean Install Tool of QuickBooks for Windows.
What is the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool?
The QuickBooks Clean Install Tool is one of the utilities provided by Intuit, the author of QuickBooks. The clean installation of QuickBooks means to remove previously installed versions; otherwise, the installation might start with files or configurations left from the previous installations that might prevent this software from working properly.
You can use the Clean Install Tool if you are experiencing:
● Frequent crashes or freezes
● Error messages during installation
● Corrupted program files
● Repeated problems that linger even after troubleshooting
Why to Use the Clean Install Tool
Eliminates Leftover Files: The process of uninstalling takes time, and in some instances, during the uninstall process, some files are left behind that may conflict with another new installation. The Clean Install Tool removes the leftover files completely.
It prevents further installation errors: In case you are experiencing repeated problems while trying to install or update QuickBooks, then a clean install can resolve most of these problems.
Better performance: Fresh installation usually leads to better performance of the software since it allows QuickBooks to run without outdated or damaged components.
Troubleshooting becomes streamlined: In case there are many problems to troubleshoot, getting rid of it by performing a fresh installation to determine whether the problem is with the software or something else.
How to Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool: Step-by-Step Explanation
Step 1: Backup Your Company Files
First and foremost, you will want to backup your company files before you do any major changes on your software. This way, you won't lose any financial data that could be important. How to Back Up Files:
Open QuickBooks.
From under the "File" menu, choose "Backup Company" and click on "Create Local Backup."
Then follow all the prompts to save your backup securely.
Step 2: Download the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool
Go to Intuit or Search for "QuickBooks Clean Install Tool"
Download the correct tool for the version of QuickBooks you use. Always download the proper version so you don't risk a problem in compatibility.
Step 3: Uninstall QuickBooks
You will have to remove the previous version of QuickBooks that was installed before you can do a clean installation.
Open Windows and, from there, tap Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type in the command appwiz.cpl and then tap the Enter key. This will load the window for Programs and Features.
Find the QuickBooks program in the list of the applications that are installed.
Highlight QuickBooks and then click "Uninstall."
You will then follow the prompts for uninstallation. Make sure that you check the select this to delete all user data and files
Step 4: Clean Install with Clean Install Tool
After following the uninstall process, you will now install a clean copy of QuickBooks, in this case, by running the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool you downloaded.
Now proceed with the Clean Install Tool prompts. This will clean up the installation and remove any remaining files that might interfere with the new installation.
Step 5: Reinstall QuickBooks
As you have cleaned up your previous installation, it's time to reinstall QuickBooks.
Insert the QuickBooks installation CD or download the installer from the Intuit website.
Running the installer and following the on-screen instructions.
When prompted, choose the type of installation you wish to do. Express installation is the default installation and should be all that is required for most people.
Be ready to enter your license and product numbers when asked.
When you have finished reinstalling, launch QuickBooks and restore your backed-up company files.
Step 6: Update QuickBooks
QuickBooks now needs to be updated. The update will ensure you have the latest features, as well as security patches:
Open QuickBooks.
Select the "Help" menu.
Select "Update QuickBooks Desktop ".
You'll click on the "Update Now" tab, and it will download all of your ready updates
Step 7: Test QuickBooks
Once these have installed all the updates, open up QuickBooks, and open your company file.
You can test various functionalities such as creating invoices, running reports, and processing payroll to know if everything is working as it should be.
Conclusion
The Windows QuickBooks Clean Install Tool is a genuinely game-changing tool for addressing issues affecting the software. If you're going to remove all previous installations, do it correctly from start to finish so you can optimize performance and allow the removal of persistent errors. But if you face any issues, you can always contact our 24×7 QuickBooks Support team and speak to certified experts at the helpline 1-888-368-8874. Our certified experts are always ready to offer you any kind of assistance that aims at fixing the numerous issues confronted while using the QuickBooks accounting software.