QuickBooksHelp
Intuit
Intuit
‎December 10, 2018 05:52 PM

Fix license, validation, and registration errors in QuickBooks Desktop

Learn what to do if you see registration error messages.

If you see any of the error messages below after you register, subscribe, or sync your data in QuickBooks Desktop, don't worry. An install file may be causing the issue.

  • "Error: The validation code is incorrect or the service is temporarily unavailable when activating."
  • "Message: You cannot use Online Banking because QuickBooks is not registered."
  • "You must subscribe to the accountant's copy file transfer service"
  • The Sync License Data Online option is grayed out.

We'll show you how to safely delete the file so you can refresh your registration.

Solution 1: Run the 3371 Error Fix from the QuickBooks Tool Hub

Step 1: Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub

The QuickBooks Tool Hub helps fix common errors. You'll need to close QuickBooks to use the tool hub. For the best experience, we recommend you use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you've installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have. Select the Home tab. The version will be on the bottom.
  3. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
  5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

ToolHubIcon_QBDT_US_Ext_051320.jpg

Note: If you can't find the icon, do a search in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub and select the program.

ToolHubSearch_QBDS_US_Ext_051320.jpg

Step 2: From the Tool Hub, run the Quick Fix my Program

  1. In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, select Installation Issues.
  2. Select 3371 Error Fix and then OK.
  3. Start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

Solution 2: Manually delete your Entitlement file

The entitlement file tells QuickBooks your product is valid and registered. Find the file and delete it so you can reenter your license and product info.

  1. Open the Windows Start menu.
  2. Type "Run" into the search and open Run.
  3. Type C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 and then Enter. If this doesn't open a folder, enter C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6 instead.
  4. Find EntitlementDataStore.ecml. Right-click the file and select Delete. Select Yes to confirm.
  5. Open QuickBooks and your company file.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to register QuickBooks again.

If QuickBooks Point of Sale is installed on the same computer, follow the steps to register it again. It uses the same entitlement file.

If you still see display issues, reach out to our team for help.

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