How to fix Error 1601

Which QB Desktop year version do you run?

We're delighted to have you here today, @Lake2375.

Before we dig deeper into your concern, we would like to thank you for allowing us to assist you in getting your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) updated. Our main goal is to provide concise information to help you address your concerns promptly.

Error 1601 occurs if your installer or the program you've installed is damaged. It can also happen if the program installation is incomplete. In cases like these, it can affect your experience using QuickBooks because there's a section inside the program that doesn't work according to its function. To determine the root cause of the problem, you can reinstall the QBDT application or fix your current program installed.  We'll gladly write down the steps to get you going:

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Search for “Control Panel”, then open Control Panel.
2. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
3. From the list of programs, select your version of QuickBooks Desktop you want to remove.
4. Select Uninstall/Change, Remove and then Next. 
5. If you don’t see this option, sign out and sign back in to Windows as an admin (or a user with admin rights).

For further guidelines, you can visit and follow solution one in this article. You may also try other available troubleshooting to fix the program: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

To learn more about how to fix Error 1601, please see this page: How to fix Error 1601, 1603, and 1642.

In addition, here are some articles to help you secure a backup copy of your company file, and review all data entered inside the program:

• Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.
• Understand reports.
• Create, access and modify memorized reports.

@Lake2375, you can always get back here in the Community space anytime. Rest assure. You can count on us to help you resolve your QuickBooks-related queries. We'll make sure to respond right away. Take care, and have a good one!

It is the 2023.  I last updated it in April 2023.  I still can't get into it without passing the update that keeps giving me the error code 1601.  

How long should it take to uninstall?  I've been trying for hours. 

I've been trying to uninstall for hours.  How long should it take?

Hello, Lake2375. Allow me to provide some insights about uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to address the error code you're getting.

The duration of the uninstallation process varies depending on your file size and connection. The bigger your company data is, the longer it takes to uninstall the application. You can wait for a few minutes to remove QuickBooks successfully. 

Once done, install QuickBooks Desktop. When you reinstall, QuickBooks will automatically install new folders and rename your old ones.

If you're still stuck with uninstalling QBDT, I suggest contacting support for additional assistance regarding the process. From there, our designated team can also delve into the error code you're getting and conduct necessary investigations to fix the issue.

1. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help/Contact Us from the Help menu.
2. Click on Contact Us.
3. Enter a short description of your concern. 
4. Choose a way to connect with support.

For your convenience, you can reach out to them during their business hours.

Once everything is in place, you're now ready to keep your software up to date and track your business entries as usual.

If you have other concerns while reinstalling QuickBooks or fixing the error 1601, please let me know by leaving a comment below. I'm just a few clicks away to help you again. Have a good one!

This isn't working.  The help desk is getting me to a point to where I have to restart my computer then I get a new person.  

@Lake2375 

You are using QBD 2023 Pro Plus or Premier Plus, correct?

Try to install the trial version for QBD 2023 Enterprise. Make sure to secure your backup file beforehand. Did you encounter the same error message?

I down loaded Mac Sonoma and now I am dead in the water, I hope an upgrade to make my Quickbooks work again is a day away, please help quickly

Hello there, TG1214.

May I know what specific error are you getting or what issues are you getting when you downloaded Mac Sonoma? This is to make sure that we'll be able to address your concerns accurately.

Anyway, if you have any other concerns aside from this, just let us know. We're here to make sure everything is covered.

Here is a screen shot of my desk top

Hi there, TG1214.

Thanks for getting back to us and for providing a screenshot.

After the upgrade to the new MacOS Sonoma, we have received reports from several users encountering the same issue. A ticket has been generated and forwarded to our product engineers, who are actively working to resolve this problem as swiftly as they can.

In the meantime, I recommend reaching out to our Support team to have your details added to our notification list. This will assist our engineers in assessing the number of users affected by the issue. Once resolved, you will receive an email notification.

Here's how to reach them:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Help.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. Give a brief description of your issue, then Continue.
5. Sign in to your Intuit account and tick Continue, then Continue with my account.
6. We'll email you a single use code. Enter your code and select Continue.
7. Select to chat with us or Have us call you.

To check for our Support hours, please refer to this article: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

You can always visit our website for more tips and resources you can use in the future: Self-help articles.

Please let me know if you have follow-up questions about this or anything else. I'm always here to help. Keep safe.

@TG1214 

Which QB Desktop year version do you run?

Quickbooks Desktop is 2021

@TG1214 

Try this one

To get the app to launch without opening any company file hold down the option key while launching the app. This prevents QuickBooks form opening your previously used company file.

Then select your company file from the "No Company Open" Window. Hold down the command key while opening the file. This prevents the last used windows from opening.

Then go into QuickBooks->Preferences. Select the Toolbar & Tabs icon in the 3rd row down and then uncheck the Use Tabbed Windows checkbox.

Avoid opening the home page.

Thank You 

                  I was able to get in my company file, everything seems to be there, I was able to post a rent check that came, Intuit called me back they said a couple of weeks probably or longer for a update that will fix the problem.

Thanks Again 

Tommy