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TomMxEdit
Level 2

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

I just tried to update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac from within the program and received the message:

 

Update Error! QuickBooks can’t be updated if it’s running from the location it was downloaded to.

 

This is the first time I’ve encountered this. I’m not even sure what this error message means as I haven’t changed the location from which the program is running nor to which it was downloaded.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

 

Tom

Solved
Best answer December 05, 2024

Best Answers
RogelioL
Moderator

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

I appreciate the screenshot and the details of your QuickBooks Mac version, Tom. Allow me to join this thread and ensure you can update your software smoothly.

 

To begin with, please be aware that the error message you've encountered suggests that QuickBooks is operating from its initial download location (the Downloads folder) rather than being installed in the Applications folder. This issue can occur if the program isn't completely transferred during the installation process.

 

I've outlined the steps below on how we can resolve your concern.

 

Step 1. Quit QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:

 

  1. Go to the QuickBooks menu and select Quit QuickBooks Desktop to close the program.

 

Step 2. Verify the Installation Location:

 

  1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
  2. Verify that QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is in this folder.
  3. If it's not there, drag the QuickBooks app from its current location (e.g., Downloads) into the Applications folder.

 

Step 3. Relaunch QuickBooks from Applications:

 

  1. Open QuickBooks from the Applications folder and attempt the update again by selecting QuickBooks, then Check for Updates.

 

If you've already installed QuickBooks in the Applications folder and the issue persists, consider a clean uninstall and then a clean install. This process can help you resolve errors, allowing for a smooth setup. Before proceeding, please make a backup copy of your file to avoid data loss.

 

Additionally, you might want to check out this article to learn how to find the most common data issues in a company file and fix them: Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Let me know how it goes or if you'd like further guidance, Tom. I'm here to help you get back to business without interruption.

View solution in original post

5 Comments 5
Chrea
Level 8

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

Which QB Desktop year version? Try to reinstall it to isolate the program. Make sure to secure your company files beforehand.

TomMxEdit
Level 2

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

Hi Chrea,

 

Thanks for your response. Here is my version:

QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024

Version V23.0.3 R4

Build 610

I get the error message when just checking for an update from within the program..

 

Tom

RogelioL
Moderator

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

I appreciate the screenshot and the details of your QuickBooks Mac version, Tom. Allow me to join this thread and ensure you can update your software smoothly.

 

To begin with, please be aware that the error message you've encountered suggests that QuickBooks is operating from its initial download location (the Downloads folder) rather than being installed in the Applications folder. This issue can occur if the program isn't completely transferred during the installation process.

 

I've outlined the steps below on how we can resolve your concern.

 

Step 1. Quit QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:

 

  1. Go to the QuickBooks menu and select Quit QuickBooks Desktop to close the program.

 

Step 2. Verify the Installation Location:

 

  1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
  2. Verify that QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is in this folder.
  3. If it's not there, drag the QuickBooks app from its current location (e.g., Downloads) into the Applications folder.

 

Step 3. Relaunch QuickBooks from Applications:

 

  1. Open QuickBooks from the Applications folder and attempt the update again by selecting QuickBooks, then Check for Updates.

 

If you've already installed QuickBooks in the Applications folder and the issue persists, consider a clean uninstall and then a clean install. This process can help you resolve errors, allowing for a smooth setup. Before proceeding, please make a backup copy of your file to avoid data loss.

 

Additionally, you might want to check out this article to learn how to find the most common data issues in a company file and fix them: Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Let me know how it goes or if you'd like further guidance, Tom. I'm here to help you get back to business without interruption.

TomMxEdit
Level 2

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

Thank you RogelioL for that excellent and detailed response.

 

The program was in the proper Applications folder (that never changed from when it was working properly) so I proceeded to do a clean uninstall and then a clean install as you suggested. That solved the problem and I am now up and running perfectly. I also successfully checked for updated versions the normal way within the program — No more error messages on checking for updates.

 

By the way, on the clean uninstall, I saw several preference files for every year going back to 2021. I trashed those as well, as I can always recover those preference files if necessary from my various backup schemes (Time Machine, online backups, etc.)

 

Thanks again for the great answer!

 

Tom

ZackE
Moderator

QuickBooks Can’t Be Updated

Thanks for following up with the Community, TomMxEdit.

 

I'm happy to hear RogelioL was able to help with getting your program updated.

 

You'll also be able to find many detailed resources about using QuickBooks in our help article archives.

 

Please feel welcome to send a reply here or create a new thread if there's ever any questions. The Community's always here to help. Have a wonderful Friday!

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