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straysaver
August 19, 2024
Question

Cannot reinstall QB Pro 2008 desktop on new PC

  • August 19, 2024
  • 32 replies
  • 234 views

Hello all,

 

I am a very unhappy camper right now.  Here's my sad story.

 

We purchased a copy of QB Pro 2008 (desktop) when we opened our small business in early 2008.  The software has been working perfectly for our relatively simple, little business.

 

Unfortunately, our desktop computer failed with a firmware issue on the mother board, and we were forced into getting another desktop.  Professional technicians moved all that they could and reinstalled what was possible.  However, we are responsible for reinstalling QB.  The files were recovered and are waiting to be imported into a fresh copy of QB. 

 

The problem we have run into that even using the original installation disk and key, the software thinks we have a trial version.  And as we go through the set-up process, it recognizes our previously installed company but gives a pop-up message "QuickBooks has reached the maximum number of unregistered uses. To continue using QuickBooks, you must register now."

 

When we go through this process, we end up at a screen that says our production registration cannot be completed online and gives us a number to call.

 

We have contacted support three times and each time we end up at the same place, "we can't help you, buy a new version".  We will not do this as the cost of the newer software exceeds what we currently make and our time with this company is short.  So, it is foolish to spend what they want to resolve this.

 

I have read a number of posts but do not see one that matches this situation exactly.  If anyone has any suggestions, we would appreciate hearing them.  If we can't fix this, we will probably find a free low-end accounting package to get us through for while.

    32 replies

    Deity Alpha
    Level 1
    August 20, 2024

    QB Desktop 2008 is too old and Support won't bother to help unless you want to switching to QB Online. You should contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA for advice. They can share options you may consider.

    JanbonNQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    August 20, 2024

    We recognize the importance for you to continue using your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) 2008 version, @straysaver. I'm here to provide a way for you to use your QBDT through manual activation.

     

    Please be aware that since QuickBooks Pro 2008 has been discontinued, live customer support is no longer available. For more details, you can refer to this article: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

     

    The reason your software recognizes it as a trial version may stem from compatibility issues and recent changes requiring users to link their Intuit accounts during activation.

     

    To resolve this, we'll need to manually activate the software without accessing the internet.

     

    1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
    2. Press Ctrl+P on your keyboard. This will open a manual activation window.
    3. Enter your validation code.
    4. Follow the on-screen steps.

     

    You can obtain your validation code by logging into CAMPS or by contacting our support team to ask for this.

     

    Moreover, you can consider Deity Alpha's suggestion to reach out to Fiat Lux - ASIA for further advice.

     

    Additionally, you can refer to the video of this article about generating and personalizing your reports: How to run and customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

     

    Let us know if you have other concerns about activating your QBDT. We're here to help you in any way we can.

    Anonymous
    August 23, 2025

    As I mentioned, I have an activation code that hopefully should work it's just that I can't get the manual registration window to come up with the specific key combination that is supposed to bring it up.


    Hello there, Chris.

     

    You can use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix the potential issues related to the validation code screen appearing.

     

    Please note that QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2008 is not fully compatible with Windows 11, which is likely why it isn't opening. While we can try some troubleshooting steps to get it working again, these steps may not fully resolve the issue due to the compatibility limitations. For a permanent solution, I recommend upgrading to a newer version of QBDT that supports Windows 11.

     

    That said, let's start by running the Quick Fix My Program tool from the QuickBooks Tools Hub. If you don’t have the Tools Hub installed, you’ll need to set it up first. Here’s how:

     

    1. Close QuickBooks.
    2. Download the most recent version (1.6.0.8) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Please save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). Note: If you previously installed Tool Hub, you can check which version you have by selecting the Home tab. The version will be at 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. Once the installation is complete, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

     

    Next, follow these steps to run the Quick Fix My Program tool:

     

    1. In the QuickBooks Tools Hub, select Program Problems.
    2. Select Quick Fix my Program.
    3. Start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

     

    If the issue continues, proceed with the next steps in this article, starting with Solution 3: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the Tool Hub.

     

    For more detailed instructions on what to do if you're not prompted to enter your validation code, please refer to this article: Fix activation, license, and product numbers issues.

     

    If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below.

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