cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer


@Lisa in Iowa wrote:

Fiat- Please stop trying to help.  Nothing you’re telling people helps and Intuit simply needs to get Desktop reconfigured to not use IE at all.  


 

@Lisa in Iowa 

Our team is still able to run QB Desktop 2013-2021 on their machine (Win 10 20H2) without any issues. We help many clients to install QB Desktop to run on IE11 till now. We are not just trolling here. We expect Intuit to announce something about IE11 and/or Win 11 sometime in May/June. We understand they won't bother to support QBD2019 or earlier for this matter.

jaapkrijger
Level 4

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

You don't need to make IE your default browser, just enable it for QB. I use Chrome as default browser, but operate QB, thus have IE enabled for it

jaapkrijger
Level 4

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

You don't need to make IE your default browser, just enable it for QB. I use Chrome as default browser, but operate QB, thus have IE enabled for it.

jaapkrijger
Level 4

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Maybe this helps?

https://www.replicon.com/customer-zone2/kb-3851/

I use W7 and QBT Premier 2016. It worked for me

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Thanks jaapkrijger !

I'm running Win10 with QB2020 Desktop.  On one of the recent MS updates, it uninstalled IE 11 and no matter what I tried I couldn't get it re-installed (I've been IT professional since 1976 and a QuickBooks user since 1995). 

The IE explorer directory was intact (or at least it was there after my multiple re-install attemps) and I made the Registry fix

= = = = = =

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Iexplore.exe]
@="\"%ProgramFiles%\\Internet Explorer\\iexplore.exe\""

= = = = 

Suggested in that article and it throws a non-fatal error but brings up QuickBooks 2020.  But it works!  I've never been a fan of Intuit's coding and features.  There is a flaw in the code that I pointed out to them in probably the late '90s, that is still there to this day.

Does anyone know of a better product that QuickBooks that I could convert my accounting over to?  I'm just now retiring from my company that I started in 1995, but I still need to use quickbooks or the data from it for another 7 years if the Infurnal Revenue Service comes after me.

Thanks again, it works for me!

Fairviewdjc
Level 4

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Have you read the whole string of emails and comments?  This is not possible.  There is NO IE anymore unless you're operating on an old Windows version.  QB needs to get with the program and get this up to current technology!

Fairviewdjc
Level 4

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

No, if you could write a good bookkeeping program, you'd be rich!

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

It works on my system that no longer has IE installed on it!  Windows 10 Version 21H2. 

 

I tried for almost an entire day to hack my way into getting IE re-installed but no luck.  This workaround is really a "hack", but I'll live with it until Intuit fixes QB the problem or I can lay QB to rest for good.  My belief is that Intuit wants everyone on QB Online and wants to get rid of the Desktop version for good.  Intuit has always been about how they can generate revenue for themselves, not fixing the problems with QB that we users have to deal with.  When June 2022 comes, the QB s**t storm will blow up and there'll be more upset QB users.  I'm hoping that in the end it would take Intuit down or at least to their knees.  But I'm not betting on hope.

= = = = 2022 04 05 & Windows 11 update = = =

Just a note.  The Registry hack (adding back in the Windows registry entry for IE that QB is looking for) also works just fine on Windows 11 and QB Premier 2020 Desktop.  Microsoft updated my Window 10 version (above) to 11 without my express approval and QB went south again under Windows 11.  I just created the required Registry update file as explained and documented in the attached PDF file.  I clicked on the Registry update file and it added the IE entry back in (although IE isn't and doesn't need to be actually installed!) . P.S. - make sure you backup your registry before applying the fix, just to be safe.  Also note that this file is being sent with a ".pdf" suffix. It contains the instructions to create and execute  the simple Registry entry update file described above.  

tsmegg1974
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Having the exact same issue.  I have 2021 QB Desktop.  Every time I re-download IE 11 and 'Install', it says it has to reboot prior to be available to use IE, and then upon reboot, still no IE and can't use QB.  

tsmegg1974
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Just a note, I cannot use the 'Contact Support' section of my QB Desktop because my QB WILL NOT OPEN!  Thus, the issue.  What are our workarounds?  I run 20 different QB Company files and cannot access any of them currently.

Carneil_C
QuickBooks Team

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

I hear your sentiments, @tsmegg1974. I’m here to assist you in sorting out this issue with Internet Explorer (IE) in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

With regards to IE, I recommend consulting your IT department. This way, they can further investigate the root cause of this matter.

Meanwhile, I’ve got a bunch of solutions to ensure you can open your company files in QBDT.

 

First, you'll need to make sure that your QBDT is updated to the latest release. This way, you'll have the most recent features and fixes. Then, check their file types. Select the files with the .qbw extension at the end of their filenames. This is because you can't open other file formats, like backups (QBB) and portable (QBM) copies.

 

If they meet all the requisites and you're still unable to open them, let's identify if your company files or the QuickBooks program itself are causing the issue.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Open the Windows Start menu, and type “File Explorer” into the search bar, and then open File Explorer.
  2. Look for the QuickBooks.exe file. It’s usually in your QuickBooks folder
  3. Hold down CTRL on your keyboard and then double-click QuickBooks.exe. Don’t let go of CTRL until QuickBooks opens.

From there, open you company files again. If issue persists, open a sample file through the Open a sample file drop-down.

 

If QuickBooks or the sample file doesn’t open, the program is causing the issue. To help fix this, you can run the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Please browse through this article for the detailed steps: How to fix QuickBooks if it doesn’t open.

 

However, if the sample file opens, move on to Step 4. For more details, please refer to this resource: What to do if you can't open your company file. If you got the same outcome, proceed with the remaining steps outlined in the article above.

 

In addition, here are a few extra articles that can help you along the way in managing your data in QBDT:

I’m always ready to assist you if you have any other questions or concerns with managing your QBDT or files. Tag me in your reply and I’ll sprint back into action. Have a good one and keep safe. 

steveatberlogix
Level 1

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer 11 will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022.

Anonymous
Not applicable

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

In reply to...
 
Level 2
‎November 06, 2021 12:17 PM
 

I'm a programmer and can tell you you're out of luck.  The way they built QB is to embed a copy of the IE11 engine into it  - so it is not like they can update a setting to use another browser.  They'd have to go back and re-engineer QB2019 - a product that will soon loose support by May 2022.  It is an antiquated programming design which leaves you to the mercy of the owner of that engine - though wouldn't fault MSFT here because they have many. many years communicated to the developer community NOT to do what QB has been doing.  So in a way, this is planned functional obsolescence and timed just right for the shiny new QB2022.  enjoy!

 

My reply...

Thank you for the insight, and I expected the same plan to replace IE11. Sadly, it seems that the shiny 2022 version hasn't fixed the problem and is now reliant on Edge with IE11 enabled AND has an annual subscription fee instead of a buy and replace at obsolescence or at your leisure if you can get by with it. Another thread I was on about the same problem has blown up in the last two weeks over this issue as 2022 users are struggling. It's a poor workaround and not a solution as you point out that it has been many years in the making that IE would be gone. I hope your QB work is continuing successfully though. Thank you again for your comment.

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

See my response from 4 weeks ago.  There is a fix described that has fixed the problem with my Windows 10 and Windows 11 desktop.

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer


@jaapkrijger wrote:

Maybe this helps?

https://www.replicon.com/customer-zone2/kb-3851/

I use W7 and QBT Premier 2016. It worked for me


= = = = =

@jaapkrijger - I've created a PDF file which documents your fix and I've verified that it works on my Win10 and Win11 where QB stopped working and now works with your fix.  

It gives instructions on creating a simple Registry update file (.reg suffix) which adds the fix to the Win10 and/or Win11 registry.  (See attached)

 

tsmegg1974
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

The challenge I am having is that iexplore.exe no longer exists on my computer.  No matter how many times I try to reinstall it, Microsoft just keeps removing it somehow.

Kevin_C
QuickBooks Team

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Thanks for getting back and for adding additional details, @tsmegg1974. I'm here to share some information on how you can install your Internet Explorer (IE) back into your system.

 

Follow these steps to proceed:

 

  1. Click on Start, then Settings.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Select Apps and Features.
  4. Tap on Manage Optional Features if you don't see IE.
  5. Select Add A Feature
  6. Add or enable IE now, then restart your computer once done so it takes effect.

 

You can also read this article to learn about other methods for seamlessly reinstalling IE on your system: Disable and enable Internet Explorer on Windows.

 

If the issue persists, I recommend reaching out to Microsoft support. This way, they'll be able to do further investigation into this concern.

 

Furthermore, here's an article for additional troubleshooting steps on opening your company file issues: What to do if you can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop

 

I'm also including this article below about fixing issues when opening QuickBooks Desktop for reference: QuickBooks Desktop won't start or won't open.

 

I'll be around to assist you further if you have any other questions. Just leave a comment below. Have a great day!

tsmegg1974
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Adding the feature back in worked!  

 

Thank you!

Kevin_C
QuickBooks Team

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

You're always welcome, @tsmegg1974.

 

In case you have other follow-up questions about your Internet Explorer (IE), you're always welcome in the Community space.

 

I'll be more than happy to assist you anytime. Stay safe and have a wonderful day ahead!

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

See my discussion above that will fix your problem.  IE doesn't need to be reinstalled (I couldn't get mine reinstalled) to use the fix above.  I can't install IE on either my Win10 or Win11 computers.  But with the fix, I can run QuickBooks 2020 Desktop Premier on either computer.  

Don't bother with QB support responses.  They don't work and QB wants you to "upgrade" to the cloud (leased) version.  They are using this "issue" as a way to get us frustrated QB Desktop users to come over to the "cloudy side".  (I've used QB for my IT business since 1995)

pcsdpo
Level 3

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer


@tsmegg1974 wrote:

The challenge I am having is that iexplore.exe no longer exists on my computer.  No matter how many times I try to reinstall it, Microsoft just keeps removing it somehow.


= == =

Remember MS has been telling users for many years that IE is going away.  QB has known and ignored this fact for those same years.  It will die permanently on 15 Jun 2022 in Windows 10 even if you do get it re-installed.  QB has not fixed QB Desktop to work instead with Edge or Chrome or ??? either.  

troscher
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

If you follow my fix, you will trick QB into thinking IE is on your system.  I completely deleted the program (IE that is)  I did not reinstall IE on my computer just turned it back on in my system folder.  Don't know why it worked but it did.  My guess is there is a hidden folder with IE in it that I was able to "unhide" so QB could find it and run like normal.



troscher
Level 2

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

It's nice to see QB help desk has finally started referencing my fix to the IE-QB issue from Feb 7th 2022. 

Cyndi_11
Level 1

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

I was so excited to find this feed today and your steps did fix my problem. I found Internet Explorer 11 downloaded, saved it & installed but it still refused to work. So I followed your ADD FEATURE steps and its working. So 1st-Thank you!

It is true that I hate the control of Microsoft - period. Nuff said.

As it is now almost May and in June IE is adios, I am hoping that Intuit has a solution and update to be released asap.

LieraMarie_A
QuickBooks Team

Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

Greetings, @Cyndi_11.

 

I'm glad to hear that my colleague was able to help resolve your issue.

 

Feel free to come back to the Community if you have further concerns. We're always here to help.

Sign in for expert help
Ask questions, post replies & join our community of QuickBooks users.

Need to get in touch?

Contact us