Get 50% OFF QuickBooks for 3 months*

Buy now
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Work smarter and get more done with advanced tools that save you time. Discover QuickBooks Online Advanced.
lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I've been a QB customer for 26 years.   A few months ago I decided to upgrade from QB Desktop Pro 2013 to 2021.  I clicked to purchase and download.  It ran perfectly for the past three months or so.  Four days ago suddenly a screen popped up saying "QuickBooks Desktop has expired.  To continue using, Quickbooks Desktop, you must buy QuickBooks Desktop now."    After clicking "Buy QuickBooks" button another window popped up saying "Does not support unlocking fro a multi-user edition of QuickBooks".    I am now completely locked out from 26 years of QB records and accounts.  It won't let me enter my accounts.  It won't allow me to purchase.  Moreover, I have always only had one computer and I'm a single-user.  I've never been a multi-user.  I called Quickbooks and they said I had to wait until Monday to call.  So yesterday I called Quickbooks according to the number the first person gave me.   After explaining the situation, I was transferred to another person.  Again, after explaining the situation I was transferred to another person.  This went on five times!  After spending 2.5 hours on the phone waiting, explaining, and hearing "I do apologize", finally a person gave me a new activation code and she changed my account and license to a single-user.  So today I go to my computer and absolutely nothing has changed.  It still won't allow me to buy and still says I'm a multi-user.  There is no button to click-on in the Help menu or otherwise to enter the activation code given to me.  She said it will extend my Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" trial period so I could purchase it.   I have spent hours on the phone.  I can't get any knowledgeable help from any of the so-called "experts".  A few of the people I spoke with kept trying to sell me the annual subscription options which I said I am not interested.  I only want what I was offered and tried to click to purchase within the trial period exactly per QB policy and program.   One person told me the screen that popped up not allowing to "unlock from a multi-user edition of QB" is a glitch in the QB system.  That is not my fault.  Moreover, it gives solution how to resolve and unlock in order to purchase.  What can I do now?  I have all screenshots and recordings of conversations to show all this information, timeframe, etc.

18 Comments 18
LeizylM
QuickBooks Team

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I know this wasn't an easy process for you, lanepet. 

 

I'm here to make sure the pop-up you receive gets taken care of. 

 

Before doing so, let’s start by checking your subscription status by logging in to CAMPS.

 

Then, run a quick fix on your program from the QuickBooks Tools Hub. First, download and install the QuickBooks Tools Hub.

 

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Download the most recent version (1.4.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Then, save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop). 
  3. If you've already installed Tool Hub before, you can find out which version you have from the Home tab.
  4. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
  5. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
  6. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

From the Tools Hub, run the Quick Fix my Program. It shuts down any open background processes QuickBooks uses. It'll run a quick repair of your program.

 

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

 

For additional solutions, you can also check out this article, then follow the steps under Solution 2: Suppress the QuickBooks Desktop application to Solution 5: Run the Clean Install tool from the Tools HubQuickBooks Desktop doesn't start or won't open.

 

If the issue persists, I'd suggest contacting our customer support. This way, they can check your account using their tools, such as screen sharing, and investigate this further.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Click the Help menu in the upper-right hand corner.
  2. Type in "Talk to a human", then press Enter.
  3. Look for I still need a human and click on it.
  4. Click Get help from a human or Contact Support Team.
  5. Select between Send a messageSchedule an appointment, or Get a callback.

 

Please check out our support hours to ensure that we address your concerns on time. Here's how to connect with our Customer teams:  

 

Please let me know if you have any other QuickBooks questions. I'm more than happy to help. Have a good day!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation


@lanepet wrote:

A few months ago I decided to upgrade from QB Desktop Pro 2013 to 2021.  I clicked to purchase and download.  It ran perfectly for the past three months or so.  Four days ago suddenly a screen popped up saying "QuickBooks Desktop has expired.  


 

@lanepet 

Where did you purchase your QBD 2021 license? Are you able to login into your CAMPS as Primary Admin and find your license information in there?

https:// camps.intuit.com/

 

lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I bought QB Desktop Pro 2021 (Standalone) from the QB website.   It was offered as a trial so I could compare with my 2013 version.   The trial lasted approximately 3~4 months but anyway it lasted up until just 4 days ago then suddenly it says "expired" and I must "purchase" it.  When I clicked on to "purchase" another popup says I cannot be unlocked from a multi-user version of QB.   I don't know how it got to be multi-user because I only have one computer and have always been a single user.  When I finally got through to QB on the telephone, they said my trial was for a student!!!   In my mind that is impossible for me to qualify for its download because I don't have the student qualifications that are required.  So there are few "glitches" in the QB system right now and they are 1) no warning to the expiration; 2) when trying to purchase a pop-up says I'm locked due to multi-user; and 3) somehow they say I had a student trial version when its impossible for me to even download that trial.   So now I've been using QB Desktop Pro 2021 on my computer for the past few months and all my accounts and files are locked.  All the work I did between using 2013 and 2021 (3~4 months is now locked!).   QB has so far been unable to unlock me and allow me to purchase.  But, they do keep trying to force me to buy the subscription service and that I do not want.  I am a small user without relying on all those tax updates, etc.   It seems QB does not want to allow me to purchase what I had signed up for on a trial even though the option to purchase appears but won't allow me to click it on because they locked me for being a "multi-user" which I'm definitely not.  So long story short, I've not yet apparently "purchased" QB Desktop Pro 2021 (Standalone) and I'm trying to do it now at the end of the trial period but I'm locked out.   Yesterday a QB Chat person gave me a activation code to re-activate my trial version but there is no place, no option, no menu, no screen, etc. etc. for me to go use this activation code!  I'm locked out.

lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I tried the QB Tool Hub and it did not resolve this issue.

 

I do need to talk to a human at QB who has both the knowledge and authority to do something.  All 5 of the "experts" I spoke with yesterday were reading from scripts around in circles.  Extremely frustrating.  Finally one person gave me an activation code so I could re-activate my trial version and then from there go to purchase.  But I'm completely LOCKED OUT so I cannot get in anywhere to re-activate the trial version.  The person did not tell me where to go or how to do it.  

MaryLandT
Moderator

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

This may not be an easy process for you, lanepet.

 

I'm here to help reset your password and regain access to your account. Let's start by opening your QuickBooks Desktop, then follow these steps.

 

  1. Click the I forgot my password link at the login window
  2. Fill out the needed information. One of these is the license number. 
  3. You can press F2 from the login window to see your license number.
  4. The NameEmail Address, Phone Number, and ZIP code should be the original information used when you first purchased the product. 
  5. You can log in to CAMPS to find all these requirements. This is where you can see your license status.
  6. Once everything is done, click OK.

 

You'll receive a code at the email address you registered in QuickBooks. Then, get the code from your email and enter it into the system. It'll guide us through the process of creating the new password.

 

If you're still locked out of QuickBooks, I recommend getting back in touch with our Live Support Team. I know you've already contacted them. However, they can pull up your account and check if there are other requirements that you need to activate the updated software.

 

I'm adding this link to learn the latest improvements of your recent plan: What’s new in QuickBooks Desktop 2021.

 

Stay in touch with me if there's anything else you need by commenting below. I'll stay around until you're able to open activate your QuickBooks company file.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

@lanepet 

We can share a trial license to let you try opening your file. Then we can help to provide the one time license of QBD 2021. Contact us in private for details.

lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

How to contact you?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

Check your PM.

lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

What is "check your PM"?    What is PM?   I have checked everywhere I know to check.  

lanepet
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I think I located the "PM" and I have contacted you via that method.  Thank you.

Needasst242
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

Hello,

 

I'm having this same issue. Let me know how to resolve please.

 

Thanks..

 

 

Needasst242
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

Help, I am having this same issue of not being able to access my files and not being able to purchase the software.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

@Needasst242 

Do you need to purchase a one time license for QBD 2021 or else?

GlinetteC
Moderator

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

Welcome to the Community, Needasst242.

 

I can help you figure this out so you can get back to business.

 

If you haven't already, you may try performing the steps provided by my colleague above. If you're still getting the same issue, I suggest contacting our QuickBooks Support Team, they have the tools to pull your account in a secure environment and troubleshoot the issue for you.

 

  1. Open QuickBooks and click the Help menu.
  2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  3. On the pop-up screen, select Contact us.
  4. Click the Search for Something else button then type your concern in the Ask us anything box.
  5. Hit Search then scroll down to get your contact options.

 

Here are articles you can check for additional reference:

 

 

Fill me in if you need more help by leaving a comment below. I'll be around in the Community to help.

Needasst242
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

Yes, I am having the exact same problem as Ianapet.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

@Needasst242 

Your profile is not allowed to receive nor send any private message at this time. Click our username and you will find our website address to send a direct message.

voodoo96
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

I am having this issue also.  It has been ongoing for a year and I am tired of it.

The marketing to get a person to "purchase" 2021 desktop was deceptive.  I have spent many hours on the phone with support and once again, Saturday, 4/23/22, I was locked out of my data.

I have been hung up on twice today by Intuit Customer Service (what a joke) representatives.  TWICE! I have not raised my voice, I have just tried to explain the problem and both times the rep hung up on me.  I am getting upset now.  I wonder if someone at the state or federal level would like to hear of the bait and switch going on in the Intuit adds to upgrade to a newer version of QB.  I have been a customer since 1997.  I have always purchased (licensed) the software.  Received my disc and installed.  I would go back and start using the 2017 version, for which I have a disc, but my company file would not work.  25 years of data down the tubes.  I will even purchase 2021.  I will never use on-line subscription, hate them.  I am a tiny business, do not have payroll, invoicing, just 1 computer, 1 user, this is ridiculous.  

I saw on-line that single user licenses may be purchased from a retailer.  But I can't find verification of that.  I need help and customer support is not providing it.  

Kerin Schooler

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 "Standalone" activation

@voodoo96 

Contact us in private and we may help to provide the one time license for QB Desktop 2021.

Need QuickBooks guidance?
Log in to access expert advice and community support instantly.

Need to get in touch?

Contact us