Update fails and stops me from opening quickbooks Error 13

I'll help you get through your update error so you can open QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) accordingly, SD Stewart.

We have general troubleshooting for fixing update errors in QBDT. The first one is to check the system date and time on your computer, as they can disrupt the process and need to be rectified. Here's how:

1. Right-click the system clock on your desktop and select Adjust Date/Time.
2. Select Change date and time and specify the current date and time.
3. Click OK twice.
4. Close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop.
5. Run the update of QuickBooks Desktop again.

The next recommended solution is to check your internet connection settings, personal firewall application, and multiple instances of QBDT on the same computer. For the step-by-step guide, please see this article: Fix QuickBooks Desktop Update Errors.

Furthermore, QBDT 2020 is a discontinued version. It won't receive critical security patches.

Additionally, we'd encourage you to make a backup of your company file, which can be used to restore your data in case of any issues.

Reach out to us again if you need further assistance updating QBDT. I'll be more than happy to assist you further.

Thank you for your reply ! Truly appreciated.

Although this does not work for my issue of not being able to open my 2020 QuickBooks on windows 7 ultimate. This version is not the latest (windows 7, QuickBooks 2020) as explained I need another month or so to get the new version installed.I have keep my account paid as I need to keep it working while I do everything else.  As I understand this version should not be getting any updates. My guess is that the new version has an update and it wants to install it in my older version which is not compatible. There is no option as far as I know to stop auto update on the 2020 version. 

I would keep going with the restore to a earlier time from windows however everything I do in my quickbooks disappears when I do. So I have to do a backup and restore it every time also.  Perhaps there is a work around as I am not ready to transfer to the new computer, but I do need to keep writing checks and catch up on time gone by.

Thanks again,

SD

Thanks for getting back here in the thread, @SD Stewart. We'll provide details to help you access your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

Upon reading your initial post, know that QBDT 2020 requires at least Windows 8 to 10. Since you're using Windows 7, your system may have a hard time processing QBDT 2020 because of its system requirements. Also, since the version you're trying to access is already obsolete, it would be best if your system could meet what is required to continue utilizing the program and complete your task.

In addition, we're providing these articles to learn more about what's new with the latest release, and how you can restore your back up copy:

• What’s new in QuickBooks Desktop 2023.
• Restore a backup of your company file.

We're open to help you if you need assistance managing QuickBooks data or upgrading the system. Please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. Keep safe, and have a good one.

@SD Stewart 

If your new machine isn't ready yet, consider hosting your QB Desktop 2020 for the time being.

Hello All,

Thank you for getting back to me, much appreciated !

I understand, although I have been running 2020 for 3 years without an issue, until now. If i could stop the update, I would be able to continue until I moved to the new computer. The update fails and locks me out. Looks like the update came out around or just prior to 2024. At any rate looks as if I am forced to make the move to the new computer sooner than desired.Perhaps I will need to separate my work programming from QB to avoid any potential conflict, I'll think that over today.

You all have been great trying to assist. Hope you have a great new year!

SD Stewart

Just got error 13 and cannot start my QB. Help

Error 13 in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) is identified as a runtime error that manifests while the program is running. I'm here to provide the necessary assistance to help you rectify this error, allowing you to proceed with your (QBDT) account.

To get this resolve, you can uninstall the program. Here's how:

1. Choose these three keys Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard and close all the programs.
2. Click on Start and select the Control Panel.
3. Select Add or Remove program and choose MS Excel.
4. Lastly, click on Uninstall to clear it from the PC.

If the issue remains unresolved, please perform a comprehensive scan for viruses and malware, since a virus attack on your system may lead to file damage.

You can also contact our Live Support Team. They have the tools to pull up your account to deep investigate the root of the problem and why the issue keeps appearing.

Here's how to reach them:

1. On your QuickBooks account, go to the Help menu at the top.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help. 
3. Choose Contact Us. 
4. Enter the issue or topic in the field box. 
5. Follow the onscreen instructions.

For guidance on reviewing your accounts in QuickBooks Desktop and preparing them for the end of the year, you can consult this article: Year-end guide for QuickBooks Desktop. This resource is designed to help verify the correctness of your transactions.

If you find yourself with lingering questions or need a helping hand with your data management in QuickBooks Desktop, kick off a new conversation.

@max120 

Which QB Desktop year version?