@Chris1701A 

Your version is too old and Support wouldn't bother to reactivate your license any longer. Consider to have a newer non sbscription license as a replacement (e.g 2019). You can contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA directly via email and you can get a license for free (T&C apply).

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.

This process works except for the last step. While I have my original license number, I do not have a validation code.  So, I still can't use the software I bought and paid for.

They reserve the right to refuse to generate a validation code. This is part of the EULA. You should contact Fiat Lux to upgrade to a newer, non-subscription license.

I tried this and the problem is that when I go to enter the license number which it already shows me in the dialog, it was that when entering the same old license number that the license is invalid.

At this point I've given up being able to fix this, what is the newest version of Quickbooks that will still open the 2008 file but that can still be registered?

I understand the importance of your data and files, Chris. I also know how frustrating it can be to face challenges like this. Let me help you get your file worked on again.

Regarding your question, the newest version of QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) that can still open your 2008 file and be registered is the QBDT Enterprise 2024 subscription. This version supports file upgrades from older versions.

If you'd prefer to switch to a cloud-based solution, you might also consider QuickBooks Online (QBO). Please note that moving to QBO would involve converting your data into a new format.

For detailed pricing, product comparisons, or help with upgrading your file, refer to this article: QuickBooks products.

Feel free to leave a reply if you have additional questions about QuickBooks.

@Chris1701A 

Have you contacted @Fiat Lux - ASIA ?

If you are lucky, you can still upgrade to QB Desktop 2019 with a non subscription license.