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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1303

· 5 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error 1303 occurs when the QuickBooks installer is unable to access a directory with the necessary permissions. This error usually shows up during the installation or update process and is accompanied by a message that reads: “The installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory.” This error often affects the installation or updating of QuickBooks Desktop and can prevent the software from functioning correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix QuickBooks Error 1303 by adjusting the necessary permissions and troubleshooting the installation process.

Why Does QuickBooks Error 1303 Occur?​

Error 1303 typically arises because of one of the following reasons:

  1. Insufficient Permissions: The installer does not have sufficient permissions to access specific directories.
  2. User Account Control (UAC): UAC settings on Windows can prevent the installer from accessing necessary folders.
  3. System Configuration Issues: In some cases, the error might result from restrictions on the Windows operating system that block installation processes.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 1303​

  • The installation or update of QuickBooks fails.
  • A prompt displays the error message: “Error 1303: The installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory.”
  • The installation process stops unexpectedly.
  • QuickBooks freezes or lags during installation or update.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error 1303​

Step 1: Temporarily Disable User Account Control (UAC)​

User Account Control (UAC) is a Windows feature that can sometimes prevent QuickBooks from installing correctly. Temporarily disabling UAC may allow QuickBooks to access the necessary folders.

  1. Open Control Panel: Go to the Start menu, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
  2. Select User Accounts: In the Control Panel, click on User Accounts.
  3. Change UAC Settings: Click on Change User Account Control settings.
  4. Adjust UAC Slider: Move the slider down to Never notify to turn off UAC temporarily.
  5. Click OK: Confirm your selection and restart your computer.

Note: Remember to re-enable UAC after fixing the error to keep your system protected.

Step 2: Grant Full Permissions to the Necessary Folders​

The error may be due to limited access to the installation folder. Granting full control permissions can help resolve this issue.

  1. Open Windows Explorer: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the Installation Folder:
    • Typically, this folder is located at C:\Program Files\Common Files for 32-bit systems, or C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files for 64-bit systems.
  3. Right-Click the Folder: Right-click on the Common Files folder and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Security Tab: In the Properties window, click on the Security tab.
  5. Edit Permissions: Click on Edit, then select Users from the list.
  6. Grant Full Control: Check the box next to Full Control under the Allow column, then click Apply and OK.

Repeat these steps for any additional folders related to the QuickBooks installation.

Step 3: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool​

QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool is a utility provided by Intuit that can help diagnose and fix installation-related issues, including Error 1303.

  1. Download the Tool:
    • Go to the official Intuit website and download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  2. Install the Tool Hub:
    • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  3. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool:
    • Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub, go to the Installation Issues tab, and select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
  4. Run the Tool: Allow the tool to scan and fix any installation-related issues. This process may take several minutes.

After the tool finishes, restart your computer and try to install QuickBooks again.

Step 4: Create a New Windows Admin User​

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, creating a new Windows user account with admin privileges may help. Sometimes, corrupt user profiles can interfere with the installation.

  1. Go to Control Panel: Open the Control Panel and select User Accounts.
  2. Select Manage Another Account: Click on Manage another account and then choose Add a new user in PC settings.
  3. Create a New Account:
    • In the settings, select Add someone else to this PC.
    • Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  4. Enter Details: Enter a username and password for the new account.
  5. Set the Account Type to Administrator: After creating the account, go to Account settings, select the new account, and change the account type to Administrator.
  6. Log in with New Admin Account: Sign out of your current account and log in with the new admin account.

Try to install QuickBooks again using this new admin account.

Step 5: Run QuickBooks Installation as Administrator​

Sometimes, running the installer with elevated privileges can help bypass permission issues.

  1. Locate the Installer File: Find the QuickBooks installer file (usually ending in .exe).
  2. Right-Click the Installer: Right-click on the installer file and select Run as Administrator.
  3. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Complete the installation process as prompted.

Additional Tips to Avoid QuickBooks Error 1303​

  • Keep Windows Updated: Regular Windows updates help avoid compatibility issues with QuickBooks.
  • Install QuickBooks in Safe Mode: Booting your system in Safe Mode can sometimes help bypass security restrictions.
  • Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily: Some antivirus programs may interfere with QuickBooks installation. Disable it temporarily if other steps don’t work.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error 1303 can be frustrating, especially when it prevents you from installing or updating QuickBooks Desktop. By following these steps, you can address permission-related issues and complete the installation process successfully. Always ensure that you are logged in as an administrator when installing QuickBooks, and remember to reset any security settings you modified after completing the installation.

For additional assistance, you may consult Intuit’s QuickBooks support or reach out to a certified QuickBooks professional if the problem persists.