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How to Reinstall QuickBooks Without the CD

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

If you need to reinstall QuickBooks but don’t have the original installation CD, don’t worry—there’s a simple way to do it. Whether you're moving QuickBooks to a new computer, fixing software issues, or upgrading to a newer version, you can reinstall QuickBooks directly from Intuit’s website. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of reinstalling QuickBooks without the CD, ensuring that you can continue using your accounting software without any disruptions.

Reasons for Reinstalling QuickBooks​

  1. Software Issues: Corrupt or malfunctioning files may require a fresh installation of QuickBooks.
  2. Upgrading Hardware: If you’re moving to a new computer or server, you’ll need to reinstall QuickBooks on the new system.
  3. Upgrading QuickBooks: When upgrading to a new version, reinstalling ensures that your QuickBooks is up-to-date and functioning optimally.

Step 1: Locate Your License and Product Number​

1.1: Retrieve the License Information​

Before reinstalling QuickBooks, you'll need your license number and product number. If you don't have these details readily available:

  1. Find the Information in QuickBooks:
    • If you still have access to your old QuickBooks installation, go to Help > About QuickBooks. This will display your license and product numbers.
  2. Check Email or Original Purchase Information:
    • If you purchased QuickBooks digitally, you should have received the license and product numbers via email at the time of purchase.
  3. Use the Intuit License Lookup Tool:
    • If you can't find your license information, you can use Intuit’s License Lookup Tool. Go to the Intuit License Lookup page and log in with your Intuit account credentials to retrieve the license number.

1.2: Backup Your Company File​

Before reinstalling QuickBooks, it’s important to back up your company data to avoid losing any critical information.

  1. Go to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup:
    • Follow the prompts to save a backup of your QuickBooks company file to a safe location, such as an external drive or cloud storage.
  2. Ensure Backup is Successful:
    • Double-check that the backup has been created properly and is stored in a location you can easily access after reinstalling.

Step 2: Download QuickBooks​

2.1: Visit the QuickBooks Downloads Page​

  1. Go to the Official QuickBooks Download Page:
  2. Select Your Version of QuickBooks:
    • From the drop-down menus, select the version of QuickBooks Desktop you are reinstalling (Pro, Premier, Enterprise) and the year of your version (e.g., QuickBooks Desktop 2021).

2.2: Start the Download​

  1. Download the Installation File:
    • Click the download link for your version of QuickBooks, and save the installer file to your computer. Make sure to choose a location that is easy to remember, such as your desktop or Downloads folder.
  2. Wait for the Download to Complete:
    • Depending on your internet connection speed, the download may take a few minutes. Once the file is downloaded, you’re ready to begin the installation.

Step 3: Install QuickBooks​

3.1: Run the Installer​

  1. Locate the Installer File:
    • Once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where the installation file was saved.
  2. Double-Click the Installer:
    • Double-click the installer file (it will usually be named something like QuickBooksSetup.exe) to begin the installation process.

3.2: Follow the Installation Prompts​

  1. Accept the License Agreement:

    • Read through the license agreement, then click I Accept the Terms of the License Agreement to proceed.

  2. Enter Your License and Product Numbers:

    • When prompted, enter your QuickBooks license number and product number (which you retrieved earlier).

  3. Choose the Installation Type:

    • Select either Express (recommended) for a typical installation or Custom and Network Options if you need to install QuickBooks on a server or want to choose a specific installation directory.

3.3: Complete the Installation​

  1. Click Install:
    • Once you’ve chosen your installation settings, click Install. QuickBooks will begin installing on your computer.
  2. Wait for Installation to Complete:
    • The installation process may take a few minutes. Once it's done, click Finish to complete the setup.

Step 4: Activate QuickBooks​

4.1: Open QuickBooks​

  1. Launch QuickBooks:
    • After the installation, open QuickBooks by double-clicking the QuickBooks Desktop icon on your computer.

4.2: Activate Your Software​

  1. Activate QuickBooks:
    • The first time you open QuickBooks after reinstalling, you’ll be prompted to activate the software.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation. You may need to sign in to your Intuit account or provide your license and product numbers again.

Step 5: Restore Your Company File​

5.1: Restore the Backup File​

  1. Go to File > Open or Restore Company:

    • Choose Restore a Backup Copy and then click Next.

  2. Select Local Backup:

    • Choose the Local Backup option, then click Next.

  3. Locate the Backup File:

    • Navigate to the folder where you saved your backup file, select the file, and click Open.

  4. Choose a Location to Restore:

    • Choose a location on your computer where you want to restore the company file, and click Save.

5.2: Verify the Restoration​

  1. Review Your Data:

    • Once your company file has been restored, review your data to ensure everything is correct and up to date.

  2. Start Working:

    • You can now start using QuickBooks again, with all your previous company data intact.

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

1. Can’t Find License or Product Number​

  • Use the License Lookup Tool: If you can’t find your license or product number, use the Intuit License Lookup Tool to retrieve this information.

2. Installation Errors​

  • Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for your version of QuickBooks Desktop. Check the official QuickBooks website for the specific requirements for your version.
  • Disable Antivirus Temporarily: If you encounter issues during installation, try temporarily disabling your antivirus software, as it may interfere with the installation process.

3. Activation Problems​

  • Verify Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection during activation. If the issue persists, contact QuickBooks support for assistance.

Conclusion​

Reinstalling QuickBooks without the CD is a straightforward process, thanks to Intuit’s easy-to-access online download tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly reinstall QuickBooks Desktop and restore your company files, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations. Always remember to back up your data before making any changes to your QuickBooks installation to protect your valuable financial information.