How to Reset QuickBooks Registration

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QuickBooks requires users to register their software within 30 days of purchase or download in order to continue using it. During the registration process -- either online or by phone -- QuickBooks provides a registration number the user enters into a file named "qbregistration.dat." The registration number activates the software, allowing its continued use. If the DAT file becomes corrupted or fails to appear, you can write or rewrite it from scratch using any plain text editing app.

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Error Message During Installation

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Step 1

Look for the "qbregistration.dat" file. If you are using Windows Vista, 7 or 8, QuickBooks stores the file in the "C:\ProgramData\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks" folder.

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Step 2

Right-click the "qbregistration.dat" file. Select "Rename" and renamy the file "qbregistration.old."

Step 3

Launch a plain text editor app like Notepad and paste the following code into a blank text document:

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xx.x"> version">

YES 000-000 0000-0000-0000-000 000073adbf3f

Step 4

Replace the "xx.x" in the first line of code with "24.0" if you are using QuickBooks 2014. If you are using QuickBooks 2013. Use "22.0" if you have QuickBooks 2012. Type "atom" if you have QuickBooks Simple Start. Type "pro" if you have QuickBooks Pro.

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Step 5

Replace "000-000" in the second line of code with your QuickBooks installation product number.

Step 6

Replace "0000-0000-0000-000" in the third line of code with your QuickBooks license number.

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Step 7

Save the file as "qbregistration.dat" and select "All Files" in the Save as Type option. This ensures that no extra code is added to the file and that the file remains a DAT file without being changed to a DOC or TXT file. Save the file in the same folder where your "qbregistration.dat" was originally.

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