Get Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 1903

I kicked off my Monday with a cup of tasty hot cappuccino in one hand and my new laptop, which I bought 2 days back.

The week is ready for a strong start. I was assigned to generate new invoices for the newly set-up business and was told to share them with the clients within 2 hours.

Being a QuickBooks user, I felt quite relaxed, as managing invoices is just a matter of minutes. But then I remember I have to install the software on a new laptop.

It makes me a little nervous, so I navigate to the Intuit website, download the software, and commence the installation process. This all took me 10 minutes, making me start feeling comfy.

As I commenced the installation process, I thought I should listen to some songs, but those few seconds of comfort turned that earlier nervousness into a sense of fear: Should I be able to share the invoices before the deadline?

The error 1903: Can’t install the application appeared on my screen, making me feel a little frustrated on the early day of the week.

And that 2-hour deadline turned out to be a 2-day delay in task submission.

If this story is somehow related to what you’re feeling right now, then don’t panic; you’ve gotten into the right hands. In this guide, we will help you understand what makes the situation worse, resulting in the occurrence of QuickBooks error 1903.

Along with that, we will also show you the right path that you can follow to easily fix the error.

(Believe us: you will be fixing the error on your own in just 5 minutes.)

So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

A Brief About QuickBooks Error 1903

Just like if you’re suffering from a medical issue, focusing on understanding ways to cure the disease will not help you prevent it from happening again.

It’s highly important to understand the issue.

QuickBooks error 1903 is an installation error that usually occurs when a user tries to download or install the software on their workstation. It’s a common installation error, and it is classified as a run-time error, which can be frustrating for users who are trying to set up QuickBooks for the first time for their business.

If not dealt properly with maturity, your first impression with the software can turn out to be the last impression as well.

CHILL, PILL, and have a BEER! (Because we’re here)

If you’ve run into this error, then you should know that there is something on your device that is creating a conflict with the installation process.

(Nope… Not that video that you are thinking about. So don’t delete them as of now, but neither close the website to watch them right now.)

Now, if you want to get rid of this error permanently, just like your ex-partner did with you, then we advise you to know the underlying causes behind the error, which are just covered next to this line.

So, ignore your ex, but don’t dare to ignore the causes behind the error.

Possible Causes Behind QuickBooks Error 1903

Here is the list of the possible causes that make you feel frustrated and annoyed after seeing the error 1903 while installing QuickBooks Desktop.

(Don’t punch on the reasons due to the heat of the moment.. Obviously… It’s your laptop on which you’re reading.)

The installation file is either damaged or corrupted.
You have downloaded the software from a third party or an impulsive website.
Poor internet connection.
An outdated OS version on your PC.
Active firewall settings (they can disrupt the installation process).
Network Data (.ND) or Transaction Log File (.TLG) is damaged. It contains essential information related to the software, and if it’s damaged, then it may result in unwanted errors with the software.
Damaged or corrupted Microsoft MSXML, C++ files, and Microsoft .NET Framework.

If you think any of the above points can be the underlying reason behind the occurrence of error 1903 on your device, then fix that issue immediately, without pausing for a second. As your expert partner, we have also covered some solutions in this section. So, don’t forget to execute them.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 1903

Fixing any error with the QuickBooks software is like setting the navigation on Google Maps to the destination and driving the car as per the instructions.

The more accurately you follow it, the faster and smoother you will reach the destination.

Time Saving Hacks to Deal With Error 1903 Like a PRO: We recommend that before you follow and execute the solutions listed by us, try to:

Update the software to the latest release;
Download the new Windows update, and
Cross-verify the internet connection.

Sometimes, these basic issues can also lead to major complex issues on a computer. So fixing them at the start of the troubleshooting process will save you time and effort.

Here are a few of the effective solutions that you can follow step-by-step to fix the error code 1903 in QuickBooks:

Solution 1. Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

Part of the QuickBooks Tool Hub, the install diagnostic tool assists QB users in resolving various installation errors with the software. Running the tool as the first solution would be a strong recommendation by us.

Don’t know how to run it? Here are the steps that you can follow to do so:

Navigate to the official website of Intuit.
From there, download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Note: Click here to read in detail about this Tool, how it works, and the different errors it can help you fix.

Open the downloaded file, i.e., the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
Adhere to the on-screen instructions and give your consent to the terms and conditions.
Therefore, you will be able to see a progress report of the installation process of the tool on your device.
As the tool gets installed. Close all active applications except this page on your web browser.
On your Windows desktop screen, double-click on the tool hub desktop icon. This will launch the tool hub on your computer.
As the welcome screen appears, click on the Installation Issues tab.
Therefore, choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
Now, the tool will take up to 15-20 minutes to scan and repair the diagnosed files.
At last, as the tool completes the scanning process, restart your computer, and see if you’re able to install the software without any issues or not.

If you’re still facing the error, then jump to the next solution.

Solution 2. Reboot Your Computer in Selective Startup Mode

Rebooting the computer will give the computer a fresh start and help resolve conflicts that might be preventing issues with the software installation.

Given below are the steps that you can follow to do so:

Open the Windows Run Command by hitting the Windows + R keys together.
Type MSCONFIG in the search bar and click OK.
Switch to the General tab, and choose Selective Startup.
After that, uncheck the box available next to Load Startup Items, and click OK.
When prompted, select the Restart option.
After the restart, navigate to the Control Panel settings and Uninstall the QuickBooks Desktop software.
Afterward, reinstall the software with the help of the original installation file.
Now, repeat the steps from 1-3. This time, you have to select the Normal Startup option to restore the default settings.
Click on Apply and OK to save the updated changes.
At last, end the process by restarting your computer.

Solution 3. Manually Repair the Windows Component

If the .NET Framework or MSXML is damaged or corrupted, then it can also lead to the occurrence of error 1903 while installing the software. In such a case, manually repairing the Windows component can help you resolve the error.

A). Repairing Microsoft .NET Framework

Navigate to the Control Panel settings, and go to the Programs > Programs and Features.
Now, from the left panel, select the Turn Windows Features On or Off.
Following that, uncheck the .NET Framework 3.5 and any later versions if they are pre-selected.
Click on OK and then restart your computer.
Afterwards, again go to the Windows Feature settings, and this time recheck the .NET Framework 3.5 and click OK.
At last, continue following the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

B). Reinstall Microsoft MSXML

Open the Windows Run Command and type Appwiz.cpl in the search bar.
Click on the OK option, and then a list of installed programs will appear on your screen.
From there, find out the MSXML 6.0 from the list and then click Uninstall.
Now, navigate to the Microsoft official website and download the MSXML.msi installer.
Therefore, double-click on the downloaded file to commence the installation process.
Adhere to the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have shown you the right approach that, as a user, you can follow to fix the QuickBooks error 1903: Can’t install the application. Right from the possible causes to the preventive measurable steps, reading and following this guide will help you to resolve the error quickly and get back to managing your finances in no time. Keep checking out our other blogs as well to stay updated with the latest trends and news going on with the QuickBooks software.