Resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 Could Not Initialize License Properties

The error status code 3371 typically arises when there are issues with the QuickBooks Desktop software licensing data or installation files. Common causes include a damaged or missing QuickBooks registration.dat file, corrupt MSXML components, or using an outdated Windows operating system. Antivirus programs or third-party system cleaners can also interfere, potentially triggering this QuickBooks error 3371. Additionally, when reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop, errors like status code 11118 may occur if QuickBooks cannot retrieve or activate its licensing information, preventing users from accessing their company files.

To resolve QuickBooks Desktop error 3371, several solutions are available. Prerequisites include downloading the correct installer for your QuickBooks version and having your license number ready. Solutions in this guide include running the 3371 error fix tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub, repairing or deleting corrupted registration files, and reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop. You’ll also find steps to resolve persistent issues after cloning QuickBooks, such as updating Windows, providing admin rights, or using the QuickBooks File Doctor and Clean Install tool.

What are the Common Reasons that Cause QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code

Following are the reasons that explain the common causes of QuickBooks error 3371 could not initialize license properties with status codes -1118 and -1:

• Damaged or missing QuickBooks registration.dat file
• Damaged MSXML component
• Using an Outdated Windows Operating system
• Antivirus or third-party system cleaner applications
• Before saving and importing the file.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 Could Not Initialize License Properties Status Code -1118 and -1

Following the methods is important in resolving the QuickBooks error 3371 could not initialize license properties with status code -1118, -1 follow the steps mentioned below:

• The latest version of Windows needs to be installed on your computer before you can successfully install QuickBooks.
• If none of these solutions worked, your Windows package may be corrupt. In such cases, consulting a technician might be helpful.

Solution 1: Using the QuickBooks Tool Hub

The purpose of QuickBooks Tool Hub is to solve practically all of the errors that QuickBooks typically runs into. QuickBooks tool hub fixes the 3371 error automatically. Follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

• From the taskbar, you can exit QuickBooks Desktop.
• Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Go to the computer’s downloads and start the QuickBooksToolHub.exe program.
• Before beginning the installation, accept the terms and conditions and follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
• Now you have to go to the desktop and double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon.
• In case you are not able to find the icon on the Desktop, then you can search for it by using the Windows Search feature.
• QuickBooks Tool Hub via Windows SearchQuickBooks Tool Hub via Windows Search

Step 2: Run Error 3371 Fix Tool from Tool Hub

• Select Installation Issues from the left pane once the Tool Hub app has loaded.
• Select 3371 Error Fix from the menu.
• Click OK, then try to open the company file in QuickBooks Desktop again.

If using QB Tool Hub does not cure QuickBooks registration problem 3371, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Solution 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Here are the prerequisites for QuickBooks reinstallation:

• Download the Installer from QuickBooks official website.
• Have Your License Number Ready.
• Create a backup of the company file.

Once you are done following these prerequisites, follow the steps given below to reinstall QuickBooks without losing any data.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks

• You must click on Start and look for Control Panel. 
• Click to open Control Panel, then select Programs and Features (or Uninstall a Program depending on your version of Windows).
• Locate QuickBooks Desktop in the list of installed programs and select it.
• Click Uninstall/Change and then proceed with Remove. Now, you must follow the given guidelines on your computer screen the uninstallation process is 100% complete.

Note: If you don’t see the uninstall option, ensure you are logged into Windows with admin privileges. You may need to sign out and sign back in as an administrator to complete this step.

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Once installed, you can open QuickBooks and access your company files without any issues.

After uninstalling, launch the installer for QuickBooks Desktop that you downloaded earlier.

Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. During the reinstallation, QuickBooks will automatically create new folders and rename your old ones to ensure everything is properly set up.

Solution 3: Fix the Damaged QBregestration.dat file

When you delete the QBRegistration.dat file, QuickBooks will become de-registered and require you to re-register it when you run it. This will help you with re-registering the application with a registration file that is corruption-free which will help in resolving the issue.

• Close the QuickBooks program.
• To access Task Manager, simultaneously press the Ctrl+Shift+Delete buttons on your computer.
• Then you have to go to the Processes tab, search and then you have to right-click QBW32.exe process and then you have to click End Process Tree.
• Close QBW32.exe Work in Task ManagerClose QBW32.exe Work in Task Manager and then you have to click OK.
• Now open the Run command window by pressing the Windows + R key on your keyboard and type C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6 or 8, and hit OK.
• C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6
• C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6
• Now in this folder, find and delete EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.
• Click Yes to confirm and open the QuickBooks application.

Solution 4: Register MSXML File

• To open the Run window, use the keyboard shortcut Windows + R.
• Enter cmd.exe and select OK.
• Then you have to right-click inside the cmd window and then you have to select Run as Administrator.
• After typing cd\windows\syswow64, hit Enter.
• Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll now, then hit Enter.
• Install the QuickBooks software.

Steps to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 3371 After Clone

Are you facing error 3371 even after closing? Well, look no further, here are the steps to resolve error 3371 in QuickBooks Desktop after cloning. 

Step 1: End Unnecessary Tasks in Task Manager

You can avoid facing license errors by ending tasks as it consumes too many system resources. Here are the steps to end unnecessary in Task Manager. 

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and all windows associated with it.
• Hit the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys at the same time. 
• Open Task Manager. A list of ongoing tasks will be displayed.
• Right-click on the tasks and end tasks.
• Navigate to the entitlement data folder. 
• Select Run.
• Type  C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6 (or v8) in the file destination box and then press Enter. 
• Select the ECML file and click on Delete.
• Delete the ECML file, click on the company file to open it, and lastly register the QuickBooks Desktop accounting software.

Step 2: Update QuickBooks

Using an Outdated version of QuickBooks can not only trigger license errors but many other types of errors as well. Hence, you must update QuickBooks as soon as a new update is released. Here are the steps you must follow to update QuickBooks Desktop properly:

• Go to the Help menu. 
• Click on Update QuickBooks. 
• A list of versions will be displayed. 
• Select the most recent ones. 
• Once the update is complete, you must close QuickBooks and restart your computer system.

Step 3: Provide Admin Rights to QuickBooks Software

Users often face license issues because they are trying to access the software without admin rights. Certain features in the software can only be accessed if you have admin rights. To provide these rights, follow the steps below. 

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Right-click on the QuickBooks application desktop icon.
• From the list of options displayed, click on Run as an administrator.
• Click on the Yes button shown in the prompt.

Step 4: Update Windows

Sometimes you face error 3371 because of using QuickBooks in an outdated Windows. To update Windows, follow the steps given below: 

• Click on the Start or Windows key from your keyboard. 
• Search for Settings and right-click on it. 
• Choose Windows Updates and then select the Check for Updates button. 
• Click on the Install button if you can see an update that is pending.

Step 5: Run QuickBooks File Doctor

QuickBooks File Doctor can fix your issues when you have trouble opening company files or any other QuickBooks files. To resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 run QuickBooks File Doctor by following the steps given below. 

• Download QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Install the Tool Hub.
• Click on the Programs tab from the Tool Hub’s home page.
• Select the Run QuickBooks File Doctor button to initiate the processing of fixing the error.
• Once the process is 100% completed, error 3371 will be rectified.

Conclusion

QuickBooks error 3371 can stem from various issues, including damaged or missing registration files, outdated components, and interference from third-party applications. This error typically occurs during software installation or reinstallation, affecting users’ ability to access company files. Fortunately, there are multiple solutions available, such as using the QuickBooks Tool Hub, repairing or deleting corrupted files, and reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop. Additional troubleshooting steps include updating QuickBooks Desktop, providing admin rights, and utilizing tools like QuickBooks File Doctor and Clean Install to resolve persistent errors. By following these steps, users can successfully fix QuickBooks error code 3371 and restore smooth functionality.

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