Install or Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop in Selective Startup

You might be planning to install, uninstall, or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop. However, this process can face interferences and interruptions. To avoid that, you can choose to install or uninstall QuickBooks in selective startup. The Selective Startup mode helps you open your computer to specific programs and services you enable.

It means you can customize your computer’s startup process by enabling only the necessary items. You can disable any unnecessary ones to potentially improve boot time and system performance. When the install or uninstall process faces issues due to conflicting programs or services, you can undertake QuickBooks Desktop uninstallation in selective startup mode.

QuickBooks Desktop Selective Startup Process

Here are the steps to uninstall, install, or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop in selective startup mode and get back to your business with this process:

Step 1: QuickBooks Desktop Clean Install in Selective Startup Pre-Requirements

Before you undertake QuickBooks Desktop clean install in selective startup mode, ensure the following:

• Create Company File Backups

Make sure your information is protected with a QuickBooks backup as follows:

1. Turn to Single-user Mode to start creating company file backups. Open QuickBooks, hit File and then Switch to Single-user Mode.
   
   
2. Next, click File, and hover over Back up Company. Tap Create Local Backup. Choose Local Backup, then click Next.
   
   
3. Click Browse and browse to choose where to save the backup. You can also set how many backups you want to keep.
4. QuickBooks can remind you to back up regularly. You can enable the reminders in the Online and Local Backup section.
   
   
5. QuickBooks will test the backup file for accuracy and good shape before saving it. Once complete, click OK.
6. Lastly, select Save it now, then Next. A confirmation message appears when the company file backup is done.

Backups will help you safeguard your data in case of issues during installation.

• Copy and Save your Product & License Info

When you install or reinstall QuickBooks, you’ll need your product and license information to set QB Desktop up. You can find this important Product Information as follows:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Press F2.
3. The Product Information window appears. Find the product number, license number, and product name here.
   
   
4. Check the release at the end of the product name.
5. Find the version in the Version Used on File section. It’s a list sorted by date with the latest at the bottom and the oldest version at the top.

You can copy this information anywhere and use it when needed after QuickBooks Desktop installation.

Step 2: Enable Selective Startup Mode

To prevent other apps from interfering, you can undertake QuickBooks Desktop installation in selective startup mode. If unsure about this process, you should get clarification and help from your computer manufacturer or a Windows expert.

1. Press Windows + R. It will open the Run dialog. Type msconfig in the Run window, and hit OK.
   
   
2. Click Selective Startup in the General tab and check Load System Services.
   
   
3. Next, hit the tab named Services. Check the Hide All Microsoft Services box, then select Disable All.
   
   
4. Remove the tick in the box next to Hide all Microsoft Services. Find Windows Installer in the list, select it, then click OK.
   
   
5. Finally, restart the system to apply the changes.

After a quick restart, you will have your system opened in Selective Startup mode.

Step 3: Remove & Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Now, you can follow the steps to uninstall QuickBooks Desktop in selective startup mode and reinstall it:

1. Open the Windows Start menu, then type Control Panel in the search section. Click to launch it.
2. Navigate and click any of these options: Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
   
   
3. Check in the program list the QuickBooks Desktop version you wish to uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall/Change. Select Remove, and then press Next.
   
   
5. If you don’t see the Uninstall option, sign out and log back in as an administrator or a user with admin privileges.
6. After you have removed QB Desktop, you can install QuickBooks Desktop in selective startup mode. Through reinstallation, QuickBooks will automatically install new folders and change the name of your old ones.

You can finish the reinstallation process in the selective startup process without interruptions.

Step 4: Return to Normal Mode

After the reinstallation is over, you can switch back to normal as follows:

1. Use the keyboard to press Windows + R. The Run command will start.
2. Type msconfig in the Run box that opens, and click OK.
3. Tap the General tab, and choose Normal Startup.
   
   
4. Hit OK to confirm this choice.
5. Restart the system and let the changes apply.

Summing Up

The steps to install or uninstall QuickBooks Desktop in selective startup are straightforward. Whenever you encounter interruptions in QuickBooks Desktop installation, you can turn to selective startup. You can give permission to specific programs and services. This way, there’ll be no conflicting programs causing issues in the installation or uninstallation process. Although this process is simply explained here, you might require expert assistance. Do not hesitate to get in touch with professionals to carry out this process.

FAQs

What specific services should I enable in Selective Startup for a successful QuickBooks installation?

When installing QuickBooks in Selective Startup mode, you need to turn on the right services for a smooth installation process. You should enable Windows Installer, along with other essential Microsoft services, to allow the necessary components to be installed properly. You can do that by opening the System Configuration window by pressing Windows + R. Type msconfig and hit OK. Go to the Services tab, and check Windows Installer while keeping all Microsoft services visible to prevent disabling critical system functions.

Do I need to keep Selective Startup enabled after QuickBooks is installed?

Once QuickBooks is successfully installed, you don’t need to keep Selective Startup mode enabled. You can return your system to Normal Startup mode by reopening the System Configuration window. Then, select Normal Startup in the General tab, and restart your computer. This ensures that all programs and services that were previously disabled will resume running as usual.

What’s the difference between a regular uninstall and a clean uninstall of QuickBooks in Selective Startup?

There’s a significant difference between a regular uninstall and a clean uninstall of QuickBooks in Selective Startup mode. A regular uninstall removes QuickBooks but may leave behind certain residual files, registry entries, or program settings. A clean uninstall, however, is a more thorough process. It not only uninstalls the software but also deletes all associated files and settings. As a result, you get a completely fresh installation.

After uninstalling QuickBooks in Selective Startup, some files and folders are still left behind. How do I remove them?

If you’ve uninstalled QuickBooks but still find leftover files and folders, you can manually remove them. This way, you can free up space and avoid conflicts with future installations. You need to go to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks, C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks, or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks folder. Here, delete any remaining QuickBooks-related files. Additionally, open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run command (Windows + R), then search for and delete any leftover QuickBooks registry entries. However, you have to be cautious while editing the registry—accidental deletions can cause system issues. If unsure, you should seek assistance from an IT professional.