Quick Fixes For Windows Installer Is Not Accessible Error In QuickBooks

While installing or updating QuickBooks, users may encounter an error message that says, "Windows Installer is not accessible." This message appears with a specific error code, 1601, and interrupts the installation or updates.

Many reasons can trigger this error on your system, such as a problem with the installer file, outdated Windows, and misconfigured security settings. The segment below will discuss all the troubleshooting steps you need to take to fix this issue. Let’s explore.

Reasons Why Windows Installer is Not Accessible

The “Windows Installer is not accessible” error message indicates the appearance of error 1601. You may get this error message for the following reasons.

• Misconfigured security settings can block the update installation in QuickBooks, leading to error 1601 and QuickBooks desktop error 1603.
• Incomplete program installation can trigger this error.
• When the installer file itself is corrupted, you will see this error.

Resolving Windows Installer is Not Accessible Error Message

Here are the solutions, which include reinstalling QuickBooks and adjusting security settings, which will help you resolve this error message.

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Solution 1: Reinstall QuickBooks

To remove and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove QuickBooks:

• Open the Windows Start menu.
• Search for Control Panel.
• Launch Control Panel.
• Go to Programs and Features/Uninstall a Program.
• To remove QuickBooks Desktop, locate and select and select it from the list of programs.
• Click Uninstall/Change, then Remove, and follow with Next.
• If you don’t see these options, try signing out and back into Windows as an admin or a user with admin rights.

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop:

• After removing QuickBooks, proceed to install QuickBooks Desktop again.
• During installation, QuickBooks will automatically create new folders and rename the old ones.

Solution 2: Adjust the Security Settings

• Log in to your computer.
• Ensure signing in as Administrator.
• Click on Start.
• Type gpedit.msc.
• After typing it, press Enter.
• Access the Computer Configuration segment.
• Select Administrative Templates.
• Double-click on Windows Components.
• Double-click on Windows Installer.
• Find Prohibit User Installs and double-click it to change its settings.
• Select Not Configured.
• Click OK to save.
• Click OK on any error prompts and then retry installing.

Solution 3: Use QB Install Diagnostic Tool

Step 1: Get QB Tools Hub

• Close QuickBooks.
• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Save the file.
• Open the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
• Follow the on-screen steps.
• Install the tool.
• Agree to the terms and conditions.
• When done, double-click on its icon.
• Open the Tool Hub.

Step 2: Run the Install Diagnostic Tool

• Open the QB Tool Hub.
• Select Installation Issues.
• Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
• The tool will run now.
• Usually, it takes around 20 minutes.
• When done, restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• Access your data file.

Conclusion

After following the above steps to rectify the damaged installation and adjust security settings manually, you can fix the Windows Installer is not accessible error in QuickBooks.

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