Steps for reinstalling your owned QuickBooks Enterprise 2015 software on a new or repaired computer after a system crash. Call +1-866-408-0444 for assistance.
Reinstalling QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2015 (QBES 2015) is a process that requires careful preparation, especially given that the software is several versions behind the current release and may have compatibility issues with modern operating systems. A clean reinstall is often necessary to resolve persistent errors, prepare for an upgrade, or restore functionality after data corruption. Following a meticulous, step-by-step process is critical to preserve your company data and ensure a stable new installation. For expert guidance through this process, particularly with data migration and compatibility, you can contact a QuickBooks Enterprise specialist at +1-866-408-0444.
Reinstalling an older version like QBES 2015 is more complex than reinstalling a current version. You must first locate your original installation media (DVDs or downloaded installer) and valid license information (product and license numbers). Furthermore, the installer may be incompatible with newer Windows security protocols (like User Account Control) and may require specific manual adjustments to run successfully on Windows 10 or 11. The goal of a "clean reinstall" is to completely remove the old program and its associated components before installing fresh, which eliminates conflicts caused by corrupted files or incorrect registry entries.
Before touching the installer, complete these essential tasks:
Deactivate the License (For Multi-User): If installed in multi-user mode, open QBES 2015 on the server/host computer. Go to File > Utilities > Stop Hosting Multi-User Access. Then, go to Help > Manage My License > Deactivate License. This frees up the license for reactivation on the new installation.
Back Up Your Company Data: This is non-negotiable. Create a verified, portable company backup (.QBB file). Go to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup. Choose Local backup, complete the process, and verify the backup file exists and is not corrupt by noting its size and creation date. Also, manually copy your company file (.QBW) and its associated .TLG file to a separate, safe location (like an external drive).
Gather Installation Credentials: Locate your QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2015 Product Number and License Number. These are required for installation and activation. Find them on your original purchase email, CD sleeve, or by checking Help > About QuickBooks Enterprise in the currently installed (but problematic) version.
Download the Latest Release (Rxx): If possible, obtain the latest "release" of QBES 2015 (e.g., Release 15) from your Intuit account. This includes all patches and updates issued for that version and is more stable than the original launch media.
A partial uninstall will leave behind the problems you're trying to fix.
Close QuickBooks: Ensure QBES 2015 is closed on all workstations.
Use Windows Uninstall:
Open the Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Find and select QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0.
Click Uninstall/Change.
Follow the prompts to remove the program.
Manually Delete Leftover Folders: After the uninstall, navigate to and delete these folders if they remain:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0\
C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0\ (Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder)
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0\
C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0\ (AppData is hidden)
Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool (Recommended):
For the most thorough cleanup, download the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool from Intuit's website.
Run the tool. It will automate the removal of QBES 2015 and all associated components, including registry entries.
Restart your computer after the cleanup is complete.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus & Firewall: Security software can interfere with the installation of older programs. Temporarily disable real-time protection and firewalls. Re-enable them immediately after installation.
Run as Administrator: You will need full administrative rights for the entire process.
Insert Media/Run Installer: Insert the installation DVD or run the downloaded setup.exe file.
Right-Click and Run as Administrator: On the installer file, right-click and select Run as administrator.
Follow Installation Prompts:
Accept the license agreement.
When prompted, enter your Product Number and License Number.
Choose the Custom and Network Options installation type, even for a single user. This gives you more control.
Select "I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer" (for single-user) or the appropriate network option.
On the Custom Setup screen, ensure all features are selected.
Let the installation complete.
Restart Your Computer: Do not skip this step.
Open QuickBooks 2015 (do not open your company file yet).
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks. Click the Update Now tab.
Select Mark All and then Download Updates. This will fetch the latest patches (Release) for 2015.
Install all updates. You will likely need to close QuickBooks and restart during this process.
Repeat until Help > About QuickBooks shows the latest release number (e.g., R15).
Restore from Backup: Open QBES 2015. Go to File > Open or Restore Company. Choose Restore a backup copy and navigate to your verified .QBB file. Restore it to a preferred location.
Reactivate the License: Go to Help > Manage My License > Activate/Reactivate QuickBooks. Enter your license information if prompted. For multi-user, set up the hosting on the server first.
Open Your Company File: Open the restored file and verify your data.
Error 1603/1406: Usually a permissions or corrupted Microsoft Installer (MSI) issue. Use the Clean Install Tool and ensure you run as administrator.
"QuickBooks could not be launched": Often due to damaged .NET Framework. Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool (part of the QuickBooks Tool Hub) to repair it.
Activation Failures: Ensure you deactivated the old installation first. Use the QuickBooks License Activation Diagnostic Tool.
Maintain system health to avoid another reinstall. Create regular, verified backups. Use the QuickBooks File Doctor periodically to check data file health. Keep Windows updated. Avoid interrupting QuickBooks during updates or file operations. For an aging system like QBES 2015, planning an upgrade to a supported version is the best prevention; to discuss a safe migration path from your 2015 version, call +1-866-408-0444.
Q1: Can I install QBES 2015 on Windows 10 or 11?
A1: Maybe, but it is not supported. QuickBooks Enterprise 2015 reached its "End of Support" date years ago. It may install and run on Windows 10 (and possibly 11) in compatibility mode, but you will likely encounter graphical glitches, printing errors, and instability. Intuit will not provide any technical support. The only guaranteed compatible operating systems are those listed on its original system requirements (e.g., Windows 7, 8).
Q2: I lost my product number. What can I do?
A2: If you cannot retrieve it from the old installation or paperwork, you must contact Intuit Sales with proof of purchase. Without it, you cannot reinstall. This underscores the importance of keeping licensing information in a secure, accessible place.
Q3: After reinstalling, my integrated third-party apps don't work.
A3: You will need to re-download and reinstall any third-party applications (e.g., payment processors, time tracking). You may also need to re-establish the connection within those apps and within QuickBooks (Edit > Preferences > Integrated Applications).
Reinstalling QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2015 is a detailed procedure that demands preparation, particularly in backing up data and deactivating licenses. The key to success is performing a clean uninstall using dedicated tools, installing all subsequent updates, and carefully restoring your data. Given the age of the software, anticipate compatibility challenges with modern operating systems and hardware. This reinstall process can serve as a temporary fix, but it also highlights the risks of running an unsupported version—including lack of security updates, tax table updates, and technical support. The most strategic long-term solution is to plan a migration to a currently supported version of QuickBooks Enterprise.