What causes QuickBooks Error 1606 during updates?

[naxek12631]

Hi everyone,

I’m running into QuickBooks Error 1606 during installation, which indicates a problem with accessing a network location. Has anyone experienced this error and found a solution? I’d appreciate any troubleshooting advice or steps to fix Error 1606 so I can complete the installation.

Thanks!

[harryjowsey67 · Accepted solution]

QuickBooks Error 1606 typically occurs during the installation or update of QuickBooks when the installer cannot access a required location. This error message usually indicates a problem with the Windows registry or system settings that affects the installer’s ability to locate or write to specific directories.

Reasons for QuickBooks Error 1606:

1. Invalid Registry Entries: Corrupted or incorrect registry settings can prevent the installer from accessing required paths.
2. User Profile Issues: Problems with the user profile or permissions might block access to certain directories.
3. Network Location Issues: If the installer tries to access a network location or a path that is not available, it can trigger this error.

Solutions for QuickBooks Error 1606:

1. Check Registry Settings:

   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders.
   • Ensure that the entries under this key (such as “Common Documents”) point to valid and accessible paths. Be cautious when editing the registry; incorrect changes can cause system issues.

2. Verify User Profile Permissions:

   • Ensure that your user account has administrative privileges.
   • Create a new user profile with administrative rights and try the installation again to see if the issue persists.

3. Check Network Locations:

   • Ensure that any network paths the installer needs to access are available and correctly mapped. If you’re installing from a network location, try copying the installation files to your local drive and running the installer from there.

4. Repair Windows Installation:

   • Run the System File Checker tool to repair any corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow, then press Enter.

5. Temporarily Disable Security Software:

   • Disable any antivirus or firewall software temporarily to ensure they aren’t interfering with the installation process.

6. Update Windows:

   • Make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches.

If you continue to encounter QuickBooks Error 1606 after trying these solutions, contacting QuickBooks support for further assistance may be necessary.