installing an upgrade 2003 QuickBooks without old version key #

Since your 2003 is an upgrade version, you need to have a prior version of the program installed on your computer. That's why I always recommend that my clients spend the extra dollars to get a full version, instead of the upgrade.

So, what do you think I should do now is there any way around it? Obviously I had to have the original Quickbook information in order to install the upgrade is there any way you think that I can retrieve that from my computer? or from Quickbooks?

I responded to your email.

I am also trying to install quickbooks on a new computer and do not have the original cd or codes. can you e-mail me the workaround on this?

you need to have the original disc with the complete version of the software as well as the upgrader version of the software.

if you can't locate your original disc, you can contact qb - they will replace the disc for a fee if you have previously registered (this may not apply to versions that have been 'sunsetted' and are no longer supported)

My hard drive died and I want to use my Quickbooks 2001 on the new drive. However, while I have the manual and the disk, I do not have the key code. I cleverly put the QB disk into a disk holder with other useful disks and didn't even think to record the key code. Now all I have is the box, the manual (where I should have written the key code, but didn't) and the disk. Is there some way I can get the key code?

steve, is there ANY way you can access qb on the old computer?

the info is in it - open qb and hit Ctrl and the number 1 to open the Product Infomation screen.

I have Quickbooks basic 2004 on my dell 4400 and Inspiron laptop. On both of these when I try to backup I get the message that the backup failed. When I then try to access the drive thru MS Explorer it shows nothing but a blank page and will not show the contents of the disk...or thumb drive... even though the info is there. After a lot of fiddling it will finally back up for a few days then the same process starts again. I tried reinstalling Quickbooks. It failed on the desktop...would not shut down and reboot when done... but succeeded on the laptop. AS above, worked for a few days then failed to backup or recognize the drive.

Unfortunately, when I try to access the QB I have on my backup drive, it immediately closes down because it is missing a particular .dll file. The file is actually there, but moving it to the new drive doesn't work. It probably doesn't really model the version that was on the hard drive that died. I'll play with it some and see if I can get to the information you talk about.
Thanks for providing a clue, at least.

do a search on the hard drive for a file with the extension of .qbl and then open it in notepad or wordpad.

most of what's there isn't readable as it's in code...you will find your installation key code and the registration numbers (right next to each other - key first and reg # second) about halfway through the file.

the key code has 5 numbers,5 numbers,5 numbers,6 numbers (with a dash between each group) and then right after that you'll see the reg# which is 5 numbers, 4 numbers, 5 numbers, 4 numbers (again, with dashes between each group).

SOunds good. Thanks.

When I open QB I get a message to update. I click "yes" I want to update. It tries and then I get another message "File Core2.lim is wrong version, please reinstall & try again". Help!!! I have no clue what it all means.

follow the message and reinstall the sofware - see my post to the other issue - it has step-by-step instructions to reinstall...

I just wanted to say that I found the advice on how to get the key address very direct and useful. Just a couple of notes. (1) in my 2001 version, all I got in Notepad was the numbers themselves. No strange code - just the numbers I was looking for. (2) I still had a problem afterwards because my version before had been drastically updated but the version I had to install was the basic one. For awhile it kept telling me that my files were done by a later program, when it actually meant I needed the updates. Everything is fine now.

glad you resolved everything.

1) i've got 2003 - so yeah, the format might be different, glad it was crystal clear for you tho!

2) when reinstalling, you must update the software from within a sample company BEFORE restoring your company file (it's usually in a later, updated format and won't be readable by the software straight off the disc.

hi

first of all im using quickbooks pro 2001 single user and wanted to convert to 5 users by upgrading it to 2005 for 5 users. since im in africa and dont know where to buy it,and quickbooks.com just sale it to US and canada resident as i guess, how can i buy it. i bought quickbooks pro 2001 from uk and dont know withere its compatible with what is in quickbooks.com. i dont know which version is mine (canada, us or uk) where nothing is indicated in "about quickbooks pro" in help tab other than "quickbooks pro 2001".

in case i find a plac to buy from does full version of quickbooks pro 2005 for 5 users will upgrade my 2001 version....

i'll appriciate any help...

I too am having the problem of trying to install an upgrade version of QB 2004 on a new computer. I am sure I ditched all the older versions some time back thinking I would no longer need them. I have used Quickbooks and Quicken continuosly for over 15 years. But I am stuck without the prior version for install.

Do you know a work around? Thanks so much!

hello,

let me tell u that clearly that you cannot install upgrade version without possessing previous version of quickbooks (an exception is version 2005..where you can install upgrade but you can use it for only 15 uses).

what u can do right now...to intall full version get "keycode request form" on "quicklinks" on quickbooks home page to get installation keycode for full version.

Here is the link to the page the poster suggests: http://www.quickbooks.com/keyc...