Let’s Fix the Unable to Start Intuit Update Service Error

The unable to start Intuit update service error can pose various challenges for users globally. These services are crucial to update programs in the background. But, when it doesn’t start, users encounter issues like the inability to avail of improved features and benefits. So let’s look into the various methods to rectify this issue and attack the root triggers of the error.

QuickBooks accounting solutions offer numerous utilities to users. It allows for streamlined accounting and bookkeeping operations for individuals or companies. Regardless of who uses it, updating the Intuit services constantly is crucial to keep it running smoothly. However, users may face troubles when they encounter unable to start Intuit update service error message. 

Here’s a detailed guide with step-by-step explanations of the different sections of the error. Let’s understand everything, realize how to eliminate the issue, and continue operating smoothly.

Are you bothered by the unable to start Intuit update service error? Let QB technicians look at your problem by contacting them at 1-855-542-9309. They’ll understand your issue and extract the necessary solution without wasting your productive time

What is Intuit Update Service?

Intuit Update Service is the software updater program that runs in the Windows background and begins automatically when the PC reboots. This program automatically looks for software updates, downloads, and installs them when found. 

What does unable to Start Intuit Update Service Error mean?

The unable to start the IntuitUpdateService error appears with the error message saying, “Error: Unable to start the “IntuitUpdateService” Error: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.” This error may indicate issues with the installation files. Further, the MS Components and framework may be damaged, resulting in this issue. 

The Intuit Update Service instantly begins updates offered by Intuit in any QB application and add-ons. When you reboot the system, this program runs automatically. Thus, users need not update the application and other components manually. However, when the service doesn’t start, you won’t be able to manage the installation and updates of Intuit services. Problems occur in installing the latest QuickBooks Point of Sale versions. Therefore, quick resolutions are necessary to rectify the situation. 

Why does Intuit Update Service Error Emerge?

Various causes contribute to the Unable to start Intuit Update Service Error in QuickBooks POS. Here are some of the most prominent reasons you must consider:

1. You may have a Beta version of Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 on the computer.
2. The Microsoft .NET Framework is not installed correctly on your device. Missing MS Components may also trigger this error.
3. The installer for QuickBooks Point of Sale may be damaged. Missing installation files may also cause this error.
4. QuickBooks and Microsoft .NET Framework is not compatible.
5. Using an old QuickBooks Point of Sale version may also trigger this error.
6. Windows OS may not be supportive of QuickBooks and QuickBooks POS.
7. Having an outdated QuickBooks Desktop version also results in this error.

Thus, users need to troubleshoot the Unable to Start Intuit Update Service Error by attacking the root triggers of the error.

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Symptoms of Intuit Update Services Error

When you face the unable to start Intuit Update Service error, you can confirm its presence by looking at the following signs:

1. You’ll see the error message corresponding to the error stating, “Unable to start the Intuit Update Services error.” “Error: The Service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.” 
2. Installing or updating QuickBooks Point of Sale Versions isn’t possible.
3. Using QuickBooks is challenging because of the error. Its performance will slow down, lag, freeze, or crash.
4. Windows OS will also work improperly. 
5. Active programs might start crashing or see interferences.
6. Mouse and keyboard commands won’t yield quick responses. 

Seeing these terrible consequences prompt users to resolve the unable to start Intuit Update Service error message. Thus, looking into troubleshooting solutions is necessary. 

Rectification Techniques to Resolve Unable to Start Intuit Update Service error

Here are the in-depth troubleshooting methods to fix QuickBooks Intuit Update Service Error:

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale to the Most Recent Version

You can face the Unable to Start Intuit Update Service error if your QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale is outdated. In such cases, upgrading your version through the following steps will help you resolve the issue:

1. Head to the Product Updates page.
2. Ensure to choose Point of Sale as your product.
3. Undertake the instructions to install a manual update. The steps involve:
4. Open the QB Desktop Point of Sale on your device and hit the Help menu.
5. Select the About Point of Sale option under the Help tab.
6. Check your current QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale version. Head to the Product download page and check for the latest updates here.
7. Choose the Select Product drop-down list and opt for the correct edition and QB Desktop POS version for the latest updates.
8. Save the file on the desktop and double-tap it after downloading the file to begin the installation.
9. Execute all the instructions on the screen and finish the installation of the latest POS version successfully.
10. Reboot your device in order to save the changes.

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Solution 2: Undertake Clean Reinstallation for QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale

When facing problems during reinstallation or running the QuickBooks program, you should do a clean reinstallation. Undertake the following steps for a complete uninstallation and reinstallation of QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale on your computer. However, before proceeding, take the following steps:

1. Form a backup of your data file.
2. Get your QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale download file or installation CD.
3. Ensure to have your License and Product Numbers handy.
4. Before proceeding with the following steps, log into the Windows through Administrator ID.
5. After troubleshooting the Unable to start Intuit Update Service error, use the computers available for restart.

Now, let’s proceed to troubleshoot the error.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Point of Sale

Delete the QuickBooks Point of Sale application through the following steps:

1. Launch the Run Window by pressing Windows + R keys on the keyboard. 
2. Type Control Panel in the search space and hit Enter.
3. Click Programs and Features. However, choose the Uninstall a Program option if the Control Panel window is in Category View.
4. Opt for the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0 in the programs list and hit the Uninstall/ Change option. 
5. Execute all the prompts on the screen to finish the process.

Step 2: Change the Name of the Point of Sale Folders

If you delete the QuickBooks Point of Sale from the server computer (or the computer where the POS data file is saved locally), copy the Point of Sale Data folder and paste it to your system’s desktop. Then, add ‘OLD’ at the end of the folder name as a suggestion for renaming the files. It will restrict QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale from recognizing the old folder and will form a new one.
These are the QuickBooks Desktop POS Folder locations you should follow to rename the folders:

1. C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX
2. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX
3. C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
4. C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0

Step 3: Erase the QBPOSDBSrvUser Windows User

The following step involves deleting the QBPOSDBSrvUser Windows User to resolve the error:

1. Hit the Windows icon on the desktop to open the Start menu. Choose Control Panel from the Programs.
2. Click User Accounts and select the Manage another account option.
3. Tap Continue in the User Account Control window.
4. Choose QBPOSDBSrvUser and opt for the Delete the account option.
5. Ensure the folder is deleted by confirming the decision.
6. Reboot your device to save the changes. 

Step 4: Install QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale

Install the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale successfully with the following steps:

1. Begin by verifying the system requirements and ensuring your computer matches those. It will assure complete compatibility between QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale and your computer.
2. Download the QB Point of Sale from appropriate sources.
3. Undertake the following steps to install Point of Sale after the download finishes:
4. Launch the QB Installation file on your desktop. If a prompt to overwrite the existing extracted files appear, tap Yes to All.
5. Hit Next on the wizard to begin the installation.
6. Go through the license agreement, and if you agree, click the I accept the terms in the license agreement box. Hit Next.
7. Enter your license details and product number. Tap Next.
8. Select one of the following installation types: Use Only this computer for the single user, or use Two or More computers for multiple users.
9. When you opt for installation for two or more computers, choose the workstation type for this computer. A server workstation creates and holds your company data. The client workstation is usually the cash register used to assist customers in their daily sales and possesses access to the program. 
10. Hit Install to start installing. The QuickBooks Point of Sale is installed on this path C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale (version).
11. After installing, activate the QuickBooks Point of Sale, and you’ll be set. Restart your computer and reopen QB to start. 
12. Finally, set up your hardware and use it to process payments.

Step 5: Restore your Company File

If you cannot create a backup, restore the qbpos.db file. You’ll find it in the data folder found on your desktop. 

1. Access the QuickBooks Point of Sale, form a new company file with the name you wish, and restore the created backup. 
2. After restoring the file and verifying it is the suitable data set, check if you can close and open the QuickBooks Point of Sale without errors again. Then, connect with other POS machines, and link with QB Desktop if applicable.
3. Re-register the QuickBooks Point of Sale.

Since QB Desktop and Point of Sale share a few licensing files, ensure you can still access QuickBooks Desktop and register if prompted. If you wish to remove the data folder from your desktop, shift it to another folder, like Public Documents or Shared Documents. Do not delete it. 

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Solution 3: Check the .NET Framework

You should check your Microsoft .NET framework and resolve the unable to start Intuit Update Service error. Do so as follows:

1. Head to the Windows Start menu and opt for Control Panel from the programs.
2. Tap the option to Turn Windows Features On or Off.
3. Hit the .NET Framework 3.5 checkbox. Click OK.
4. Now, try installing the QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale and see if the error persists.

A detailed manual troubleshooting solution to resolve a damaged, corrupted, or missing .NET Framework in Windows 10 and newer are as follows:

1. Exit all active programs and head to the Start menu.
2. Look for the Control panel here and select it.
3. Head to Programs and Features and choose the Uninstall a program option.
4. Opt for Turn Windows Features on or off.
5. Look for .NET Framework on the list.

Verify the settings for both .NET Framework 4.5 or later and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

Here’s how to check NET Framework 4.5 or later:

1. If the .NET Framework 4.5 or later isn’t checked, click it to turn it on.
2. Hit OK to save the changes and reboot your device.
3. However, if the checkbox corresponding to .NET Framework, 4.5 or later, is already checked, in that case, turn it off by removing the check against the box.
4. Hit OK to save the changes.
5. Reboot your device, and when you’re signed back into the Windows, execute the steps to turn .NET Framework 4.5 on again.

Next, verify the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 as follows:

1. If its checkbox is not checked, tick it and turn it on.
2. Save the changes you just made and reboot the system.
3. However, if it is already checked, you should turn it off by erasing the tick against .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. 
4. Tap OK to save the changes and restart your device.
5. After signing back into Windows, execute the steps to turn on the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

You can use the one-stop utility for all QB errors, QuickBooks Tool Hub, to help you fix different errors in the program. and You can download and install it using the instructions given below:

1. Access the official website of Intuit and locate the download link for QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Click it and save the file in the default folder or browse for a custom location. 
3. After downloading the file, double-tap the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file to start the installation process.
4.  Finish installing the QB Tool Hub and begin using it for your needs.

You can find the following tools in QB Tool Hub:

1. Installation Issues- Under the Installation Issues section, you can find QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to resolve errors relating to program updates, installation, etc.
2. Company File Issues- This tab contains QuickBooks File Doctor and Quick Fix My File. You can rectify errors relating to your company file, its corruption, damage, inaccessibility, etc. 
3. Network Issues- Rectify problems relating to network and connectivity through QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool, QuickBooks Database Server Manager, etc. It also contains the QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair tool to fix related errors.
4. Program Problems- If your QuickBooks performance is lagging, you should resolve the issue through Quick Fix My Program in the Program Problems section.
5. Advanced Tools- Avail of advanced tools to repair other errors not covered in different sections.

Hopefully, you won’t see the unable to start Intuit Update Service error after using the tool hub. 

Solution 5: Use the Control Panel for Repair

You can repair your QuickBooks installation and corrupt files through Control Panel. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Open the Control Panel by tapping the Windows icon and launching the Start menu.
2. In the Control Panel Window, select Programs and Features.
3. Further, opt for Uninstall a Program.
4. Choose QuickBooks Desktop from the list.
5. Further, select the Modify/ Repair option given alongside the Uninstall option.
6. Execute the steps allowing you to repair the program. 
7. Once done, you’re free to use the app and see if the errors persist.

Finishing Up

We hope this comprehensive blog detailing every step to rectify the unable to start Intuit update service error benefits you. However, if you’re still stuck in the tangled webs of this error, contact our QB experts at 1-855-542-9309 immediately. You’ll find yourself out of the mess in no time.

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Erica watson

Erica Watson is writing about accounting and bookkeeping for over 7+ years, making even the difficult technical topics easy to understand. She is skilled at creating content about popular accounting and tax softwares such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Quicken, etc. Erica’s knowledge of such softwares allows her to create articles and guides that are both informative and easy to follow. Her writing builds trust with readers, thanks to her ability to explain things clearly while showing a real understanding of the industry.