An Ultimate Guide to Help You Address QuickBooks Error 1638

Businesses use the QBDT application to maintain their inventory and financial records. There can be times when you may encounter the QuickBooks error 1638 in your system. This issue is usually seen when you are trying to install another version of the application when you already have one at present. 

The error can be seen if multiple versions of QB or incomplete installation processes are causing conflicts in your system. Through this blog, we will guide you on how you can recognize the error and fix it without any failure.

If you need any help updating the QuickBooks application, feel free to contact our expert.

Troubleshooting Methods to Help You Fix the QuickBooks Error 1638

To tackle the error 1638, follow the steps below in the order and manner instructed.

Method 1: Update the QuickBooks Desktop

The issue can arise in your system if you are using an older version of QBDT.

1. Close all the running processes in your application.
2. Tap on the Start menu.
3. Locate the QBDT from the list.
4. Right-click on the application.
5. Choose the Run as administrator option.
6. When the No Company window appears, head to the Help menu.
7. Tap on the Update QuickBooks Desktop option.
   
8. Head to the Options tab.
9. Choose the Mark All and hit Save.
10. Head to the Update Now option.
11. Tap on the Reset Update checkbox.
    
12. Click on the Get Updates option.

Let the update download and install. Then restart your system to install the updates.

Method 2: Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

When the installation error is seen in your system, and you are unable to perform any operations in the application, you can clean install the QuickBooks Desktop application to tackle the issue and start working again hassle-free.

Method 3: Launch QuickBooks as an Administrator

You can access the QBDT application as an admin to avoid errors in your system. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Start menu. 
2. Locate the QuickBooks Desktop application.
3. Right-click the logo.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. If prompted on the home screen, tap on Yes to allow the application to run.

You can also use the QB Tool Hub to fix the issue with your system.

Method 4: Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub

To begin using the tool, you are required to download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub first.

1. Launch the Tool Hub in your system.
2. Go to the Programs Problem tab.
3. Then, tap on the Quick Fix my Program tool option.
   
4. Let the tool run and scan the system to fix the issue.

By using the tool, you can rectify the issue in your system and overcome it.

Method 5: Verify the Restriction Policy

You are required to check the policies on your device by following the steps as mentioned below.

1. Tap on the Start menu.
2. Locate and access the Control Panel.
   
3. Click on the Administrative Tools.
4. Choose the Local Protection settings.
5. Select the Software Restriction Policies option.
6. If not restricted, right-click on the Nord with the specified program restriction rule.
7. Then, go to the New Software Policy.
8. Now, double-tap on the Enforce.
9. Choose the All Customers Except Community Admins.
10. Tap on OK.

Once the steps are complete, restart your system to apply the changes you made, and check whether the QuickBooks error 1638 persists.

Method 6: Configure the Windows Firewall

If the antivirus is blocking the application process, you may follow the steps below to fix it and start working again.

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Locate the Windows Firewall in the search bar and access it.
3. Head to the Advanced Settings.
4. Now, right-click on the Inbound Rules.
5. Click on the New Rule option.
6. Select the Port and choose Next.
7. Ensure that TCP is selected.
8. Under the specific local port areas, enter the ports as per the QuickBooks version:
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
   • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
9. Once you have entered the port number.
10. Click on Next.
11. Then, tap on the Allow the Connection option.
12. Again, hover on Next.
13. If prompted, select all profiles and click Next.
14. Now, create a new rule and name it QBPorts (year).
15. Click on Finish to save the changes.

This will fix the antivirus issues that you are facing in your system and allow access for the QBDT application.

Possible Causes Behind the QuickBooks Error 1638

There may be multiple reasons you encounter the issue in your system. Go through the following mentioned below to identify the reason in your case.

1. The most common issue for error 1638 is when your system has two different versions of QuickBooks Desktop installed. When you try to install or update a version, the existing version creates a conflict that causes the process to fail.
2. If the QB installation process is interrupted due to a system error or the file is installed incorrectly, you are required to perform a proper installation of the application.
3. There may be times when the antivirus or firewall blocks Windows services required for QuickBooks installation. This can cause the QB error 1638 in your system and halt your operations.
4. If the source for the install is damaged, this can cause problems that result in a problematic install of QuickBooks Desktop, which in turn can cause issues such as the QB error code 1638 to occur.
5. The count of viruses on the hard drives, which can be from outside or downloaded from a suspected site, leads to the total collapse of the Windows operating system.

These can be the reasons why you may encounter the error and be unable to perform operations for your business.

Quick View Table for QuickBooks Error 1638

Below, we have made a table to help you recall what we have talked about in this blog.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have explained how you can overcome the QuickBooks error 1638. This error is usually caused when you have two different versions of the application on your system. Further, we also talked about the causes behind the error. If you need any further help with your company files, you can contact our ProAdvisor Solutions experts for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Peter Adams

Peter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong background in public accounting and accounting technology. After starting his career as an audit senior, he worked with organizations across various industries and gained hands-on experience with complex accounting standards. At Pro Advisor Solutions, Peter helps clients navigate new accounting requirements. His goal is to simplify processes, improve accuracy, and boost confidence in finance reporting.