Fix QuickBooks Error Code 3371

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Quick Solution to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 3371


You are trying to run your QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to generate some very important invoices, but instead of the familiar interface of the software, the screen displays the QuickBooks 3371 error. If that's the case you are not alone, many a QuickBooks users at one time or another have faced this particularly annoying issue.

Most of the time the main culprit behind the 3371 error of QuickBooks is a missing or a damaged file, which prevents the license data from loading into the QuickBooks Desktop software. If you are wondering what to do to resolve this issue, we have compiled a number of quick fixes in this guide. Follow and execute them step by step and hopefully one of them will certainly rectify the issue.


Exact Causes behind QuickBooks Error Code 3371


As most of the technical people know that any software once installed get its license details saved in the hard drive for validation purpose. This process implies for QuickBooks accounting application as well, As if this information or details get corrupted, users are left with no other option but to know the causes or reasons of errors erupting in accounting software. The system signature is validated by the software to check the license details during configuration of hardware.

The cloning of drive is the sole cause behind the frequent QuickBooks Error 3371 as initiating the process can mess up the hardware configuration completely. The mismatch that occurs in the configuration of software upon startup, germinates the seed in the form of QuickBooks error code that keeps prompting up during startup of application.


"License data can't be loaded by QuickBooks. The missing or corrupt file can be the core reason"

Entitlement file is the main reason behind the QuickBooks error 3371. The outdated OS can also be one of the causes as it creates a security shield across some files to prevent those from malicious attack or virus /malware infection.


Error 3371 Repairing Doesn't Resolve the Issue– Permanent solution is needed

It's true that repairing cannot resolve the issue as the error code will keep coming up on the screen even if the process is executed successfully.


What to ensure before attempting to fix QuickBooks error 3371?


QuickBooks is specialized software that requires some specific settings for smooth functioning. Before you attempt to rectify the 3371 error make sure your system meets all the required settings.

  • First of all, make sure that you have the latest version of the windows installed. If you can't do that at least make sure that windows have the latest update installed.
  • Make sure that you have the dat file of QuickBooks desktop. This file contains the license information of QuickBooks. If the file is missing QuickBooks will not start and you may have to install the software again.
Read: Resolve QuickBooks online login problem

Procedure to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 3371


The solution of QuickBooks error code 3371 is not that difficult but you need to fix this issue carefully by implementing certain steps that are formulated as per the operating system compatibility. In order to keep the things up to the mark and not adding much more issues, it is recommended to follow.

These below- mentioned steps aligned. As it is told earlier that renaming the entitlement file can only help you in resolving the issues, you can go ahead with the procedure and fix problems at the earliest. Once it is done, you need to re-register the QuickBooks desktop enterprise accounting software

Close all the running instances of QuickBooks

  • First, close the QuickBooks software.
  • Now open the task manager.
  • Click on the processes tab.
  • Find all the running processes named QBW32.EXE and close them.
  • Open the run window and enter C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
  • This will open the windows explorer window of the entered location.
  • Search for the ecml file and delete it, by right-clicking on it and then on delete option.
  • Start the QuickBooks Desktop again, you will be asked for registration. Complete the process.
  • This will in most cases resolve the 3371 error.

For Windows XP Users

As if you're using Windows XP operating system, follow these necessary instructions to troubleshoot QuickBooks 3371 enterprise error.

  • Tap the start icon and select run
  • Look for the entitlement file named as DataStore.ecml. If data file is not found directly, follow the path "C:/ Documents and Settings/ All Users/Application/ DataIntuit/Entitlement/ Clientv2".
  • Press OK and then rename the Entitlement file
  • Now attempt to access the data file and hopefully, it will work fine

For Windows 7 User

  • Access "C:/Program/Data/Intuit/Entitlement Client"
  • Rename the entitlement file
  • The new file gets generated as you start the application
  • If the data folder is concealed, then opt for the below-listed steps:
    • Open computer device and click on QuickBooks App
    • Click Organize> Folder and search options>Vi
    • Look for the hidden files and folders in the device and rename them
    • Relaunch QuickBooks and try to access data file in a feasible way.
    • Don't worry, everything will work fine if the steps are followed carefully

Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool search and rectify the errors related to the components necessary for smooth running QuickBooks software, such as the Microsoft .NET Framework, MSXML, and C++

  • First, download and save the QuickBooks install and diagnostic tool on your computer.
  • Run the tool.
  • Let the diagnostic tool check for the errors.
  • Once the process is complete, restart the computer.
  • Check whether the QuickBooks error 3371 is resolved or not.

Update the windows and the QuickBooks software

  • Install the latest update available for the windows installed on your system.
  • Also, make sure that you have the latest version of the QuickBooks installed.
Related Quiery: - QuickBooks Update

Re-Install the QuickBooks

  • If all the given solution fails clean installation of the software also sometimes resolve the issue.
  • So first completely uninstall the QuickBooks software and then reinstall it.
Related Quiery: - Install QuickBooks Desktop Pro for windows or Install QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

Note:- If even after applying all the given fixes you are still facing the 3371 error, or if you think that this whole troubleshooting process is overwhelming, it will be best to contact the QuickBooks customer support for instant fix QuickBooks error 3371 status code.

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