How to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 – Could Not Initialize License Properties

QuickBooks Error 3371 occurs when users are unable to open or load the license file. Users may encounter this error due to corrupted QB registration.datafile, MSXML component, EntitlementDataStore.ecml file, outdated Windows OS, improper antivirus settings, or issues with WebConnect file. Users will encounter this error along with the below-mentioned error messages:

• “Could not initialize license properties. [Error 3371, Status Code -11118] QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.”
• “Could not initialize license properties. Error 3371: QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.”
• “Could not initialize license properties. [Error: 3371, Status Code -1] QuickBooks could not load the license data. This may be caused by missing or damaged files.”

Before you start resolving error 3371, you must create a backup of the company file. By doing so, you will not lose important financial data of your company. In this article, you will gain insights on QuickBooks Error 3371 and 7 solutions to resolve QuickBooks Error 3371.

Solution 1: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub to Fix the 3371 Error

Users must download the QuickBooks Tool Hub separately to use this tool to fix Error Code 3371.

Step 1: Download QuickBooks Tool Hub and Install It

1. Close QuickBooks before proceeding.
2. You will have to visit the official website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub, i.e.  (1.6.0.5).
3. After this, you must save it to a location you can easily find, such as your Downloads folder or desktop.
4. Open the downloaded file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe) and follow the installation prompts. Agree to the terms and conditions.
5. After you have successfully installed the tool hub, you must double-click on its icon and open it.

Note: Search for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in your Windows search bar if you can’t locate the icon,

Step 2: Run the 3371 Error Fix Tool

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Navigate to the Installation Issues tab.
3. Click on 3371 Error Fix and select OK.
4. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop and access your company file to verify if the error is resolved.

Solution 2: Delete the Entitlement Data File

The entitlement file stores your license information, and if it’s corrupted, it can cause errors.

1. Open the Windows search bar, type “Run,” and press Enter.
2. In the Run dialog box, type:
   • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8
   • Use C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v6 if this doesn’t open the folder

Note: Ensure hidden items are enabled in File Explorer if you still can’t locate the folder

3. Find and delete the file named EntitlementDataStore.ecml. Confirm the deletion.
4. Reopen QuickBooks and follow the on-screen steps to re-register the product.

Solution 3: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

A fresh installation can replace damaged files that might be causing the error.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Control Panel.
2. You must choose the Programs and Features options or Uninstall a Program option
3. Locate your QuickBooks Desktop version from the list and click Uninstall/Change.
4. Follow the prompts to remove QuickBooks.

Note: Sign in as an administrator and try again if you don’t see the uninstall option.

Step 2: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

1. You must visit the official website of Intuit and then download the QuickBooks Desktop file.
2. Go to the folder where the downloaded file is saved and then double-click on the file to install it.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall QuickBooks.
4. Open QuickBooks and verify if the error are resolved.

Solution 4: Rename the Entitlement File

Renaming the entitlement file forces QuickBooks to create a new one, fixing potential corruption issues.

For Windows 10 or 11 Users:

1. Click on the start menu, search for Control Panel, and then click open it.
2. Navigate to Appearance and Personalization > File Explorer Options > View.
3. Enable the setting for Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
4. Uncheck Hide protected operating system files and click Apply > OK.
5. Go to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v*.
6. Find the file EntitlementDataStore.ecml, rename it, and reopen QuickBooks.

For Windows 7 Users:

1. Follow the path: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v*.
2. Rename the entitlement file and open QuickBooks.

For Windows XP Users:

1. Hit the Windows Key, type Run command, and then hit enter.
2. Enter the path: C:\Documents and Settings\AllUsers\ApplicationData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v2.
3. Rename or delete the EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.

Solution 5: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

This tool can resolve issues related to installation or system dependencies.

Step 1: Open QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Go to the Download Folder or where you have saved the file.
2. Double-click on the downloaded QuickBooks Tool Hub file.

Step 2: Run the Diagnostic Tool

1. Click on the Installation Issues tab and then choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool option.
2. After this, you must Allow QuickBooks Tool Hub to run and fix error 3371.

Note: This process will take up to 20 minutes, users are advised not to close any tabs.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

1. After the tool completes, restart your system.
2. Lastly, you must open the QuickBooks Desktop application to see if you are still facing error 3371 or not.

Solution 6: Manually Troubleshoot the Error

You can manually address the issue if automated tools don’t resolve the error:

Step 1: Repair the Entitlement File

In order to manually fix QuickBooks Error 3371, you will have to delete the damaged EntitlementDataStore.ecml file, as explained in Solution 2.

Step 2: Fix Microsoft Components

Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to repair issues with Microsoft .NET Framework, MSXML, or C++ components.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Installation

1. Uninstall QuickBooks as described in Solution 3.
2. Reinstall QuickBooks using a clean installation process.

Step 4: Run the Reboot.bat File

1. Locate and run the Reboot.bat file (found in the QuickBooks installation folder) to re-register QuickBooks components.
2. Update QuickBooks to the latest version.

Solution 7: Update Your Windows Operating System

Users are less likely to face the QuickBooks Error 3371 if they keep their operating system updated. Enlisted below are the steps to ensure that your Windows Operating System is updated.

Step 1: Check for Updates

1. Open the Start menu and search for Windows Update.
2. Click on the Check for Updates button and then allow your computer system to scan for available updates.

Step 2: Install Updates

Download and install all available updates. The system will display “Windows is up to date”, if no updates are found.

Step 3: Reinstall QuickBooks

After updating Windows, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop and check if the issue is resolved.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 3371?

Mentioned below are the prerequisites or precautionary steps for fixing this error without facing any data loss or other technical issues.

• Create a Backup of Your Company File: Always create a secure backup of your QuickBooks company file before troubleshooting to avoid data loss.
• Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: A reliable and strong internet connection is essential to download tools or updates required for resolving the error.
• Update Windows and QuickBooks Desktop: Confirm that both your Windows operating system and QuickBooks software are updated to their latest versions for smooth troubleshooting.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Desktop Error 3371?

QuickBooks Error 3371 can be prevented by ensuring that their Windows and QuickBooks are always updated to the latest versions. You will have to regularly back up your QuickBooks data to protect against data loss. Apart from these two, it is also important to keep your system secure with trusted antivirus software and avoid opening files from untrusted sources.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Error 3371?

You can identify Error 3371 whenever the QuickBooks Desktop cannot load important license files. You might also notice the error message that is displayed on your screen stating, “QuickBooks could not load the license data”.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Error 3371?

You must seek professional help if the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article are not enough to resolve the issue. You can also seek professional help if you’re unable to perform the troubleshooting steps on your own.

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