Windows 98 and Quickbooks Key Code problem

[PFM56]

Hi,

Hoping someone may be able to advise us with this nightmare. We run a small part-time business that has been successfully using QB 2002 for nigh on seven years. A week ago, I started the computer as normal, but could only get it to open in Safe Mode. QB was still available. Lord knows what buttons were pushed in an attempt to get the computer going, but eventally we got the message that we needed Internet Explorer 5.5 before QB would open. By this stage, I finally found a computer chap to have a look. He downloaded IE 5.5, the screen returned to normal and we thought all was well, until we tried to open QB. Now it refuses to open because it wants a 'valid installation key code' followed by an unistall/reinstall. I can't locate the disc that came with the business and the QB company wants me to spend almost $800 (to buy upgrade + labour to install) which we don't have spare. I have spent hours searching the net and found one similar post where the advice fixed the problem. Instruction  was to go to the registry, select Intuit and a series of steps finds the mystery key code - only problem I have is that there is no Intuit in my registry, but everything else appears in the Explorer window. Just seems crazy that I can't find a key code via the system that has been used for seven years. Any help would be gratefully accepted. Thanks in advance.

[Geek-9pm]

Welcome!
Computer Hope is the number one location for free computer help.
The forum  help everyone with all computer questions.

Off the top of my head there is nothing I can think of. But let me ask a question. This is a business and your software consultant should have set up a backup plan for you, That should have included a way to replicate the entire system. So do you have that backup system at hand?

Perhaps some others here have an idea.

EDIT: Hust found that  QuickBooks Pro 2002 [OLD VERSION] (CD-ROM) by Intuit  is sold retail for about $150 in the open market. Try Amazon.com and do NOT get an upgrade. Use the original version you have.

[PFM56]

Hi,

Thank you for your welcome and help.

When I bought the business the previous owner used his disc to download the QB programme onto our computer and then left that 'copied' disc with us. Until this time, I've never had to use that disc (and part of the reason I'm having trouble locating it, unfortunately), but the only backup we have is the data storage on the stick.

I looked at Amazon, but we have QB Plus, so wasn't sure if QB Pro would work, perhaps it would, as imagine it's just more detailed than the Plus.

Will also ask another question, if I was able to access someone else's installation disc for 2002, would that possibly reinstate the registry/programme? Wish I knew more about computers!!

Thanks, again..........................2:00a.m. in my part of the world, so best get some rest before I start again with this little dilemma.

[truenorth]

Do you know if that computer has ever had "restore points" created on it that would include a time at which the QB program was on it? Ie 5.5 is an old version of IE --do you know if a more current version of IE will work with that 2002 version of QB ?truenorth
P.S. CAUTION--if you do go the restore route you will lose all accumulated additions that were created AFTER the restore point until today.                                                                                                                     

[Geek-9pm]

I believe 'safe mode' was in Windows 2000 but restore points were not. The OP did not indicate if the system was Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Quicken 2002 should work on either.

My hunch is that a hardware failure or glitch made the QB reset its Key ID trigger. Example, sudden lost of time due to a CMOS battery failure throws the time back and QB might  find  this as a sign of deliberate copyright infringement. Or some other hardware change may trigger the request for Product-Key.

[PFM56]

As far as I know the computer has no restore points.................

[Geek-9pm]

Right. I just now noticed that you had said Windows 98.
You should be able to install a fresh copy of the same version of QB and recover your data from the data backup.

On this forum we do not tell people to circumvent product Key issues when people do not have the original disc. Please understand. 

[PFM56]

Absolutely understand and not trying to attempt anything through the back door, just wanting to use my registered product in the way it was intended.

If I had received more help from Quickbooks/Reckon, other than spend $800, I would be more than happy, but being registered with them seems to be a waste of time if you happen to have an old programme and need help.

Thanks.................................

[rthompson80819]

One option for you would be to try QB online.  It has a 30 day free trial and is only $12.95 US per month if you like it.

http://quickbooksonline.intuit.com/finance-accounting-solutions/

Since you have your data backed up it should be simple to set up.  I haven't used QB for many years, but I remember it being fairly easy to set up and use.   I wouldn't pay any one to set it up for you.

[PFM56]

Thank you, will have a look at the site.

In Australia it's $25.00AU per month and a further $200-$300 to 'set-up' on our computer. Not sure we could access the US site, but worth a shot at this point.

Thanks again.

[PFM56]

Just been on Live Chat and unfortunately, the online service isn't 'international'.

[rthompson80819]

Too bad.

[Geek-9pm]

Very likely there are people in Australia that have an old copy of Quicken that they no longer use. There should not be a problem with using the older version with its product key.You want a version that works on Windows 98. In Australia you should be able to find one for under 100 AU on the Australian eBay site. You might have to get on the eBay forum there and ask around.
Newer versions of QB go for 350 AU more or less. But the newer version may not even work well with Windows 98. If you have a friend that has the old version, see if the old product key will work for you. But it may not be possible to register the product with Intuit. Still, worth a try.

Check out http://www.ebay.com.au

[Geek-9pm]

I found this posted about 3 years ago.

... Quickbooks 2002 Install CD I could either borrow / buy / get a copy of, please?
I am a proper licensed user of Quickbooks 2002, so there's no license issue with me getting a copy of the install CD ...  I should have had a backup copy ...
...lent the Install CD to my accountant years ago when they did my accounts. I never asked for it back as I never needed it. Until now. They have since lost the install CD. Their employee who used to deal with my accounts has left.
http://community.intuit.com/posts/quickbooks-2002-install-cd

On that forum  were some possible answers. The OP may want to try the Intuit forum and see if he can get help from other users.