QuickBooks Error 1336: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

QuickBooks Error 1336 is a Windows Installer error that occurs when Windows cannot create a temporary file required to complete the installation. The error message may identify the folder where Windows encountered the problem and display an additional system error code. If you are also experiencing difficulties installing the software, check our guide on Can’t Install QuickBooks Desktop for additional troubleshooting steps. It can interrupt QuickBooks Desktop installation and prevent the setup from completing successfully.

Possible contributing factors include restricted access to the temporary folder, insufficient permissions, security software interference, or problems with the Windows environment. Identifying the affected folder and investigating the accompanying system error code can help determine the appropriate solution.

This detailed guide will explain the common causes/ symptoms/ and effective troubleshooting methods to help you resolve QuickBooks Desktop installation error 1336.

What Is QuickBooks Error 1336?

It is an installation error that occurs when Windows encounters problems accessing/ creating/ or extracting the files required to install QuickBooks Desktop. Corrupted system files can provoke the QB error code 1336. It may appear due to corrupted installation files/ insufficient folder permissions/ temporary file issues/ or problems with the Windows Installer service.

The QuickBooks installation process may stop unexpectedly, and you will be unable to complete the setup when this error occurs. Resolving the underlying installation/ permission issue can help you install QuickBooks Desktop successfully.

What Causes Windows Installer Error 1336 in QuickBooks?

This error may occur when Windows encounters difficulties accessing/ processing the files required for installation. The following are possible reasons:

• Damaged/incomplete setup files can interrupt the installation process.
• Restricted folder access may prevent the installer from creating/ modifying files.
• Problems accessing the Windows temporary folder can interfere with installation.
• Damaged/ malfunctioning installer components may interrupt setup.
• Security software may block access to certain installation files.
• Limited storage can prevent installation files from being extracted successfully.

Note: These are potential installation-related causes, not an official Intuit-confirmed list specific to QuickBooks Error 1336.

Common Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 1336 when Installing

When error 1336 occurs in QuickBooks, users may experience the following problems throughout the installation process:

• Installation Failure – QuickBooks Desktop installation stops before completion.
• Error Message Appears – Windows displays Error 1336 during the setup process.
• Setup Interruption – The installer unexpectedly stops processing installation files.
• Temporary File Issues – Windows may fail to create/ access required temporary files.
• Repeated Installation Failure – Retrying the installation may produce the same error.
• Incomplete Setup – QuickBooks Desktop may remain unavailable because installation was unsuccessful.

What to Check Before Troubleshooting Error 1336 in QuickBooks

Before fixing the error, make sure your computer and installation files are ready. These checks can help prevent additional installation problems.

• Verify that your Windows version meets the system requirements for your QB edition.
• Make sure you have the correct QuickBooks product and license information.
• Obtain the installation file from the official website.
• Ensure you can run the installer with the necessary Windows permissions.
• Make sure your computer has sufficient free disk space.
• If you need to upgrade/ reinstall QuickBooks, create a backup of your accounting data first.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1336 During Installation

Consider several troubleshooting methods to resolve installation issues with QuickBooks Desktop. Here are the simple methods to resolve QuickBooks error 1336:

Method 1: Run QuickBooks Installer as an Administrator

Running the installer with administrator privileges can help prevent permission-related installation problems.

• Close all running QuickBooks applications.
• Locate the downloaded QuickBooks installation file.
• Right-click the installer.
• Select Run as Administrator.
• Click Yes when the User Account Control prompt appears.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Method 2: Check and Fix Windows TEMP Folder Permissions

Incorrect permissions for the Windows TEMP folder can prevent the installer from creating required temporary files.

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
• Type %TEMP% and press Enter.

• Right-click an empty area inside the TEMP folder.
• Select Properties.
• Open the Security tab and click Edit.
• Select your Windows username.
• Under the Allow column, enable Full Control if it is not already enabled.
• Click Apply and OK.
• Retry the QuickBooks installation.

Method 3: Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool helps identify and repair common installation problems.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Download and install the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Select Installation Issues.
• Click QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.

• Allow the tool to complete its scan. It may take up to 20 minutes.
• Restart your computer.
• Install QuickBooks Desktop again.

Method 4: Create a New Windows Administrator Account

A Windows user profile with restricted permissions may prevent QuickBooks from completing installation.

• Open the Windows Settings menu.
• Select Accounts.
• Choose Other users or Family & other users.
• Select Add account.
• Follow the instructions to create a new Windows account.
• Open the new account’s settings.
• Select Change account type.
• Choose Administrator and click OK.
• Sign out of your existing Windows account.
• Sign in using the new administrator account.
• Run the QuickBooks installer again.

Method 5: Install QuickBooks Desktop in Selective Startup Mode

Selective Startup helps determine whether background applications/ services are interfering with QuickBooks installation. Sometimes, security software or firewall restrictions can interfere with QuickBooks installation and updates. Read our guide on Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks to learn how firewall settings can affect QuickBooks connectivity.

Step 1: Switch to Selective Startup

• Press Windows + R.
• Type msconfig and press Enter.

• Open the General tab.
• Select Selective startup and Load system services.

• Go to the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services.

• Select Disable all.
• Uncheck Hide all Microsoft services.
• Find and check Windows Installer.
• Click OK and select Restart.

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop

• After restarting, run the QuickBooks installation file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 3: Restore Normal Startup

• Press Windows + R.
• Type msconfig and press Enter.
• Open the General tab.
• Select Normal startup.

• Click OK and restart your computer.

Method 6: Repair Damaged Windows Installer Components

If Windows Installer components are damaged, QuickBooks installation may fail. It is better to seek assistance from Data Service Team experts when the underlying Microsoft component needs repair.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and other running applications.
• Restart your computer.
• Check whether Windows Installer-related problems continue.
• Contact a qualified IT professional/ Microsoft support.
• Ask them to inspect and repair damaged Windows Installer components.
• Restart your computer after the repair.
• Try installing QuickBooks Desktop again.

Note: Do not delete/ change Windows Installer system files manually. This can cause additional installation problems.

Method 7: Run System File Checker

The SFC scan can help resolve QuickBooks Error 1336 if the error is caused by missing/ corrupted Windows system files that block the installation/ update process.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and other running applications.
• Open the Windows Start menu.
• Search for Command Prompt.
• Right-click Command Prompt and click Yes if prompted.
• Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
• Wait until Windows completes the system file scan.
• Follow any repair instructions displayed on the screen.
• Restart your computer and try installing QuickBooks Desktop again.

Note: Use SFC as an additional troubleshooting step if you suspect Windows system file corruption.

What Is the Difference Between QuickBooks Error 1336, 1334, and 1335?

All these errors are associated with installation-related problems, but each indicates a different issue.

Note: Intuit specifically documents Error 1334 as involving missing or damaged installation files or .NET Framework problems. The descriptions of Errors 1336 and 1335 above are general Windows Installer explanations, not confirmed diagnoses for every occurrence.

Can QuickBooks Error 1336 Cause Data Loss or Damage Your Company File?

QB Error 1336 is an installation issue and does not indicate damage to your company file. Here are the key points:

• No Damage to Company File – Error 1336 affects installation, not your financial records.
• Separate Storage – Company files are stored separately from installation files, so uninstalling QuickBooks won’t delete them.
• Installation Failure – If the installation is interrupted by this error, it does not mean your company file is at risk.
• Caution While Troubleshooting – Improper handling during troubleshooting can endanger data, so be careful with file modifications.
• Backup Importance – Always back up your company file before repairing or reinstalling QuickBooks.
• Verify Accessibility – After troubleshooting, check that your company file opens and that your data is intact.

Remember, Error 1336 does not imply company file corruption or loss, and maintaining a recent backup is wise.

Tips to Avoid QuickBooks Error 1336 Moving Forward

Follow these simple precautions to reduce the chances of encountering QuickBooks Error 1336 temporary file during future installations/ updates:

• Install the latest available QuickBooks Desktop releases.
• Always download QuickBooks setup files from Intuit’s official website.
• Ensure your Windows account has the necessary permissions to access installation folders.
• Keep the Windows TEMP folder accessible and avoid unnecessary changes to its permissions.
• Ensure sufficient storage before installing/ updating QuickBooks.
• Make sure your antivirus/ firewall does not block legitimate QuickBooks installation files.
• Install available Windows updates to keep system components functioning properly.

• Back up your QuickBooks company file before performing major software changes.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 1336 can interrupt the installation process and prevent you from using QuickBooks Desktop. This error occurs due to corrupted installation files/ incorrect Windows permissions/ temporary folder issues/ or problems with Windows Installer. To resolve it, check your folder permissions/ clear temporary files/ and run the installer as an administrator. If the problem continues, download a fresh installation file/ perform a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop. Create a backup of your company file to protect your financial data and avoid unexpected data loss when making major changes.

Still struggling with QuickBooks Error 1336 Windows Installer? Let our Data Service Team experts handle the technical troubles and help you get QuickBooks Desktop back on track. Call +1(888)-718-7888 to connect with an expert and get assistance with resolving your QuickBooks installation issues.