How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 1606

QuickBooks Error 1606 happens when a Windows registry entry points to a location that doesn’t exist for your user account. This makes it hard for QuickBooks to find the network, showing the message “Could not Access Network Location.”
You might also come across other errors from the 16XX series during installation or updates, such as:

QuickBooks Error 1601
QuickBooks Installation Error 1603
QuickBooks Error 1642

Potential reasons for QuickBooks Installation error 1606

Here is why you face QuickBooks Error 1606 :

Due to a damaged or corrupt file.
Corrupt setup files while installing QuickBooks Desktop.
Windows registry error.
Unable to access data using Windows installer from the QuickBooks Installation disk due to scratches.

Proven methods to troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 1606

Ensure to restart your system and sign in to the newly created admin account before diving into the solutions to resolve QuickBooks Error 1606

Solution 1 – Creating a new Windows user on Windows 10

Go to the Windows start button -> click settings.
Go to Family and other users mentioned in the accounts section.
Tap on Add someone else on this PC in the Other users’ section.
Tap on ‘ I don’t have this person’s sign-in information’ -> then hit Add a user without a Microsoft Account.
Mention the name and password for this account -> Finish.
In the Account type section, select Administrator and tap OK.

Creating a new user with Admin rights on Windows 7 and Windows 8

Tap on the Windows Start button and type User accounts situated in the Search Programs and files search box.
Tap on User Accounts from the list of all programs.
In the User Accounts section, choose Manage another account and click Create a new account.
Enter the name for the new account, then click Administrator -> hit Details.

Steps to create a new user account on a Windows server

Tap Windows + R to open the Run command.
Mention ServerManager -> tap Enter.
Go to the computer management tab mentioned in the tools section and tap on Local Users and Groups.
Tap Add and mention the required information, i.e, account name and password.
Tap OK to save changes.

Solution 2 – Reinstallation of QuickBooks in Windows safe mode

Using Windows safe mode can remove the interruption between background apps and third-party services. Hence, downloading and installing leads to the occurrence of QuickBooks error 1606 :

Go through the article and restart your Windows in safe mode.
Now, try to install QuickBooks from the downloaded setup file from Intuit’s website.

Solution 3– Downloading the QuickBooks Installation file

Sometimes, due to a scratch on the disc of the QuickBooks installation file CD, the CD drive is unable to access the data on the CD. Hence, it’s advisable to download the QuickBooks Setup file from the QuickBooks Product Download page for the installation.

Solution 4 – Rectifying the incorrect registry subkey

Resolving registry-related keys will fix QuickBooks Error 1606. Follow the steps below to do this :

Open the Run window from the Start menu on your system and type ‘regedit’ in the search bar.
Locate that subkey that holds the registry items you want to change.
Move to the file section -> hit the Export option.
Rename the backup file with the .reg extension when the file name box is displayed on your screen, and save it to finish the process.

Solution 5– Updating Windows version

Using an older version of Windows leads to this QuickBooks error 1606. Follow the steps below to upgrade it :

Open the Start menu and type “updates” in the search bar.
Select Check for Updates from the Update & Security settings.
Allow Windows to search for available updates. If updates are found, click Install now to begin the installation.
Once the process is complete, restart your computer and log back in with your administrator credentials to use the updated Windows OS.

If no updates are found, consider trying alternative troubleshooting methods.

Solution 6 – Using QuickBooks Tool hub utility

In the Start menu, type “updates” in the search bar.
Click on Check for Updates under the Update & Security settings.
Allow the system to search for updates. If any are available, click Install now to proceed with the installation.
Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and log in using administrator credentials to access the updated Windows OS.
If no updates are found, explore other troubleshooting options or contact technical support for assistance.

Recommended : How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 15276

Solution 7 – Undertaking the Rebuild / Verify Data Utility

Using the rebuild / verify data utility in QuickBooks software to fix the error QuickBooks 1606 by following the steps below –
In the QuickBooks Desktop app, select the Utilities option from the file menu.
Then, choose the Rebuild Utility option as this will scan and diagnose the file or automatically repair it.
Now execute Verify data to locate possible errors.
Follow this path: File menu > Utilities > Verify Data.
In case the error still persists, run the Rebuild utility again to resolve the error.

Conclusion

Sometimes, even after trying all the fixes in this guide, QuickBooks Error 1606 might still show up. If you’re still seeing the message “QuickBooks could not access network location,” feel free to call at +1302-549-5471. Our certified experts have years of experience handling these update issues and can help you quickly and clearly.

FAQs

Why do I get QuickBooks error 1606?

QuickBooks Error 1606 can happen for several reasons:

If QuickBooks is installed in the wrong or unusual location, it can cause this error.
Missing or damaged program files may stop QuickBooks from working properly.
Problems with your Windows user account or permission settings can block access to important files.
Errors in the Windows registry can keep QuickBooks from finding the files it needs.
If QuickBooks depends on network resources and there are connection problems or wrong settings, the error may appear.

When do I see QuickBooks error 1606?

Problems while uninstalling or updating QuickBooks can cause issues and lead to Error 1606.
Damaged local files like user profiles or cached data can interfere with QuickBooks and cause this error.
Not having enough permissions to access certain files may stop QuickBooks from working properly and trigger Error 1606.
Other software or security programs might block QuickBooks from accessing files, which can also cause this error.

How do I resolve QuickBooks error 1606?

Steps for resolving QuickBooks error 1606 :

In case the user installs QuickBooks with an admin user account.
Installing QuickBooks in selective startup mode.
Creating a new admin user to install QuickBooks.
Disconnect and reinstall QuickBooks.
Fix the wrong Windows registry subkey.
Having a stable internet connection to update software and applications, etc.

What are the signs of QuickBooks error 1606?

The following are the symptoms of QuickBooks error 1606 :

QuickBooks displays an error message like this: “Error 1606: Could not access the network.”
Unable to install QuickBooks or update the software.
Missing or corrupted program files, which make the software unstable.
Software is unable to access particular files and folders.
Some features and functions of QuickBooks are not able to perform well.
Error 1606 is stopping from successful installation of QuickBooks.

Are there any considerations for resolving QuickBooks error 1606?

After completing the steps below, resolve the error :

Make sure you have administrative rights on your system to make important changes and updates.
Before trying to do anything to resolve QuickBooks error 1606, it’s crucial to back up your QuickBooks data to prevent loss of data.
In case the error is connected to network or installation issues, ensure you have a stable internet connection throughout the whole process.
Always keep your QuickBooks installation media or product details ready, because you may have to reinstall the QuickBooks software.