QuickBooks Desktop can sometimes encounter installation and update problems that prevent the software from being installed successfully or updated to the latest version. One of these problems is QuickBooks Error 1310.
This error generally appears when QuickBooks cannot write to a particular file or folder during installation or an update. It may be caused by Windows permissions, User Account Control settings, a problem with the Windows Installer service, or security software interfering with the installation.
The good news is that QuickBooks Error 1310 can often be resolved without affecting your company data. Need Expert, Call +1-888-463-3385.
In this guide, we’ll explain what QuickBooks Error 1310 means, why it occurs, and how to fix it step by step.
What Is QuickBooks Error 1310?
QuickBooks Error 1310 is primarily an installation or update error. It occurs when the QuickBooks installer attempts to write or modify a file but Windows prevents the operation.
You may see an error message similar to:
Error writing to file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 20xx\BusinessObjectProvider.dll
Another variation may say:
1310: Error writing to file: C:\Config.Msi…
The exact file or folder shown in the message can vary depending on your QuickBooks version and the location where the installation process encounters the problem. Intuit’s current documentation specifically lists both of these types of messages for Error 1310.
Error 1310 typically occurs while:
- Installing QuickBooks Desktop
- Updating QuickBooks Desktop
- Repairing an existing QuickBooks installation
- Reinstalling QuickBooks after removing an earlier version
What Causes QuickBooks Error 1310?
Understanding the cause can help you choose the right troubleshooting method.
1. Insufficient Folder Permissions
Windows may prevent the QuickBooks installer from writing files to protected folders such as Program Files or Config.Msi.
If your Windows user account or the installer doesn’t have sufficient permissions, QuickBooks may stop the installation and display Error 1310.
2. Windows Installer Problems
QuickBooks relies on the Windows Installer service to install and update program components.
If Windows Installer isn’t registered correctly, the QuickBooks installation process may fail.
Intuit specifically recommends unregistering and then re-registering Microsoft Windows Installer as one of the solutions for Error 1310.
3. User Account Control Settings
Windows User Account Control (UAC) can restrict applications from making changes to protected areas of the operating system.
If UAC is interfering with the QuickBooks installation, temporarily adjusting the UAC settings may allow the installation to complete.
4. Damaged or Locked Installation Files
Another application or Windows process may already be using the file that QuickBooks needs to modify.
A damaged installation file can also prevent the installer from replacing or updating it.
5. Security Software Interference
Antivirus or other security software can sometimes interfere with software installation.
If security software prevents the QuickBooks installer from accessing a required file or folder, the installation may fail.
However, security software should not be permanently disabled just to install QuickBooks. If you need to temporarily disable protection for troubleshooting, follow the security vendor’s instructions and re-enable protection immediately afterward.
Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 1310
You may encounter Error 1310 if:
- QuickBooks won’t install.
- A QuickBooks update fails.
- QuickBooks displays an “Error writing to file” message.
- The installation stops before completion.
- QuickBooks reports an error involving
BusinessObjectProvider.dll. - The error references the
Config.Msifolder. - QuickBooks repeatedly fails during installation or updating.
The file name and path displayed in the error message can provide an important clue about what Windows is preventing QuickBooks from accessing.
How to Fix QuickBooks Error 1310
Try the following solutions in order. Intuit recommends beginning with the QuickBooks Tools Hub and then progressing through the Windows Installer and permissions troubleshooting steps if necessary.
Solution 1: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
The QuickBooks Tool Hub provides troubleshooting tools for common QuickBooks Desktop problems.
For Error 1310, Intuit recommends using the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool through Tool Hub.
Follow these steps:
- Close QuickBooks Desktop.
- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Select Installation Issues.
- Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
- Allow the tool to run.
- Restart your computer after the process finishes.
- Try installing or updating QuickBooks again.
The diagnostic tool can help identify and repair certain problems involving the components QuickBooks needs during installation.
Solution 2: Temporarily Adjust User Account Control Settings
If the installation still fails, check your Windows User Account Control settings.
UAC is designed to prevent unauthorized applications from making system-level changes. In some circumstances, however, it can interfere with a legitimate QuickBooks installation.
Intuit lists toggling UAC settings as a troubleshooting method for Error 1310.
After changing UAC settings, try installing QuickBooks again.
Once the installation is complete, restore your preferred UAC security level rather than leaving Windows with reduced protection.
Solution 3: Re-register Microsoft Windows Installer
A problem with Windows Installer can cause QuickBooks installation errors.
Intuit recommends unregistering and then registering Windows Installer again.
To do this:
- Open the Windows Start menu.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter:
msiexec /unreg
- Press Enter.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator again if necessary.
- Enter:
msiexec /regserver
- Press Enter.
- Close Command Prompt.
- Try installing or updating QuickBooks again.
These commands re-register the Microsoft Windows Installer service.
Solution 4: Give the Installer Appropriate Administrator Access
If the error message references a specific folder such as C:\Config.Msi, Windows may not be allowing the installer to write to that location.
Intuit provides a command-line method for assigning administrator-level access to the folder referenced in the Error 1310 message.
For example, Intuit’s instructions use:
icacls "C:\Config.Msi" /T /C /grant administrators:F
The folder in the command should match the folder shown in your particular error message.
Important: Changing Windows permissions can affect system security. If you’re uncomfortable using Command Prompt or modifying permissions, ask an IT professional or system administrator for help. Intuit specifically recommends consulting an IT person or system administrator if you’re not comfortable performing these steps.
Solution 5: Check the Folder Mentioned in the Error
Pay close attention to the exact location shown in the Error 1310 message.
For example, you may see:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 20xx\BusinessObjectProvider.dll
or:
C:\Config.Msi
The path tells you where QuickBooks is attempting to write a file.
If the problem involves a QuickBooks installation directory, verify that the folder has appropriate Windows permissions.
Intuit’s documentation also provides guidance for configuring permissions on QuickBooks-related directories.
Solution 6: Run QuickBooks as an Administrator
Running QuickBooks with administrator privileges can sometimes help when Windows permissions are preventing the application from accessing required files.
To try this:
- Close QuickBooks Desktop.
- Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop shortcut.
- Select Properties.
- Open the Compatibility tab.
- Select Run this program as an administrator.
- Select Apply and then OK.
- Start QuickBooks.
- Try the installation or update again.
Administrator access should be used appropriately rather than as a substitute for correcting incorrect folder permissions.
Solution 7: Check Security Software
If Error 1310 continues, check whether antivirus or endpoint-security software is interfering with the installation.
Security software can sometimes prevent applications from modifying protected files.
If you need to temporarily disable antivirus protection for troubleshooting, follow the security software provider’s instructions and take appropriate precautions. Re-enable the protection immediately after testing.
Don’t leave your computer unprotected simply to complete a QuickBooks installation.
Solution 8: Repair or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop
If the installation files are damaged or the previous QuickBooks installation is incomplete, reinstalling the program may resolve the problem.
Intuit provides a clean-install procedure that removes QuickBooks Desktop and then installs it again. The process can also involve renaming old QuickBooks installation folders so the new installation creates fresh program folders.
Before reinstalling:
- Back up your QuickBooks company files.
- Make sure you have your QuickBooks license information.
- Close QuickBooks and related processes.
- Make sure you have Windows administrator access.
- Download the appropriate QuickBooks Desktop installation files.
If you’re not sure how to perform a clean installation, follow Intuit’s official instructions rather than manually deleting Windows or QuickBooks system files.
How to Fix Error 1310 When It Mentions Config.Msi
One particularly common version of the error contains a message such as:
“Error 1310: Error writing to file: C:\Config.Msi…”
Config.Msi is a Windows folder used during software installation.
If QuickBooks cannot write to this location, the installation may stop.
Intuit recommends manually assigning administrator access to the folder referenced in the error when the standard troubleshooting tools don’t resolve the issue. Its documented example uses the icacls command to grant administrators full access to C:\Config.Msi.
Because this involves Windows permissions, users who aren’t comfortable with administrative commands should ask an IT professional for assistance.
How to Fix Error 1310 When It Mentions BusinessObjectProvider.dll
Another variation of QuickBooks Error 1310 can reference:
BusinessObjectProvider.dll
The error may indicate that QuickBooks cannot write to this file inside the QuickBooks installation directory.
In this situation:
- Close QuickBooks.
- Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Check the permissions for the installation folder.
- Verify that Windows Installer is correctly registered.
- Check whether security software is blocking the installation.
- Try the QuickBooks installation again.
These steps align with Intuit’s current Error 1310 troubleshooting guidance.
Does QuickBooks Error 1310 Delete Company Files?
No. Error 1310 is primarily an installation or update problem.
The error means QuickBooks is having trouble writing or modifying a program file. It does not, by itself, indicate that your company file has been deleted or corrupted.
Nevertheless, it’s always good practice to maintain current backups of your QuickBooks company files before performing major installation or repair procedures.
QuickBooks Error 1310 vs. Error 1321
QuickBooks Error 1310 and Error 1321 are both associated with installation or update problems, but their messages are different.
Error 1310 generally reports an inability to write to a file.
Error 1321 indicates that the installer doesn’t have sufficient privileges to modify a file. Intuit lists Windows permissions, security software conflicts, and files that are in use or damaged among possible causes of Error 1321.
Because the troubleshooting steps can overlap, it’s important to use the exact error code and message shown on your computer when diagnosing the problem.
How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 1310
Although installation errors aren’t always preventable, several practices can reduce the likelihood of encountering them.
Keep Windows Updated
Install available Windows updates and restart your computer when required.
Keep QuickBooks Updated
Install QuickBooks updates using a stable internet connection and avoid interrupting the update process.
Use an Administrator Account
Make sure you have appropriate Windows administrator privileges when installing or updating QuickBooks Desktop.
Avoid Interrupting Installations
Don’t shut down the computer or force-close the installer while QuickBooks is being installed or updated.
Maintain Security Software
Keep antivirus and security software active and updated. If it interferes with a legitimate installation, configure it appropriately rather than leaving protection disabled.
Keep Backups
Maintain regular backups of your QuickBooks company files before performing major software changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Error 1310
What is QuickBooks Error 1310?
QuickBooks Error 1310 is an installation or update error that occurs when QuickBooks cannot write to a required file or folder. The message may reference a QuickBooks DLL file or a Windows installation folder such as Config.Msi.
Why am I getting Error 1310 while installing QuickBooks?
The error can occur because of insufficient Windows permissions, problems with Windows Installer, UAC restrictions, locked files, or security software interfering with the installation.
How do I fix QuickBooks Error 1310?
Start by running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool through QuickBooks Tool Hub. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, try toggling UAC, re-registering Windows Installer, and correcting permissions for the folder referenced in the error.
Can QuickBooks Tool Hub fix Error 1310?
Yes. Intuit recommends using QuickBooks Tool Hub and specifically the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool as part of its Error 1310 troubleshooting process.
What does “Error writing to file” mean in QuickBooks?
It means the QuickBooks installer attempted to create, replace, or modify a file but Windows prevented the operation. The problem can be related to permissions, Windows Installer, security software, or the file itself.
What is Config.Msi?
Config.Msi is a Windows installation-related folder. QuickBooks Error 1310 can sometimes occur when the installer cannot write to this location. Intuit provides specific administrator-permission troubleshooting for this situation.
Will Error 1310 damage my QuickBooks company file?
Error 1310 is primarily an installation or update issue and does not automatically mean that your company file is damaged. However, maintaining a current backup is recommended before making significant changes to QuickBooks.
Should I disable my antivirus to fix Error 1310?
Security software can sometimes interfere with installations, but you shouldn’t permanently disable antivirus protection. If temporary disabling is necessary for troubleshooting, follow the security vendor’s instructions and restore protection immediately afterward.
What if Error 1310 continues after using QuickBooks Tool Hub?
If the error persists, investigate Windows Installer registration, folder permissions, security-software conflicts, and the specific file referenced in the error message. If necessary, consider a clean QuickBooks installation. Intuit recommends seeking assistance from an IT professional or system administrator when you’re uncomfortable modifying Windows permissions.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error 1310 can interrupt a QuickBooks Desktop installation or update when the program cannot write to a required file or folder.
The most effective troubleshooting approach is to start with the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool through QuickBooks Tool Hub. If the problem continues, check User Account Control, re-register Windows Installer, and verify that the folder mentioned in the error message has the appropriate permissions.
If the error references Config.Msi or a QuickBooks DLL such as BusinessObjectProvider.dll, use the exact file path shown in the message to guide your troubleshooting.
Because some solutions involve Windows permissions and administrator-level commands, users who aren’t comfortable making these changes should consult an IT professional. With the correct permissions and installation configuration in place, QuickBooks can generally complete the installation or update successfully. For Quick Help Call +1-888-463-3385.
