How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118 (Couldn’t Initialize License Data)?

Users always get some error codes while using QuickBooks accounting software. It’s obvious to face technical glitches while using any program. One such error that commonly happens is QuickBooks error 3371. This type of error occurs if QuickBooks cannot load the license data. It can also be seen if the user re-configures the desktop or tries to activate QuickBooks for the first time. However, it can be solved by cleaning temporary files, installing Windows updates, or using the QuickBooks tool hub.

In case you want to seek any sort of professional guidance, simply dial our QuickBooks helpline number +1-844-712-2521. We will provide you with precise solutions to the error codes over the call or live chat.

What is QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118?

The issue of Error 3371, Status Code -11118 will also occur due to damaged company files. This file is important for the organization as it contains the license details of the software. So, if this error happens, you won’t be able to access the license properties. You’ll get notified about the error message of “QuickBooks could not load the license data”. 

According to Intuit, you need to save the license information on the hard drive of the system. If the file or license data gets damaged, you’ll see this error on your screen. Thus, a user is required to re-type the license information to fix this error code. 

Possible causes of QuickBooks Error 3371

Before you fix the issue of Error 3371, Status Code -11118, you need to know its root causes.

• If the file or any component of QuickBooks is damaged or missing then you’re going to witness this issue. 

• Security programs or older versions of the Windows operating system will also disturb QuickBooks files. As a result of this, you can see a 3371 error.

• If the MSXML component is damaged, the user will again see this error while using QuickBooks. MSXML is an essential component of Microsoft that assists this accounting program to run on your system. In case, it is damaged, it can cause difficulties in accessing the features of QuickBooks.

• Users of QuickBooks will also face this issue when they try to open the company file without saving it. Before importing the QBO file, it is important to save it first.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371?

The QuickBooks Error 3371 Status-Code 11118 can be rectified in several ways. You can try these solutions to overcome the error 3371 that happens because of a license issue.

Step 1. Cleaning of the system's temporary files

If your system has junk files, you need to clean them so that QuickBooks starts functioning again. For this, you’ll have to navigate to the file explorer to choose the option of “this PC”.

Post that, the user simply needs to choose the properties tab so that they can click on the “disk cleanup” tab. You will now have to select the option to clean system files.

In the next step, simply choose the “delete files” link. This will remove all the temporary and junk files. However, you can also delete the junk manually by pressing Win + R. In the box, type %TEMP% to get the junk and temporary files. Once you get them, simply press ctrl + A to delete them all.

Step 2. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub 

The next solution that you can try is to Download QuickBooks Tool Hub and then use the Quick Fix My program. This tool helps solve error 3371 as it automatically troubleshoots license-related errors in QuickBooks desktop. It works by recreating the damaged file.

• For this, close QuickBooks Desktop

• After that, QuickBooks Tool Hub Download on your system



• Now, you need to choose the option of “Quick Fix My Program”  

• Choose the installation issues  

• Look for Error 3371  

• Post that, click on the OK option.



• Now, try to open the QuickBooks and data file to check if the issue has been resolved or not.

Step 3. Install the latest Windows updates

Getting the latest Windows update will help in fixing QuickBooks error 3371 immediately. So, before trying any other solution, you can also try to update the Windows version.

First of all, you’ll need to click on the Start key button on your system. On the next page, you’ll be required to select all programs. From here, select the button that says- update your windows.

Then, users will again have to tap on the update option and then navigate to the option of “check for latest updates”.`

The update has been successfully done, the user will need to reinstall the QuickBooks. All these steps of the Windows update will solve the error code 3371. if you’re seeing this error on QuickBooks again, do the steps below.

Step 4. Run QuickBooks to install the diagnostic tool 

Another general troubleshooting that you can try is to use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. You can run this tool from the tool hub program.

• User needs to open the tool hub program on your server computer  

• Now, you will need to navigate to the Installation Issues.

• From here, make sure to select the option of QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. You will now have to run the program.



• After clicking on it, this diagnostic tool will run /p>

• Post that, you will have to wait for some time

• Once the QuickBooks diagnostic tool finishes the process, you should reboot your computer.

Step 5. Deletion of EML file and then renaming entitlement file

• Press and hold Windows key + R key on the keyboard to run the file 

• In the new window, you can either type or copy C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 in the given space. After this, press the enter button



• Then, tap on the OK key to open Window Explorer at that location. This helps to locate the ECML file.

• After doing that, right-click on it and choose the delete option.



• Now, close this window and then try to access the QuickBooks software after registering on it again. 

Step 6. Try manual troubleshooting

Using manual methods can also help you resolve this error. For this, you should first recreate the damaged entitlementDataStore.ecml file. In the next step, resolve the license  and resolve registration glitches.

After that, use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix C++, Microsoft.NET Framework, and MSXML glitches. In the next step, QuickBooks with the help of a clean installation. Now, you need to run reboot.file. At last, you need to update your QuickBooks as per the latest release. 

Step 7. Update Windows Os

If your Windows OS is not updated then it might also impact QuickBooks update. So, you need to click the ‘Windows logo' ' to proceed. Then, select “All Program” and then tap on the ‘Windows Update‘ option. After finishing the Windows OS update, simply click “Install QuickBooks”.

Step 8. Use tool hub to run 3371 Error

If you already have a tool hub program then users can get access to the 3371-error fix program. 

• First, double-click the QB Tool Hub icon from the desktop to open it.

• You need to now choose the installation issues option.

• From this section, select the option of 3371-error fix.

• Click on the ok tab and then launch “QuickBooks”.

• In the next step, try to open the data file to see if the error is fixed or not. 

Summing up

Whatever the reason for this error is, QuickBooks Desktop will stop functioning after this error code 3371. If you are unable to fix this error even after trying all these troubleshooting solutions. Also, you can reach our support team of QuickBooks to overcome this error code immediately by contacting over phone call.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I prevent QuickBooks Error 3371 Status-Code 11118?

Yes! You can prevent this error from happening in the future by updating Windows regularly and creating a backup of the QuickBooks company file

2. How to resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 Status-Code 11118?

A user can solve this error code by either updating Windows or downloading the QuickBooks Tool hub.

3. Will company data be lost due to QuickBooks Error 3371 Status-Code 11118?

As this error is related to licensing, there’s no risk to your company’s data.

4. How do I fix a QuickBooks license error?

To fix a QuickBooks license error: Update QuickBooks, reboot your computer, run the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool, repair the installation, and, if needed, rename/delete the Entitlement Data Store.ecml file. For persistent issues, contact QuickBooks support.

5. What is error code 3371 in QuickBooks desktop?

Error code 3371 in QuickBooks Desktop indicates a licensing issue, commonly caused by damaged or missing files. It can occur during software installation or due to changes in the system configuration.

6. How do I fix error 3371?

• Update QuickBooks: Ensure that you are using the latest version of QuickBooks

• Install Windows Updates: Keep your Windows operating system up to date.

• From this section, select the option of 3371-error fix.

• Rename Entitlement File: Rename the entitlement file (QBRegistration.dat) and let QuickBooks create a new one.

• Recreate damaged MSXML component: Use the provided QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix MSXML components.