QuickBooks Error 3371: Initialization Code Error
Quick Answer
Error 3371 appears when QuickBooks can't initialize its license data. Fix it by running QuickBooks Tool Hub → Installation Issues → 3371 Error Fix. If the error persists, rename the licensing file EntitlementDataStore.ecml and the user config file QBWUSER.ini, then restart QuickBooks to re-initialize and re-enter your license if prompted.
What is QuickBooks Error 3371?
QuickBooks Error 3371 is a startup/initialization error tied to corrupted licensing or configuration components. You'll typically see "Could not initialize license properties" and sometimes status code -11118. When this data is unreadable, QuickBooks Desktop won't open.
Error 3371: Initialization code error
QuickBooks cannot read required license/entitlement data or user configuration at startup.
Symptoms:
- •Error 3371 on launch
- •Message: "Could not initialize license properties"
- •Status code -11118 may appear
- •QuickBooks won't start
Resolution Steps:
- 1.Run QuickBooks Tool Hub → 3371 Error Fix
- 2.Rename EntitlementDataStore.ecml
- 3.Rename QBWUSER.ini
- 4.Restart QuickBooks and re-enter license if prompted
Quick Fix for Error 3371 (≈5 Minutes)
Fastest, official-first approach
- Close QuickBooks completely (check Task Manager to ensure no QB processes are running).
- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub (latest version recommended).
- Go to Installation Issues → 3371 Error Fix → run the fix.
- Start QuickBooks.
- Enter your license & product numbers if prompted.
- If the error persists, continue with the detailed manual steps below.
Detailed Solution Steps
Force QuickBooks to recreate damaged license data.
- Close QuickBooks.
- Press Windows + R → type:
%ProgramData%\Intuit\Entitlement Client\ - Open the latest V folder (e.g., V8, V9, etc.).
- Find EntitlementDataStore.ecml → Right-click → Rename → add .old:
EntitlementDataStore.ecml.old - Leave the folder open—you're done here.
Note: If you don't see file extensions, in File Explorer go to View → enable File name extensions.
This resets QuickBooks Desktop user preferences (it will also clear your recent‐files list).
- Press Windows + R → type the following path, replacing YourUser and [Year]:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]- Examples: QuickBooks 2024, QuickBooks 2025
- Find QBWUSER.ini → Right-click → Rename → add .old:
QBWUSER.ini.old
Note: If AppData is hidden, in File Explorer enable View → Hidden items (or Show → Hidden items on Windows 11).
This step is usually not required for Error 3371 (a license issue), but it's harmless if you're still stuck—.ND files are recreated automatically and relate to network hosting, not licensing.
- Go to the folder where your company file (.QBW) lives.
- Do not touch your .QBW.
- For each file ending in .ND, Right-click → Rename → add .old (e.g., MyCompany.qbw.nd.old).
- Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon → Run as administrator (optional but can help).
- QuickBooks will recreate the necessary config/licensing files.
- Enter your Product & License numbers if prompted.
- Open your company file and verify normal operation.
If manual resets didn't help:
- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub → Installation Issues.
- Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool (allow ample time to complete).
- Restart Windows when it finishes.
- Try opening QuickBooks again.
Why Does Error 3371 Occur?
Common Causes
- •Corrupted licensing data: Damaged EntitlementDataStore.ecml (often after abrupt shutdowns or system changes).
- •Damaged user config: Corrupted QBWUSER.ini prevents initialization.
- •Windows updates or component issues: System changes interfering with required QuickBooks components.
- •Improper shutdowns/power loss: QuickBooks or Windows didn't close cleanly while writing configuration.
- •Disk/file system errors: Underlying storage issues damaging program data.
How to Prevent Error 3371
Best Practices
- Always close QuickBooks before shutting down Windows.
- Keep a record of your Product & License numbers (and Intuit account login).
- Run Windows updates when QuickBooks is closed; reboot after major updates.
- Use a UPS on desktops/servers to prevent power-loss corruption.
- Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated (latest maintenance release).
- Periodically back up your company file and verify/rebuild when recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly causes QuickBooks Error 3371?
It happens when QuickBooks can't read required license (entitlement) data or user configuration at startup—usually due to a corrupted EntitlementDataStore.ecml or QBWUSER.ini.
Will I need my license number to fix Error 3371?
Often yes. After resetting licensing/config files, QuickBooks may prompt you to re-enter Product & License numbers.
Will I lose my accounting data by doing these steps?
No. You're only renaming configuration/licensing files. Your .QBW company file isn't modified. (Note: renaming QBWUSER.ini clears your recent file list, which is normal.)
Where can I find my license number?
If QuickBooks opens: press F2 (or Ctrl + 1) to open the Product Information window.
If QuickBooks won't open: sign in to your Intuit CAMPS account (Customer Account Management Portal) for your product & license info.
Also check your purchase email/receipt from Intuit or your reseller.
Related Resources
Need Professional Help?
If you're still experiencing Error 3371 after following these steps, or if you've lost your license number, our QuickBooks experts are here to help.
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