Method 1: Delete and Recreate Entitlement Files (Most Effective Fix)

Corrupted entitlement files are the primary cause of QuickBooks Error 3371.

Steps:

1. Close QuickBooks

2. Press Windows + R

3. Type:

    

   C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8


4. Press Enter

5. Delete the file:

   • EntitlementDataStore.ecml

6. Restart your computer

7. Open QuickBooks and re-enter your license details

QuickBooks will automatically recreate the file.

Method 2: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Permission issues can prevent license files from loading.

Steps:

1. Close QuickBooks

2. Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon

3. Select Run as Administrator

4. Check if QuickBooks Error 3371 is resolved

Method 3: Install or Repair MSXML Component

MSXML is required for QuickBooks licensing.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type:

    

   appwiz.cpl


3. Press Enter

4. Look for MSXML 6.0

5. If missing, download and install it from Microsoft

6. Restart your system

7. Open QuickBooks

Repairing MSXML often fixes QuickBooks Error 3371.

Method 4: Update Windows Operating System

Outdated Windows files can block QuickBooks licensing services.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I

2. Go to Update & Security

3. Click Check for updates

4. Install all available updates

5. Restart your computer

Method 5: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub (Recommended)

QuickBooks Tool Hub helps fix installation and licensing issues.

Steps:

1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub

2. Install and open it

3. Go to Installation Issues

4. Click QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

5. Let the tool run

6. Restart your system

This tool resolves many cases of QuickBooks Error 3371 automatically.

Method 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Security software may block QuickBooks license files.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall

2. Open QuickBooks

3. If QuickBooks opens successfully:

   • Add QuickBooks to exclusions

4. Re-enable antivirus

Always turn protection back on after testing.

Method 7: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks

If other methods fail, a clean install helps remove corrupted files.

Steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub

2. Select Installation Issues

3. Click Clean Install Tool

4. Reinstall QuickBooks

5. Activate using your license key

A clean install ensures fresh license files and often fixes QuickBooks Error 3371.

Method 8: Check System Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time can interfere with license validation.

Steps:

1. Right-click the clock on the taskbar

2. Select Adjust date/time

3. Enable Set time automatically

4. Restart QuickBooks