QuickBooks Point of Sale users may encounter error 176109, which appears as “Invalid Product Number/Invalid Product Code.” The QuickBooks POS Error Invalid Product Number occurs when the system detects an incorrect product code during registration. Other factors may also cause this error. Identifying the exact reason is key to fixing the issue.

AccountsPro provides a troubleshooting guide to resolve QuickBooks POS error 176109. Follow the steps below for detailed instructions, or contact the QuickBooks POS Support team for quick assistance.

Meaning of QuickBooks POS Error: Invalid Product Number

QuickBooks POS error 176109 is a registration issue after installation when launching or activating QuickBooks Desktop POS. The message appears as “Error Code 176109: Invalid Product Code.”

An incorrect license is a common cause, but other factors may also trigger this error. In multi-user mode on a server, connection issues can increase the chances of encountering this problem. The next section covers the possible causes in detail.

Causes of QuickBooks POS Error Invalid Product Number 176109

  • The Point of Sale Entitlement folder contains damaged or missing files.
  • An incorrect product code was entered during installation.
  • You are not logged in as an administrator on Windows.
  • The system date and time are incorrect.
  • You installed the wrong QuickBooks version or used an incorrect license or product number.
  • Essential authentication files are missing or corrupted.
  • The validation code is incorrect, or the service is temporarily unavailable.
  • Background processes or unexpected system issues triggered the error.
  • Hyphens were mistakenly added when entering the validation code.

Let’s check it out How to Repair QuickBooks Data File in case file has been damaged or corrupted.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks POS Invalid Product Number 176109 Error

Try the solutions below. If the first one resolves the issue, you do not need to proceed with the second.

Solution 1: Delete Entitlement Folder Contents

For Windows 8 and 10:

  • Right-click the Start button and select File Explorer.
  • Click View and check the Hidden Items box.
  • Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8.
  • Select all files and delete them.
  • Open QuickBooks Point of Sale and complete the registration process.

For Windows 7 and Vista:

  • Right-click Start and open Windows Explorer.
  • Click Organize, then select Folder Options.
  • Click View and enable Show Hidden Files.
  • Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8.
  • Select all files and delete them.
  • Reopen QuickBooks Point of Sale and complete the registration.

Solution 2: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks Point of Sale

  • Uninstall QuickBooks Point of Sale.
  • Reinstall QuickBooks Point of Sale.
  • If an error occurs, run a repair re-installation.
  • Verify the license number and product number.
  • Open QuickBooks Point of Sale and complete the registration.

Solution 3: Delete the Entitlement Client Folder & Files

  • Open Windows Explorer and go to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8.
  • Press CTRL + A to select all files.
  • Press the Delete key.
  • Click Yes to confirm.
  • Close QuickBooks and restart your computer.
  • After restarting, open QuickBooks POS and complete the registration.

Solution 4: Rename the WSActivity File

Follow these steps to rename the file and fix the issue:

  • Log in to your system.
  • Press Windows Key + E to open Windows Explorer.
  • Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale XX\Ini.
  • Right-click the WSActivity file and select “Rename.
  • Add OLD at the beginning of the file name (e.g., OLDWSActivity).
  • Save the changes and exit Windows Explorer.
  • Repeat these steps if needed and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 5: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale

The Clean Install Tool helps fix installation issues. Follow these steps to perform a clean install:

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
  • Type Control Panel and press Enter.
  • Select Programs and Features.
  • Find QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0 in the list.
  • Click Uninstall or Change.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Additional Steps: Backup and Delete QBPOSDBSrvUSER

Before proceeding, back up your Point of Sale Data Folder:

  • Copy the Point of Sale Data Folder and paste it to the desktop.
  • Rename the copied folder by adding OLD at the end.
    • This prevents QuickBooks from recognizing it, forcing the system to create a new folder.

Delete QBPOSDBSrvUSER Windows User

  • Click the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
  • Select User Accounts, then click Manage Another Account.
  • Click Continue in the User Account window.
  • Select QBPOSDBSrvUser and click Delete.
  • Confirm the deletion and restart your system.

After completing these steps, reinstall QuickBooks Point of Sale.

Conclusion

The QuickBooks POS Invalid Product Number error usually results from corrupted license files or incorrect registration details. By renaming the QBPOSSHELL folder, re-entering your valid product credentials, or performing a clean reinstall, you can resolve the issue efficiently. Maintaining up-to-date POS software and secure backups ensures smoother performance and prevents future registration errors. For advanced troubleshooting or assistance with activation, you can contact AccountsPro QuickBooks POS experts for step-by-step remote guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks POS Error “Invalid Product Number”?

This error occurs when QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) cannot verify or recognize the product license number during installation or launch. It usually appears as “Invalid Product Number” or “QuickBooks POS is not registered properly.”

What causes the Invalid Product Number error in QuickBooks POS?

Common causes include:

  • Corrupted or missing QBPOSSHELL folder files
  • Incorrect or damaged license information
  • Incomplete or interrupted QuickBooks POS installation
  • Registry errors or old product data stored in Windows
  • Using an incorrect license or product number

When does this error appear in QuickBooks POS?

It typically appears when:

  • Installing or updating QuickBooks POS
  • Opening the software after migration or a Windows update
  • Registering a new license or reinstalling the POS

How can I fix the “Invalid Product Number” error manually?

To fix it:

  • Close QuickBooks POS and all related background processes.
  • Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale XX\Ini.
  • Rename or delete the QBPOSSHELL folder.
  • Reopen the POS, you’ll be prompted to re-enter your license and product number.
  • Enter valid credentials and register again.

How do I find my QuickBooks POS product and license number?

You can find them:

  • On the original purchase confirmation email from Intuit
  • Inside your QuickBooks Desktop account, under “Manage My License”
  • On the retail box or installation CD sleeve (if purchased physically)

Does renaming the QBPOSSHELL folder delete my data?

No, renaming or deleting the QBPOSSHELL folder only removes corrupted registration files. Your company data and sales records remain unaffected.

Can Windows updates trigger this QuickBooks POS error?

Yes, Major Windows updates sometimes reset or corrupt POS registration files, causing the system to fail license verification.

How can I prevent the Invalid Product Number error in the future?

  • Keep your POS software updated
  • Regularly back up registration files
  • Avoid manual deletion of POS folders
  • Re-register immediately after a Windows or POS upgrade
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