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Level 2

Question

Help!! Turbotax stopped working error message

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
May 15, 2020
130 replies
584 views

I realize I might be in the wrong forum but can't figure out where I should post this. I'm mostly done with my taxes but need to revise an Interest and Dividend amount. When I click on that section I get an error message "Turbotax has stopped working". I've tried several times with the same results. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling Turbotax. I'm using Windows 7. I even called the 800 support number and a lady asked me what I expected her to do - she said "I only work here" and hung up on me. Thank you!

Show previous replies

GaryFuller

Level 2

I too am getting the TurboTax stopped working error. Also using Windows 7. Had previously installed and run the program - imported prior profile, entered earning and imported interest/dividend. stopped there. Today when I ran the program it wanted to install a number of updates. Opened the prior return and went to update some dividends and it crashed. tried a couple more times with same result. Rebooted entire machine and ran clicked the desktop icon, this time it wanted the activation code, tried opening the prior return same thing in trying to make some updates to interest, it crashes and restarts back into the screen to pick a return. This time I tried to start a new return, it found last year's and imported data, answered a few questions... but it crashed again before I got to the guided interview.

mesquitebean

Level 15

@GaryFuller wrote:
I too am getting the TurboTax stopped working error. Also using Windows 7. Had previously installed and run the program - imported prior profile, entered earning and imported interest/dividend. stopped there. Today when I ran the program it wanted to install a number of updates. Opened the prior return and went to update some dividends and it crashed. tried a couple more times with same result. Rebooted entire machine and ran clicked the desktop icon, this time it wanted the activation code, tried opening the prior return same thing in trying to make some updates to interest, it crashes and restarts back into the screen to pick a return. This time I tried to start a new return, it found last year's and imported data, answered a few questions... but it crashed again before I got to the guided interview.

Since you are using Windows 7, did you read the other comments in this thread? Higher up in this thread several users said that the following suggestion from user "civres" worked for them:

Do not open Turbotax yet. First, RIGHT CLICK on TurboTax icon.

Click Properties.

Click to open Compatibility tab.

Click checkmark next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:

Then select Windows 7 from drop down menu.

At bottom of screen, click checkmark next to "Run this program as an administrator"

GaryFuller

Level 2

Yes. the "right click on the TT icon, select "Properties", then "Compatibility" tab, then check the box "run this program in compatibility mode for:" then select Windows 7, then run as administrator." aseems to have resolved the issues. Thanks

taebonkers

Level 2

Yep, me too. Same thing... Windows 7, TurboTax stopped working. The whole uninstall reinstall, reset computer to earlier save point, manually entered all my information, imported my information, started completely over. Been doing the taxes on intervals. Trying to do my wife's today, and that's where the problem is now. Finished mine a week and a half ago with no hiccups but didn't send it cuz I wanted to send both of them at the same time as I always do. Now I can't do anything with either of them.

Was definately after the last update. This is not right and needs to be addressed and fixed so the hundreds of thousands of windows 7 users can finish our taxes. You cannot purposely make the program incompatible or not work until tax season is over.

I've invested yearly with Intuit since 2009. Just read bout a get-a-round with running as administrator. Will try and give update.

UPDATE: It works! Thank you Mesquitebean for the repost of the solution.

awkraska

Level 2

Same problem/challenge - using Win7 Pro 64-bit - suspect TT update is culprit - very unlike TT to let this go this long.

Critter

Level 15

First did the work around not work ?

And second ... fixes for any WIN 7 related issues will probably get it fixed eventually.

Here are the minimum system requirements for TurboTax 2016 through 2019 software for Windows Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business, and Business editions. We no longer sell or support TurboTax for 2015 or earlier tax years.

Operating System

2019: Windows 10, Windows 8.0/8.1. Although TurboTax 2019 will install on Windows 7 (Service Pack 1 or later), we strongly recommend upgrading your operating system before installing. More info
2017 and 2018: Windows 10, Windows 8.0/8.1, or Windows 7 (Service Pack 1 or later)
2016: Windows 10, Windows 8.0/8.1, Windows 7 (Service Pack 1 or later), or Windows Vista (Service Pack 2 or later)

Administrator rights are required to install and run TurboTax.

Scott5774

Level 2

I am having the same problem. How can it be fixed. Help!!!!

mesquitebean

Level 15

@ Scott5774 wrote:
I am having the same problem. How can it be fixed. Help!!!!

Since you said "same problem", I'll assume you are using Windows 7 and have done a recent TurboTax program update. This has been answered several times in this thread, but you may not have scrolled through the other comments. This is the workaround that several users have reported success with:

Close TurboTax.

Then do not open Turbotax yet. First, RIGHT CLICK on TurboTax icon.

In the popup click Properties.

Then click to open Compatibility tab.

Then place a checkmark next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:

and select Windows 7 from drop down menu.

Near the bottom of the box, place a checkmark next to "Run this program as an administrator"

Then click OK to save.

ADDENDUM: Some users, mainly in another thread, have said they only had to make the compatibility selection, but didn't have to place a checkmark for "Run as administrator." Perhaps it's due to how the program was installed initially (with/without privileges) or how their UAC (user access control) is configured. So perhaps they already have administrator rights.

FAQ: Administrator rights in TurboTax for Windows

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/troubleshooting/help/administrator-rights-in-windows-7-8-and-10/00/25620

Scott5774

Level 2

thank you. I will try your fix!

4kudosdad

Level 2

Anyone running window's OS lower than Windows 10 is going to have issues and they are going to get worse over time. Here is my suggestion.

Upgrade to windows 10 for free:

Windows 10 is still free to download. Here's how to get the upgrade

RIP Windows 7. If you haven't upgraded yet to Windows 10, follow these simple steps.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-windows-10-for-free-now-that-windows-7-is-dead/

good luck.

fanfare

Level 15

@4kudosdad

This is a non-solution.

Any computer old enough to have been running Windows 7 is not going to have the horsepower to run Windows 10, guaranteed.

4kudosdad

Level 2

Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. As you probably know this means the computer is no longer getting security updates from Microsoft to protect the user from hacking. This is most likely why Intuit is no longer supporting turbotax on the windows 7 operating system.

I am currently running windows 10 on an HP Pavilion i3 laptop with a windows 7 sticker on it. It has 8 GB of memory. It's not lightning fast but it works. The performance bottleneck on the laptop is the hard drive. So it may be possible to upgrade the mechanical hard drive to a solid state hard drive and breathe new life into this old machine (im guessing here). But i understand it's probably better for most people to just buy a new laptop that has the horsepower to run windows 10. But if the goal is to get your taxes done. the upgrade to win 10 is worth a shot as its free. Another thing to try is use the web based version of turbotax. The federal return is free to do and submit electronically. the state returns require a filing fee. Many states have free electronic tax filing if your AGI is below a certain amount. i wish you and everyone else struggling with this issue the best.

orducks001

Level 2

When using the Home & Business product today (5/26/2020), there was an update performed. I had to reboot the software after complete; had to AGAIN re-activate the product with the activation code; and now I can not work in the software as I constantly receive "Turbotax stopped working" no matter what I click on. Did the update cause this issue or is something else going on?

Wrench2002

Level 2

This also is happening to me.

Odd since I already filed one tax return and have changed nothing on my computer.

Is Intuit aware of the problem and trying to fix it?

Operation_Choke_Point

Level 2

Same thing here. The program worked fine and I was 80% done. Saved my work came back a few days later and the program downloaded an "update". Now the program is broken. Tried a fresh install on a different computer same thing can't even get the personal info filled out. Crashes on the "continue" button of any module.

But wait, there's More! I went to the website and filled out a service request and was told they would call me back. They called me back and a recording told me to go to the website for help and hung up, nice touch.

Intuit is one of the most corrupt corporations on the planet. I am using Windows 7... the most popular version of windows by far... but have to put up with Intuit nagging me about "upgrading" to windows 10? Intuit doesn't give a crap what OS you use, they get paid by Microsoft to scare you into buying more software you don't need.

We need to dump this company, they are neck deep in the cesspool of government and banking. Intuit used their credit card merchant services to punish businesses that don't agree with their world view (Operation Choke Point). Intuit and HRBlock have spent tens of millions to keep our tax system as complicated as possible and to prevent the US government from offering a tax portal run by... the US government... (Free File act 2016, Taxpayer First Act) and they are being sued for steering poor people away from the free service to paid services (LA County vs Inutuit HR Block). I wasn't going to use these guys but H&R Block is even more corrupt and run by even bigger scumbags. I will give TaxAct A try.

Nzmgm6

Level 2

Somebody else posted a workaround and it fixed it trying with widows 7. I am copying below

Close TurboTax.

Then do not open Turbotax yet. First, RIGHT CLICK on TurboTax icon.

In the popup click Properties.

Then click to open Compatibility tab.

Then place a checkmark next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:

and select Windows 7 from drop down menu.

Nzmgm6

Level 2

I have the same error.

Nzmgm6

Level 2

Thanks for starting this chain!!! I was having the same issues and was so frustrated. I don't know if you saw but one of the other users posted a workaround and it does th trick. I copied below:

Close TurboTax.

Then do not open Turbotax yet. First, RIGHT CLICK on TurboTax icon.

In the popup click Properties.

Then click to open Compatibility tab.

Then place a checkmark next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:

and select Windows 7 from drop down menu.

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