Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 11:04:54 AM

Turbotax 2016 did not uninstall properly and now I cannot reinstall from my CD. All online tips have failed. What can I do?

When attempting to open TurboTax 2016, a message said a file couldn't be found, that I should reinstall.  I tried, but message indicated I needed to reinstall first.  I used ReInstaller Pro to do so.  Nevertheless, when I try to reinstall from the CD, it continues to indicate that I need to remove the previous version.  I tried all of the tips I could find online, including the "flush" mode to reinstall, but nothing works.  Do you have a program that will remove all of the TurboTax 2016 program segments?

0 8 2840
8 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:04:55 AM

Well here's how to uninstall, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899283-uninstall-turbotax-windows">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899283-uninstall-turbotax-windows</a>

Did you try rebooting your computer?

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:04:57 AM

I am well aware of how to uninstall a program and I did so.  I also have rebooted more than once.  As I said, I have tried all of the online hints, but something from the old install is preventing a new install.  I need to know how to get rid of the junk left over so that I can reinstall.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:04:59 AM

See if you can do this forceful uninstall to remove any traces.  Or did you already try this?    Is that what you referred to as "the flush mode?"
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901054-forcefully-uninstall-and-reinstall-turbotax">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901054-forcefully-uninstall-and-reinstall-turbotax</a>

When reinstalling, follow these steps:

You must install using Administrator privilege.
First  manually disconnect (unplug) from the Internet so you can safely temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software programs.
Close any other open programs.
If installing from a CD, insert the CD and the installation should launch.  If it doesn't start installing automatically, then here's how to launch it:

      Hold down the Windows+R keys to open the Run window.
      Click Browse, and then navigate to the TurboTax CD on your CD/DVD/RW drive (usually Drive D).
      Double-click the setup.exe file.
      Click OK to launch the installer.

After installing, be sure to re-enable your antivirus and firewall programs before connecting back up to the Internet.
Reboot (restart) your computer.
Open TurboTax and run the updater.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:05:01 AM

The CD is always Release 1, and has to be updated after uninstalling.   If you wish, you could speak to TurboTax Support on Tuesday and ask for the download file, which is a much higher Release.  I believe it is R49.   

If you continue to have problems and wish to try the download file instead of the CD, or to speak to a support agent about your installation problems, use the form at the link below to schedule a callback. This time of year they are open 5AM-5PM Pacific (8AM-8PM Eastern) Mon-Fri.  They are closed New Years Day.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact">https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact</a>

NOTE:  If you are an Advantage customer with an annual subscription, there should already be a download installation file in your account.

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:05:02 AM

Thanks.  I had tried the forced uninstall with no luck.  However, I went through the process once again and discovered that I had not deleted one of the files.  After deleting that file, the reinstall worked!

Thanks, again.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:05:04 AM

You're welcome.   I'm glad you got it done.  Good luck.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:05:06 AM

Solved in above discussion by going through forced uninstall again and removing persistent file.

New Member
May 7, 2020 11:21:21 AM

which file did you miss?  I have same problem.