Error: "A version of TurboTax is already installed..."

The following message can appear when installing TurboTax (similar messages may occur in older versions as well):

A version of TurboTax is already installed. You need to remove it before you can install this version. To remove TurboTax, use Add/Remove Programs on the Control Panel.

This happens when a previous TurboTax installation didn't finish installing or uninstalling, leaving it in a broken state. The remaining files are detected by the TurboTax installer, which then thinks the program is already installed.

Solution

Uninstall TurboTax and then reinstall it.

If that fails:

1. Forcefully uninstall TurboTax
2. Manually delete these three folders (replace XX with the 2-digit tax year):
   • Windows 7 
     • C:ProgramDataIntuitTurboTaxTYXX
     • C:Program FilesTurboTax[version] 20XX, where [version] is Basic, Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business
     • C:Users[user]AppDataRoamingIntuitTurboTaxTYXX, where [user] is your user name
3. Install TurboTax again