H&R BLOCK 2019 BUSINESS SOFTWARE WILL NOT OPEN ANY MORE

Anonymous
2020-10-07T00:03:20+00:00

This is Windows 10.

I had been using the 2019 H&R Block business software just fine. Last time used was July 15, 2020.

Went to open to prepare Sub-S return on Sept 12 and kept getting an error message saying it could not open. I tried having Geek Squad look at it. They spent about 2 1/2 hours running diagnostics and could not figure it out. I had another IT pro look at it for about 3 hours, ran diagnostics and the best he could figure was that it was a Microsoft update that somehow corrupted the ordering sequence for the program to open. All of my clients are locked up now. The other thing is that it also corrupted the 2018 program so I cannot access those files either.

Tried downloading a new 2019 Block program. Overwrote the old one. Still same problem. Loaded the software from the disc. Same problem.

Trying to get through to Block is a joke. You will spend hours on the phone.

Any thoughts?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-03-19T18:15:32+00:00

    The problem is with the BUSINESS module only, not the Premium (personal) program. They are completely separate programs written by different teams using different database software. Unfortunately the Installer program forces you to install or reinstall both, or it will reinstall the Premium and delete the Business, so you have to start all over again. I wish the two programs had separate installers, but that would make way too much sense. 

    Apparently Windows changed the way encryption works in their Framework module, and every time Windows has a major monthly update (2nd Tues of the month?), something changes in Framework that makes H&R Business databases inaccessible. If your Business program is working, you can Pause Windows Updates (not Defender security updates) for up to 35 days if your software is working, and try to finish your work before the next update. Backup your work. 

    Note that if you can fully open the Business program and restore the database properly, you have to select Open Saved Return from the File menu to see the list of prior returns you've created. 

    If following the fix instructions previously posted (re: the DataStore and RestoreDatabase files) carefully doesn't work after multiple attempts, you can uninstall, cold boot, then reinstall software. H&R says uninstalling software does NOT delete the returns. But beware, after a few installations, H&R will say you've exceeded your downloads, so you'll need to request a new download link from them. Good luck contacting them, wait times are LONG. You can try the Chat feature in the Personal (Premium) module, but expect to wait. Be sure to tell them you're having problems with the BUSINESS software (not Premium). Always reboot after uninstalling or reinstalling software, and clear your browser cache.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-03-19T17:53:21+00:00

    No, it's a problem with the Business program that's unrelated to the internet. If you can get it to work, you can Pause Windows Updates (not the Defender security updates though) for up to 35 days, and hopefully you can complete your returns before Windows updates again.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-03-15T18:01:16+00:00

    Ladies and Gents I think this problem can be fixed if you just disconnect all internet connections before launching H&R and launch it as administrator. Then once its ready and loaded... turn on your internet

    Just tried this solution for Business 2018 and 2019.  Neither program opens with internet disconnected.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-03-15T17:32:24+00:00

    Ladies and Gents I think this problem can be fixed if you just disconnect all internet connections before launching H&R and launch it as administrator. Then once its ready and loaded... turn on your internet

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-03-15T03:10:54+00:00

    The big question here is why is H&R Block not doing anything about their programming. They must be aware of this ongoing string of complaints about their software. It would be nice if they would address the issue publicly and make things right. I have lost all of my 2018 and 2019 files even though the software opens. Wiped out. Gone. If I had not had paper and PDF backup, I would be absolutely screwed.

    Hello H&R block. Are you listening?

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