TurboTax Error 1603: “A Fatal Error Occurred During Installation or Updating”

TurboTax is one of the easiest ways to file your state and federal taxes online. This tax preparation software is developed by Intuit and is designed to give users a detailed step-by-step guide on how to file their tax returns. However, it can be quite frustrating when the software develops errors while you are using it as it will be difficult to prepare your tax returns. These sort of errors are known as ‘Runtime Errors’ simply because they occur while the program is running. Thankfully, you can call the TurboTax helpline number and resolve the error as soon as possible. As an added benefit you can also go through this article to get an overview of TurboTax error 1603 and how you can solve it.

What causes TurboTax Runtime Error 1603?

Normally when users encounter these errors it is not because the TurboTax code is corrupt but perhaps it just did not run properly during that time. TurboTax runtime errors are very often caused when incompatible programs are used at the same time on your computer. Another possible cause of TurboTax Runtime error 1603 is some glitch with the memory on your hard drive or perhaps even a bad graphics driver.

Users who experience this sort of error will see instances of random file deletion or even a drop in internet connectivity. The worst part about Runtime Error 1603 is that it occurs without any warning and keeps appearing on your screen until you sort out the problem. You can use the solutions mentioned below to troubleshoot the runtime error so that you can continue working on your taxes.

Steps to “Fix Runtime Error 1603 in TurboTax”

Method 1: Disk Cleanup
One of the main reasons for this error is cause for a computer may not have adequate free space. You can fix the runtime error by following the steps below to run a disk clean up on your system:

Step 1: Save any unsaved data and create a backup of all your important files
Step 2: Clear the cache on your browser and delete the cookies
Step 3: Run Windows Explorer and open the C drive
Step 4: Go to Properties and select ‘Disk Cleanup.

The software will automatically scan your computer and make the necessary changes to clean out any unwanted files and so improve the free space on your computer.

Method 2: Re-install Runtime Libraries
Another common reason for the runtime error on TurboTax is because certain updates may not have been installed properly, like MS Visual C++ package. You can follow the steps given below to reinstall the necessary runtime libraries and solve the error:

• Go to the ‘Programs and Features’ section on the control panel
• Search for Redistributable Package and click uninstall
• Go to the official Microsoft website and re-install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package

If both these methods do not help you resolve the problem you should call the TurboTax phone number and ask of the experts available to guide you on how to implement more advanced troubleshooting steps.