QuickBooks licence file
File type: Various data file
A .ecml file is an internal licence and entitlement file used by QuickBooks accounting software. It is commonly named EntitlementDataStore.ecml.
The file stores registration information used by QuickBooks on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 24, 2026
The ECML format is associated with QuickBooks, Intuit's accounting software. QuickBooks creates the file when a copy of the program is registered and uses it to retain licence and entitlement data.
EntitlementDataStore.ecml is normally an internal support file rather than an accounting document. It may be stored in a hidden application-data folder associated with the QuickBooks installation.
If the file becomes damaged, QuickBooks troubleshooting procedures may require removing it so that the program can recreate the entitlement data and repeat the registration process. The format is used by QuickBooks for Microsoft Windows and QuickBooks for Mac, and is not intended as a general-purpose or exchangeable data format.
An .ecml file is not meant to be opened manually. Leave it in the QuickBooks application-data folder so the appropriate version of QuickBooks can find and verify it.
If QuickBooks reports a registration or entitlement problem, use the product's troubleshooting procedure rather than opening or editing the file in a text editor. The procedure may instruct you to remove the file and let QuickBooks recreate it.
.ecml files cannot be meaningfully converted to another format. They contain internal QuickBooks licence and entitlement data, not accounting records or documents.
Do not edit or convert the file. To move accounting information between applications, use QuickBooks' supported export features for the relevant company data instead.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving ecml files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
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